Himalayan Region: Need for EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a

tool used to identify the environmental, social,
and economic impacts of a project prior to deci-
sion-making (UNEP Definition).

CURRENT AFFAIRS 30
OCTOBER 2023
.IW NSIGHTSONINDIA.COM

INSIDE
GENERAL STUDIES – 1
Topics: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art
Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern
times.
1. 2023 Nobel Prize for Literature: Jon Olav Fosse 7
2. Indus Valley Civilization: Burial Site and Town Plan-
ning8
Topics: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and
important contributors /contributions from different parts of
the country.
3. Gandhi’s South African Experience 9 ments involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Topics: History of the world will include events from 18th
century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawing
of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, politi-
cal philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.-
their forms and effect on the society.
4. Current Conflict in Israel and the Yom Kippur War11
Topics: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
5. Multilingualism in India
Topics: Population and associated issues, poverty, and devel-
opmental issues.
6. Bihar: Caste-Based Survey Data out 14
2 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Topics: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earth-
quakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical
features and their location- changes in critical geographical
features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora
and fauna and the effects of such changes.
7. Sikkim: Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) 16
8. Zealandia (World’s Eighth Continent) 18
9. Recent Earthquakes in Afghanistan 20
10. Poor Air Quality in Mumbai 21
GENERAL STUDIES – 2
Topics: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolu-
tion, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic
structure; Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme
with that of other countries.
1. Supreme Court’s Verdict on Same-Sex Marriage 23
Topics: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, func-
tioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues
arising out of these.
2. Speaker: need for impartiality and integrity 25
Topics: Government policies and interventions for develop-
ment in various sectors and issues arising out of their design
and implementation.
3. Digital India Act 2023 (DIA) and Concerns 26
Topics: Important International institutions, agencies and
fora, their structure, mandate.
4. Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs): Bigger,
Better, and Bolder by 2030 28
Topics: Important aspects of governance, transparency and
accountability, e-governance applications, models, success-
es, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency
& accountability, and institutional and other measures.
5. Concerns about using Aadhaar in welfare schemes
30
6. India will bid for the 2036 Olympics 32
7. Urban Local Bodies: ASICS 2023 report 33
Topics: India and its neighbourhood- relations.
8. 10 Years of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) 35
Topics: Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agree-
9. Gaza conflict: India-Isreal Relations 37
10. Navy officers’ Death row: India-Qatar Relations 39
Topics: Effect of policies and politics of developed and devel-
oping countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
11. Impact of Gaza conflict on India’s foreign policy 40
12 GENERAL STUDIES – 3
Topics: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mo-
bilization of resources, growth, development and employ-
ment.
1. Low Female Labour Force Participation Rate in India
Current Affairs 30
42 15. Coal: Necessary for India’s Green Transition 63
2. Worker’s Productivity: Long working hours 43 Topics: Disaster and management.
Topics: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. 16. Dangers of Large Dams in India 65
3. 2023 Nobel Prize in Economics: Claudia Goldin 45 17. 2023 Global Survey on Persons with Disabilities and
Topics: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the Disasters 67
country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems 18. Expansion of urban areas into flood-prone zones 68
storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce 19. Analysis of the Dam Safety Act (2021) in India 69
and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid
of farmers.
4. Water use in Indian agriculture 46 GENERAL STUDIES – 4
5. World Food Day: WWF’s report: The High Cost of 1. Examples of Ethics 71
Cheap Water 47 2. Guidelines for Suicide Prevention among Students
6. Role of Farmer Producers’ Organizations (FPOs) 49 76
Topics: Science and Technology- developments and their 3. Ethical Values Shown by NCF for School Education
applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of In- 202376
dians in science & technology; indigenization of technology 4. 2023 Nobel Prize for Peace: Narges Mohammadi 77
and developing new technology.
7. 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine (mRNA vaccines) 50
8. 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics (Seeing electrons in brief CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT
flashes of light) 52
1. Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath initiative 78
9. 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Quantum Dots 54
2. Apple’s ‘Mother Nature’ campaign 78
10. Solar Geo-Engineering 56
3. World Bank: Allocation of funds influenced by the
Topics: Awareness in space. elite 79
11. Indian space economy: Decadal Vision and Strategy 4. Gandhi’s relationship with music 79
57
5. ‘Yashasvini’: Women Bike Expedition 80
6. Using AI for audit techniques 80
7. Why Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by Norway? 80
8. Dalits Converting to Sikhism 81
9. Sarah Sunny (India’s 1 deaf Lawyer in SC)
st
81
10. Travel for LiFE initiative 81
11. Kerala: “Back to school” program 82
12. Mental Health as a Universal Human Right (UHR)82
13. Naik Yeshwant Ghadge 82
14. UNICEF’s Passport to Earning (P2E) Initiative 82
15. AI-Based System Enhances Elephant Safety on Rail
Tracks82
16. Life Lessons from Walt Disney 83
17. Amul’s ‘Be More Milk’ campaign 83
18. Using Bamboo for Landslips Prevention 83
19. Use of Local Community for Wildlife Conservation
84
20. Strike for Gender Equality 84
21. Ramleela in Trinidad 84
Topics: Awareness in the fields of IT, Computers, robotics, 22. Maavu Mantapa 85
nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intel- 23. Keywords for Women Empowerment 85
lectual property rights. 24. Role of Rural women in the fight against climate
12. GI Tags: How does it help? 59 change85
Topics: Conservation related issues, environmental pollution 25. Varsha Raikwa (Radio Bundelkhand) 86
and degradation, environmental impact assessment. 26. 2023 Champions of the Earth 86
13. Biohydrogen and India’s green hydrogen pathway60
14. Himalayan Region: Need for EIA 61

www.insightsonindia.com 3
 Current Affairs 30
15. Coral Reef Fossils in Ladakh 92
FACTS FOR PRELIMS; GS-1 16. Dogra architecture 92
17. King Kulashekara Alupendra I 92
1. Udangudi Panangarupatti 87
18. Gujarat’s Dhordo village gets UNWTO recognition93
2. Circular migration 87
19. Little Ice Age 93
3. GI Tags (Basohli Pashmina and Udhampur’s Kalari)
87 20. China curbs graphite exports 94
4. 500th birth anniversary celebrations of Rani Durga- 21. Vajra Mushti Kalaga 94
vati 88 22. Banni Festival 94
5. Shyamji Krishna Varma 88 23. Baba Farid: Jerusalem-India Connection 94

GS-2
1. IGMS 2.0 Public Grievance Portal 95
2. United Nations Convention against Transnational Or-
ganized Crimes (UNTOC) 95
3. Online Registration of FIR 95
4. Hate speech 95
5. Swachh Bharat Mission 96
6. Central Tribal University 96
7. Disqualification from Lok Sabha 96
8. Enforcement Directorate 96
9. Andhra Pradesh: New Guaranteed Pension Scheme
(GPS) 97
10. Global Internet freedom 97
11. India-Japan Fund (IJF) 98
12. Veer Gatha Project 3.0 98
13. OTT platforms do not fall under TRAI jurisdiction 98
14. Recommendations of the 52nd GST Council Meeting
 98
15. Agreement on Cooperation in Energy Sector 99
16. Tele-MANAS 99
17. Habitat rights 99
18. Protocol for Management of Malnutrition in Chil-
dren 99
19. UN General Assembly elects 15 new members to the
Human Rights Council 100
20. Resilient and Inclusive Supply-chain Enhancement
6. GI tags for Arunachal Products  88 (RISE) initiative 100
7. Links between consanguinity and genetic diseases 21. Global Hunger Index 100
 89 22. Mera Yuva Bharat 100
8. Geographical indication (GI) tag for Goan cashew 23. Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) 101
(kernel) 89 24. Electoral Bonds 101
9. Mesolithic rock art find adds to Hyderabad’s history 25. Supreme Court upholds rights of the unborn child
 89 101
10. Royalty rates for three critical and strategic minerals 26. Ethics committee of Lok Sabha 102
 90
27. Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry
11. Pontus plate 90 or ‘APAAR’ card 102
12. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan 91 28. Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) Stan-
13. Theosophical Society 91 dards and Specifications 2023 102
14. 69TH NATIONAL FILM AWARDS 91 29. District officers under the POSH Act 103

4 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
30. Manual scavenging 103 25. Card-on-file tokenisation for debit and credit cards
31. Vienna Convention 112
104 26. PUSA-44 paddy variety 113
32. Visa Shopping 104 27. National framework for climate services 113
33. SC struck down 2023 amendment to Surrogacy (Reg- 28. Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) 113
ulation) Rules, 2022 104 29. Watermeal 114
34. International Migration Outlook 2023 105 30. Asiatic wild dog-tiger coexistence 114
31. Ken-Betwa River linking 114
GS-3 32. Territorial Army 115
33. Over 70 Schemes under EP-4 115
1. 2023 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize 105 34. Exporter status certificates 115
2. Pink Bollworm (PBW) 105 35. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report
3. Yarkovsky Effect 106 2022-2023115
36. Multimodal artificial intelligence 115
37. Global Amphibian Assessment 116
38. Bima Vahak 116
39. ‘A-HELP’ program 116
40. Hemochromatosis 117
41. Prosopis juliflora 117
42. Natural rubber 117
43. Operation Ajay 117
44. ICRISAT Joins One CGIAR Initiative 118
45. Project Nilgiri Tahr 118
46. ‘Makhir’ ginger 118
47. Anti-money laundering: Sebi releases fresh set of
guidelines  118
4. ISRO logo imprints show lunar soil ‘lumpy’ 106 48. White phosphorus 119
5. IREDA gets upgraded 107 49. Navratna status 119
6. Project Mariana 107 50. CAR-T cell therapy 120
7. R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine 107 51. Psyche 120
8. CALIPSO mission 108 52. Green Credit Program (GCP) and Ecomark scheme
9. India’s NavIC will now be supported by ‘Made in In- Under LiFE Initiative 120
dia’ chipsets 108 53. New toad species 121
10. Bird species found in Tamil Nadu found to be in ‘rap- 54. Angel tax for start-ups 121
id decline’ 108 55. Production of hydrocarbons under OLAP bid 121
11. Astra missiles 108 56. Self-Declaration of Freedom from Avian Influenza
12. Green war room 108 121
13. Operation “Kachchhap” 109 57. IndiaAI Report 122
14. Fish that can change colour - Badis limaakumi 109 58. Inclusion of traditional medicine on WHO’s list 122
15. Hirakund Wetland 109 59. Indian rupee’s valuation 122
16. Turmeric Board 110 60. New evolutionary law 122
17. Palm oil 110 61. Tilapia parvovirus 123
18. Coral Reef Breakthrough 110 62. Lymphatic filariasis 123
19. Amazon River dolphins 110 63. Marine cloud brightening 123
20. Olive Ridley 111 64. Defence Systems of Israel 123
21. Nanozyme can degrade pollutants in wastewater 65. ‘Leniency plus’ norms to curb cartelisation 124
111 66. Telcos’ licence fee tax 124
22. Carbon accounting framework 111 67. Estivation 124
23. Dandeli forest 112 68. Microalgae 124
24. Amphibian crisis 112 69. Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance or

www.insightsonindia.com 5
 Current Affairs 30
RISUG 125
70. India’s Goal of landing man on the moon 125 MAPPING
71. Green Energy Corridor (GEC) 125
1. Maldives 139
72. Niemann-Pick disease 126
2. Armenia 139
73. INS Imphal 126
3. Bekal Fort (Kasargod, Kerala) 140
74. Purple economy 127
4. Marrakesh (Morocco) 140
75. Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) 127
5. Herat (Afghanistan) 141
76. Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) 127
6. Tanzania 141
77. Kasturi Cotton Bharat 128
7. Haiti 141
78. Project Udbhav 128
8. UK’s Rosebank oil field 142
79. Operation Chakra-2 128
9. Baltic-connector gas pipeline 142
80. IEA: World Energy Outlook 2023 128
10. Kulasekarapattinam (Tamil Nadu) 142
81. QR codes on Food products 129
11. Parvati Kund and Jageshwar temples (Kumaon re-
82. India’s first Nano DAP Plant 129 gion, Uttarakhand) 143
83. Global Tax Evasion Report 2024 129 12. Vizhinjam Port 143
84. 5G Technology for Effective Policing 130
85. DNA and Face Matching Systems 131
86. SIM cards 131
87. Ghost particle 132
88. Star Labelling of Solar Panels 132
89. Thallium poisoning 132
90. TN’s first tiger rewilding program in Anamalai Tiger
Reserve 133
91. The Lewis Model in Economic Development 133
92. Nanophotonic Electron Accelerator (NEA) 133
93. Lorrainosaurus (pliosaur) 134

13. Amazon rainforest 144

14. India-Sri Lanka ferry service 144
15. Marshall Islands 145
16. Lemru Elephant Corridor 145
17. South China Sea 146
18. Bhutan and China boundary talks 146
19. Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project (Uttarakhand)
94. Global Declaration for River Dolphins 134 147
95. Dark pattern sales deemed ‘cybercrime’ 135 20. Brazzaville (Congo) 147
96. Gir cow breed 135 21. Gulf of Guinea 147
97. JioSpaceFiber 136 22. Gudavi Bird Sanctuary (Karnataka) 148
98. Haemoglobin 136 23. Venezuela 148
99. Amangarh Tiger Reserve 136

SPORTS CORNER
1. IOC approves inclusion of Cricket in 2028 Los Ange-
les Olympic 138
2. IOC amends the Olympic Charter to strengthen its
human rights commitments 138
3. FIDE World Cup 139

6 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

GENERAL STUDIES – 1 Essays While Fosse has written essays, specific ti-
tles and themes can vary.
Topics: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art C h i l d r e n ’ s Fosse’s contributions to children’s litera-
Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern Books ture have been part of his diverse body of
times. work.
Translations Jon Fosse’s translations may include works
1. 2023 NOBEL PRIZE FOR LITERATURE: from other languages into Norwegian
JON OLAV FOSSE Nynorsk.
His famous “Can you be happy when you are unhap-
Context: quotes py?”
Norwegian author Jon Olav Fosse has been awarded the
“To compose poetry is about listening.
Nobel Prize for Literature in 2023 for his innovative plays
Language listens to itself.”
and prose that ‘give voice to the unsayable aspects of the
human experience’

Features of his work:

His work is characterized by a radical reduction of language
and dramatic action, which expresses powerful human emo-
tions like anxiety and powerlessness in simple terms. Fosse
writes in Norwegian Nynorsk, the less common version of
the Norwegian language.

Jon Fosse’s work (may be useful for English Literature Op-

tional):

Genre Notable Works Example

Novels “Red Black” “Red Black” is one of
(1983) Fosse’s early novels
that explores themes
of identity and personal
journey.
“Melancholy I” This novel delves into
(1995) the life and death of
19th-century Norwe-
gian landscape artist
Lars Hertervig.
Plays “Someone Is A play characterized by
Going to Come” minimal dialogue and
exploration of human The 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to French
relationships. author Annie Ernaux for her fearless exploration of personal
“And Never Addresses themes of memory, delving into its origins, estrangements, and collec-
Shall We Part” love and loss in a min- tive constraints with clinical precision and courage.
imalist and impactful
manner. About the Nobel Prize
“The Name” Known for its modernist It encompasses several categories, including Peace, Litera-
concerns and ability to ture, Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, and Eco-
delve into the unspoken nomic Sciences. The Nobel Foundation, a private institution
aspects of human inter- established in 1900, oversees the administration of the priz-
action. es and ensures the independence of the prize-awarding in-
stitutions.
Poetry Collec- Jon Fosse has contributed significantly to
tions Norwegian poetry, but specific collections
About the Nobel Prize in Literature
may vary.
The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded every year to hon-
our authors whose works focus on idealism. The prestigious

www.insightsonindia.com 7
 Current Affairs 30
international award was conferred for the first time in 1901 ments - bangles, beads, amulets - which could not
to Sully Prudhomme, in recognition of his poetic works. Till be passed on to others.
2023, it has been conferred 116 times to 120 Nobel Prize • Some women were buried with a mirror made of
Laureates. copper.
• Adults were buried with different types of vessels
Indian individuals and their Nobel Prize-winning work: associated with serving and storing food.
Individual Nobel Prize Awarded For • Shell bangles were typically found on the left arms
Category of adult females
• Infants and children were not usually buried with
R a b i n d ra n at h Literature Poetic and Artistic Con-
any pottery or ornaments.
Tagore (1913) tributions
C V Raman Physics Discovery of the Raman What was the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC)?
(1930) Effect It was a Bronze Age civilization (3300-1300 BCE; mature pe-
H a r g o b i n d Medicine Interpretation of the riod 2600-1900 BCE) extending from what today is northeast
Khorana (1968) Genetic Code Afghanistan to Pakistan and northwest India. Along with
Mother Teresa Peace Humanitarian Work Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, it was one of three ear-
(1979) and Services to the ly civilizations of the Old World, and of the three the most
Poor widespread It flourished in the basins of the Indus River.
Subramanian Physics Stellar Structure and
Chandrashekhar Evolution
(1983)
The Dalai Lama Peace Advocacy for Peace and
(1989) Human Rights
Amartya Sen Economics Welfare Economics and
(1998) Poverty Alleviation
Ve n k a t r a m a n Chemistry Ribosome Structure
Ramakrishnan and Function
Burial Practices of the IVC:
(2009)
Dead bodies were placed in the North-South direction (ex-
Kailash Satyar- Peace Child Rights and An- tended inhumation) and were accompanied by food, pot-
thi (2014) ti-Child Labor Activism tery, jewellery, etc. The graveyard was within the settlement.
They practised three types of burial:-
2. INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION: BURIAL • Complete burial
SITE AND TOWN PLANNING • Fractional burial (burial of bones after exposure of
the body to birds and beasts)
Context: • Cremation followed by burial of the ashes
Scientists have uncovered a sprawling burial site in India, be-
longing to one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, the
Indus Society.

What do we know about the site?

• The excavation of the site started in 2019 near Kha-
tiya village in Kutch Region of Gujarat
• The 40-acre cemetery, discovered, maybe the larg-
est “pre-urban” cemetery of its kind, dating back
5,200 years.
• The Cemetery was in use for about 500 years, span-
ning from 3200BC to 2600BC, making it one of the
oldest graves in the world.
• Excavations have revealed over 500 graves, includ-
ing unique features like sandstone-lined burial
shafts pointing in different directions.
• Artefacts found in the graves include bangles, beads,
and pottery (mostly simple inexpensive items).
• Some people were buried with personal orna-

8 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Significance:
It shows their strong belief in life after death, which was
similar to the belief system of other contemporary civiliza-
tions, however; the items kept were not as expensive as
other civilizations (unlike those of the elites in Egypt and
Mesopotamia).

Influence and lessons that can be derived from the urban

planning and cultural aspects of IVC for present-day cities:
Aspect Influence and Lessons for Present-Day
Cities
City Planning Present-day cities can focus on sustain-
able development, efficient land use, and
robust infrastructure networks inspired
by the systematic urban planning of the
Indus Valley Civilization.
Sanitation Learning from the advanced sanitation
Systems systems of the Indus Valley, modern cit-
ies can prioritize well-designed sanitation
systems, waste management, and access
to clean water for public health. Insta Links
Planned Present-day cities can promote walkable • Fall of Indus Valley Civilisation
N e i g h b o u r- neighbourhoods, mixed land-use plan-
hoods ning, and public spaces to enhance com- Mains Links
munity and social connectivity, taking Q. To what extent has the urban planning and culture of
inspiration from the planned neighbour- the Indus Valley Civilisation provided inputs to present-day
hoods of the Indus Valley cities. urbanisation? Discuss. (UPSC 2014)
Cultural Di- Embracing cultural diversity, modern cit-
Prelims Links
versity ies can create inclusive spaces, cultural
Q. With reference to the difference between the culture of
events, and opportunities for dialogue
Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the fol-
among diverse communities, similar to
lowing statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017)
the cultural diversity exhibited in the Indus
1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in war-
Valley Civilization.
fare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did
Environmen- Inspired by the environmental awareness not leave any evidence of using them.
tal Aware- of the Indus Valley, present-day cities can 2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas
ness prioritize green spaces, sustainable trans- Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.
portation, and eco-friendly urban design 3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas
to address environmental challenges and there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been
ensure a sustainable future. aware of this animal.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Difference between the Indus Valley Civilization and other (a) 1 only
ancient civilizations: (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C

Topics: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and

important contributors /contributions from different parts of
the country.

3. GANDHI’S SOUTH AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

Context:
The article discusses the historical significance of Tolstoy
Farm near Johannesburg, where Mahatma Gandhi first ex-

www.insightsonindia.com 9

perimented with ideas that later became central to his phi-
losophy.
• 2nd October 2023 is Mahatma Gandhi’s 154th Birth
Anniversary.
About Gandhi’s Tolstoy Farm:
• Foundation of Tolstoy Farm: Gandhi established
Tolstoy Farm in 1910 while supervising the satyagra-
ha by South African Indians. The farm aimed to be a
self-supporting agricultural commune that provid-
ed for basic needs and emphasized personal growth
and spiritual understanding through hard labour.
• Tolstoy Farm as Gandhi’s Laboratory: Tolstoy Farm
served as a laboratory for Gandhi to experiment
with various principles and ideals, including diet, na-
ture cure, harmonious living with nature, brahmach-
arya, and more.
o This reflected a shared philosophy with
Count Leo Tolstoy and Henry David Thoreau
• Revival Efforts: Tolstoy Farm fell into disrepair during
the Apartheid era. Post-1994, part of the farm has
been developed into a ‘Peace Garden,’ and there
are plans to involve the local community and teach
Gandhian ideals.
Events that shaped Gandhi in South Africa:
Event Description
Moderate Phase Gandhi relied on sending petitions and
of Struggle memorials to authorities in South Afri-
ca and Britain
Hoped that authorities would address
Indian grievances as they were British
subjects
S a t y a g r a h a New legislation required Indians to car-
against Registra- ry registration certificates with finger-
tion Certificates prints. Gandhi formed the Passive Re-
sistance Association to protest. Gandhi
and others who refused registration
were jailed.
C a m p a i g n The protest expanded to include new
against Restric- laws restricting Indian migration. Indi-
tions on Indian ans defied the law by crossing provinc-
Migration es and refusing licenses. Many Indians
were jailed.
Setting up of Gandhi established Tolstoy Farm to
Tolstoy Farm house Satyagrahis’ families and sup-
port their sustenance. Allowed him to
focus on the struggle more effectively.
C a m p a i g n A three-pound poll tax was imposed on
against Poll Tax Ex-indentured Indians, burdening the
and Invalidation poor. In 1913, Gandhi fought against
of Indian Mar- the invalidation of non-Christian mar-
riages riages.
10 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Learning from South Africa: -
Learning Description
Immense Realized that the masses could participate
Capacity of and sacrifice for a cause they believed in.
Masses Utilized this capacity in major movements
like Non-cooperation and Civil Disobedi-
ence in India
Unity Successfully united Indians from different
religions, classes, and genders under his
leadership.
Unpopular Recognized that leaders sometimes need
Decisions to make unpopular decisions, as seen in
the Chaur-Chauri incident in 1922
Non-Violent Developed his unique style of leadership
Movement and non-violent protest techniques, which
he applied in India.
Distinctive Introduced Gandhian methods such as
Gandhian truth, non-violence, civil disobedience,
Methods and non-cooperation during his time in
South Africa.
Participation Advocated for the participation of women
of Women in the Indian National Movement, believ-
ing in their inner strength.
Conclusion
In South Africa, Gandhiji witnessed the ugly face of white
racism and the humiliation and contempt to which Asians
who had gone to South Africa as labourers were subject-
ed. He decided to stay in South Africa to organise the Indian
workers to enable them to fight for their rights. He stayed
there till 1914 after which he returned to India.
Significance of October 2:
The United Nations declared October 2 as the ‘Internation-
al Day of Non-Violence’ in honour of Gandhi’s principles.
October 2 also marks the birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur
Shastri, India’s former Prime Minister, who played a crucial
role during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. He was born on
October 2, 1904.
Insta Links:
Mahatma Gandhi, the peacemaker
Mains Links:
Q. The South African experience provided Gandhi with
valuable lessons on mass leadership which were then ap-
plied in the Indian context. Discuss. (10M)
Current Affairs 30
Topics: History of the world will include events from 18th
century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawing
of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, politi-
cal philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.-
their forms and effect on the society.

4. CURRENT CONFLICT IN ISRAEL AND THE

YOM KIPPUR WAR
Context:
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the October War or Ra-
madan War, fought in 1973 between Israel Egypt and Syria,
is being compared to the current conflict involving Hamas
and Israel.

What is currently happening in Israel?

Israel has declared war on Hamas after the Palestinian mili-
tant group carried out unprecedented attacks on Israeli ter-
ritory, killing and abducting hundreds of Israeli citizens. Timeline of the conflict:
Year Event
Who is Hamas? Root The roots of the conflict lie in the First
Hamas is a Palestinian political and militant organization World War and the disintegration of the
that currently governs the Gaza Strip, one of the two Pales- Ottoman Empire.
tinian territories. Though it is headquartered in Gaza City, it
1917 Through the Balfour Declaration in 1917,
also has a presence in the West Bank, in which Fatah exer-
Britain supported establishing a national
cises control.
home for Jewish people in Palestine.
Difference between Hamas and Fatah: 1947 In 1947 the UN voted to split Palestine
between Arabs and Jews. Jewish resi-
Aspect Hamas Fatah
dents accepted the agreement and de-
Origins Rooted in the Mus- Emerged as a secu- clared independence from Israel in 1948
lim Brotherhood lar nationalist move- while Arabs rejected the agreement
ment
1949: 1 war Israel signs truces with Arab countries,
st

Goals Aims for an Islam- Pursues a two-state Gaza Strip under Egypt’s control.
ic state in historic solution, with a Pal-
1956: Suez Israel invades the Sinai Peninsula and
Palestine, includ- estinian state along-
Crisis: 2nd War Gaza Strip after the Suez Canal national-
ing Israel side Israel
ization.
Methods Employs armed Engages in both
1957 Israel withdrew from Egyptian land, ex-
resistance and sui- armed and diplomat-
cept the Gaza Strip and the Gulf of Aqaba
cide bombings ic efforts, but mostly
area.
has renounced vio-
lence 1967 War: 3 Israel gained control of the Gaza Strip and
rd

War the Sinai Peninsula during the Six-Day

Control Controls the Gaza Governs the West
War.
Strip Bank
1973: 4 war Yom Kippur War: Egypt and Syria at-
th
International Considered a ter- Has received more
tempted to negotiate better terms, lead-
Status rorist organization international recog-
ing to a war.
by many countries, nition
including Israel 1978 Accord Camp David Accords in 1978 marked the
and the U.S. first instance of an Arab country (Egypt)
recognising Israel as a state and Israel re-
turned the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt.
1987 First Intifada begins in West Bank and
Gaza against Israeli occupation.

www.insightsonindia.com 11
 Current Affairs 30

1993 Accord Oslo Accords signed; Palestine Liberation Diplomatic Relations I s ra e l - E g y p t Ongoing tensions
Organization (PLO) formally recognised peace treaty
the state of Israel. In return, Israel al- signed
lowed Palestinians some form of limited
self-governance in Gaza and the West Result of the Yom Kippur War: 1973 war thus ended in an
Bank. Hamas rejects the accord and Israeli victory but at great cost to all the parties.
launches suicide bombings in Israel in op-
position. Significance of the Yom Kippur war:
2006 Hamas won the Palestinian parliamen- • The Yom Kippur War marked a significant shift as it
tary election and later seized control of showed that Israel, despite its prior aura of invinci-
Gaza. bility, could be vulnerable in battle.
• The heavy casualties suffered by Israel during the
2021 Israeli police raid Al Aqsa Mosque, spark-
war made it clear that they could be battered in
ing an 11-day war between Israel and
combat, impacting its reputation.
Hamas.
• The war initiated a peace process, leading to the
Camp David Accords in 1978, where Israel returned
What is Yom Kippur?
the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt, and the 1979 Egyp-
Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism and Samaritanism.
tian-Israeli peace treaty, the first Arab country to
It occurs annually on the 10th of Tishrei, corresponding to a
recognize Israel as a state.
date in September or early October.
• However, Syria did not benefit from the war and
ended up with no gains, while Israel expanded its
What was the Yom Kippur War?
occupation of the Golan Heights.
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the Ramadan War,
• In essence, the Yom Kippur War changed percep-
the October War, the 1973 Arab–Israeli War, or the Fourth
tions about Israel’s military invincibility and paved
Arab–Israeli War, was an armed conflict fought from Octo-
the way for diplomatic negotiations and peace
ber 6 to 25, 1973, between Israel and a coalition of Arab
agreements in the region.
states led by Egypt and Syria.
Insta links:
On the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, oth-
erwise called the Day of Atonement, Israel was caught off • Israel Palestine conflict
guard by invading forces from Egypt and Syria. • India-Palestine relations: Ignoring the dispos-
sessed people goes against India’s anti-colonial
Motive: Egyptian and Syrian forces launched a coordinated legacy
attack against Israel on Yom Kippur, hoping to win back ter-   
ritory lost to Israel during the third Arab-Israeli war, in 1967 Mains Links:
Q. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a
Comparison with current conflict: depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.
Aspect Yom Kippur Current Conflict (UPSC 2018)
War (1973) 2023
Prelims Links: (UPSC 2015)
Parties Involved Israel, Egypt, Israel, Hamas, Q. The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in
Syria Others the news in the context of the events related to
Surprise Attack Yes Yes a) Central Asia
Reason for Conflict Territorial dis- Ongoing tensions b) Middle East
putes c) South-East Asia
Civilian Abductions/ Limited Occurred d) Central Africa
Killings Ans: b
International Involve- US, Soviet Various countries
Topics: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
ment Union
Outcome Diplomatic Ongoing conflict
resolution
5. MULTILINGUALISM IN INDIA
Peace Initiatives Camp David Multiple at- Context:
Accords tempts The article discusses the importance of multilingualism in In-
dia and highlights the benefits of being able to communicate
in multiple languages.

12 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
How linguistically diverse is India?
With over 22 official languages, 121 major languages and
1599 other languages, India’s linguistic diversity is one of its
defining features.
Daily Multilingual Exposure in India:
• People in India are routinely exposed to various lan-
guages beyond those spoken at home.
• New Delhi exemplifies this diversity with street signs
in four scripts: English, Devanagari, Gurmukhi, and
Urdu
Communica- Article 346 specifies the languages for
tion Between communication between states and be-
States tween states and the Union.
Language in Article 348 states that the Supreme Court
Judiciary and High Courts use English for proceed-
ings, with certain exceptions.
Linguistic De- Articles 350, 350A, 350B, and 351 provide
velopment directives for addressing grievances, of-
fering primary education in the mother
tongue, appointing a Special Officer for
linguistic minorities, and promoting and
developing the Hindi language, respec-
tively.

Benefits of India’s Multilingualism:

Benefit Explanation
Territorial Unity Recognition of English as an offi-
cial language promotes unity and
prevents secessionist tendencies. It
acts as a bridge language.
Equality Among Non-adoption of a national lan-
Languages guage signifies equality among all
Indian languages
Prevention of Bal- The creation of linguistic states
kanization post-independence prevents frag-
mentation
Facilitating Adminis- Linguistic diversity results in easier
tration administration esp. for poor local
population
Constitutional Provisions Related to Language in India: Enriched Literary Linguistic diversity has led to the
Provision Description Heritage development of vast and varied lit-
Protection of Article 29 ensures the conservation of dis- erary works in multiple languages.
Linguistic Mi- tinct languages, scripts, or cultures for any Enhanced Cognitive Multilingual individuals often ex-
norities section of citizens. Skills hibit improved cognitive abilities,
Ed u c at i o n a l Article 30 grants minorities the right to es- aiding information processing.
Rights tablish and administer educational insti- Most Indian people are bilingual
tutions, without discriminatory state aid. or trilingual as compared to other
Language in Article 120 mandates that business in Par- countries
Parliament liament is conducted in Hindi or English, Improved Adapta- Bilingual children tend to adapt and
with the option for members to address tion and Processing process information more effec-
the House in their mother tongue with tively than monolingual peers.
permission. Delay in Cognitive Multilingual elderly individuals ex-
Official Lan- Article 343 designates Hindi in the Deva- Decline perience a slower onset of cogni-
guage nagari script as the Union’s official lan- tive decline, preserving mental fac-
guage, allowing English usage for 15 years ulties longer.
from the Constitution’s commencement. Boosted Creativity Multilingualism fosters creativity,
Language Article 344 requires the formation of a enhancing the ability to think diver-
Commission Commission to recommend the progres- gently and convergently.
sive use of Hindi for official purposes. Open-mindedness Multilingualism encourages
State Official Article 345 permits states to adopt any to Sociocultural open-mindedness to diverse socio-
Languages language in use in the state or Hindi for Constructs cultural constructs and varied per-
official purposes. spectives.

www.insightsonindia.com 13
 Current Affairs 30
Threats to India’s multilingualism: Findings:
• Language Dominance: The dominance of a few ma- Bihar caste survey data:
jor languages, like Hindi and English, can marginalize
smaller languages. Bihar’s total popula- Approx. 13 crore
• Cultural Homogenization: Overemphasis on a single tion
language can lead to cultural assimilation and loss of
Category Percentage of Bihar’s Population
linguistic diversity.
(approx.)
o Assimilation policies of the Government:
states often try to assimilate linguistic mi- Other Backward 27%
norities by imposing majority language Classes (OBCs)
upon them. Example: Compulsory Bengali in Extremely Backward 36%
Gorkhaland. Classes (EBCs)
• Globalization: The spread of global languages can Forward Castes 15.5%
impact indigenous languages and traditions. (General Category)
• Nuclear families: Limited mother tongue exposure
Scheduled Castes 20%
for youngsters.
(SCs)
• Inter-culture marriages: Native language neglect for
next generations. Scheduled Tribes 1.6%
• Lack of script for tribal and languages spoken by (STs)
fringe groups 6 tribal languages — Santali, Ho, Sou- Religious Categories Hindus comprise approx. 82%
ra, Munda and Kui — have a written script. of the population, and Muslims
• Education System: A focus on a specific language in 17.72%. The populations of Bud-
education may neglect the importance of regional dhists, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, and
languages. other religious denominations are
• Migration: The movement of people can lead to lan- minuscule.
guage shifts and dilution of local dialects.
• Digital Divide: Limited access to technology and the Significance of the Findings:
internet can hinder the preservation of lesser-known Aspect Significance
languages.
P o p u l a t i o n Confirms substantial OBC presence in Bi-
Distribution har. OBCs and EBCs make up over 63% of
Conclusion
the population
India’s linguistic diversity is a source of pride, reflecting the
rich cultural heritage and history and a bond of unity and re- Highlights diverse caste landscape
silience. Linguistic diversity is its strength as well as a symbol Updates data on caste metrics (Last na-
of unity. tionwide caste data from 1931)
Political Im- Political parties seek to leverage the data
Mains Links: plications for political strategies, emphasizing “so-
Q. India’s linguistic diversity is not a weakness, but a strength cial justice” and “development with jus-
that has woven a tapestry of unity, resilience, and cultural tice.
richness. Illustrate using examples. (10M) B a c k w a r d The traditional politics of identity centred
Class Mobili- on the reservation and backward caste
Topics: Population and associated issues, poverty, and devel- zation assertion, has seen a decline. However,
opmental issues. the survey results could rejuvenate back-
ward-class mobilization
Demand for These findings may lead to demands for
6. BIHAR: CASTE-BASED SURVEY DATA OUT Reservation increasing the OBC quota beyond 27%
and introducing a quota within a quota for
Context: the EBCs
The recently released caste survey data for Bihar provides
Debate over Data may reignite the debate over the
valuable insights into the state’s demographic composition.
Reservation 50% ceiling on reservations imposed by
the Supreme Court.
What is the Purpose of the Caste-based Survey?
The purpose of the caste-based survey initiated by the Bihar Vote Bank In terms of elections, the survey highlights
government in January 2023 is to gather detailed socio-eco- Politics that over 82% of Bihar’s population com-
nomic data, aiding in the development of improved policies prises EBCs, OBCs, and SCs, making them
and programs for marginalized communities. a critical vote bank.

14 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Informed Pol- Accurate data helps in policy design and
icy Making implementation
Reduces social disparities
A d d r e s s i n g Caste intersects with gender, religion, and
Intersection- region
ality
Survey reveals these intersections for nu-
anced policy approaches addressing mul-
tiple dimensions of marginalization.
Who are Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs)?
THE EBCs are a group of 130-odd castes that occupy the
lower rungs of the OBC spectrum and are dominated by the
Yadavs and Kurmis. Among the EBCs are Mallah, Nai, Nonia,
Dhanuk, Kahar, etc. Karpoori Thakur (former Chief Minister
of Bihar in the 1970s) pioneered the politics of EBC. He was
the first to announce quotas within quota, earmarking 12%
for EBCs and 8% for OBCs
History of Caste surveys?
• Every Census in independent India from 1951 to
2011 has published data on Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes, but not on other castes.
• Before that, every Census until 1931 had data on
caste. However, in 1941, caste-based data was col-
lected but not published.
• Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data (2011
Census) (data on the socio-economic status of differ-
ent communities) was conducted by the Ministry of
Rural Development in rural areas and the Ministry of
Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation in urban areas.
o The SECC data excluding caste data was fi-
nalised and published by the two ministries
in 2016. However, due to inaccuracies, the
raw data was never disclosed.
Several political parties have demanded the conduct of the
caste census and its inclusion in the 2021 Census data (now
delayed). However, there are several challenges in conduct-
ing such a survey:
Challenges Description
Complexity The caste system in India is intricate, with
numerous caste groups and subgroups,
making categorization and data collection
complex.
Different Lists There is a Central list of OBCs and a
State-specific list of OBCs. Some states do
not have a list of OBCs
Open Ended The Registrar General has also pointed
Categories out that there are certain open-ended
categories in the lists such as orphans and
destitute children.
The status of a migrant from one State to
another and the status of children of in-
ter-caste marriage, in terms of caste clas-
sification, are undecided.
Ambiguity Names of some castes are found in both
the list of Scheduled Castes and the list
of OBCs. Scheduled Castes converted to
Christianity or Islam are also treated dif-
ferently in different States.
Political Sen- Caste remains a highly sensitive and politi-
sitivity cally charged issue, often leading to social
and political tensions when caste data is
released.
Privacy Con- Collecting caste information from individ-
cerns uals may raise privacy concerns, and data
security becomes crucial to protect indi-
viduals’ information.
Lack of Con- There is often a lack of consensus among
sensus political parties and caste groups regard-
ing the need for and methodology of a
caste survey, leading to delays and dis-
agreements.
Legal Challenges for Caste-Based Survey:
• Critics argue that the survey violates the Constitu-
tion, infringes on privacy, exceeds the state govern-
ment’s competence (in Bihar’s Case), is politically
motivated, and relies on unreliable methods.
• Critics assert that assigning caste identity to all cit-
izens, regardless of their intent to access state ben-
efits, contradicts constitutional rights such as the
right to identity, dignity, informational privacy, and
choice under Article 21.
• The central government has exclusive authority, per
Entry 69 in the Seventh Schedule’s Union List, to
conduct a census, raising questions about the Bihar
state’s role in this survey.
• However, the Patna High Court initially halted, but
later validated it, citing the Indra Sawhney Case and
its alignment with Article 16(4) of the Constitution.
Other issues with the Caste Based Survey:
Issues Negative Implications
P o t e n t i a l Disclosure of caste could lead to stigma
Stigmatiza- Hinders honest responses and survey accu-
tion racy
Political Ma- Exploitation by politicians for short-term
nipulation gains
Diverts attention from genuine policy issues
Fluidity of Oversimplification overlooks intra-caste
Caste Iden- variations and historical changes
tities Fails to address contemporary caste dynam-
ics
Caste identities are not static and may
change due to factors like inter-caste mar-
riages. The survey may struggle to capture
dynamic changes
www.insightsonindia.com 15

Conclusion:
A caste-based survey must adopt a framework that safe-
guards participant privacy and dignity, emphasizing informed
consent and confidentiality. Apart from the survey, strate-
gies like public awareness campaigns, regular reviews, and
capacity-building initiatives should be implemented to ad-
vance social integration and reduce inequalities.
Mains Links:
Q. How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex
ratio in Tribes In India is more favourable to women than
the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes? (UPSC 2015)
Prelims Links:
Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2009)
1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the
population of India has increased more than three times.
2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth
rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: D
Topics: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earth-
quakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical
features and their location- changes in critical geographical
features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora
and fauna and the effects of such changes.
7. SIKKIM: GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST
FLOOD (GLOF)
Context:
Fourteen people have died, and 102, including 23 Army per-
sonnel, are missing in Sikkim after the burst of the South
Lhonak Lake, a glacial lake in North Sikkim, due to heavy
rains.
• The released water created flash floods in four dis-
tricts, including Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and
Namchi, through the Teesta River.
What are Glaciers?
Glaciers are large masses of ice that form from the accumu-
lation and compaction of snow over long periods. They flow
slowly downhill under their weight and gravity, shaping the
landscape and playing a crucial role in Earth’s climate and
hydrology by storing and releasing freshwater.
Glaciers cover ∼10% of the Earth’s land surface, but they
are shrinking rapidly across most parts of the world, leading
to cascading impacts on downstream systems.
16 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
What is Glacial Lake outburst flood (GLOF)?
Retreating glaciers, like several in the Himalayas, usually re-
sult in the formation of lakes at their tips, called proglacial
lakes, often bound only by sediments and boulders.
If the boundaries of these lakes are breached, it can lead to
large amounts of water rushing down, the way by picking up
sediments, rocks, and other materials. A majority of the gla-
ciers in the Himalayas are known to be receding, all leading
to the formation of several glacial lakes.
Why are they so dangerous?
The rapid onset and high discharge of GLOFs means there is
often insufficient time to effectively warn downstream pop-
ulations and for effective action to be taken. Also, they often
become triggers for other disasters (Cascading disasters)
Recent findings about GLOF:
• Rapid deglaciation (primarily due to global warming)
over the last 20 years has led to the growth of many
large glacial lakes.
• There has been an increase in the population living
in close proximity to glacial lakes between 2002 and
2022.
• According to the ICIMOD, Himalayan glacial lakes
increased by about 9% in number, and 14% in the
area.
• GLOFs are recognized in the National Disaster Man-
agement Plan (NDMP) 2019 of India as a potential
climatological disaster.
A cascade of Events: What happened in Sikkim?
The incessant rain due to the cloudburst led to the outburst
of South Lhonak glacial lake. The lake burst resulted in a
sudden rise in the water level of the Teesta River and a flash
flood. This further led to the breach of the Chungthang Hy-
dro-Dam in Sikkim. Damage to the dam further exacerbated
the situation.
Current Affairs 30
What are Cascading disasters?
It refers to the cascading effects of extreme events in which
the vulnerabilities overlap and interact, reaching escalation
points which then create secondary effects with greater im-
pact than the primary event.
E.g., the Nanda Devi glacier outburst (2021) triggered land-
slides, avalanches, deluges, and flash floods in the intricate-
ly linked tributaries of the Ganga River.
Reasons behind GLOF and its increased frequency:
Reasons Description
Glacial Re- Melting glaciers contribute to glacial lake
treat formation. As glaciers shrink, they release
meltwater, which fills these lakes. If the
lake’s boundary is breached, it can lead to
a GLOF.
Moraine For- Moraines, piles of debris carried by gla-
mation ciers, can act as natural barriers. When
these moraines dam glacial lakes, they
become susceptible to breaching, causing
GLOFs.
L a n d s l i d e s Landslides or ice avalanches can fall di-
and Ice Ava- rectly into glacial lakes, displacing water
lanches and causing it to breach natural dams, re-
sulting in GLOFs.
Meteorologi- Weather patterns, including sudden tem-
cal Conditions perature changes or extreme storms, can
influence the stability of glacial lakes and
trigger GLOFs.
C l i m a t e The Himalayan-Hindukush region is a cli-
Change Im- mate change hotspot. Accelerated gla-
pact cier melt leads to the formation of glacial
lakes. Also, Climate change increases the
frequency and intensity of cloudbursts.
G e o l o g i c a l Earthquakes or other geological events
Triggers can destabilize moraines, leading to the
sudden release of water from glacial lakes.
Developmen- Modern infrastructure, including dams
tal Changes and roads, alters the landscape. Large
dam projects intensify geological stresses,
weakening rocks.
Key preparedness mechanisms to reduce the risk of Glacial
Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs):
Mechanisms Description
Sendai Framework Operationalize the Sendai Framework
in multi-hazard risk hotspots like the
Eastern Himalayas.
Research and understand the impacts
of rapid urbanization and critical in-
frastructure development.
Strengthen risk governance using
technology, like social media plat-
forms, drones, and surveillance.
Build resilient water-related infra-
structure in mountain regions to pre-
vent cascading disasters. E.g, using
platforms like the Coalition of Disas-
ter Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
Enhance early warning systems with
dense sensor networks and online
data platforms for stakeholders.
NDMA: Nation- Identify and map glacial lakes using
al Disaster Man- various data sources, including field
agement Plan observations and imagery. Use of
(NDMP)-2019) on Synthetic-Aperture Radar imagery to
GLOFs automatically detect changes in wa-
ter bodies
Implement structural measures to
prevent sudden breaches, such as
controlled drainage and tunnelling
Develop land-use regulations for
GLOF-prone areas with provisions for
monitoring infrastructure.
Emphasize the role of trained local
manpower in risk-prone areas for
search and rescue operations.
www.insightsonindia.com 17
 Current Affairs 30

National Landslide At present, India has a baseline map- What is Zealandia?

S u s c e p t i b i l i t y ping model - the NLSM - that assess-
Mapping (NLSM) es how susceptible various regions/
states in the country are to landslides,
dividing them into three zones- red,
green, and blue.
Community-based Implement informal mechanisms like
Flood Early Warn- community-based early warning sys-
ing System tems for flood monitoring.
Zealandia is an underwater continent located to the south-
east of Australia. It was recognized as Earth’s eighth conti-
nent in 2017. Zealandia formed around 83 million years ago
during the Late Cretaceous period and started as part of the
supercontinent Gondwana before breaking away.
• The existence of Zealandia was first recorded in
1642 by Dutch businessman and sailor Abel Tasman

Conclusion
As the Sendai Framework advocates, there is a need for a
shift of approach from managing the disasters (cure) to
managing the risks (prevention).

A robust early warning system; a broad framework

for infrastructure development, construction, and excava-
tion in vulnerable zones; building the resilience of the com-
munities; and prioritizing disaster risk reduction as an inte-
gral part of development planning are the measures much
in need now, to manage the risks with cascading disasters.

The usefulness of Glacial Lake:

Glacial lakes are formed due to glacier retreat and hold valu-
able geological information, including fossils and landmass
formation. These lakes can exist for thousands of years, stor-
ing information about past environmental changes.
About Teesta River:
Teesta River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra which flows
through India and Bangladesh.
It originates in the Himalayas near Chunthang, Sikkim and
flows to the south through West Bengal before entering Ban-
gladesh.

Insta Links:
Tackling glacial burst
  
Mains Links:
Q. What is Glacial Lake Outburst Flooding? Examine the
vulnerabilities of hydropower projects in the Himalayan
eco-sensitive region and suggest measures to overcome
them.

8. ZEALANDIA (WORLD’S EIGHTH CONTI-

NENT)
Context:
Recent research on Zealandia, an underwater continent to
the southeast of Australia, is shedding light on its geological
history and why it remained hidden for so long.
• Recently, an international team released highly de-
tailed maps of Zealandia, covering its entire five
million square kilometres.
How was Zealandia formed?
Gondwana formed when Earth’s ancient superconti-
nent, Pangea, split into two fragments.
• Laurasia in the north became Europe, Asia, and
North America.
• Gondwana in the south dispersed to form modern-
day Africa, India, Antarctica, South America, and
Australia.

18 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Zealandia began as part of the supercontinent Gondwana,
which started breaking apart. As Zealandia began to break
away from Gondwana, “The Giant Volcanic Region” formed
– where magma flooded out of cracks. Zealandia separated
from the landmasses to its north and south, eventually be-
coming its own continent. Over millions of years, it under-
went stretching and thinning due to tectonic forces, creating
ruptures that later formed oceanic crust. Around 25 million
years ago, Zealandia largely sank beneath the ocean, becom-
ing the submerged continent we know today.
Evidence in support of Zealandia as a continent:
Evidence Explanation
Bathymetry Zealandia’s seabed is considerably shal-
lower compared to the surrounding oce-
anic plates, indicating it’s underlain by a
continental rather than an oceanic crust.
Geological Analysis of rocks and sediments from Zea-
Composition landia reveals continental characteristics,
not typical of oceanic crust.
Tectonic Sepa- Zealandia separated from the Gondwana
ration supercontinent and moved independent-
ly, forming its distinct landmass
Geological Fit Geological features of Zealandia align with
West Antarctica, suggesting that these re-
gions were once connected as part of a
larger continent
Magnetic Measurements of magnetic anomalies in
Anomalies the ocean floor around Zealandia provide
insights into its stretching and thinning
processes over millions of years
Size While mostly submerged, Zealandia cov-
ers an extensive area of approximately
five million square kilometres, meeting
the size criterion for continent status
What is plate tectonics and how continents are formed?
Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that explains the
movement of the Earth’s lithosphere, which is divided into
large, rigid plates. These plates “float” on the semi-fluid as-
thenosphere beneath them.
Process of Continental Formation:
Process Description
1. Breakup of Continents are initially part of larger land-
S u p e r c o n t i - masses known as supercontinents. Over
nents millions of years, tectonic forces caused
the supercontinent to break apart.
Example: Pangaea began breaking apart
approximately 175 million years ago.
2. Fragmenta- As the supercontinent breaks apart, it
tion results in the separation of continental
fragments or blocks. These fragments are
composed of continental crust.
3. Drifting and Continental fragments start to drift and
Movement move across the Earth’s surface. This
movement is driven by the motion of tec-
tonic plates.
4. Collision Over time, some continental fragments
and Assembly may collide with each other or with other
landmasses. These collisions often lead to
the formation of mountain ranges. Grad-
ually, the fragments merge together to
form larger continents
5. Continual The process of continental formation and
Change transformation is continuous. Continents
keep moving, colliding, and changing
shape due to plate tectonics. This dynam-
ic process involves mountain building,
volcanic activity, and the opening and
closing of ocean basins.
Insta Links:
• New map of Earth’s tectonic plates to help under-
stand quakes, and volcanoes better
Mains Links:
Prelims Links:
Q. Consider the following (UPSC 2013)
1. Electromagnetic radiation
2. Geothermal energy
3. Gravitational force
4. Plate movements
www.insightsonindia.com 19

5. Rotation of the earth
6. Revolution of the earth
Which of the above is responsible for bringing dynamic
changes on the surface of the earth?
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
9. RECENT EARTHQUAKES IN AFGHANI-
STAN
Context:
A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck western Af-
ghanistan just over a week after a series of strong quakes
and aftershocks devastated the same region.
Some recent earthquakes in Afghanistan include:
• A 6.1-magnitude earthquake in 2002 killed about
1,000 people in northern Afghanistan.
• In 2015, a major earthquake that struck the coun-
try’s northeast killed over 200 people in Afghanistan
and neighbouring northern Pakistan.
• A magnitude-6.0 earthquake that struck the Af-
ghanistan-Pakistan border in June 22, 2022
• A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck near the his-
toric city of Herat on October 7, 2023, leaving more
than 1,000 people dead
Current Affairs 30
Reasons for Frequent Earthquakes in Afghanistan:
Reason Description
1. Tectonic Plate Afghanistan is situated at the conver-
Collision gence of the Indian and Eurasian tec-
tonic plates, where these plates collide,
resulting in significant tectonic activity.
2. Geological Regions like the Hindu Kush mountain
Complexity range experience geological complexi-
ty due to the collision and convergence
of tectonic plates. This complexity con-
tributes to earthquake occurrence.
3. Northward The ongoing northward movement of
Plate the Indian Plate towards the Eurasian
Plate leads to compression, causing
crustal deformation and the creation of
faults and fractures, which can trigger
earthquakes.
4. Plate Bound- The edges of tectonic plates, known
aries as plate boundaries, are frequent sites
of earthquakes. Afghanistan is located
near such plate boundaries, enhancing
seismic activity.
5. Active Fault Afghanistan is intersected by active
Systems: fault systems like the Chaman Fault and
the Main Pamir Thrust, which serve as
sources of earthquakes in the region.

Anatomy of an earthquake:
Earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates,
large chunks of solid rock, along fault lines caused by tecton-
ic forces and stress in the earth’s lithosphere. When these
plates suddenly slip past each other, they release energy,
sending seismic waves through the ground. The point of
fault rupture within the earth, where the earthquake begins,
is called the focus or hypocentre, while the point directly
above it on the earth’s surface is the epicentre. Tectonic
plates are continually in motion due to heat energy within
the earth, and their edges, known as plate boundaries, are
where most earthquakes occur.

20 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Prelims Links:
Q. Which of the following earthquake waves is first recorded
on the Seismograph?
(a) P-waves
(b) Rayleigh waves
(c) S-waves
(d) Love waves
Answer: (a)

10. POOR AIR QUALITY IN MUMBAI

Context:
Mumbai has been grappling with air quality issues, marked
by prolonged periods of “moderate” or “poor” ratings on the
Air Quality Index (AQI).

Mumbai’s Air Pollution:

• Air quality in Mumbai deteriorated significantly,
with 66 out of 92 days between November 2022 and
January 2023 categorized as “poor” or “very poor.”
• In comparison, Delhi experienced 79 days of “Poor”
and “Very Poor” AQI during the same period. (Data
from SAFAR - Ministry of Earth Sciences).

How Geography of Mumbai keeps it free from pollution?

Mumbai benefits from a natural cleansing mechanism due
to its coastal setting. Strong surface winds prevalent in the
area facilitate the rapid dispersal of pollutants. Additionally,
the powerful sea breeze that sweeps across Mumbai’s land-
scape contributes to the removal of these airborne particles,
carrying them away from the land. This coastal geography
helps maintain relatively better air quality in the city, espe-
cially during most of the year when these natural processes
are at work.

For How to make an India earthquake: Click Here

For 60% of India prone to earthquake: Click Here

Insta Links
• Turkey Earthquake

Mains Links:
Q. Discuss the factors that cause earthquakes. Why are
Earthquakes more common in certain parts of the world
than in others? (250 words)

www.insightsonindia.com 21
 Current Affairs 30
Reasons Behind Rising Air Pollution in Mumbai Recently: PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon
Factors Impact on Air Pollution monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), ammonia (NH3), and lead (Pb).
These pollutants are measured and aggregated to provide an
1. “Triple dip” Last winter, Mumbai experienced an un-
overall air quality rating, which is then categorized into six
La Niña usual “triple dip” in La Niña, related to
levels: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very
climate change.
Poor, and Severe
During La Niña, colder ocean surfaces
absorb more atmospheric heat, leading
to a cooling effect and reduced air tem-
perature. This results in infrequent wind
reversals from the sea, which usually
disperse pollutants every 2-3 days. With
wind reversal occurring only every 10-15
days during La Niña, pollutants remain
trapped in the lower atmosphere for
longer periods, worsening air quality.
2. Delay in The delayed withdrawal of the monsoon
M o n s o o n had a significant impact on Mumbai’s air
Withdrawal quality, creating unfavourable conditions
for pollution dispersion.
3. Role of Transport-level winds carried pollutants
T r a n s p o r t toward Mumbai. When they met warm- Insta Links:
Winds er winds laden with local dust, it created Indoor air pollution
a dust-filled cloud that couldn’t disperse Issues with the Air Pollution Control Measures in India
due to calm winds, and deteriorating air
quality. Prelims Links: (UPSC 2016)
4. PM10 Pol- Coarser particles, specifically PM10 Q. In the cities of our country, which among the following at-
lution from (particulate matter with a diameter of mospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the
Anthropogenic 10 micrometres or less), remain a ma- value of the Air Quality Index?
Emissions jor pollutant in Mumbai. Dust emissions 1. Carbon dioxide
from various development and construc- 2. Carbon monoxide
tion activities contribute to this issue. 3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulfur dioxide
To tackle air pollution in Mumbai, the following measures 5. Methane
should be taken: Select the correct answer using the code given below.
• Prioritize long-term mitigation planning by mapping (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
airsheds. (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
• Focus on reducing anthropogenic emissions, the (c) 1, 4 and 5 only
root cause of air pollution. (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
• Adopt a data- and science-driven approach, relying Ans: B
on reliable scientific sources.
• Use green curtains at construction sites to reduce
dust.
• Implement regular water spraying to dampen dust
particles and prevent them from becoming airborne.
• Transition to fossil fuel-less transportation, includ-
ing electric vehicles.
• Improve waste management, clean up dumping
grounds, and manage industrial toxins to enhance
air quality in the medium term.

What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?

The Air Quality Index (AQI), managed by the Central Pollu-
tion Control Board (CPCB), is a crucial tool for assessing and
communicating air quality in India. It takes into account eight
different pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10 and

22 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

GENERAL STUDIES – 2 Queer Cou- CJI Chandrachud struck However, the Ma-
ples’ Right down certain CARA reg- jority view upheld
Topics: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolu- to Adopt a ulations, stating they CARA regulation
tion, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic Child reinforce the disadvan- and said since
structure; Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme tage faced by the queer ‘Same-sex cou-
with that of other countries. community. ples’ marriage is
not recognised
1. SUPREME COURT’S VERDICT ON SAME- they are not eligi-
ble for adoption
SEX MARRIAGE
C i v i l The CJI saw the right to However, the Ma-
Context: Unions form intimate associ- jority view dis-
The Supreme Court of India has rejected pleas seeking to le- for Queer ations as part of free- agreed with pre-
galize same-sex marriage, Couples dom of speech and ex- scribing a choice
pression and suggested of civil unions
What is Same-sex marriage? a committee to deter- but suggested the
Same-sex marriage, also known as gay marriage or LGBTQ+ mine the rights avail- state should facili-
marriage, is a legal union between two individuals of the able to queer couples in tate this choice for
same gender. It grants them the same legal rights, benefits, unions. those who wish to
and responsibilities as opposite-sex marriages exercise it.

What is SC Verdict on Same-Sex Marriage? What is a ‘Civil Union’?

The Supreme Court, in a 3:2 verdict, denied constitutional A ‘civil union’ grants legal rights and responsibilities to
validity to same-sex marriages, as it is a statutory right but same-sex couples similar to marriage but a civil union lacks
not a fundamental right. Therefore, it’s a matter for Parlia- the same recognition in personal law. US, Sweden, etc. had
ment and state legislatures to address through legislation. recognised civil union until same-sex marriage was legalised
in their country
What are other observations?
• The court can neither strike down nor read words What is the Special Marriage Act (SMA) 1954?
into the Special Marriage Act (SMA) 1954 to include Marriages in India can be registered under the respective
same-sex members within the ambit of the SMA personal laws (e.g., Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Muslim Per-
1954, only the legislature can do that sonal Law Application Act, 1937) or under the Special Mar-
• The relationship of marriage is not a static one: riage Act, 1954.
Queer persons have an equal right and freedom to
enter into a “union” The Special Marriage Act, 1954 has provisions for civil mar-
• However, there is no fundamental right to marry riage for people of India and all Indian nationals in foreign
under the Constitution. countries, irrespective of religion or faith followed by either
• The court favoured the government’s proposal of party.
a committee headed by Cabinet Secretary to look
into entitlements for same-sex couples. When a person solemnises marriage under this law, then the
marriage is not governed by personal laws but by the Spe-
Views of SC judgement: cial Marriage Act.
Issue Minority View Majority View
Legal Status of Same-Sex Marriage in India:
Funda- Marriage may not be Marriage is not a In India, the legality of same-sex marriages is not express-
mental a fundamental right in fundamental right ly recognized as a fundamental or constitutional right but
Right to itself but has attained is governed by statutory law. In 2018, the Indian Supreme
Marry significance due to state Court decriminalized same-sex marriage.
regulation
Interpre- CJI Chandrachud was SMA couldn’t be Earlier views of SC:
tation of against an expansive interpreted to in- Case Key Rulings
Special reading of the SMA clude same-sex
NALSA (2014) Recognition of transgenders as third
Marriage and warned against couples, as it’s in-
gender
Act (SMA) the court entering the tended for hetero-
realm of the legislature. sexual couples of K.S. Puttaswamy Recognition of the right to sexual
different faiths (2017) orientation as an aspect of privacy

www.insightsonindia.com 23

Shafin Jahan v. The right to marry a person of one’s
Asokan K.M. (2018) choice is integral to Article 21 of the
Constitution
The right to marry is intrinsic to the
liberty guaranteed by the Constitu-
tion as a fundamental right, allowing
individuals to make decisions crucial
to their pursuit of happiness.
Navjet Singh Johar Decriminalized Homosexuality.
Case (2018) Members of the LGBTQ community
are entitled to the full range of con-
stitutional rights, including liberties
protected by the Constitution. They
are entitled to equal citizenship and
“equal protection of law.”
Views of the Central Government
• Only the legislature (repository of democratic
representation and reflects the will of the people) has
the right to make such changes in the law.
• Marriage is not confined to the private sphere –
The regulation of marriage is very much an issue of
acceptance by society – This rationale is the very
basis for state recognition of marriage.
Arguments in Favour of Same-Sex Marriage:
Arguments Key Points
Equal Rights Same-sex couples should have the
same legal rights and protections as
opposite-sex couples (under Funda-
mental Rights to Equality)
Non-recognition Articles 14 (right to equality before the
of same-sex mar- law), Article 15 (right against discrim-
riage violates ination on grounds of religion, race,
rights caste, sex, place of birth), Article 19
(freedom of speech and expression),
and Article 21 (protection of life and
personal liberty) of the Constitution
Strengthening Marriage provides social and econom-
Families ic benefits to couples and their fam-
ilies, benefiting same-sex individuals
as well.
Cohabitation as Previously, several experts and the
a Fundamental Chief Justice of India (CJI) acknowl-
Right edged that cohabitation is a funda-
mental right, and it is the govern-
ment’s obligation to legally recognize
the social impact of such relationships.
Biological Gender Since the biological gender is not
is not ‘Absolute’ absolute, and gender recognition is
more complex than just one’s genitals.
There is no absolute concept of a man
or a woman
24 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Global Accep- There are currently 34 countries
tance where same-sex marriage is legal in-
cluding Australia, Finland, France,
Germany, the United Kingdom, the
United States of America
Arguments against Same-Sex Marriage
Arguments Key Points
Beliefs Many religious and cultural groups believe
that marriage should only be between a
man and a woman
Procreation Some argue that the primary purpose of
marriage is procreation, and same-sex
couples cannot have biological children
Against Na- Same-sex marriage is considered to go
ture against the natural order of things
Legal Issues Contentious issues from such a marriage
such as inheritance, tax, and property
rights
Adoption Adoption by queer couples can lead to
societal stigma, and discrimination, thus
negatively impacting a child’s psycholog-
ical well-being (esp. in conservative soci-
eties)
For Ethical perspective on Same-Sex Marriage: Same-sex
marriage: Morality vs equality: Click Here
Conclusion:
The way forward includes raising awareness for LGBTQIA+
rights, legal reforms like amending the Special Marriage Act,
engaging in dialogue with religious leaders, legal challenges
to current laws, and collaboration among all stakeholders for
a more inclusive society.
Mains links
Q. Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in light of the
latest judgement of the Supreme Court on the Right to Pri-
vacy. (UPSC 2017)
Prelims Links
Q Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one’s
right to marry the person of one’s choice? (UPSC 2019)
(a) Article 19
(b) Article 21
(c) Article 25
(d) Article 29
Ans: B
Current Affairs 30
Topics: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, func- Importance Supreme Authority in the Lok Sabha/State
tioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues of Speak- Assembly, with vast powers to ensure the or-
arising out of these. er’s Inde- derly conduct of business
pendence Symbol of the nation’s freedom and liberty
2. SPEAKER: NEED FOR IMPARTIALITY AND Conscience and guardian of the House
INTEGRITY Represents the collective voice of the parlia-
ment/ State assembly
Context:
The article discusses the need for impartiality and integrity in
the functioning of Speakers in Indian parliamentary bodies.

About Speaker:
Role of a Definition
Speaker
Who is a A presiding officer in a legislative body re-
Speaker? sponsible for maintaining order during de-
bates, ensuring rules are followed, and rep-
resenting the institution. Typically elected
by members, they play a crucial role in the
legislative assembly’s functioning.
C o n s t i t u - Article 93 and Article 178 of the Indian Con-
tional Arti- stitution govern the election of the Speaker
cles and Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha and
State Assemblies. Issues with the functioning of speakers in India:
Origin Originated in medieval Britain as a House Issues Examples
of Commons spokesman. Initially seen as an Favour Rul- Several judgments on the anti-defection
agent of the Crown until the 17th century. ing Party law highlight partisan conduct of speakers
Evolved to be an impartial Chairman since in state assemblies.
the 19th century. Recently, the leader of the Congress party
P o w e r s The final interpreter of the provisions of the in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury,
and Func- Constitution, Rules of Procedure, and parlia- was suspended for his remarks against the
tions of the mentary precedents Prime Minister (which was later revoked)
Speaker Presides over joint sittings of both Houses of Party Inter- Speakers who are active members of the
Parliament est Over Na- ruling party may refuse essential debates
Makes final decisions regarding disqualifica- tional Inter- in the national interest to avoid embarrass-
tions of members under the Anti-defection est ing the ruling party.
Act I n c r e a s e d Partisan conduct and apathy of the speak-
Appoints chairmen of parliamentary com- Disruption in er towards opposition demands lead to
mittees and supervises their functioning Parliament frequent disruptions in Parliament by the
Opposition.
Maintains quorum and decorum in the
house for conducting its business Disruption of Parliament damages its pres-
tige and hinders its primary function of
Decides whether a bill is a money bill, and
making laws through careful debate.
this decision is final
Bills are Not Stalling parliamentary proceedings has
Can allow a secret sitting of the House at the
Referred to resulted in the passing of significant bills
Leader of the House’s request
Committees without discussion.
Has a casting vote in case of a tie
E.g., In the 2021 monsoon session of Lok
Sabha, not a single bill was referred to any
select committee for review.

www.insightsonindia.com 25

Wide Discre- Speakers exercise wide discretion in mat-
tion ters of Money Bills, decorum maintenance,
and the suspension of members.
Bills are sometimes labeled as ‘Money
Bills’ to bypass the Upper Houses. E.g., The
Aadhar bill, introduced as a Money bill
Misuse of The role of the Speaker in recent political
Powers un- crises, such as in Maharashtra (2022), has
der the 10th raised concerns about the misuse of pow-
Schedule ers under the 10th Schedule.
Other Examples include the dismiss-
al of governments in Uttarakhand and
Arunachal Pradesh, where Speakers
helped ruling parties by disqualifying MLAs
under the 10th Schedule
A p p o i n t - - Speakers are typically elected by the rul-
ment System ing party, leading to questions about their
independence from party influence.
Lack of Ten- The Constitution of India doesn’t provide a
ure Security fixed tenure for speakers, making their po-
sition dependent on their selection, which
can influence their actions in the House.
Associated Cases:
• Kihoto Hollohan vs Zachillhu (1992): Minority judg-
es argued that the Speaker’s power to decide on de-
fections undermines democratic principles.
• Nabam Rebia v Bemang Felix case (2016), the
Supreme Court held that it is “constitutionally
impermissible” for a speaker to proceed with
disqualification proceedings, if a no-confidence
motion against him is pending.
• Keisham Meghachandra Singh vs The Hon›ble
Speaker Manipur (2020): The Supreme Court rec-
ommended amending the Constitution to create an
independent tribunal led by judges to handle such
matters.
Suggestions to improve the impartiality of the Speaker in
India:
Suggestions Explanation
Resignation Upon selection as Speaker, the individu-
from Political
al should resign from their political par-
Party ty to avoid conflicts of interest.
Ireland Model Follow the Ireland model, where the
Speaker is someone who has given up
political ambitions and built credibility.
British Model Adopt the British model, where Speak-
(‘Once a Speak- ers usually remain unopposed by major
er, Always a political parties, enhancing objectivity.
Speaker’)
26 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Adopt practices from the UK, where
Speakers resign from associated polit-
ical parties to reflect impartiality
Continuity A committee, like the one headed by
Based on Impar- V.S. Page, suggested allowing Speakers
tiality to continue if they have been impartial
and efficient in their previous tenure.
Election on an It is suggested that, anyone seeking the
Independent position of Speaker may be required
Ticket to run for election on an independent
ticket.
Disqualification Shift the power of disqualification under
Power Shift the anti-defection law to the President
or Governor, who decide based on the
suggestions of the Election Commission
of India (2nd ARC recommendation).
Imposition of Grant the Speaker the power to impose
Disciplinary Ac- various disciplinary actions, such as a
tions salary cut for members disrupting the
house.
Formation of a Allow the Speaker to create a parlia-
Parliamentary mentary committee to recommend the
Committee removal of MPs who regularly disrupt
the house. The committee’s decisions
should be subject to judicial review.
Independent Establish an independent tribunal to re-
Tribunal for Dis- solve questions related to the disqualifi-
qualification cation of members based on defection.
Conclusion
Jawaharlal Nehru rightly mentioned on Speaker’s role, “The
speaker represents House. He represents the dignity of the
house, the freedom of the house and because the House
represents a nation, in particular, way speaker becomes a
symbol of national freedom and dignity. Therefore a free po-
sition should always be occupied by the persons of outstand-
ing ability and impartiality
Mains Links:
Q. What are the roles and responsibilities of the speaker of
Lok Sabha? How is the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha elect-
ed? The office of the Deputy Speaker is not a ceremonious
post but a constitutionally mandated one. Comment on its
importance. (15M)
Topics: Government policies and interventions for develop-
ment in various sectors and issues arising out of their design
and implementation.
3. DIGITAL INDIA ACT 2023 (DIA) AND CON-
CERNS
Context:
The Digital India Act 2023 (DIA) is a significant move by the
Current Affairs 30
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY)
to establish a future-ready framework for India’s digital eco-
system
What is the Digital India Act (DIA) 2023?
Affect Freedom The review of the “safe harbour” prin-
of Expression ciple could affect freedom of expres-
sion on online platforms
I n f ra st r u c t u re Effective enforcement of the DIA will
Requirements demand substantial resources, exper-
tise, and infrastructure, necessitating
investments in these areas.
Balancing Stake- Balancing the interests of various
holder Interests stakeholders, including tech giants and
citizens’ rights, presents a significant
challenge that requires inclusive con-
sideration.
Surveillance and Critics raise concerns about certain
Privacy Concerns provisions potentially granting exces-
sive surveillance powers to the gov-
ernment, compromising privacy rights.
Strong safeguards are needed to pre-
vent abuse and violations of privacy.
Data Localization The approach to data localization in
and Cross-Border the DIA is contentious. While it can
Data Flows enhance data protection and security,
it may disrupt cross-border data flows,
affecting global businesses that rely on
efficient data transfers.

Data protection laws in other countries:

Need for the Digital India Act (DIA): Country Legislation Focus
Need Description E u r o p e a n General Data Comprehensive data pro-
Outdated Regu- The IT Act of 2000 is outdated and in- Union Protection Regu- tection for personal data,
lations adequate for today’s internet with 850 lation (GDPR) upholding privacy as a
million users and new user harms. fundamental right.
Inadequacy of Existing regulations like Intermediary U n i t e d Privacy Act, Limited sector-specific
Current Regula- Guidelines are insufficient for govern- States Electronic Com- regulations for data pro-
tions ing new-age technologies. munications Pri- tection, distinguishing
Need for Legal An evolving legal framework is required vacy Act between public and pri-
Adaptation to address challenges posed by tech- vate sectors.
nologies like AI, Blockchain, and IoT. China Personal Infor- PIPL grants new rights
A d d r e s s i n g Growing e-commerce and online con- mation Protec- to data subjects and
E - c o m m e r c e tent sharing necessitate updated reg- tion Law (PIPL), prevents personal data
and Online Con- ulations covering consumer protection Data Security misuse, while DSL clas-
tent and content moderation. Law (DSL) sifies business data by
importance and restricts
Global Align- India’s regulations must align with in- cross-border data trans-
ment and Best ternational standards and practices to fers
Practices be effective in the global digital land-
scape.
Way forward:
• Stakeholder Engagement: Involve all relevant par-
Challenges associated with the Digital India Act (DIA): ties in the law’s creation for a balanced framework.
Challenges Description • Balancing Regulation and Innovation: Maintain a
Hinder Innova- Stricter regulations, especially in balance to avoid stifling innovation.
tion and Ease of emerging technologies, may hinder in- • Capacity Building: Invest in law enforcement and
Doing Business novation and discourage investments regulatory agencies.
and entrepreneurship. • Global Collaboration: Work with international bod-
ies for global alignment.

www.insightsonindia.com 27
 Current Affairs 30
• Public Awareness: Digitally educate citizens about What are MDBs?
digital rights and responsibilities. MDB is a financial institution established by multiple mem-
ber countries and falls under international law. E.g., Interna-
Conclusion: tional Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank
The DIA represents a forward-looking approach to regula- etc.
tion, shaping India’s digital future with the potential for both
positive and unintended consequences. Monitoring and Objectives of MDBs: Stabilizing the global financial system
adaptability will be crucial in its implementation. during the time of crisis; Providing long-term financing; Pro-
viding lower-cost financing
Insta Links:
• The Digital India Bill Role of MDBs in global stability and development
• New draft digital data protection bill: How it com- Role of MDBs Description Examples/Actions
pares with the older version and laws elsewhere
Funding De- ADB’s support for the Delhi-Mumbai In-
v e l o p m e n t dustrial Corridor
Mains Links:
Projects World Bank’s assistance in the develop-
Q. Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in light of the
latest judgement of the Supreme Court on the Right to Pri- ment of National Waterway 1 on the Gan-
vacy. (UPSC 2017) ges River
Crisis Manage- World Bank’s support for India during the
Prelims Links: ment COVID-19 pandemic
Q. ‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which Article of the S u p p o r t i n g World Bank provided grants to support
Constitution of India? ( UPSC 2021) the Imple- education and healthcare programs, such
(a) Article 15 mentation of as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (Education
(b) Article 19 the SDGs for All) program and the National Rural
(c) Article 21 Health Mission
(d) Article 29
Policy Advice Providing policy IMF’s advice on
Ans: C
and Capacity advice and techni- m a c r o e c o n o m i c
Building cal assistance for policy for countries
Q. Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of the
governance and like Sri Lanka and
Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following
capacity building Pakistan
in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately im-
plies the above statement? (UPSC 2018) P r o v i d i n g Offering conces- MDBs’ support for
(a) Article 14 and the provisions under Concessional sional finance and low-income coun-
the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution. Finance and grants to LICs and tries and fragile
(b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV. Grants FCS to address de- states
(c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III. velopment chal-
(d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment lenges
to the Constitution. P r o m o t i n g Assisting MICs in reducing inequalities
Ans: C I n c l u s i v e and improving access to essential ser-
Growth and vices
Topics: Important International institutions, agencies and Shared Pros-
fora, their structure, mandate. perity
Despite playing a crucial role in promoting development
and global stability, multilateral development banks
4. MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS (MDBs) face several challenges that need to be addressed
(MDBS): BIGGER, BETTER, AND BOLDER BY
2030
Context:
The G20 expert group has presented a roadmap (in its re-
port The Triple Agenda: A Roadmap for Better, Bolder and
Bigger MDBs) for enhancing the performance of Multilateral
Development Banks (MDBs) to be bigger, better, and bolder
by 2030. The group, led by Lawrence Summers (US treasury
secretary) and NK Singh (chair of the 15th Finance Commis-
sion), has recommended several measures for MDBs.

28 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Other challenges for Reforming MDBs:
• Adapting to Global Challenges: MDBs must adapt to
address emerging global issues like pandemics and
conflicts, responding quickly to changing circum-
stances.
• Resource Constraints: MDBs face limitations in
funding to meet growing demands, especially in cli-
mate change and infrastructure development.
• Mobilizing Private Sector: MDBs struggle to attract
private sector investments, requiring risk mitigation
and incentives.
• Addressing Climate Change: MDBs need to incorpo-
rate climate considerations into policies, strategies,
and project financing for sustainable development.
• Domination by Developed Countries: Currently,
MDBs are dominated by developed Countries (WB
by USA, IMF by EU and ADB by Japan); they impose
conditionality in loans; there is a lack of Transparen-
cy and Accountability.
Recommended steps by G20 Expert groups for better func-
tioning of MDBs:
Aspects Recommended Steps
MDB Operat- Implement multi-year country programs
ing Models and initiatives
Speed up project and program approvals
processing time from concept note to first
disbursement shrink from 25 months (the
average in 2017 for World Bank Group) to
12 months
Collaborate on regional and global ap-
proaches to global public goods
Simplify rules and procedures using a risk-
based tailored approach
Redesign delivery of policy and institution-
al support
Scaling Up Triple lending volumes to $390 billion by
Financing at 2030
an Affordable Increase private capital mobilization from
Cost 0.6 dollars (the average in 2019) for each
dollar they lend to 1.5-2 dollars
Expand the use of guarantees
Provide automatic liquidity through debt
and loan contracts in disaster situations
Building on Focus on areas with solid economic re-
Comparative turns
Advantages Offer policy and regulatory advice
Invest in institutional capacity and local
consultation
E x p a n d i n g Explore balance sheet optimization for in-
the Financial creased lending capacity
Capacity of Implement pooled portfolio guarantees
MDBs for additional lending
Consider hybrid capital to generate more
funds annually
Introduce Global Challenges Funding
Mechanism (GCFM) to attract investors
Tripling Con- - Pledge more donor contributions to the
cessional Fi- International Development Association
nance (IDA)
- Aim for at least a tripling of donor contri-
butions to IDA by 2030
E n h a n c i n g Follow the cascade principle, letting the
Private Sec- private sector handle what it can
tor Engage-
ment
www.insightsonindia.com 29

Managing Partner with governments to mitigate and
Risk and Allo- allocate risk
cating Risk in Strengthen the Global Infrastructure Fa-
Global Capi-
cility (GIF)
tal Markets
Enhance transparency in the Global
Emerging Markets (GEM) database
Offer sovereign and project guarantees
Empower the Multilateral Investment
Guarantee Agency (MIGA)
Support local currency risk management
systematically
Include disaster and pandemic contingen-
cy clauses in debt contracts
Other Measures to Improve MDB Effectiveness:
• Reduce Conditionalities: Simplify loan conditions to
accommodate unique country circumstances.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with govern-
ments, civil society, and the private sector for better
decision-making.
• Capacity Building: Invest in local capacity and skill
development for project sustainability.
• Transparency and Accountability: Enhance trans-
parency in decision-making and clarify loan condi-
tions.
India’s Role:
• India plays a key role in shaping MDB reforms to ad-
dress global challenges.
• India is a significant borrower and beneficiary of
MDBs, receiving support in various sectors.
• India is a contributor and shareholder in these insti-
tutions, supporting their operations.
• India actively participates in their governance and
decision-making processes.
Conclusion
Making MDBs more relevant for addressing 21st-century
challenges would contribute towards enhancing human
welfare and global stability and development. Reforming
MDBs requires extensive consultations and deliberations
among various stakeholders to ensure that it is inclusive,
participatory and future proof. India has a key role and re-
sponsibility in reforming MDBs to make them more relevant
and effective for the development of the Global South.
Mains Links:
Q. India has recently signed to become a founding member
of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infra-
structure Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks
be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two
Banks for India. (UPSC 2012)
Q. Critically evaluate the working of Multilateral Develop-
ment banks such as the World Bank and IMF in their efforts
30 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
to promote global stability and development. Also, suggest
measures to improve their effectiveness. (15M)
Prelims Links:
Q. With reference to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
(AIIB), consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019)
1. AIIB has more than 80 member nations.
2. India is the largest shareholder in AIIB.
3. AIIB does not have any members from outside Asia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: A
Topics: Important aspects of governance, transparency and
accountability, e-governance applications, models, success-
es, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency
& accountability, and institutional and other measures.
5. CONCERNS ABOUT USING AADHAAR IN
WELFARE SCHEMES
Context:
Recent Moody’s report highlights issues with India’s digital
ID program.
What is Aadhar?
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued
by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to
Indian residents. It serves as proof of identity and address
and is linked to an individual’s biometric and demographic
information. It has revolutionized service delivery by sim-
plifying access to government services and benefits, elimi-
nating intermediaries, and plugging leaks into government
programs.
Concerns Highlighted by Moody’s Report:
Concerns Details
Privacy and Aadhaar’s concentration of sensitive in-
Security Con- formation with specific entities increas-
cerns es data breach risks (privacy and security
risks)
Biometric Au- The adoption of Aadhaar for welfare
thentication scheme payouts like MGNREGA hinders
Concerns effective implementation.
Concerns about Aadhaar’s biometric reli-
ability and the burden of establishing au-
thorization.
Concerns Re- Service denials are common, especially for
lated to Ser- manual labourers in hot, humid climates.
vice Denials
Current Affairs 30
Moody’s Rec- Moody’s suggests decentralized ID sys-
o m m e n d a - tems like digital wallets with blockchain
tion capabilities for more user control and re-
duced fraud.
Government’s Stand:
Government’s Details
Response
Aad haar’s biometric system is reliable, safe and secure
Recognition by The government pointed out that in-
I n t e r n a t i o n a l ternational agencies like the IMF and
Agencies the World Bank have praised Aadhaar.
Several nations have engaged with
UIDAI to explore deploying similar dig-
ital ID systems.
Facilitation of The government highlighted that Aad-
Schemes like haar seeding in MGNREGS is done
MGNREGA without biometric authentication, ad-
dressing concerns raised in the report.
Other issues with the Aadhar system (*not in the report):
Systemic Flaws and Data Breaches:
Issue Details
Inadequate Limited facilities for enrolling, updating, and
Facilities retrieving Aadhaar details.
Elderly, disabled, and illiterate individuals
face challenges with online grievance sys-
tems.
Lack of Al- Lack of acceptable alternatives for identity
ternatives verification when Aadhaar fails.
Leads to an ‘either Aadhaar or no benefits’
situation.
Lack of Ar- Some citizens are blocked from government
chiving Pol- services despite having valid Aadhaar cards
icy and numbers.
CAG audit report highlights issues with data
archiving policy and data management.
Lack of Ade- UIDAI’s devices and applications may not
quate Secu- securely store residents’ personal informa-
rity tion.
Concerns about the security of Aadhaar
information used for digital verification by
other agencies/companies.
Misuse of Informed consent was compromised in the
the System Aadhaar Payment Bridge System and the
Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS).
Instances of corrupt business correspon-
dents extorting money from people through
AePS.
Organized scams like the “scholarship
scam” in Jharkhand reported.
B i o m e t r i c Private companies are legally restricted
Database from asking for Aadhaar, but UIDAI provides
authentication services to banks and mobile
carriers.
Businesses that should compensate the
government for using Aadhaar are not dis-
closing the process to the public.
Exclusion of Marginalized Sections:
Issue Details
Aadhaar-re- Inconvenience and problems faced by mil-
lated Hassles lions, especially disadvantaged groups, in
accessing welfare schemes.
Excessive Im- Aadhaar is often required for benefits
position not originally mandated by the Supreme
Court.
For instance, an Aadhaar is needed for ba-
sic rights like Anganwadi services or school
enrolment.
Arbitrary Ex- Governments withdraw or suspend ben-
clusions efits without warning or informing recipi-
ents of Aadhaar linkage issues.
P a y m e n t Pressure to link bank accounts with Aad-
Problems haar and the use of the Aadhaar Payment
Bridge System cause payment issues.
Problems include delayed, rejected, di-
verted, and blocked payments, affecting
NREGA, pensions, and maternity benefi-
ciaries.
Steps to be taken:
• The government must restrict mandatory Aadhaar
to permissible purposes and must also provide via-
ble alternatives when Aadhaar authentication fails.
• Benefits should not be withdrawn or suspended
without prior notice. Concerned persons should be
given an opportunity to respond or appeal.
• The UIDAI must ensure an easier enrolment, upda-
tion and retrieval of lost card processes to all, for
free, at the block level or below, in a well-supervised
public facility.
• A comprehensive review of the Aadhaar Payment
Bridge System and direct benefit transfer systems is
essential.
• RBI and NPCI should monitor all types of payment
problems and place detailed monthly reports in the
public domain.
• The NPCI should ensure stronger safeguards against
the vulnerabilities of AePS and better grievance re-
dressal facilities.
• Informed consent norms should be reviewed.
• The Aadhaar Act could be amended to reinstate the
dropped provision for independent oversight of the
UIDAI by a high-powered “Identity Review Commit-
www.insightsonindia.com 31

tee.”
Conclusion
Given the above drawbacks and hassles, the ac-
countability lies on the UIDAI to address the gaps and to fa-
cilitate realizing the true potential of the Aadhaar system.
Mains Links:
Q. Two parallel-run schemes of the Government, viz the Ad-
haar Card and National Population Register (NPR), one as vol-
untary and the other as compulsory have led to debates at
national levels and also litigations. On merits, discuss wheth-
er or not both schemes need to run concurrently. Analyse
the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental ben-
efits and equitable growth. (UPSC 2014)
Prelims Links:
Q 1. With reference to “Blockchain Technology”, consider
the following statements: (UPSC 2020)
1. It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect, but which
no single user controls.
2. The structure and design of the blockchain are such that
all the data in it are about cryptocurrency only.
3. Applications that depend on basic features of blockchain
can be developed without anybody’s permission.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Ans: D
6. INDIA WILL BID FOR THE 2036 OLYMPICS
Context:
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, announced India’s bid to
host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, expressing
the nation’s long-standing dream to do so.
• Furthermore, India will also bid to host the Youth
Olympic Games in 2029
Rules about Hosting City for the Olympics:
• Bidding: National Olympic Committees select cities
within their territories to bid for hosting the Olym-
pic Games, with the Paralympic Games automatical-
ly included in the bid.
o The application to host the Games is made
by the chief authority of the city, with the
support of the national government.
• Selection: The host for future Olympic Games is
chosen by the members of the International Olym-
pic Committee (IOC) during their Session. through
a majority vote by secret ballot, with each active
member having one vote.
• Elimination: In case of no majority in the first round,
the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated,
32 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
with further rounds if needed.
• Selection Process: Behind-the-scenes negotiations
now determine hosts, as seen in Brisbane’s selection
for the 2032 Olympics.
• 2036 Host: The 2036 host will be chosen not before
2026 or 2027.
More about Olympics Cities:
• To date, 51 different cities have been chosen to host
the modern Olympics, with a majority in Western
Europe.
• No cities from Central America, Africa, Central Asia,
the Middle East, South Asia, or Southeast Asia have
hosted the Olympics.
• Host city decisions are made between seven to elev-
en years before the Games
• 2024 Summer Olympics: Paris; 2028 Summer Olym-
pics: Los Angeles
Significance of Hosting the Olympics for India:
• Soft Power Showcase: Hosting the Olympics serves
as a soft-power tool, as seen in post-World War Eu-
rope, post-apartheid South Africa, and Brazil.
• Positive Image: India aims to create a positive im-
age following issues during the 2010 Delhi Common-
wealth Games.
• Global Ambitions: India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics
reflects its global ambitions, aligning with goals like
a UN Security Council seat and G-20 Presidency.
• Sporting Confidence: Recent sporting achieve-
ments, like the 107 medals at the Asian Games, have
boosted India’s confidence, stemming from Abhinav
Bindra’s 2008 Olympic gold.
Challenges to Consider:
• Multi-Challenges: Hosting such a mega event in-
volves various challenges, including high infrastruc-
ture costs, security, cost overruns, environmental
impact, geopolitical tensions, and the ethical con-
duct of administrators.
• Governance Issues: India’s hosting of the 2010 Com-
monwealth Games was mired in controversies and
Corruption
• High Costs: Costs can be exorbitant, as seen in the
cases of Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, with the latter
exceeding initial estimates by a large margin.
o Recently, Australia withdrew from host-
ing the 2026 Commonwealth Games due
to mounting expenditure, and Canada also
withdrew its bid for the 2030 edition.
About Olympic Games:
Origin The Olympic Games originated in ancient
Greece as part of a religious festival in
honour of Zeus, the Greek god of the sky,
at Olympia.
Current Affairs 30
M o d e r n The modern Olympic Games were revived
O l y m p i c s in the late 19th century. The first modern
Games Olympic Games were held in 1896 in Ath-
ens, Greece.
Pierre, Baron de Coubertin, is credited
as the architect of the modern Olympic
Games.
International The International Olympic Commit-
Olympic Com- tee (IOC) (founded: 1894; HQ: Laus-
mittee (IOC) anne, Switzerland) is a non-govern-
mental sports organization responsible
for organizing the Olympic Games and
governs National Olympic Commit-
tees (NOCs).
In 2009, the UN General Assembly grant-
ed the IOC Permanent Observer status.
The IOC Session is the annual meeting of
IOC members where each member has
one vote, and its decisions are final.
Pattern of Since 1948, the Olympics have been held
O l y m p i c every four years.
Games
The responsibility of hosting the Olympic
Games is given to a city, not a country,
and the choice of the city is determined
solely by the IOC.
Previously in the News,
Insta Links:
• IOC amends the Olympic Charter to strengthen its
human rights commitments
Prelims Links:
Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the 44th
Chess Olympiad, 2022:
1. It was the first time that the Chess Olympiad was held
in India.
2. The official mascot was named Thambi’.
3. The trophy for the winning team in the open section is
the Vera Menchik Cup.
4. The trophy for the winning team in the women’s section
is the Hamilton-Russell Cup.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Q. Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards
: (UPSC 2022)
1. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: For the most spec-
tacular and outstanding performance by a sportsperson
over a period of the last four years
2. Arjuna Award: For the lifetime achievement by a
sportsperson
3. Dronacharya Award: To honour eminent coaches who
have successfully trained sportspersons or teams
4. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar: To recognize the con-
tribution made by sportspersons even after their retire-
ment
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
7. URBAN LOCAL BODIES: ASICS 2023 RE-
PORT
Context:
The sixth edition of the Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems
(ASICS) 2023 report has been released by Janaagraha
What is ASICS?
The Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) is a com-
prehensive evaluation of the quality of governance in Indian
cities. It was published after a gap of five years (the last was
in 2017). The ASICS report this time focused on the state as
a unit instead of ranking cities as they did in the past.
About Janaagraha
Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy (HQ: Ben-
galuru; founded in 2001) is a non-profit trust, working to-
wards the mission of transforming the quality of life in India’s
cities and towns
www.insightsonindia.com 33

Key highlights of the Report:
Key Insights Highlights
Purpose of the
Report
A nationwide analysis of local gover-
nance in Indian cities from a citizen-cen-
tric perspective. ASICS focuses on four
key components (as shown in Diagram):
Key findings
Pace of Urban- Outlays to the Ministry of Housing and
ization Urban Affairs have increased significant-
ly, but urbanization is outpacing reform
efforts, leading to persistent quali-
ty-of-life challenges.
Urban Legisla- 51% of states/union territories lack ac-
tions cessible urban legislation in the public
domain.
Master Plans 39% of India’s capital cities do not have
an active master plan.
Regional Varia- Eastern states have better urban legisla-
tions tion, followed by Southern states.
Urban Planning Highly urbanized and large states per-
Performance form better in urban planning.
Key challenges in India’s city systems
Discrepancy in Different data sources provide varying
Population es- estimates of India’s urban population
timation
Fiscal Decen- Adequate revenue sources are lacking,
tralization Chal- and only one state has devolved essen-
lenges tial tax powers to municipal corpora-
tions.
Poor Property Only About 20% of municipal expendi-
Tax Efficiency ture is covered by property tax, suggest-
ing the need for revenue optimization
and efficiency measures.
Mayors and Mayors and councillors have limited
Councillors powers, hindering their ability to address
delivery issues, and devolution of funds
and functions needs improvement.
34 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
I m p l e m e nta - Only 42% of the 74th CAA has been im-
tion of 74th plemented by states, and the law should
CAA be updated to reflect modern urban
realities and empower mayors and en-
hance governance functions
Other Issues Absence of systematic citizen participa-
tion and transparency.
Lack of contemporary spatial planning
and design standards for public utilities.
Recommendations of the report
Reforms in Indian cities must reform their institu-
Urban Gover- tional and financial capacities to benefit
nance from central government investments in
urban infrastructure and services.
Instruments of The report suggests ten “instruments
Change of change” for urban reform, including
constitutional amendments, metro-
politan governance, empowered may-
or-in-council, and participatory gover-
nance
Finance Increase in Urban Infrastructure Invest-
ment and arrange alternative city financ-
es
Previously, Isher Judge Ahluwalia re-
ported that by 2030, nearly ₹39 lakh
crore would be required
Urbanization Urbanization should be estimated using
E s t i m a t i o n data on mobility, labour markets, den-
Methods sity, built-up forms, and night-time data,
rather than relying solely on statutory
town definitions.
Devolution and Development authorities lead planning,
Urban Planning but cities should take the lead, requiring
more trained urban planners.
Responsibility The responsibility for implementing ur-
for Urban Gov- ban governance reform lies with state
ernance Re- governments, with the union govern-
form ment providing support through consti-
tutional amendments and leadership.
Suggestions by the national task force that reviewed the
74th Constitutional Amendment, (chaired by K.C. Sivara-
makrishnan):
• Empowering the people
• Transferring subjects to the city governments
• 10% of the income tax collected from cities should
be given back to them
o Corpus fund: ensure that this corpus fund is
utilized only for infrastructure building.
Other Recommendations for Urban Local Bodies (other
than those mentioned in the Report)
Current Affairs 30
Measures Key Points
Making ULBs Fi- Fiscal decentralization is crucial for the
nancially Inde- financial independence of Urban Local
pendent Bodies (ULBs).
Strengthening Using tools like GIS and digitization to
Municipal Reve- enhance property tax administration,
nue with the support of State Property Tax
Boards (recommended by 12th and 13
FC respectively)
The 14th FC recommended that mu-
nicipalities be enabled to levy vacant
land tax
Better Financial Maintenance and audit of accounts at
Database the local level are essential for access-
ing performance grants.
Both the 13th and the 14th Finance
Commissions included better data
availability as a conditionality for ac-
cessing performance grants.
Ensuring Active Promoting active citizen participation
Citizen Participa- through decentralized platforms like
tion Area sabhas and ward committees.
Grievance Re- Establishing technology-enabled com-
dressal plaint registration systems and feed-
back mechanisms for responsive city
governance.
Addressing Gov- Tackling structural and architectural
ernance Issues problems in urban governance to im-
prove service delivery and citizens’
quality of life.
For People’s Manifesto and Datajam: Click Here
India’s Urbanization Initiatives:
• For Urban Development: Smart Cities, AMRUT Mis-
sion, Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, HRIDAY, and
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban
• For slum dwellers and the urban poor: Pradhan
Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana and Atmanirbhar Bharat
Abhiyan, promoting self-reliance.
Conclusion:
To enhance urban governance, plans should start from the
grassroots, involving the community to identify their specific
needs. Empowering both city governments and the general
population is crucial. This empowerment can be achieved
through regular elections in cities, accompanied by the trans-
fer of the three Fs: finances, functions, and functionaries.
Mains Links
Q. To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralization
of power in India changed the governance landscape at the
grassroots? (UPSC 2022) (200 WORDS, 10 MARKS)
Prelims Links:
Q. Local self-government can be best explained as an exer-
cise in (UPSC 2017)
(a) Federalism
(b) Democratic decentralisation
(c) Administrative delegation
(d) Direct democracy
Ans: B
Topics: India and its neighbourhood- relations.
8. 10 YEARS OF BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE
(BRI)
Context:
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), led by Chinese President
Xi Jinping, marked its 10th anniversary.
What is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure
development strategy launched by China in 2013. It aims
to invest in over 150 countries and international organiza-
tions, creating road, rail, and sea routes for trade and con-
nectivity. The initiative, often referred to as “One Belt One
Road” (OBOR), is a key part of China’s foreign policy and has
been compared to the American Marshall Plan.
Objective of BRI:
The BRI is seen as a way for China to transition to a glob-
al power and reshape the global economic order. It further
aims to enhance global connectivity through infrastructure
development and economic cooperation.
BRI includes various infrastructure projects like ports, rail-
ways, roads, and power stations. It is set to be completed by
2049, coinciding with the centennial of the People’s Republic
of China. The initiative includes two principal components:
the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road.
Geographic Corridors for BRI Development:
• China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
• New Eurasian Land Bridge Economic Corridor
• China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor
www.insightsonindia.com 35

• China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor
• China-Central Asia-West Asia Economic Corridor
• China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (Initially, BRI in-
volved the BCIM Economic Corridor, but India’s op-
position to the CPEC led to its withdrawal from BRI
and later BCIM was replaced by the China-Myanmar
Economic Corridor)
India’s Objection to BRI:
India opposes the BRI due to sovereignty and transparency
concerns. It boycotted BRI summits in 2017 and 2019 and
hasn’t endorsed BRI joint statements by the SCO. The main
objection is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
passing through the Gilgit Baltistan region of India, which
India claims.
Benefits of BRI for China and Other Countries:
Benefit Description
Enhanced trade BRI expands China’s trade networks
and economic in- and bolsters its role in global eco-
fluence nomic affairs.
Countries participating in the BRI
have witnessed growth in trade and
investments with China, leading to
preferential treatment and policy
benefits.
Outlet for excess BRI projects provide markets for Chi-
capacity nese industries, particularly in con-
struction.
Geopolitical and BRI increases China’s influence in
strategic influence participating countries and on the
world stage.
Currency interna- Promotes the use of the Chinese
tionalization yuan (RMB) in international trade
and finance.
Energy security BRI projects secure access to crucial
energy resources for China.
Technological in- BRI facilitates technology transfer
novation and and knowledge exchange between
knowledge sharing China and its partners.
Examples Pakistan: China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC)
Kenya: Standard Gauge Railway proj-
ect
Greece: The Piraeus Port project has
turned Greece into a major transport
hub, increasing trade and creating
jobs.
Laos: The China-Laos Railway
Sri Lanka: Hambantota Port
Egypt: Suez Canal Economic Zone
36 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Concerns Related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):
Concern Description
S o ve re i g nt y India and other countries express sover-
concern eignty concerns over BRI projects like the
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Strategic con- India is worried about the strategic impli-
cern cations of BRI, including the impact on its
maritime capabilities and regional influ-
ence.
Lack of Trans- Concerns have arisen due to the lack of
parency transparency in BRI projects, particularly
related to debt and loan conditions.
BRI infrastructure project has encoun-
tered major implementation problems,
such as corruption scandals, labour vio-
lations, environmental hazards, and pub-
lic protests.
Project Mo- Chinese state-owned enterprises dom-
nopoly con- inate BRI investments, limiting competi-
cern tion and opportunities for other compa-
nies.
Economic Via- The lack of competition and high interest
bility rates on loans have raised concerns about
corruption and economic viability.
Delays in Proj- Some BRI projects face delays and chal-
ect lenges, leading to questions about the
feasibility and impact of China’s ambi-
tious strategy.
Debt Trap China is criticized for practising “debt-
trap diplomacy,” where it lends money
to countries like Sri Lanka and Zambia,
who struggle to repay, leading to China
acquiring strategic assets or political con-
cessions.
Multilateral Unlike initiatives like the Asian Infrastruc-
Governance ture Investment Bank (AIIB), the BRI lacks
a centralized governing structure, making
it difficult to address issues collectively.
Political Ten- Geopolitical rivalries and disputes have
sions affected BRI project implementation, po-
tentially undermining progress.
Environmen- BRI infrastructure projects have faced
tal Concerns criticism for their environmental and so-
cial impacts, requiring sustainable devel-
opment.
Geostrategic BRI projects will enhance China’s stature
Concerns and undermine India’s influence over
smaller South Asian countries and Indian
Ocean littoral states.
Current Affairs 30
Alternatives to address concerns about BRI:
Initiative Description
B3W Initiative Led by G7 countries, it aims to address the
infrastructure deficit in developing and
lower-income countries.
Blue Dot Net- A multi-stakeholder initiative by the US,
work (BDN) Japan, and Australia to promote high-qual-
ity standards for global infrastructure de-
velopment.
India’s Efforts India’s “IDEAS” plan: India’s counter to
BRI, supported by Lines of Credit (LOCs)
to countries in Asia, Africa, CIS, and Latin
America. It includes initiatives like IMEC
and INSTC.
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Cor-
ridor (IMEC) initiative during the recent
G20 summit
International North-South Transport Cor-
ridor (INSTC) for connecting India to the
Middle East and Russia
Global Gate- Launched by the European Union to com-
way pete with BRI, focusing on various sectors,
including climate change, digitalization,
health, and education.
Pa r t n e rs h i p A repackaged version of B3W. It is a G7 ef-
for Global In- fort to fund infrastructure projects in de-
frastructure veloping nations. India supports it.
and Invest-
ment (PGII)
Conclusion
China, in order to go ahead and protect its own interests,
has put in place a network of investments which has led to
several low- and middle-income countries in severe debt
hence the global initiatives have provided a counter block
for monopoly and taken steps to focus on more inclusive and
sustainable development.
Insta Links:
Belt and Road initiative
Mains Links:
Q1. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed
as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ ini-
tiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the
reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (UPSC
2018)
Q2. “China is using its economic relations and positive trade
surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in
Asia”. In light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as
her neighbour. (UPSC 2017)
Prelims Links:
Q. Belt and Road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the
news in the context of the affairs of (UPSC 2016)
(a) African Union
(b) Brazil
(c) European Union
(d) China
Ans: D
Topics: Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agree-
ments involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
9. GAZA CONFLICT: INDIA-ISREAL RELA-
TIONS
Diplomatic Relations: India recognized Israel in 1950. Full
diplomatic relations were established in 1992. India is among
164 UN member states with diplomatic ties with Israel
Why the shift in India’s policy towards Israel in 1992?
1991 Oslo peace accord provided the foundation for two-
state solutions (also backed by India). India’s shift in Israe-
li policy reflects a reevaluation of its stance in the Middle
East. The change is prompted by a lack of reciprocal support
from Arab nations in addressing regional issues, especially
regarding Kashmir. India’s approach mirrors countries like
Jordan, which maintains ties with both Palestine and Israel,
providing greater diplomatic flexibility.
Additionally, India’s decision to de-hyphenate its relation-
ship with Israel from its Palestinian ties allows for indepen-
dent engagement. This shift offers India more autonomy in
addressing its national interests and navigating regional geo-
politics.
Various aspects of India-Israel Relations:
Aspect Details
E c o n o m i c Bilateral trade increased from USD 5 billion
and Com- to over USD 7 billion by January 2023.
mercial Diamonds constitute around 50% of bilater-
al trade.
India is Israel’s third-largest trade partner in
Asia and seventh-largest globally.
Israeli investments in India include energy,
telecom, real estate, and water technolo-
gies.
FTA negotiations are underway between In-
dia and Israel.
www.insightsonindia.com 37
 Current Affairs 30

Defence India is a significant importer of Israeli Iran’s Percep- Israel views Iran India maintains a
weapons, accounting for about 40% of Isra- tion as an existential historical relation-
el’s annual arms exports threat. ship with Iran and
Indian armed forces use various Israeli cooperates for ener-
weapon systems, including drones, missile gy supplies and stra-
defence, and more. tegic trade routes,
such as the Chaba-
The Joint Task Force was formed to develop
har port to Afghan-
a Ten-Year Roadmap for enhanced defence
istan and Central
cooperation.
Asia.
Agriculture A three-year work program agreement in
Approach to Israel inherently India has significant
agriculture cooperation was signed in May
Arab World differs from Arab stakes in the Arab
2021.
countries. world, which influ-
Aims to develop Centers of Excellence (CoE) ence its diplomatic
and increase their self-sufficiency while pro- decisions.
moting private sector involvement.
Stand on China China is Israel’s India’s relationship
Israeli drip irrigation technologies and largest trading with China is com-
products are now widely used in India partner in Asia, plex, with various
Science & Multiple MoUs signed between Israel’s and both nations geopolitical issues.
Technology Start-Up National Central and Indian entre- have strong tech-
preneurship centres. nology and in-
India-Israel Industrial R&D and Innovation vestment links.
Fund (I4F) expanded to include renewable Relations with Israel is open to India faces ongoing
energy and ICT sectors. Pakistan the possibility of tensions and con-
I4F facilitates joint industrial R&D projects relations with Pa- flicts with Pakistan.
between Indian and Israeli companies. kistan.
Energy Israel joins the India-led International Solar T e c h n o l o g y Differences exist These issues are
Alliance (ISA) to promote renewable energy Transfer and between India complicated by In-
and clean energy partnerships. Trade and Israel regard- dia’s ‘Make in India’
Israeli Support for India’s Clean Ganga Mis- ing technology policy
sion transfer, end-us-
er agreements,
Culture Growing cultural ties, with festivals and and a proposed
events promoting art and music; a large free trade agree-
number of Israeli tourists visit Pushkar an- ment.
nually
Free Trade An FTA between
Education Academic agreements between Indian and A g r e e m e n t India and Israel
Israeli universities; Scholarships offered by (FTA) has faced chal-
both countries for students; Support from lenges due to
the Indian diamond community for Israeli concerns from
students studying Hindi in India the Indian do-
Indian Dias- Approximately 85,000 Jews of Indian origin mestic industry
pora in Israel; Main waves of immigration in the
1950s and 1960s Conclusion:
Balancing the differences between India and Israel is a com-
India and Israel have notable differences in various aspects: plex task. India must prioritize its national interests and re-
Aspect Israel India main flexible in its dealings with Israel. Maintaining apoliti-
cal ties with Arab countries and Israel is a positive step. Also,
India must adopt a proactive Middle Eastern policy to capi-
talize on geopolitical shifts driven by the Abraham Accords.

Prelims Links:
Q. The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned
in the news in the context of the affairs of (UPSC 2018)
(a) China

38 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
(b) Israel
(c) Iraq
(d) Yemen
Ans: B
10. NAVY OFFICERS’ DEATH ROW: IN-
DIA-QATAR RELATIONS
Context:
Recently Eight former Indian Navy officers have been sen-
tenced to death in Qatar. The charges against them, which
are related to espionage, have not been fully disclosed, and
the case has become a significant diplomatic challenge for
the Indian government
History of the case:
Challenges in India-Qatar relations:
Different aspects of India-Qatar Relations:
Area of Coop- Examples
eration
Political Rela- India and Qatar have traditionally good
tions: Strong bilateral ties. There have been regular
and friendly high-level visits, Joint Commission Meet-
ings
PM Manmohan Singh’s visit in November
2008
November 2022, the new VP Jagdeep
Dhankar travelled to Doha for the FIFA
World Cup and even addressed the Indian
diaspora
Economic & Qatar’s key exports to India include LNG,
Commercial: LPG, chemicals and petrochemicals, fer-
Strong trade tilisers, plastics, and aluminium articles
ties India’s key exports to Qatar include cere-
als, copper articles, iron and steel articles,
vegetables, fruits
In 2021, India was among the top four
largest export destinations for Qatar and
is also among the top three sources of
Qatar’s imports. Their bilateral trade, of
about $15 bn has been growing
India-Qatar Start-up Bridge is a joint
initiative to link the start-up ecosystems
of two countries
Energy: Major Qatar is one of the largest suppliers of
energy part- LNG to India, Investment by Qatar in the
ner Indian energy sector
Defence & Se- Joint military exercises: Za’ir-Al-Bahr
curity (Roar of Sea) is a naval exercise between
the Indian and Qatar Navy
The 2008 Defense Cooperation Agree-
ment is a crucial aspect of the relation-
ship between India and Qatar, involving
mutual training and visits, particularly for
the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces in India
Maritime relations: Interaction between
Indian Ports and Qatari Ports
Cultural Ex- Cultural festivals, and exchange programs
changes for artists and intellectuals.
P e o - Large Indian community in Qatar (over
ple-to-People 8 lakh), and close ties between the two
Ties countries through expatriates
Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) sent
COVID-19 medical relief material to India
14 Indian schools in Qatar are offering
CBSE curricula
Challenge Description
India’s engage- India’s engagement with nations like
ment post-2017 Saudi Arabia and the UAE has strained
Qatar blockade its relationship with Qatar.
Qatar, along with Turkey, Pakistan, and
Malaysia, has challenged the UAE and
Saudi Arabia within the OIC, causing
concerns for India
Qatar’s sup- Qatar’s alignment with Iran and its
port for militant support for groups like the Muslim
groups Brotherhood and Hamas have caused
tensions with India
India’s relation Qatar and Israel have historical enmi-
with Israel ty, and India’s growing ties with Israel
have not been well-received by the Qa-
tari leadership
India’s ambi- India’s participation in US-led initia-
tion in I2U2 and tives like I2U2 and the IMEEEC has
IMEEEC contributed to strained relations with
Qatar, especially in light of the Hamas
attacks and the Abraham Accords.
C o n t r o v e r s y Controversy arose due to comments by
Over Prophet an Indian ruling party spokesperson
Comments against the Prophet. Qatar demanded
a public apology, which was resolved
after the spokesperson was sacked.
Also, Qatar’s media has expressed con-
cerns about the treatment of minori-
ties by the ruling government, further
affecting bilateral relations
www.insightsonindia.com 39

Detention of 8 Eight former Indian Navy personnel are
Ex-Navy Person- imprisoned in Qatar (now on death sen-
nel tence), which is a significant concern as
a large Indian expatriate community re-
sides in Qatar.
Despite these challenges, why does Qatar matter for India’s
Look West policy?
• Geopolitical Standings: Qatar hosts leaders from
various opposition and militant movements, such as
Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the Taliban,
making it a player in the complex dynamics of the
Islamic world.
• Global and Regional Interests: Qatar houses Amer-
ican and Turkish military bases while maintaining a
working relationship with Iran, which influences the
geopolitics of the region.
• Soft Power: Through the government-owned Al Ja-
zeera broadcaster, Qatar has significant influence in
shaping opinions in the region.
• GCC Membership: Qatar’s membership in the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) is strategically important
for India, particularly concerning regional issues like
Kashmir.
• UNSC Support: Qatar’s support is essential for In-
dia’s bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations
Security Council.
• Business Presence: Several major Indian companies
operate in Qatar, contributing to economic ties be-
tween the two nations.
• Gulf Stability: The stability of the Gulf region is vital
for India’s energy and maritime security, making Qa-
tar’s role significant in this context.
What are the options for India in the present case?
Options for Description
India
1. Legal Ap- Continue legal appeals to ensure a fair tri-
peals al and examine the evidence against the
eight individuals.
2. Diplomatic Intensify diplomatic efforts to resolve the
Resolution case through negotiations and discus-
sions with Qatari authorities.
3. Political In- Seek high-level political intervention,
tervention potentially at the Prime Minister’s lev-
el, to request a pardon or commutation
of the death sentences. Utilize the 2016
agreement on the transfer of sentenced
prisoners if Qatar agrees to commute the
sentences to life terms.
4. Internation- Launch an international campaign to
al Campaign appeal for clemency, garnering support
from other nations and international or-
ganizations.
40 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
5. Internation- Consider filing a case at the International
al Court of Jus- Court of Justice (ICJ) as a last resort, sim-
tice (ICJ) ilar to the approach taken in the case of
Commander Jadhav in Pakistan.
What other countries have done in various actions in simi-
lar situations?
• During the Cold War, the US and Russia conducted
spy swaps.
• In 2006, Israel implemented a naval blockade and
conducted military operations after the capture of
IDF soldiers by Hezbollah. Years later, Israel secured
the release of one soldier, Gilad Shalit, by exchang-
ing him for 1027 mostly Palestinian prisoners
• In 2012, when India arrested two Italian marines
for the killing of Indian fishermen, Italy used diplo-
matic pressure, including blocking India’s member-
ship in a missile grouping (MTCR). Ultimately, India
released the Italian marines in 2016 on humanitar-
ian grounds.
Conclusion:
The case of the 8 Indian citizens and former naval service-
men requires a focus on legal, diplomatic, and humanitarian
efforts. The government should prioritize negotiations with
the Qatari leadership, potentially involving high-level inter-
vention. Speed and diplomacy, rather than brinkmanship,
are essential at this time.
Insta links:
• 50 Years of Bilateral ties (India-Qatar and India-South
Korea)
Mains Links:
Q. India’s old ties are being reinvigorated in West Asia in re-
cent times. Comment. What is its impact on India? (10M)
Topics: Effect of policies and politics of developed and devel-
oping countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
11. IMPACT OF GAZA CONFLICT ON IN-
DIA’S FOREIGN POLICY
Context:
The article highlights the implications of the Gaza crisis for
India’s foreign policy and security
What is the Israeli-Palestine conflict?
The Israel-Palestine conflict is a long-standing, complex dis-
pute over land, territory, and political sovereignty. It involves
competing claims to historical regions and has resulted in
decades of tension, violence, and international involvement.
Key issues include borders, settlements, the status of Jeru-
Current Affairs 30
salem, and the rights of Palestinians. It remains a significant
challenge to peace and stability in the Middle East.
To know about Hamas, Fatah, the Timeline of the conflict,
Yom Kippur War: Click on this article: Current Conflict in Is-
rael and the Yom Kippur War
Status of Palestinian Refugees:
According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), there are approximately 6 mil-
lion registered Palestinian refugees. Many of them continue
to live in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan,
Lebanon, and Syria.
Views of the International Community:
The international community supports a two-state solution,
where Israel and a future independent Palestine exist side by
side. Various peace talks and initiatives, such as the Camp Da-
vid Summit in 2000 and the Annapolis Conference in 2007,
have aimed to resolve the conflict but have not yet resulted
in a final agreement. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates and
Bahrain signed normalization agreements with Israel.
India’s Policy on the Israel-Palestine Conflict:
India’s Description
Policy
H i sto r i c a l India historically favoured Palestine due to
Stance factors like Gandhi’s opposition to a Jewish
state, a significant Muslim population, and
alignment with Arab countries, the Non-
Aligned Movement, and the UN.
Shift in Pol- In 1992, India established diplomatic rela-
icy tions with Israel while continuing to support
Palestine. This marked a significant change
influenced by post-Cold War dynamics.
B a l a n c i n g India aims to balance maintaining strong
National In- ties with Israel, supporting Palestine, and
terest cultivating relations with the Arab world,
guided by national interest and diplomatic
pragmatism.
C u r r e n t India’s relations with Israel have strength-
Policy ened across various sectors. It supports Is-
rael’s anti-terrorism efforts, although the
contexts differ.
Support for India remains vocal about its commitment
Palestine’s to the Palestinian cause and provides aid to
Cause Palestinian refugees and relief materials in
the midst of ongoing tensions.
B a l a n c e d India’s leadership has visited both Israel and
Stance Palestine, signalling a balanced approach. It
voted against unilateral recognition of Jeru-
salem as Israel’s capital in 2017.
Official Po- India officially supports a two-state solu-
sition tion with Israel and Palestine living as good
neighbours, a stance consistent with inter-
national mediation efforts.
Implications of the Gaza Crisis for India:
Implications Description
Security Conse- The Gaza crisis can impact India’s secu-
quences rity by fueling regional instability and
violent extremism.
Foreign Policy India may face diplomatic challenges
Challenges as its relationships with Arab moder-
ates and Israel are tested by the crisis.
Defence Deals India and Israel have a significant de-
with Israel fence partnership worth over USD 2
billion, but the conflict might affect it
as Israel focuses on its security.
Energy Security India’s reliance on Middle East oil
makes it vulnerable to energy price
fluctuations due to regional conflicts
involving countries like Saudi Arabia
and Iran
Impact on In- The conflict in the Middle East, cru-
d i a - M i d d l e cial for India, could impact its interests
East-Europe Eco- and the newly established IMEC, which
nomic Corridor aims to connect India, the Middle East,
(IMEC) and Europe
India should address these challenges by focusing on three
key areas in its foreign policy:
• Firstly, it should encourage moderation in Israel and
caution against a vengeful approach. Military means
are unlikely to defeat Hamas’s ideology, and an inva-
sion could strengthen the group’s legitimacy.
• Secondly, India should support the moderate Pales-
tinian Authority to counterbalance Hamas.
• Finally, India should acknowledge the regional am-
bitions of Iran and Turkey, as these may have impli-
cations, especially in regions like Jammu and Kash-
mir.
Conclusion:
Strengthening moderate voices in both Israel and Palestine,
promoting reconciliation, and building a coalition of moder-
ate states are crucial steps for India to secure its long-term
interests in the Middle East.
Insta Links:
• Israel-Palestinian issue: 75 years since the displace-
ment of 700,000 Palestinians
Mains Links:
Q. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a
depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.
(UPSC 2018)
www.insightsonindia.com 41
 Current Affairs 30

Unpaid Family More than half of rural women work as

Prelims Links: (UPSC 2015) Helpers unpaid family helpers in household busi-
Q. The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in nesses, while married women are often
the news in the context of the events related to engaged in unpaid family roles or domes-
a) Central Asia tic chores.
b) Middle East
Gender Wage Rural women working as wage labourers
c) South-East Asia
Gap face a higher gender wage gap compared
d) Central Africa
to urban women.
Ans: B
Self-employed women earn less than
half of men’s earnings, and this gap has
worsened from 2017 to 2021.
GENERAL STUDIES – 3
Unpaid Do- Women spend significant hours on un-
mestic and paid domestic and caregiving services in
Topics: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mo-
Care Work rural areas.
bilization of resources, growth, development and employ-
ment. In rural areas, women spend over five
hours daily on unpaid domestic services
and more than two hours on unpaid
1. LOW FEMALE LABOUR FORCE PARTICI-
caregiving.
PATION RATE IN INDIA Gender Dis- The agriculture census in 2015-16 showed
parity in Land that only 14.7% of operational landhold-
Context:
Ownership ings in agriculture were owned by wom-
India faces significant challenges related to female labour
en.
force participation rates (LFPR), particularly in rural areas, as
highlighted by the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data Most women-owned land falls into the
marginal and small holding categories.
What are Female Labour Force Participation Rates (LFPR)? Exclusion from Government agricultural schemes have
The Female Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) measures A g r i c u l t u ra l shifted towards cash-based initiatives,
the percentage of women within the working-age popula- Schemes but gender-wise beneficiary data reveals
tion (typically 15-59 years old) who are either employed or that a low percentage of women farmers
actively seeking employment. benefit from these schemes.
Landownership is a major criterion for
Significance of LFPR: eligibility, which excludes many women
• It provides insight into the level of economic activity farmers.
among women in a particular country or region, in-
dicating their involvement in the labour force. How higher LFPR helps society:
• A higher LFPR suggests greater participation of
Positive Impact of Description
women in the workforce
High LFPR on Society
• A lower rate indicates lower participation, often in-
fluenced by factors such as cultural norms, econom- Economic Growth Women’s participation in the la-
ic conditions, and access to employment opportu- bour force is directly linked to eco-
nities. nomic growth.
Poverty Reduction When women have access to in-
Key Issues are: come-generating opportunities, it
Issue Description can lift households out of poverty.
Low Female India has one of the world’s lowest LFPR Human Capital De- Educated and economically active
Labour Forcerates for women velopment women can positively influence the
Participation education and health outcomes of
India ranks lower than most South Asian
(LFPR) their children, leading to intergen-
countries, except Afghanistan and Pa-
erational benefits.
kistan. In 2021-22, the LFPR for women
aged 15-59 was only 35.6% in India. Gender Equality and Higher women’s participation in
Empowerment the labour force can challenge tra-
Rural-Urban Rural areas have a lower LFPR for wom-
ditional gender roles and norms,
Disparities en at 26.5% compared to 39.3% in urban
promoting gender equality.
areas.

42 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Fertility and Popula- Studies have shown that as wom-
tion Growth en’s labour force participation in-
creases, fertility rates tend to de-
cline.
This phenomenon, known as the
“fertility transition,” is associated
with improved access to education,
healthcare, and family planning,
leading to more sustainable popu-
lation growth.
Reduced Gen- Economic empowerment can en-
der-Based Violence hance women’s bargaining power
and reduce their vulnerability to
gender-based violence and abu-
sive relationships.
Labour Market and Increasing women’s participation
Talent Pool in the labour force can help ad-
dress skill shortages and labour
market imbalances, leading to a
more efficient allocation of talent
and resources.
Reforms in the ‘care economy’ for empowering women:
Reforms Description
Policy Re- Implement policies that acknowledge and
forms value unpaid care work.
For example, the Mahatma Gandhi Nation-
al Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGN-
REGA) provides wages for certain commu-
nity and care-related activities.
Recently, the Tamil Nadu government has
launched the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai
Thogai Thittam, a women’s basic income
scheme, recognizing Women’s Unpaid La-
bor. The scheme will provide Rs 1,000 per
month to women in eligible households
F l e x i b l e Encourage businesses to offer flexible work
Work Man- arrangements that accommodate women’s
agement caregiving responsibilities.
Examples include remote work or part-time
opportunities to enable women to balance
work and caregiving.
Skilling and Provide training and skill development pro-
Training grams tailored to women’s needs.
Programs that train women as healthcare
workers, educators, or caregivers can lead
to formal employment.
S e l f - H e l p Encourage the formation of self-help groups
Groups among women, allowing them to engage in
economic activities collectively, such as mi-
cro-enterprises or agricultural cooperatives.
Examples include JEEVIKA in Bihar and
Kudumbshree in Kerala.
M ate r n i t y Enhance maternity and childcare benefits to
and Child- support working mothers. Expanding mater-
care Bene- nity leave provisions and providing afford-
fits able childcare facilities can enable women
to return to the workforce.
For instance, in Sweden, publicly funded
childcare services and parental leave poli-
cies enable women to participate more fully
in the workforce.
Entrepre- Promote entrepreneurship among women
neurship in the care economy by encouraging them
Opportuni- to establish small businesses like daycare
ties centres, nursing services, or home health-
care agencies.
The government, for example, offers “Nari
Shakti” grants to empower women entre-
preneurs across diverse sectors.
5R Frame- The International Labour Organisation (ILO)
work proposes a 5R framework for decent care
work centred around achieving gender
equality. This framework emphasizes the
importance of recognizing, reducing, redis-
tributing, regulating, and representing care
work to ensure fair and equitable conditions
for caregivers.
Fig: ILO’s 5R Framework
Conclusion:
There is a need to recognize and account for the unpaid,
unaccounted, and underpaid contributions of rural women
in the overall rural economy, especially in agriculture. The
inclusion of landless and marginal women farmers in govern-
ment agricultural schemes is seen as essential to addressing
gender inequality in rural India.
Mains Links:
Q. Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized
economy’. How can the care economy be brought into
monetized economy through women empowerment? (An-
swer in 250 words) 15 (UPSC 2023 GS3)
Prelims Links:
Q. Which of the following gives the ‘Global Gender Gap In-
dex’ ranking to the countries of the world? (UPSC 2017)
(a) World Economic Forum
(b) UN Human Rights Council
(c) UN Women
(d) World Health Organization
Ans: A
2. WORKER’S PRODUCTIVITY: LONG
WORKING HOURS
www.insightsonindia.com 43

Context:
Recently, NR Narayana Murthy (Founder of Infosys) suggest-
ed that Indian youth should work long hours to improve pro-
ductivity,
What is Productivity?
It is the efficiency of using resources like labour and capital
to produce goods and services. It impacts a nation’s living
standards and economic growth.
Type of Productivity:
Type Description
Labour Productivity Measures output per hour of work,
directly influencing wages, living
standards, and purchasing power.
Capital Productivity Evaluates output from physical as-
sets like machinery and buildings,
impacting profitability and compet-
itiveness.
Total Factor Produc- Accounts for output growth beyond
tivity labour and capital, are often asso-
ciated with innovation, efficiency,
and technological progress.
Benefits of long working hours:
Aspect Benefits
Economy 1. Increased economic output and GDP
growth.
2. Enhanced competitiveness on a global
scale.
3. Expansion of employment opportuni-
ties.
4. Potential for higher tax revenues for the
government.
Businesses 1. Higher production and potential for in-
creased profits.
2. Greater flexibility to meet market de-
mands.
3. Improved innovation and product devel-
opment.
4. Enhanced market share and sustainabil-
ity.
Individuals 1. Opportunities for higher income and ca-
reer growth.
2. Improved job security and advancement
prospects.
3. Ability to meet financial goals and aspi-
rations.
4. Gaining valuable work experience and
skills.
44 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Society 1. Reduced unemployment and poverty
rates.
2. Improved overall living standards.
3. Enhanced infrastructure and public ser-
vices.
4. Potential for social and community de-
velopment.
Demerits of long working hours:
Aspect Demerits
Economy Decreased worker productivity and burn-
out.
Increased healthcare costs due to
stress-related issues e.g., Higher medical
expenses
Limited opportunities for new entrants in
the job market.
Businesses Reduced employee morale: Frequent res-
ignations and recruitment expenses
Diminished creativity and innovation in
the long run.
Greater absenteeism due to health and
personal issues e.g., More sick leave re-
quests
Individuals Poor work-life balance: Stress-related
health problems
Limited time for personal and family life
leading to Strained relationships
Reduced personal development and skill
acquisition e.g., Limited time for educa-
tion, hobbies, and self-improvement
Society Potential for decreased family stability
e.g., Increased divorce rates and family
conflicts
Reduced community engagement and
social cohesion e.g., Less time for partici-
pation in community activities and volun-
teering
Indian workers’ productivity status:
Despite Indians working an average of nearly 48 hours per
week (ILO data), one of the highest figures worldwide, their
hourly output stands at $8.47. In contrast, countries like
France, where the average workweek is around 30 hours,
manage to achieve significantly higher productivity of over
$58 per hour.
Indian workers’ productivity remains relatively low despite
their long working hours due to various factors:
• Impact of Agriculture: A significant portion of the
workforce in agriculture can lower a country’s over-
all productivity
Current Affairs 30
• Outdated technology use and technology diffusion
in workers
• Insufficient skills
• Suboptimal work conditions
• Lack of innovation
The number of hours worked is not the sole determinant
of productivity, and other factors, such as technological ad-
vancement and human capital, play a crucial role in enhanc-
ing overall productivity.
How the productivity of Indian workers can be improved
without increasing the number of working hours?
Approach Description
Technological Invest in modern technologies and au-
Adoption tomation to streamline processes and
reduce manual labour.
Skills Enhance- Provide training and education to work-
ment ers to improve their skill sets and adapt
to changing job requirements e.g., Skill
India Mission
Better Work- Promote flexible work arrangements,
Life Balance telecommuting, and support for em-
ployees’ well-being to reduce stress
and burnout. Encourage concepts like
15 Minutes work neighbourhoods. Put
health before wealth
Infrastructure Develop better infrastructure, including
Upgrade transportation and communication,
to reduce time wasted in commuting
and improve access to resources e.g.,
Delhi Metro, RRTS between Delhi and
Meerut, etc.,
Innovation and Encourage research and development
R&D to foster innovation, leading to im-
proved products and services.
Incentive Pro- Offer performance-based incentives to
grams motivate employees and reward ex-
ceptional productivity
Collaborative Promote a collaborative work culture to
Culture enhance teamwork and problem-solv-
ing.
Meaning of Suc- Success has different meanings for dif-
cess ferent people: Economic success is not
the only yardstick to measure the suc-
cess of human life.
U n d e r s t a n d Entrepreneur and employee mindsets
employees and are different: If an employee has to
employers have work 70+ hours for a basic salary, then
different mind- it is not a great idea. The employee may
sets as well take the entrepreneurship path
where there is an opportunity to create
a company and keep the profits
What is “8 hours work’ debate and hustle culture”?
Hustle culture is defined as one that encourages employees
to work more than normal working hours.
• Work is on their minds even when they have free time
or on holidays.
• The major requirement of this culture is to complete a
job on target at a faster pace than usual.
Last year, A LinkedIn post by the CEO of a company advising
youngsters to work 18 hours a day, at least for four to five
years initially in their career, faced a backlash and was rid-
iculed
Conclusion:
Improving productivity without increasing working hours is
not only beneficial for workers but also contributes to eco-
nomic growth and overall well-being.
Insta Links:
New trends in work culture
Mains Link:
Do you think rejecting hustle culture youngsters or going for
moonlighting is rejecting the idea of work is worship embed-
ded in Indian Culture? Discuss. 10M
Topics: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
3. 2023 NOBEL PRIZE IN ECONOMICS:
CLAUDIA GOLDIN
Context:
Claudia Goldin, a Professor of Economics at Harvard Univer-
sity, has been awarded the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Eco-
nomic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel for 2023 (also
known as the Nobel Prize in Economics) for her contribu-
tions to understanding women’s labour market outcomes
• She is only the third woman to receive this honour
since its inception in 1969.
The article can be read in continuation of Saturday’s article:
Low Female Labour Force Participation Rate in India
About Claudia Goldin:
Claudia was born in New York, in 1946 and completed her
Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1972. She is known
for her pioneering research into women’s roles in the econ-
omy, with a focus on historical data from the United States.
Claudia Goldin’s ground-breaking Work:
www.insightsonindia.com 45

Significance of her work:
Claudia Goldin’s work has shed light on important questions
about gender differences in the labour market, education,
marriage, and parenthood. Goldin’s research has provided
valuable insights for policymakers and society, helping to ad-
dress barriers to women’s participation in the labour market.
While her research focused on the U.S., its findings have
broader applicability, providing valuable insights into labour
market dynamics in many countries.
For more read: Low Female Labour Force Participation Rate
in India
2022 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Ben S.
Bernanke, Douglas W. Diamond and Philip H. Dybvig “for
research on banks and financial crises.” Unlike the other
prizes, the economics award wasn’t established in Alfred
Nobel’s will of 1895 but by the Swedish central bank in his
memory. The first winner was selected in 1969.
Mains Links:
Distinguish between ‘care economy and ‘monetized econo-
my’. How can the care economy be brought into monetized
economy through women empowerment? (UPSC 2023)
Topics: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the
country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems
storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce
and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid
of farmers.
4. WATER USE IN INDIAN AGRICULTURE
46 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Context:
The article discusses India’s progress in food security and its
water usage in agriculture
India’s food production improvements:
• Exports Surge: India exported 85 million tonnes of
cereals, including staples like rice, wheat, and corn,
from 2020 to 2023.
• Domestic Support: The PM Garib Kalyan Yojana pro-
vided free rice or wheat to over 800 million people,
demonstrating the country’s ability to support its
population while being a major exporter.
• Milk Production Growth: India’s milk production in-
creased from 17 MT in 1951 to 222 MT in 2022-23,
making it the world’s largest milk producer.
• Diversified Production: India has witnessed rap-
id growth in poultry and fishery sectors since the
2000s, signifying a shift beyond traditional staples
into what’s known as the pink (poultry) and blue
(fishery) revolutions.
How India Uses Water for Agriculture?
Aspect Description
Agricultural India, with 18% of the world’s population,
Dependency only possesses 4% of its freshwater re-
sources.
India’s heavy reliance on water for agricul-
ture is evident, with estimates varying from
78% to 90% of water usage for farming
I r r i g a t i o n Currently, approximately 50% of India’s
Status gross cropped area is irrigated, with plans
to increase this to 75% to manage cli-
mate-related uncertainties.
I n e f f i c i e n t Groundwater is the primary source of irri-
usage of wa- gation. Various subsidies and incentives are
ter given to support it. However, it has led to
over-exploitation of water, especially in the
north-west region.
E c o n o m i c Extensive subsidies, including food and fer-
Constraints tilizers, make it challenging to invest in wa-
ter management.
Two Crops As per a NABARD-ICRIER study on Water
use maxi- Productivity Mapping; Rice and Sugarcane
mum water alone consume almost 60 % of India’s irri-
gation water
What should be India’s Water Strategy for Agriculture?
Strategy Description
Buffer Stocking Enhance water storage during the
monsoon season in reservoirs.
Water-smart technol- Like micro-irrigation, cover-crop
ogies method, deficit irrigation, pre-
cision estimation of crop water
needs, etc.
Current Affairs 30

Monetary Rewards Offering financial incentives to Government Ef- Description

farmers who save water and forts
power can drive the transition to National Mission Launched in 2010 to promote respon-
less water-intensive crops. E.g., of Sustainable sible resource management.
the Punjab government’s ‘Pani Agriculture
Bachao, Paisa Kamao’
Pradhan Mantri Introduced in 2015 to encourage mi-
The article emphasizes the need Krishi Sinchayee cro/drip irrigation for water conserva-
to reward farmers for switching Yojana (PMKSY) tion.
from water-intensive crops like
Paramparagat Implemented to leverage cli-
paddy and sugarcane to less wa-
Krishi Vikas Yoja- mate-smart farming practices and
ter-intensive crops like millets,
na technologies.
pulses, and oilseeds
Green India Mis- Launched in 2014 to protect and re-
Groundwater Re- Focus on recharging groundwater
sion store forest covers, combating climate
charge through check dams and water-
change.
sheds.
Neem-Coated Introduced to reduce excess use of
Demand Management Promote rational water allocation
Urea urea fertilizers and protect soil health.
and efficient usage across crops.
National Project Promote organic farming and agro-
Institutional Reforms Implement reforms in the irriga-
on Organic Farm- forestry for ecological and economic
tion sector, including water and
ing and National benefits.
power pricing.
Agroforestry Pol-
Increase Irrigated Aim to irrigate at least 75% of the icy
Land gross cropped area to cope with
State-level Or- States like Andhra Pradesh, Himachal
climate uncertainties.
ganic Farming Ini- Pradesh, and Sikkim promote organic
Private Investment Address the challenge of attract- tiatives farming.
ing private investments in water
ICAR Climate-Re- Establishing climate-resilient villages
infrastructure by considering pric-
silient Villages in 151 districts to build carbon-posi-
ing.
tive communities.
Shift Focus Prioritize water productivity, as
exemplified in Punjab where rice Insta Links:
has high land productivity but low • Climate-smart agriculture
water productivity.   
Promote Water-Sav- Encourage farming practices that Mains Links:
ing Practices save water, such as direct seed- Q. Elaborate on the impact of the National Watershed
ed rice (DSR), alternate wet and Project in increasing agricultural production from wa-
dry (AWD) irrigation, zero till, and ter-stressed areas. (UPSC 2019)
drip irrigation for sugarcane.
Private Sector Invest- Attract private sector investments Q. How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in
ments in reservoirs and canal networks solving India’s water crisis? (UPSC 2021)
to improve water infrastructure.
Public-private partnerships can Prelims Link:
help fund these projects Q. Among the following, which one is the least water-effi-
cient crop? (UPSC 2021)
Case Study: (a) Sugarcane
Israel’s Water Management: Israel excels in water technolo- (b) Sunflower
gy, including drip systems, desalination, and wastewater re- © Pearl Millet
cycling, which could benefit Indian agriculture with the right (d) Red gram
political commitment. Answer: A

Click Here For Regenerative agriculture: A step towards wa- 5. WORLD FOOD DAY: WWF’S REPORT: THE
ter conservation HIGH COST OF CHEAP WATER
Government Efforts in Agriculture:
Context:
The WWF’s report, titled “The High Cost of Cheap Water,”

www.insightsonindia.com 47

warns of a growing global water crisis that poses a threat to
$58 trillion in economic value, food security, and sustain-
ability.
About the Report:
The report, released on World Food Day (16th Oct), presents
the first-ever annual estimate of the economic value of wa-
ter and freshwater ecosystems
Major Findings, Threats, and Recommendations in the Re-
port:
Findings Description
Economic and A global water crisis is mounting, posing
environmen- a threat to $58 trillion in economic value
tal challenges (about 60% of the World’s GDP), food se-
curity, and sustainability.
Direct Eco- Water and freshwater ecosystems pro-
nomic signif- vide both direct and indirect benefits,
icance of wa- with direct economic benefits amounting
ter resources to over $7 trillion annually
Indirect Eco- Unseen benefits of water ecosystems,
nomic Bene- such as purifying water, enhancing soil
fits health, storing carbon, and protecting
against extreme weather events, are esti-
mated at around $50 trillion annually.
Decline in The world has lost a third of its wetlands
e c o l o g i c a l since 1970, and freshwater wildlife popu-
health lations have seen an average 83% decline.
“Water Blind- There is a lack of awareness and under-
ness” standing of the importance of water re-
sources, the report refers to it as water
blindness.
Threats to the Water Ecosystem
Agriculture’s Unsustainable agricultural practices, ac-
impact counting for over 70% of freshwater use,
are a primary threat to rivers and flood-
plains.
Excessive fertilizer use leads to diffuse pol-
lution affecting surface and groundwater.
C l i m a t e Climate change disrupts the hydrological
Change cycle and reduces water availability.
Pollution Water pollution by human activities like
use of fertilizers, microplastics
U n s u s t a i n - Flow modification & fragmentation by In-
able Develop- frastructure like dams and river diversions
ments
Recommendations Given in the Report
P r e s e r v i n g Protecting and restoring rivers and flood-
water re- plains is essential for food security, as
sources they play a crucial role in maintaining agri-
cultural productivity.
48 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Wetlands Revitalize 30% of Degraded Rivers and
Wetlands by 2030
Subsidies End Harmful Subsidies in agriculture and
energy.
Nature Based Financial institutions should Invest in Na-
Solutions ture-based Solutions for climate adapta-
tion.
Industry re- The food industry is encouraged to em-
sponsibility brace sustainability practices to reduce
harm to freshwater ecosystems, biodiver-
sity, and climate.
Role of water Healthy water ecosystems are vital for
ecosystems in climate adaptation, including mitigating
climate resil- floods, building resilience to droughts,
ience and sustaining landscapes.
To know about: Water use in Indian agriculture Click Here
To know about: Water Management in India: Click Here
To Know about the growing water crisis and One water Ap-
proach (OWA): Click Here
About World Food Day:
It is an international day celebrated every year worldwide
on October 16 to commemorate the date of the founding
of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in
1945. The theme for World Food Day in 2023 is “Water is
life, water is food”.
About WWF:
The World Wide Fund for Nature is a Swiss-based (HQ:
Gland) international non-governmental organization
founded in 1961.
It’s the world’s largest conservation organization focuses on
preserving the environment and aims to halt its degradation.
WWF runs campaigns like Earth Hour. WWF is part of the
Foundations Platform F20
Mains Links:
Q. Analyse the availability and usage of water in India. In the
context of ‘One Water Approch’, discuss the measures that
are needed for effective management of water in India. (250
Words)
Prelims Link
Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2015)
1. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was
launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to
poor farmers.
2. The Command Area Development Programme was
launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use
efficiency
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
Current Affairs 30
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)
was launched in 1996 as a central assistance programme, with
the aim to accelerate the creation of irrigation potential.
The Command Area Development (CAD) programme was ini-
tiated in 1974-75 with a view to bridging the gap between
the potential created and its utilisation and optimising ag-
ricultural productivity through better management of land
and water use in the command areas served by selected ma-
jor and medium irrigation projects.
6. ROLE OF FARMER PRODUCERS’ ORGANI-
ZATIONS (FPOS)
Context:
In the past two years, Eastern Uttar Pradesh (UP) has seen
significant growth in vegetable and fruit exports. This growth
is attributed to Farmer Producers’ Organizations (FPOs) that
have played a pivotal role in promoting cluster-based farm-
ing, facilitating technology adoption, and helping farmers
market their produce.
What are FPOs?
FPOs are voluntary organizations controlled by their farm-
er-members who actively participate in setting their policies
and making decisions to improve their own socio-economic
situation and that of their communities.
Objectives:
To Leverage economies of scale in production and market-
ing to enhance productivity through efficient, cost-effective,
and sustainable resource use for ensuring sustainable in-
come-oriented farming
Role of FPOs in Modernizing Indian Agriculture:
Role Description
Reducing Costs FPOs help reduce farmers’ costs through
and Increasing bulk purchases of inputs and enable bet-
Income ter marketing of farm products. They ag-
gregate produce and offer bulk transport
solutions.
Modernization FPOs promote the modernization of agri-
of Agriculture culture, particularly benefiting small and
marginal farmers who may lack access to
modern equipment.
Specialized Farming: An FPO led the ini-
tiative to farm special Kalanamak rice in
Siddharthnagar district (UP)
A d d r e s s i n g With the majority of Indian farmers hav-
Small Land ing small land holdings, FPOs encourage
Holdings collective farming, addressing produc-
tivity challenges associated with limited
farm size.
Enhancing Bar- FPOs empower farmers by enhancing
gaining Power their bargaining power and income lev-
els, enabling them to compete with large
corporate enterprises.
Unique Recognition: FPOs have success-
fully registered local products under Geo-
graphical Indications, such as Adam Chini
rice and Banarasi langda
Access to Tech- FPOs provide access to modern technol-
nology ogies, credit, capacity-building, and train-
ing, and ensure traceability of agricultur-
al produce.
Easy Access to Farmers within FPOs have easier access
Credit to funds and support services from the
government, donors, and service provid-
ers.
Eliminating In- FPOs play a crucial role in eliminating
termediaries non-transparent intermediaries in agri-
cultural marketing, leading to better in-
comes for farmers.
Value Addition FPOs minimize post-harvest losses
through value addition and efficient
management of value chain facilities.
C o l l e c t i v e FPOs facilitate the collectivization of
Strength small, marginal, and landless farmers,
giving them collective strength to ad-
dress issues like crop failure and market
access.
M a n a g i n g Practices like contract farming and agree-
Price Fluctua- ments, enabled by FPOs, help manage
tions price fluctuations.
Effective Com- FPOs enable efficient communication for
munication disseminating information about prices,
volumes, and other farming-related ad-
visories.
Nutritional Fo- FPOs are enhancing local diets by de-
cus veloping the value chain of nutrient-rich
agri-products like millets, mushrooms,
moringa, and fortified cereals.
Local Cam- In Rampur, an FPO collaborated with dis-
paigns trict administration for the “Aahaar Se
Upchar Tak” campaign, supplying nutri-
tion-rich products to anganwadi kendras,
and enhancing local nutrition.
Issues Facing FPOs:
• Lack of/ Inadequate Professional Management -
Trained rural manpower is scarce for professional
www.insightsonindia.com 49

FPO management.
• Weak Financials - FPOs primarily comprise small and
marginal farmers with limited resources, hindering
their ability to provide quality products and services
initially.
• Inadequate Access to Credit - Credit guarantee
schemes require FPOs to have a minimum of 500
shareholder members, leaving many small FPOs
without access to credit benefits.
• Lack of Risk Mitigation Mechanism - Existing insur-
ance schemes cover production risks for farmers but
do not address business risks for FPOs.
• Inadequate Access to Markets - FPOs struggle with
limited connections to industry players, large retail-
ers, and other market participants.
• Inadequate Access to Infrastructure - FPOs lack es-
sential facilities like transport, storage, value addi-
tion, processing, brand building, and marketing.
• Lack of Technical Skills/Awareness - Farmers often
lack awareness of the benefits of collective farming,
and there is a shortage of competent agencies to
provide support.
Government steps to address various agricultural issues:
Government Steps Description
Scheme for 10,000 Establishing 10,000 Farmer Pro-
FPOs ducer Organizations to enhance
agricultural profitability and bene-
fit farmers.
Equity Grant Fund Supporting FPOs in improving their
Scheme for Enhanc- viability, sustainability, and cred-
ing Viability itworthiness through an equity
grant fund.
Credit Guarantee Providing collateral-free credit to
Fund Scheme FPOs, facilitating their access to
financial resources for agricultural
activities.
Scheme for the Cre- Bridging supply chain gaps by facil-
ation of Backward itating raw material availability and
and Forward Linkag- market linkages for FPOs.
es
Operation Greens Promoting FPOs, agri-logistics, pro-
(TOP to TOTAL) cessing facilities, and professional
management to boost agricultural
value chains.
100% Tax Deduction Offering tax incentives to FPOs
for FPOs with Annu- with turnovers within the specified
al Turnover up to Rs. limit.
100 Crores
UP Government Support for FPOs:
• Formation Plans: The Centre aims to establish
10,000 FPOs nationwide. In Uttar Pradesh (UP), the
goal is to create one FPO in each of its 826 blocks
annually for five years.
50 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
• Dedicated Support: UP has a specialized FPO cell to
guide these organizations, ensuring scheme conver-
gence and addressing compliance.
• FPO Shakti Portal: Launched in UP, it offers grievance
redressal and business partnership opportunities for
FPOs. As of July 15, 1,600 FPOs with a turnover of Rs
229 crore have registered on the portal.
• Financial Assistance: The Agriculture Infrastruc-
ture Fund provides FPOs with a 3% interest subven-
tion. UP adds another 3%, reducing loan interest to
around 3%.
• Subsidies: Both Central and state-sponsored
schemes offer capital subsidies, encouraging
post-harvest infrastructure development.
Conclusion:
To improve FPOs, there is a need to scale and strength-
en FPOs, amend the APMC Act for fee exemptions, build
farm-level infrastructure, enable MSP procurement, attract
private investors, extend funding schemes, create flexible
policies, and conduct rural farmer awareness programs.
Insta Links:
Farmer Producer Organizations
Mains Links:
“In the villages itself, no form of credit organization will be
suitable except the cooperative society.” – All Indian rural
credit survey. Discuss this statement in the background of
agriculture finance in India. What constraints and challeng-
es do financial institutions supply agricultural finances? How
can technology be used to better reach and serve rural cli-
ents? (UPSC 2014)
Topics: Science and Technology- developments and their
applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of In-
dians in science & technology; indigenization of technology
and developing new technology.
7. 2023 NOBEL PRIZE IN MEDICINE (MRNA
VACCINES)
Context:
The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was award-
ed to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their research
enabling the development of mRNA vaccines against
COVID-19.
What are RNAs, types of RNAs, and differences with DNAs:
See the infographic
Current Affairs 30

Storage mRNA vaccines DNA vaccines can typ-

require ultra-low ically be stored at less
temperatures (e.g., extreme tempera-
-90°C to -50°C) for tures (so more suited
storage and trans- for tropical countries
portation. like India)
Flexibility Both mRNA and DNA vaccines offer
DNA vaccines can flexibility but may re-
be adapted quickly quire additional de-
to address emerg- velopment steps for
ing variants and adaptation.
new diseases by
changing the genet-
ic code.
Examples Pfizer/BioNTech and E.g., Zydus Cadila’s
Moderna COVID-19 ZyCoV-D vaccine; Co-
vaccines are mR- vishield (by Serum
NA-based and Oxford) use DNA
wrapped in another
virus, which then in-
What is mRNA? structs cells to make
mRNA stands for “messenger RNA.” It is a molecule that car- the spike protein.
ries genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes in cells,
where it is used as a template for protein synthesis.

What are mRNA vaccines?

mRNA vaccines are a type of vaccine that uses messenger
RNA (mRNA) to instruct cells in the body to produce a specif-
ic viral protein, such as the spike protein of a COVID-19 virus.
This protein triggers an immune response, helping the body
build immunity against the virus.

Notably, mRNA vaccines do not contain live or weakened vi-

ruses, making them safe and effective tools for preventing
infectious diseases like COVID-19.

How are these vaccines different (mRNA vs. DNA)?

Comparison of mRNA and DNA vaccines:
Aspect mRNA Vaccines DNA Vaccines
G e n e t i c Use messenger RNA Use DNA (deoxyribo-
Material (mRNA) as genetic nucleic acid) as genet-
material. ic material.
Stability mRNA is relatively DNA is more stable
fragile and needs and does not require
lipid protection to lipid protection
remain stable.
Delivery mRNA vaccines de- DNA vaccines often Contributions of Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman:
liver instructions di- use a harmless virus Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman made important con-
rectly to the cell to (vector) to deliver tributions to the development of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines
produce viral pro- DNA instructions to (Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccine).
teins. cells. Previous to Katalin and Weissman’s findings, lab-grown ge-
netically engineered mRNA was recognized as foreign by
the body’s dendritic cells (Nerve Cells), leading to unwanted
inflammatory reactions.

www.insightsonindia.com 51

Kariko and Weissman realized that RNA from mammali-
an cells is often chemically modified, whereas lab-created
mRNA lacks these modifications. They hypothesized that
modifying the bases in lab-created mRNA could reduce the
inflammatory response. Their experiments confirmed this
hypothesis, with base modifications significantly reducing
inflammation when introduced to dendritic cells.
These discoveries, first published in 2005 and further devel-
oped in 2008 and 2010, laid the foundation for mRNA vac-
cine technology
Future significance: Their work not only revolutionized
vaccine technology but also has the potential for broader
applications in treating diseases and delivering therapeutic
proteins.
About the Duo:
Katalin Kariko, from Hungary, and Drew Weissman, from
the USA, have extensive backgrounds in biochemistry and
medicine, and their collaborative efforts have revolution-
ized vaccine development, saving countless lives during the
COVID-19 crisis.
Insta Links: Omicron-specific mRNA vaccine
Prelims Links:
Q. In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent
COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:
(UPSC 2022)
1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine
named Covishield using mRNA platform.
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based
platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
52 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q. Widespread resistance of malarial parasite to drugs like
chloroquine has prompted attempts to develop a malarial
vaccine to combat malaria. Why is it difficult to develop an
effective malaria vaccine? (UPSC 2010)
(a) Malaria is caused by several species of Plasmodium
(b) Man does not develop immunity to malaria during natu-
ral infection
(c) Vaccines can be developed only against bacteria
(d) Man is only an intermediate host and not the definitive
host
Ans: (b)
Q. With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Re-
combinant Vector Vaccines’, consider the following state-
ments
1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of
these vaccines.
2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
8. 2023 NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS (SEEING
ELECTRONS IN BRIEF FLASHES OF LIGHT)
Context:
The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Pierre Agos-
tini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier for their ground-
breaking experiments that have allowed scientists to gener-
ate attosecond pulses of light.
What are Electrons?
The electron is a subatomic particle with a negative elemen-
tary electric charge. Electrons rapid movement made them
challenging to study directly. Scientists had to rely on aver-
aging their properties.
Why are Electrons hard to capture?
Exposure Time Analogy: To understand why electrons were
hard to capture, think of taking a picture of a race car. Lon-
ger exposure times result in blurry images, while shorter ex-
Current Affairs 30
posure times yield sharper pictures. If a normal camera is
used to capture a race car, the image will be blurred. But a
high shutter-speed camera can freeze motion and capture a
clear image of the car.
Electrons move so quickly that capturing them requires ex-
tremely short pulses of light such as attosecond.
What is the Attosecond Timescale?
Electron dynamics occur on the attosecond timescale, which
is a billionth of a billionth of a second (1×10−18 of a second),
much faster than femtoseconds (a millionth of a billionth of
a second) associated with atomic movements.
Pierre In 2001, Pierre Agostini and his research group
Agostini’s successfully generated and examined a series
Contribu- of 250-attosecond light pulses. This achieve-
tion ment marked a significant breakthrough, al-
lowing for the execution of rapid experiments
in the field of attosecond physics.
F e r e n c Ferenc Krausz and his team in Austria devel-
K r a u s z ’s oped a pioneering technique that enabled
Technique the separation of individual 650-attosecond
pulses from a pulse train. This breakthrough
made it possible to perform precise measure-
ments of the energy of electrons in various
experiments.
These ultra-short pulses of light enable re-
searchers to directly study the incredibly fast
dynamics of electrons in matter.

What were the Previous Limitations in generating attosec-

ond pulses of light?
Until the 1980s, scientists could produce femtosecond puls-
es, but technology limitations prevented shorter pulses.
However, studying electrons required even shorter pulses.

Contribution of Various scientists:

Scientist’s Description
Who are the scientists?
Contribu-
• Anne L’Huillier: Born in 1958 in Paris, France. She earned
tion
her PhD in 1986 from the University of Pierre and Marie
A n n e In 1987, Anne L’Huillier and her colleagues Curie in Paris. Currently, she holds the position of Profes-
L’ H u i l l i - passed an infrared laser beam through a no- sor at Lund University, Sweden.
er’s Dis- ble gas, resulting in the production of ultra- • Pierre Agostini: Received his PhD in 1968 from Aix-Mar-
covery violet light overtones. These overtones were seille University, France. He is a Professor at The Ohio
found to be intense enough to be of practical State University, Columbus, USA.
use. • Ferenc Krausz: Born in 1962 in Mór, Hungary. He serves
as the Director at Max Planck Institute of Quantum Op-
tics, Garching, and is also a Professor at Ludwig-Maximil-
ians-Universität München, Germany.
• Last year, The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to
Alain Aspect, John F. Clauser and Anton Zeilinger for
their work on quantum mechanics

Applications of Attosecond pulses:

Application Description Examples
Overtone Interactions: Scientists discovered Atomic and Attosecond pulses Studying elec-
that the overtones created by the interaction Molecular Im- enable the capture tron movement
of light in the noble gas could interact with aging of ultrafast process- within mole-
each other. This interaction led to construc- es within atoms and cules.
tive and destructive interference, a crucial molecules, providing
phenomenon that enabled the production of insights into their dy-
intense attosecond pulses namics.

www.insightsonindia.com 53
 Current Affairs 30

Materials Sci- Attosecond spectros- Investigating (b) 2 and 3 only

ence copy aids in under- properties of na- (c) 1 and 3 only
standing and manip- noscale materi- (d) 1, 2 and 3
ulating materials at als. Ans: (a)
the quantum level,
essential for advanced Q. Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘black-
materials. holes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is
the significance of this observation? (UPSC 2019)
Electronics Attosecond pulses Enhancing the
(a) ‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected.
can be used to devel- speed of micro-
(b) ‘Gravitational waves’ were detected.
op faster electronic processors.
(c) Possibility of inter-galactic space trav-
devices by examining
el through ‘wormhole’ was confirmed.
electron behaviour on
(d) It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’.
extremely short times-
Ans: (b)
cales.
Catalysis Studying ultrafast Investigating cat-
9. 2023 NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY:
chemical reactions alysts for cleaner
with attosecond preci- energy produc- QUANTUM DOTS
sion contributes to im- tion.
proving catalytic pro- Context:
cesses in chemistry. The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for the dis-
covery and synthesis of quantum dots, tiny particles with
Medical Diag- Attosecond pulses can Detecting specif-
unique optical properties due to their small size.
nostics identify molecules ic biomolecules
based on their fleeting in medical tests.
What are Quantum Dots?
signatures, potentially
Quantum dots are tiny particles, just a few nanometers in
advancing medical di-
size, with unique optical properties due to their small size.
agnostic techniques.
While their atomic structure is the same as bulk materials,
Telecommu- Attosecond technolo- Improving data quantum dots’ properties can be altered by adjusting their
nications gy can lead to better transmission in size.
telecommunications fibre optic net- At the nanoscale, these particles exhibit size-dependent
systems, enhancing works. characteristics influenced by quantum forces, which differ
data transfer rates and from macroscopic physics governed by gravity.
network efficiency.
Spectroscopy Attosecond spectros- Analyzing the
copy allows for de- electronic struc-
tailed examination ture of organic
of molecular spectra, compounds.
aiding in the study of
complex molecules.

Insta links:
2020 Nobel Prize in physics

Prelims Links:
Q. The efforts to detect the existence of Higgs boson par-
ticle have become frequent news in the recent past. What
is/are the importance/importances of discovering this par-
ticle? (UPSC 2013)
1. It will enable us to understand as to why elementary par-
Physicists in the 1970s discovered that adding elements like
ticles have mass.
gold, silver, cadmium, sulphur, or selenium could modify the
2. It will enable us in the near future to develop the tech-
optical properties of glass, but the synthesis of quantum
nology of transferring matter from one point to another
dots had not yet been achieved.
without traversing the physical space between them.
3. It will enable us to create better fuels for nuclear fission.
Contributions of the scientists:
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only

54 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Scientist Contribution to Quantum Dots Applications of Quantum dots:

Dr Alexei I Eki- In the early 1980s, Dr Ekimov pioneered Application Description Examples
mov the creation of size-dependent quantum D i s p l a y Enhance display quality Samsung QLED
effects in coloured glass. He conducted Technology in QLED screens. TVs
research on glasses tinted with copper Lighting Adjust the colour tem- Nanoco LED light-
chloride, which, when heated and cooled perature in LED lamps. ing solutions
under different conditions, resulted in Biomedical Map cells and organs Quantum dots for
glass with varying light-absorbing prop- Imaging for research and diag- cancer imaging
erties due to the formation of differently nostics.
sized copper chloride crystals.
Drug Deliv- Targeted drug delivery Quantum dots for
Dr Louis E Brus In 1983, Dr. Brus and his colleagues took ery for therapy. drug delivery
a significant step by producing similar
crystals in a liquid solution instead of Photovolta- Improve solar cell effi- Quantum dot so-
glass. This innovation allowed for more ics ciency. lar cells
precise manipulation and study of the Sensing and Detect and measure Quantum dot
crystals Detection specific substances. sensors
Dr Moungi G Dr. Bawendi and his team, in 1993, de- Q u a n t u m Quantum bits (qubits) Quantum dot-
Bawendi veloped a technique to create well-de- Computing in quantum computing. based qubits
fined quantum dots with high optical S e c u r i t y Anti-counterfeit mark- Security applica-
quality. Their process involved injecting Marking ers on currency and tions
a substance into a heated solvent and documents.
adjusting the temperature to control the
size of nanocrystals. The resulting quan-
tum dots had a smooth exterior surface,
making them suitable for a wide range of
applications

Who are the three scientists?

• Alexei Ekimov: Born in 1945 in the former USSR, he
obtained his PhD in 1974 from Ioffe Physical-Techni-
cal Institute, Saint Petersburg, Russia. He served as
the Chief Scientist at Nanocrystals Technology Inc.,
New York, USA.
• Louis Brus: Born in 1943 in Cleveland, USA, he
earned his PhD in 1969 from Columbia University,
New York, where he is a professor.
• Moungi Bawendi: Born in 1961 in Paris, he grew up
in France, Tunisia, and the US. He currently holds About Quantum Computing:
a professorship at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT), USA.

www.insightsonindia.com 55

Insta links:
• Quantum Mission
• The promise in India’s National Quantum Mission
Prelims Links:
Q. Which one of the following is the context in which the
term “qubit” is mentioned? (USPC 2022)
(a) Cloud Services
(b) Quantum Computing
(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
(d) Wireless Communication Technologies
10. SOLAR GEO-ENGINEERING
Context:
The article discusses solar geoengineering as a potential
solution to combat the adverse effects of climate change.
What is Solar geoengineering?
Solar geoengineering, also referred to as solar radiation
management (SRM) describes a set of proposed approaches
to reflect sunlight (back to space) to rapidly cool the Earth.
Within solar geoengineering, researchers are considering
two main approaches.
Different SRM methods:
• Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI): It involves
injecting tiny reflecting particles, known as aerosols,
into the upper atmosphere to cool the planet.
• Marine cloud brightening (MCB): It would use sea
salt to stimulate cloud formation over the ocean,
which would also help reflect sunlight in the region.
Why is solar geoengineering being considered?
The Paris Agreement’s target requires limiting global tem-
perature increase well below 2°C above pre-industrial lev-
els and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to
1.5°C.
For this, nations need to bring net global CO2 emissions to
zero by no later than mid-century.
56 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Potential of Solar Geo-Engineering:
• The process is cost-effective, with an estimated
cost of $18 billion a year for each degree of cooling
achieved.
• Whereas, removing carbon dioxide from the atmo-
sphere to achieve similar cooling effects will require
much more money.
Implications of Solar Geo-Engineering:
Implications Description
1. Polar Solar geo-engineering may cool tropical
Warming and zones but could lead to temperature in-
Ice Melt creases around the poles, accelerating
permafrost and sea ice melting.
2. Impact on Geo-engineering might affect monsoon
Monsoon Pat- patterns in different regions, potentially
terns disrupting crucial rainfall and weather sys-
tems.
3. Moral haz- The danger is that the technology will be-
ard come an excuse to slow emissions reduc-
tions and stop moving toward a low-car-
bon economy
4. Little is Research to scope the risks and poten-
known about tial of solar geoengineering has mostly
its impacts been conducted through computer-based
modelling and natural observations (vol-
canic eruption).
5. Uncoordi- The ease of implementing solar geo-en-
nated Efforts gineering poses a risk of uncoordinated
efforts by countries or private entities,
which could have unforeseen consequenc-
es on global weather patterns.
E.g., Private companies like “Make Sun-
sets” conduct unregulated experiments
by releasing sulphur dioxide gas into the
atmosphere.
The USA’s plan:
• The USA stated that public or private actors could
carry out activities such as injecting aerosols and
MCB to reflect more sunlight into space.
• It called for research to enable better-informed
decisions about the potential risks and benefits of
the tool as part of its climate policy, in addition to
mitigation and adaptation.
Way ahead:
Because solar geoengineering has global implications, its
consideration as a climate response requires –
• Effective international governance/ Mechanisms for
oversight.
• Outdoor experimentation and funding for experi-
ments should come only from governments.
• Ways to involve the public in decision-making.
Current Affairs 30
Conclusion:
Given the ethical and environmental risks these activities
can present, atmospheric experiments to assess these tech-
nologies deserve timely public scrutiny and debate.
Even as researchers assess the potential feasibility and ef-
fectiveness of geoengineering approaches, mitigation and
adaptation must remain our first-line solutions.
Insta Links:
Cooling the Earth down
Mains Links:
Q. What is solar Geoengineering? Discuss the benefits and
shortcomings linked with this technology.
Topics: Awareness in space.
11. INDIAN SPACE ECONOMY: DECADAL
VISION AND STRATEGY
Context:
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Cen-
tre (IN-SPACe) has unveiled a decadal vision and strategy for
the Indian space economy, aiming to significantly boost its
growth.
What is IN-SPACE?
IN-SPACe is India’s single-window autonomous agency un-
der the Department of Space, responsible for promoting and
authorizing various space activities for non-governmental
entities (NGEs).
• It was launched in 2020 to provide a level playing
field for private companies to use Indian space in-
frastructure
• It acts as a single-point interface between Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and everyone
who wants to participate in space-related activities
or use India’s space resources
The key points of IN-SPACE’s Decadal Vision and Strategy:
Key Points Details
8% Target Aiming for an 8% global share in the
space economy by 2033, up from the
current 2%.
Increase Domes- Expanding the domestic market share
tic and Export from $8 billion to $33 billion and export
Share market share from $0.3 billion to $11
billion by 2033. The current size of the
global Space economy is $ 546 billion
Collaborations Emphasizing collaboration among
stakeholders and promoting private
sector participation.
Investment Envisioning an investment of ₹17,600
crore ($22 billion) over the next de-
cade.
Focus Areas IN-SPACe will focus on three areas:
Space-for-Earth, Access-to-Space, and
Space-for-Space.
10 Key Capabili- The decadal vision includes 10 key ca-
ties pabilities: Demand generation, Earth
observation, Communication, Naviga-
tion, Research, Talent Development, Fi-
nance, International Cooperation, Col-
laboration, and Policy regulation.
Emerging trends and their contribution to the Indian space
sector:
Trends Contribution to the Indian Space Sector
Private partici- ISRO promotes private participation, and
pation domestic private space companies have
raised over $245 million in funding. India
ranks fifth globally in terms of the num-
ber of private space firms.
International ISRO collaborates with countries and in-
collaboration ternational organizations for joint mis-
sions and technology transfers. For exam-
ple, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture
Radar (NISAR) mission is a joint project.
Outer plane- India made history by reaching the Mar-
tary missions tian orbit with the Mangalyaan Mission
and is launching Chandrayaan-3, India’s
lunar exploration mission, in the first
quarter of 2023.
Human mis- Gaganyaan, India’s first manned mission
sions to space, is a significant milestone sched-
uled for 2023.
Development ISRO is developing new technologies like
of new tech- reusable launch vehicles and Inflatable
nologies Aerodynamic Decelerator (IAD). Agnikul,
a domestic startup, successfully tested
3D-printed rocket engines.
E x p a n s i o n ISRO provides satellite-based services in
of satel- remote sensing, navigation, and meteo-
lite-based ser- rology. It plans to expand these services
vices and offer satellite-derived data to stimu-
late innovation.
www.insightsonindia.com 57

Bottlenecks in the Indian space sector:
• Access to Capital: Limited funding for downstream
companies, as upstream activities receive major in-
vestments.
• Human Resource Constraints: A need for technically
inclined marketing personnel, but they tend to pre-
fer established businesses with market-level sala-
ries.
• Monopolization: High capital requirements make it
challenging for many players to enter the industry,
leading to potential monopolization.
• Funding Disparity: India’s space budget is signifi-
cantly smaller compared to countries like the US and
China.
Measures taken to promote private sector participation in
the space industry:
Measures Description
New Space Established to utilize ISRO’s research and
India Limited development for commercial purposes
(NSIL) through Indian industry partners. An-
nounced in Budget 2019.
Indian Space Aims to represent the collective voice of
A s s o c i at i o n the Indian space industry, including lead-
(ISpA) ing domestic and global corporations with
advanced space and satellite capabilities.
N a t i o n a l The government has approved the Indian
Space Policy Space Policy (ISP) 2023, to boost private
2023 sector participation and increase invest-
ments in the space sector from private
companies
58 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
ISRO Startup Launched in 2019, it provides a platform
Hub for startups to collaborate with ISRO, ac-
cess ISRO’s facilities, and benefit from IS-
RO’s expertise.
Space Activi- Currently under consideration by the Indi-
ties Bill, 2020 an Parliament, this bill would allow private
companies to engage in space activities,
including satellite launches and space-
based services.
Other Recommendations:
A recent report by the Indian Space Association, NASSCOM
and Deloitte India suggested adopting OECD’s framework
for segmenting the space value chain into upstream, down-
stream and Auxiliary categories
• Upstream: All activities, products and infrastructure
that ensure development, testing, launching, opera-
tions and monitoring of space assets
• Downstream: All applications, services and devices
relying on satellites to create business value includ-
ing Earth Observation, Satellite, SATCOM, etc
• Auxilliary: Additional space-related activities such as
space insurance, awareness, education and training
Conclusion
The Indian space sector has an opportunity to create a vi-
brant ecosystem for start-ups and private enterprises. India
needs to focus on building a comprehensive space policy,
providing access to capital for early-stage startups, access to
satellite technology for industry, improved training for satel-
lite operations, and allowing private players to use the Indian
Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) testing facilities.
Insta Links
• Milestones in India’s Space Programme
• Startups are powering India’s Space Odyssey 2.0
Mains Link:
Q. What is India’s plan to have its own space station and
how will it benefit our space programme? (UPSC 2019)
Q. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Sci-
ence and Technology. How the application of this technol-
ogy has helped India in its socioeconomic development? (
UPSC 2016)
Prelims Links
Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit
the Mars after USA
3. made India the only country to be successful in making
its spacecraft orbit Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
Current Affairs 30
(b) 2 and 3 only Entrepreneur- Encouraging tal- Pashmina Shawls
(c) 1 and 3 only ship ent-driven entre- (Kashmir)
(d) 1, 2 and 3 preneurship
Ans: C
Employment Boosting employ- Banarasi Brocades,
Creation ment opportuni- Bhagalpuri Silk
Topics: Awareness in the fields of IT, Computers, robotics,
ties
nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intel-
lectual property rights. Women Em- Increasing female Warli Paintings, Mad-
powerment labour force par- hubani Art
ticipation
12. GI TAGS: HOW DOES IT HELP?
P r e s e r v i n g Conserving tradi- Kalamkari Fabric, Al-
Context: Traditions tional crafts, cul- phonso Mango
This article explores the significance of Geographic Indica- ture, and food
tion (GI) tags and the challenges faced by India in their effec- C o m m u n i t y Supporting bio- Coorg Coffee, Mysore
tive utilization. Benefits diversity, local Sandalwood
knowledge, and
What is a GI Tag? resources
A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on Soft Power Enhancing region- Scotch Whisky (Scot-
products which correspond to a specific geographical lo- al soft power land), Swiss Watches
cation or origin. A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or (for Switzerland)
manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods).
C o n s u m e r Assuring consum- Parmigiano-Reggiano
Confidence ers of product au- Cheese, Swiss Watch-
Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality
thenticity es
and distinctiveness (e.g., Basmati Rice), which is essential-
ly attributable to the place of its origin. A GI right prevents I nte l l e c t u a l Protecting region- Roquefort Cheese,
non-compliant product standards but allows similar produc- Property ally owned intel- Darjeeling Tea
tion techniques within the standards by anyone. The regis- lectual property
tration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of rights
10 years. It can be renewed from time to time for a further
period of 10 years each. Challenges facing India regarding GI-Tags include:
• Lack of Commercial Strategy: Insufficient strategies
Laws governing the GI tag: for leveraging GIs in global markets.
• GIs are covered under the Paris Convention for the • Limited Organized Efforts: Absence of coordinated
Protection of Industrial Property. efforts beyond establishing distinctiveness.
• Governed by the WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Relat- • Quality Control Neglect: Focus on source indication
ed Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). rather than quality control, as seen with Alphonso
• In India, the GI tag is regulated by the Geographical Mango.
Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) • Marketing and Branding Gaps: Inadequate promo-
Act, 1999. tion, branding, and advertising, exemplified by Bas-
o Administered by the Controller General of mati rice.
Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks, who is • State Conflicts: Ongoing state-level disputes over GI
also the Registrar of Geographical Indica- ownership, as seen in the Rasogolla case.
tions. • Unauthorized Use: Misuse of GIs by unauthorized
parties, misleading consumers and hurting genuine
Benefits of GI tags: producers.
• Revenue Loss: Unfair practices lead to revenue loss
Benefit Description Examples
for legitimate GI right-holders.
Revenue Gen- Higher economic Darjeeling Tea, Bas- • Ongoing IP Controversy: GI protection remains a
eration gains, quality pro- mati Rice contentious issue in intellectual property rights.
duction, profit dis-
tribution The way forward:
Global Mar- Facilitating global Kanchipuram Silk Sa- • Digital Literacy: Prioritize digital literacy for GI pro-
ket Access reach for products rees, Jaipur Blue Pot- ducers through NGOs and stakeholders.
tery • Ethical Capitalism: Promote ethical capitalism, so-
cial entrepreneurship, de-urbanization, and female
workforce inclusion.

www.insightsonindia.com 59

• Mandatory Audits: Implement regular audits and
consultations with GI producers.
• Organized Marketing: Develop organized marketing
and enhance product exclusivity and premium sta-
tus
• Legal protection to GIs: It also extends to the pro-
tection of traditional knowledge and traditional cul-
tural expression contained in the products.
Conclusion:
GIs have the potential to be our growth engine. Policy-mak-
ers must pay heed to this and give Indian GI products their
true reward
Insta Links:
Geographical Indication tags
Prelims Links:
Q. Kalamkari painting refers to (UPSC 2015)
(a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India
(b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-
East India
(c) a block-painted woollen cloth in the Western Himalayan
region of India
(d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western In-
dia
Answer: A
Topics: Conservation related issues, environmental pollution
and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
13. BIOHYDROGEN AND INDIA’S GREEN
HYDROGEN PATHWAY
Context:
The article discusses the role of biohydrogen in India’s green
hydrogen pathway. It also discusses the industrial interest
in biogas reforming, which converts biogas into environ-
mentally friendly chemicals like syngas or bio-hydrogen.
The key difference between biohydrogen and green hydro-
gen is in their sources of production:
• Biohydrogen: Derived from biological sources such
as biogas, and often considered a form of renewable
hydrogen due to its environmentally friendly conver-
sion process.
o Biohydrogen is hydrogen produced from
biological sources, typically through
biogas reforming. It converts biogas
(CH4 and CO2) into hydrogen, often
referred to as syngas or bio-hydrogen
• Green Hydrogen: Produced through the electrolysis
of water using renewable energy sources like solar
or wind power, and is considered the purest form of
clean hydrogen.
60 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Definition of Green Hydrogen:
In August 2023, the Union Ministry of New & Renewable
Energy, Government of India, provided a definition for
green hydrogen, specifying it as having a well-to-gate emis-
sion (encompassing water treatment, electrolysis, gas purifi-
cation, drying and compression of hydrogen) not exceeding
2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg H2. In contrast, grey hydrogen,
on average, emits 10 kg of CO2 per kg of H2 produced.
Nodal Agency: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) (under
the Union Ministry of Power) is the nodal authority respon-
sible for accrediting agencies for monitoring, verifying and
certifying green hydrogen production projects.
Challenges in Green Hydrogen Production:
Not Sufficient Green hydrogen constitutes less than 1
per cent of the world’s hydrogen produc-
tion and usage (as per the Global Hydro-
gen Review 2023 by the International En-
ergy Agency (IEA))
Green hydrogen production needs to
grow significantly to align with Net Zero
Emissions goals.
Energy ineffi- 30% of renewable energy is lost while
cient producing hydrogen
Carbon emis- Existing methods involve fossil fuels with
sions. high carbon emissions.
Low Adoption Low-emission hydrogen adoption in vari-
ous sectors is slow.
E c o n o m i c Low economic sustainability of extracting
Sustainability green hydrogen.
For transportation fuel cells, hydrogen
must be cost-competitive with conven-
tional fuels and technologies on a per-mile
basis
Access to crit- Access to critical minerals such as nick-
ical minerals el, platinum group metals and rare earth
metals such as lanthanum, yttrium and
zirconium could hinder scaling up electrol-
yser manufacturing capability in India
Biohydrogen as a Promising Solution:
Challenge How Biohydrogen Addresses It
Source Diver- Utilizes biogas as a readily available
sity source, offering diversity in raw materials
for hydrogen production.
Environmen- Converts methane and CO2 in biogas
tal Benefits into hydrogen, reducing harmful emis-
sions and promoting a more sustainable
process.
Current Affairs 30
Cost-Effective Biogas-based hydrogen production is
often cost-effective, making it a practical
solution for green hydrogen.
It is cost-effective mainly due to the simi-
larity between biogas and natural gas
Carbon Cap- The biohydrogen process inherently cap-
ture tures carbon from biogas, contributing to
carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative
outcomes.
Biogas reforming can help reduce car-
bon deposition through the use of excess
steam
Infrastructure Biohydrogen production methods can
Compatibility be integrated with existing natural gas
infrastructure, minimizing the need for
new infrastructure development.
Research and Attracts significant research interest and
Development investment, driving innovation in the field
of biohydrogen production.
Government Initiatives for Bio and Green Hydrogen:
Initiative Key Points
Global Biofuel Leading efforts to establish global stan-
Alliance dards for hydrogen from biomass.
National Hy- Targeting a production increase to 5 mil-
drogen Mis- lion metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, meet-
sion ing 40% of domestic requirements.
Production Proposing a Rs 15,000-crore PLI scheme
Linked In- for electrolysers.
centive (PLI)
Scheme
Green Hydro- Development of Green Hydrogen Produc-
gen Mission tion Capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million
Metric Tonne) per annum; Renewable
energy capacity addition of about 125
GW in the country by 2030
Strategic Interventions for Green Hydro-
gen Transition (SIGHT): Funding domestic
electrolyser manufacturing and green hy-
drogen production.
Green Hydrogen Hubs: Identifying and
developing states/regions for large-scale
hydrogen production/utilization.
Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partner-
ship (SHIP): Under this Public-private
partnership framework R&D will be facili-
tated under the mission.
International Actively partnering with other countries,
Collaboration research institutions, and private entities
for expertise and technology develop-
ment.
R e n e w a b l e Integrating green hydrogen production
Energy Inte- with India’s expanding renewable energy
gration capacity for improved efficiency and sus-
tainability.
India’s status for Green Hydrogen:
• Oil India Limited (OIL) recently commissioned In-
dia’s first 99% pure green hydrogen plant in eastern
Assam’s Jorhat
• NTPC (in Kawas, Surat) has started India’s 1st Green
Hydrogen Blending operation in the Piped Natural
gas (PNG) Network.
• The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board
(PNGRB) has given approval for a 5% blending of
green hydrogen with PNG (later to be scaled to 20%)
• Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has collaborat-
ed with business management consultant
• The Green Billions (TGBL) to manage its waste
and generate it into useable green hydrogen (under
the waste-to-hydrogen project)
• Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)to mobil-
ise finance and speed up green energy development
Way forward
• Investment in R&D on green Hydrogen technology
is required.
• There is a need to announce incentives to convince
enough users of industrial hydrogen to adopt green
hydrogen.
• India needs to develop supply chains in the form of
pipelines, tankers, intermediate storage and last-leg
distribution networks.
• Need to establish an end-to-end electrolyser manu-
facturing facility.
• Need a manufacturing strategy that integrates with
the global value chain and can maximize existing
strengths.
Conclusion
Bio-hydrogen will be a critical industrial fuel of the 21st cen-
tury. India is well-positioned to show leadership, which is in
India’s and the planet’s collective interest.
Insta Links:
India’s green hydrogen challenge
Mains Links:
Q. What are the key features of the National Clean Air
Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?
(UPSC 2020)
14. HIMALAYAN REGION: NEED FOR EIA
Context:
This article discusses the importance of Environmental Im-
pact Assessment (EIA) with respect to the fragile Himalayan
www.insightsonindia.com 61

ecosystem
What is EIA and its evolution?
Need for EIA in the Himalayn Region:
Challenges Reasons
Recurring Recent events like the Teesta dam breach
Disasters (Sept 2023) in Sikkim and Himachal
Pradesh floods and landslides underscore
the environmental toll of our development
model, particularly in mountainous re-
gions.
“One size The Himalayan region’s unique ecological
fits all” ap- importance, serving as a water tower and
proach provider of ecosystem services, is not ad-
equately considered in the existing EIA
system.
Unsuitability The differentiated risk management ap-
of a graded proach used in the regulatory system
approach doesn’t account for the special ecological
features of the Indian Himalayan Region
(IHR).
Unplanned Unplanned construction has disrupted
Urbanization natural water flow, leading to frequent
landslides and instability in the Himalayan
slopes.
Construction The construction of dams without proper
of Dams environmental impact assessment could
submerge arable lands, and biodiversity
hotspots, and displace villagers, affecting
fisheries and fish ecology.
62 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Ecology un- Population growth, industrial and commer-
der stress cial activities, deforestation, soil erosion,
and land pressure are stressing the fragile
Himalayan ecology.
Vulnerability The Himalayas are inherently vulnerable
to extreme to extreme weather conditions, and seis-
conditions mic activity, and are further impacted by
climate change.
Suggestions:
• Address the needs of mountainous regions like the
Himalayas in all four stages of the Environmental Im-
pact Assessment (EIA): Screening, scoping, public
consultation, and appraisal.
• Modify the criteria for projects requiring Environ-
mental Clearance to align with the ecological needs
of mountainous regions.
• Include clauses in the general conditions for all proj-
ects regarding the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) or
mountainous areas with specific characteristics to
hold project proponents accountable.
• Utilize the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
diligently as a powerful regulatory tool to promote
sustainable development in the IHR and the entire
country.
For recent changes in EIA notifications: Click Here
Conclusion:
A differentiated risk management approach for the IHR in
the EIA process and the introduction of a national-level reg-
ulator are suggested as potential solutions to address these
challenges effectively.
About Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification,
2006
The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification,
2006, is the governing legal instrument to grant green clear-
ance for the establishment or expansion of an industry on
the basis of the expected environmental impact of the proj-
ect.
Features of EIA Notification, 2006:
• The EIA Notification 2006 essentially attempted to de-
centralise power to the State Government.
• For this purpose, the rules categorize the projects into
two categories - A and B, on the basis of the magnitude
of their scale and impact on the natural and artificial re-
sources.
• Under this Notification, the environmental clearance
process undergoes four stages, namely, screening, scop-
ing, public consultation, and appraisal stages.
• With further amendments, including in 2020, the EIA
Notification underwent several changes with some fea-
tures meeting the objectives and some diluting the pur-
pose.
Current Affairs 30
Insta Links:
• EIA Amendments
Mains Link:
Q. Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasing-
ly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government.
Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal
plants located at coal pitheads. (UPSC 2014)
15. COAL: NECESSARY FOR INDIA’S
GREEN TRANSITION
Context:
The transition to green energy in India is encountering chal-
lenges, especially in coal-rich states. While there’s a global
focus on decarbonization and renewable energy (RE), coal
continues to play a significant role in India’s energy land-
scape.
What is Energy transition?
Energy transition involves shifting from fossil-based energy
production to renewable sources, aiming to reduce or elim-
inate carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. In India, by
2030, solar and wind energy could make up 51% of genera-
tion capacity, a significant increase from about 8% in 2019
to 31% in 2030
Status of Energy Transition in India
Renewable electricity is growing at a faster rate in India
than any other major economy, with new capacity additions
on track to double by 2026. In 2022, wind and solar made up
92% of India’s capacity additions to power generation.
What is the issues with this energy transition?
The growth of RE assets primarily benefits western and
southern states, leading to potential fiscal consequences
for RE-poor, coal-rich states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, and
West Bengal (mainly Eastern states). They face a decline in
coal royalties as RE expands, and they’ll have to import more
power from other states, which will strain their budgets.
Other Challenges in phasing out coal for India due to ener-
gy transition:
Challenge Description
Energy Secu- Coal is a vital source of energy for India’s
rity economy. It powers 55% of the country’s
energy needs and generates 72% of India’s
electricity. Coal is also a vital source of jobs
and economic growth.
Government Coal mining and related activities gener-
Revenue ate significant revenue for the government
through royalties, cesses, levies, and divi-
dend payouts. Reducing coal usage impacts
this revenue.
Direct Em- Coal production employs hundreds of
ployment thousands of people directly, providing
social security benefits. The decline in coal
usage may result in job losses.
Indirect Em- Numerous auxiliary services and business-
ployment es, such as coal washery workers, traders,
and transporters, depend on coal-related
activities. A coal phase-out affects their
employment.
Induced De- Communities and businesses in areas near
pendence coal mining have developed an induced
dependence on coal. A transition impacts
their economic well-being.
I n f o r m a l Small-scale coal operations and illegal
Coal Econo- trades support a significant informal coal
my economy with millions of dependents.
Their livelihoods are at stake.
Social Wel- Coal India Limited (CIL) has assumed the
fare Provider role of a welfare provider in coal regions,
offering essential services like housing,
roads, schools, and healthcare. Transition-
ing from coal may disrupt this support.
Strategies for ensuring a Balanced Energy Transition:
Strategy Description
Support for RE- Provide support and involvement in the
Poor States transition for states with fewer renew-
able energy resources to address their
unique challenges.
Financial Assis- Offer preferential lending for renewable
tance energy (RE) projects in states with limit-
ed RE resources to encourage investment
and development.
Increased Fed- Empower RE-poor states by giving them
eral Negotia- a more significant role in federal power
tions discussions, potentially by reviving insti-
tutions like the Inter-State Council to en-
sure their voices are heard.
F i n a n c i a l The Finance Commission can play a cru-
Transfers cial role by providing explicit financial
aid to RE-poor states, helping them navi-
gate the transition.
Collaborative Implement just transition mechanisms
Policies and collaborative industrial policies
that consider the economic well-being
of communities affected by the energy
transition.
E q u i t a b l e Ensure that all states, not just historically
Green Policy privileged ones, benefit from green in-
dustrial policies, creating a more equita-
ble transition for all regions.
www.insightsonindia.com 63

About Coal in India:
Keyword Explanation
Coal A type of fossil fuel found in sedimentary
rocks, often referred to as ‘Black Gold.’
It is a conventional energy source used
for various purposes, including domestic
heating, industrial processes, and elec-
tricity generation.
Leading Coal China is the world’s largest coal produc-
Producers er. In 2022, China produced over 52% of
the world’s coal. India is the second larg-
est producer, with a global share of near-
ly 9%, however, despite high production,
around 30% of India’s coal is imported.
Distribution of Different regions in India where coal is
Coal in India found, such as Gondwana Coal Fields
(predominantly found in regions like
Jharkhand-West Bengal, Chhattis-
garh-Odisha, and Maharashtra) and Ter-
tiary Coal Fields (mainly in extra-penin-
sular regions like Assam, Meghalaya, and
others).
Reserve The top 5 States in terms of total coal re-
serves in India are Jharkhand > Odisha >
Chhattisgarh > West Bengal > Madhya
Pradesh
Classification Various types of coal based on their car-
bon content and properties, including An-
thracite, Bituminous, Lignite, and Peat.
India, the largest coal producer, relies on coal imports for
several reasons:
• Domestic Demand and Buffer Stock: To meet the
high domestic demand and maintain buffer stocks,
64 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
India imports coal. Domestic supplies often fall
short, leading to the import route.
• Shortage of Good Coking Coal: India lacks reserves
of high-quality coking coal crucial for steel and relat-
ed industries, necessitating imports.
• Lower Cost of Imported Coal: Imported coal is
cost-effective compared to similar coal from Coal In-
dia for many coal-fired power plants.
• Coal Transport Challenges: Despite a vast railway
network, transporting coal from mines to coastal
power plants faces major connectivity bottlenecks.
Government Initiatives for the Coal sector
• Exploration of Coal and Lignite scheme: This initia-
tive focuses on assessing coal resources, preparing
project reports for mining, and facilitating the auc-
tion of new coal blocks to recover costs from suc-
cessful bidders
• UTTAM (Unlocking Transparency by Third Party As-
sessment of Mined Coal) Application for coal quality
monitoring
• New coal linkage policy to ensure adequate supply
of fuel to power plants through reverse auction
• Online Coal Clearances System
• Coal Allocation Monitoring System (CAMS)
• Opening up of commercial coal mining
For Major points of the Coal Ministry Action Plan 2023-24:
Click Here
Conclusion
Coal accounts for 55% of the country’s energy needs. Coal
is and will continue to be the backbone of India’s economic
and development growth. Thus India has to go for ‘Just tran-
sition’ to balance the need for Renewable, without severely
affecting Coal depedent economy.
Related News:
The Ministry of Coal has made a request to the Department
of Financial Services (DFS) to classify coal as part of the in-
frastructure sector.
Source: ET
The inclusion of coal in the master list of Infrastructure
sub-sectors has several benefits, including securing financial
assistance for commercial coal mines, making the coal sec-
tor more investor-friendly, and enabling banks and financial
institutions to formulate effective policies.
The Ministry of Finance introduced the Harmonized Master
List of Infrastructure sub-sectors (HMLIS) in 2012 to guide
financial institutions and agencies supporting infrastructure
development. Inclusion in the HMLIS is based on criteria
such as economic importance and contributions to human
capital. This inclusion facilitates easier access to long-term
funding at lower interest rates
Current Affairs 30
Insta Links energy mix.
Coal production in India • Irrigation- Between 1950- 2000, dams contributed
to 35% of the total irrigated land, and increased food
Mains Links grain production by 25%.
Q. Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwana- • Provision of water to households and industries-
land, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross The regulated flow of water dilutes harmful dis-
Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (UPSC 2021) solved substances in river waters during lean peri-
ods by supplementing low inflows and maintaining
Q. “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is the quality of water within safe limits.
still inevitable for development”. Discuss. (UPSC 2017) o Ex- Tansa dam supplies water to Mumbai
city.
Prelims Links: • Drought mitigation- dams store water that can be
Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019) used when rainfall is below normal limits. Ex- Sardar
1. Coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India Sarovar dam in Gujrat.
under Indira Gandhi. • Flood prevention- dams check the flow of water and
2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis. prevent flooding in low-lying areas, protecting lives
3. Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages and property.
of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal • Inland navigation- provide navigation channels
production. throughout the year, due to controlled levels of wa-
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? ter.
(a) 1 only • Recreation- dams offer recreational activities such
(b) 2 and 3 only as boating, fishing and swimming.
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 Harmful impacts of dams:
Ans: A Impact Description Example
Dam-induced Stresses generat- Koyna earthquake -
Q. Which of the following is/are the characteristic/charac-
earthquakes ed by the water Hoover Dam, USA
teristics of Indian coal? (UPSC 2013)
load can lead to
1. High ash content
earthquakes.
2. Low sulphur content
3. Low ash fusion temperature Loss of life Rapid release of Chungthang Dam
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: water during a failure in Sikkim (Re-
(a) 1 and 2 only dam failure can cent); Machhu Dam,
(b) 2 only result in a sig- Morbi, Gujarat (1979)
(c) 1 and 3 only nificant loss of
(d) 1, 2 and 3 lives, especially in
Ans: A downstream ar-
eas.
Topics: Disaster and management. Damage to Dams alter mi- Narmada Bachao An-
the ecosystem gratory routes of dolan; Hirakud dam
16. DANGERS OF LARGE DAMS IN INDIA aquatic life, lead- construction
ing to the loss of
Context: forest land and
The article highlights the dangers of large dams in India, es- wetlands.
pecially in the Himalayas. It discusses the recent collapse of Displacement Dam construction Hirakud dam con-
the Chungthang dam in Sikkim due to the eruption of South of people displaces local struction
Lhonak Lake. populations and
causes the loss of
Status of Dam in India: indigenous cul-
India is the 3rd largest dam-owning nation in the world. tures.
There are around 5,700 large dams in the country, of which S e d i m e n t a - Sedimentation reduces the storage capac-
about 80% are over 25 years old. tion ity of dams and requires frequent main-
tenance.
Benefits of dams
• Generation of hydroelectric power- Dams provide
hydropower, which contributes 12% to India’s total

www.insightsonindia.com 65

Soil erosion Dams can cause China’s Three Gorges
erosion in sur- Dam
rounding areas.
Disasters due Lack of coordi- Kerala floods 2018
to lack of co- nation between
ordination authorities can
lead to disasters,
such as floods due
to the release of
dam water.
High cost Dams are expen- Sardar Sarovar dam
sive to build and
maintain.
Various causes of dam failures:
• Seismic damage: Earthquakes can subject dams to
strong ground shaking, which may lead to structural
damage or foundation failure.
o Kobe Earthquake, Japan (1995): While not
a dam failure, the Kobe Earthquake in Japan
caused damage to dams and their compo-
nents.
• Erosion and piping: Erosion occurs when the flow of
water erodes the soil or rock supporting the dam’s
structure. Piping, a related issue, involves the in-
ternal erosion of dam materials, creating channels
through which water can escape.
• Extreme weather events: Intense and prolonged
rainfall, hurricanes, or typhoons can result in dam
failures due to increased water inflow, exceeding the
dam’s storage capacity.
o Kedarnath Floods, India (2013): While not
a traditional dam failure, the catastroph-
ic flooding in the Kedarnath region of Ut-
tarakhand, India, in 2013, was triggered by
heavy rainfall and the sudden release of wa-
ter from a glacial lake.
• Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF): In mountainous
regions with glaciers, the sudden release of meltwa-
ter from a glacier-dammed lake can trigger a GLOF.
These events can lead to massive floods down-
stream, posing a significant threat to communities
and infrastructure.
• Human factors: This includes poor operational deci-
sions, inadequate maintenance, conflict and war can
contribute to dam failures.
• Design limitations: Flaws in the original design, in-
cluding inadequate spillways, improper materials, or
underestimated water flow calculations can lead to
structural weaknesses.
Two examples of large dam failures:
• The recent Derna dam collapse Failure of two
roughly 75 and 45-meter tall dams following heavy
rain from Storm Daniel against the backdrop of the
Libyan civil war resulting in the city of Derna.
• Kakhovka Dam failure: The dam in Ukraine was
breached in June 2023, causing extensive flooding
along the lower Dnieper River. Many experts have
66 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
concluded that Russian forces likely blew up a seg-
ment of the dam to hinder the Ukrainian counter-of-
fensive.
While dams contribute extensively towards water manage-
ment, there are significant risks associated with dams, on
account of their ageing and poor management.
Measures taken to ensure dam safety:
Measure Description
Dam Safety Act Aims at surveillance, inspection, op-
2021 eration, and maintenance of specified
dams (dams with height over 15 meters
or dams between 10-15 meters with
certain design and structural conditions)
Constitutes 2 national bodies: The Na-
tional Committee on Dam Safety (For-
mulation of policies and recommenda-
tions for dam safety) and the National
Dam Safety Authority (implementation
of policies of the National Committee).
Constitutes 2 state bodies: State Dam
Safety Organization (for inspection and
monitoring of dams) and State Commit-
tee on Dam Safety (for supervision of
dam rehabilitation programs).
Provides for inspection of specified
dams twice a year (pre and post-mon-
soon)
Includes an emergency action plan in
case of disasters
Lists the responsibilities of dam own-
ers and ensures that these responsibil-
ities are carried out through penal mea-
sures.
Dam Reha- Implemented by the Central Water
bilitation and Commission with assistance from the
I m p rove m e nt World Bank and the Asian Infrastruc-
Project (DRIP) ture Investment Bank
Aims to improve the safety and opera-
tional performance of selected existing
dams.
Includes DHARMA (Dam Health and
Rehabilitation Monitoring System) to
monitor the health of dams.
Mega dams are large structures over 15 metres in height
generating over 400 megawatts of power on average. They
cause severe damage to ecosystems and lead to the dis-
placement of indigenous populations.
Alternatives to mega-dams
• Construction of smaller sub-surface dams. Ex- Ja-
pan. They reduce evaporation losses and cause less
damage to the environment.
Current Affairs 30
• Improving the capacity of existing dams, instead of
the construction of new dams- causes less ecological
damage.
• Usage of traditional water storage methods- tanks
and canals, with the usage of micro irrigation tech-
niques, to reduce requirements of water for irriga-
tion.
• Focus on alternative sources of renewable energy-
solar and wind power
• Reuse of water- use of recycled sewage water for
irrigation and industrial purposes. This reduces the
need for dam construction.
Conclusion:
Dams are the lifeline of Indian agriculture and India’s water
security. Dam management should be done in a sustainable
way to ensure that they do more good than harm.
Insta Links:
• Dam Safety Act
• Dam Safety
Mains Links:
Q. Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the
downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and
property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give
two examples of large dam failures. (UPSC 2023)
17. 2023 GLOBAL SURVEY ON PERSONS
WITH DISABILITIES AND DISASTERS
Context:
The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) conduct-
ed the 2023 Global Survey on Persons with Disabilities and
Disasters, following up on the 2013 survey.
About the Survey Report:
The report was released ahead of International Day for DRR
(October 13). Its theme “Fighting inequality for a resilient
future” is aligned with the Sendai Framework.
Aim of the survey:
It is aimed to assess the preparedness of persons with
disabilities for disasters, accessibility of early warning and
risk information, awareness of disaster risk reduction (DRR)
plans, and their participation in DRR decision-making.
What is DRR?
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) refers to the practices and
strategies aimed at minimizing the risks and vulnerabilities
associated with natural and human-made disasters.
Key results of the survey:
• Limited progress in disability inclusion in DRR over
the past decade, with no significant regional differ-
ences.
• Low awareness of DRR plans among disabled
• Lack of DRR plans addressing the specific needs of
persons with disabilities
• Limited participation in local-level DRR decisions by
persons with disabilities
• 24% of respondents had been displaced due to cri-
ses or disasters, with armed conflict or violence be-
ing the leading cause of displacement.
Recommendations:
• There is a need for dedicated leadership roles for
disability inclusion and addressing underlying risk
factors to promote inclusion and resilience for all.
• Compliance with international law
• Inclusion of persons with disabilities in policymaking
• Addressing intersectionalities and diversity in DRR
policies and practices
• Equity between persons with and without disabil-
ities in all measures to reduce and prevent disaster
risk.
Sendai Framework for DRR 2015–2030 recognizes Persons
with Disabilities (PwDs) as contributing stakeholders and
emphasises the need for their inclusion in all DRR policies
and practices.
India’s Initiatives:
September 2019: NDMA came out with comprehensive
guidelines under the title, ‘National Disaster Management
Guidelines on Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction,
2019’ (NDMA 2019). This was the first comprehensive set of
guidelines issued by any country globally on disability-inclu-
sive disaster risk reduction (DiDRR).
Features of NDMA guidelines:
Feature Description
I n f o r m a t i o n Provision for sign language interpreta-
Symmetry tion and subtitles for persons with hear-
ing impairment in video graphic materi-
als.
Proper Training Training for emergency response per-
sonnel to understand the rights of per-
sons with disabilities and related disas-
ter risks.
24x7 Helpline Establishment of 24x7 helplines for per-
Number sons with disabilities.
Essentials for Ensuring services like caregiver support,
PwDs supplies, and medical aid are delivered
to the doorstep of persons with disabil-
ities.
State Com- Appointing a State Commissioner for
missioner for Persons with Disabilities as the nodal of-
PwDs ficer to address disability-specific issues
during crises.
www.insightsonindia.com 67

Awareness Promotion of awareness about disas-
ter risk reduction challenges for persons
with disabilities.
Support Encouragement of technological sup-
port and innovations to benefit persons
with disabilities in disaster risk reduc-
tion.
Sensitization Sensitizing local communities about the
presence of persons with disabilities and
their special needs, especially during di-
sasters.
Informed PwDs Measures, including early warnings, to
ensure that persons with disabilities are
properly informed and prepared.
Involvement of Active involvement of persons with dis-
PwDs abilities as equal participants in disaster
preparedness and planning.
Protection of Special attention to protect the property
Properties of and assets of persons with disabilities
PwDs after evacuation or in post-disaster situ-
ations.
Other efforts:
Effort Description
G20 Disaster Risk India established the first G20
Reduction (DRR) Working Group on DRR during its
Working Group presidency to prioritize DRR within
the G20.
Expanding Disaster Effective early warning systems
Early Warning during Cyclone Biparjoy resulted in
zero deaths from the event in India.
UN Secretary Gen- India is working to achieve universal
eral’s Early Warn- early warning coverage for every-
ings for All Initiative one by the end of 2027.
Coalition for Disas- India launched CRDI with the UN
ter Resilient Infra- in 2019 to support policy develop-
structure (CRDI) ment and capacity for disaster-re-
silient infrastructure, especially in
developing countries.
Manual for Disaster The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has
Management Plan released the Manual for Disaster
(DMP) Management Plan (DMP).
Best Practices - Disaster Response in Odisha:
Best Practice Description
Sneha Abhiyaan Self-help groups (SHGs) in villages
manage cyclone shelters, including the
distribution of cooked food.
Mamta Gruhas Safe spaces provide comprehensive
care for women, children, and vulnera-
ble sections of society.
68 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Training and Ca- SDRF provides training to frontline
pacity Building workers, including ASHAs and SHGs, in
various aspects of disaster response.
Conclusion:
All the constructive steps initiated are stepping stones in
India’s journey towards becoming a disability-inclusive so-
ciety. These measures also open up possibilities to take the
movement forward, introducing more need-based and dis-
ability-sensitive strategies by including the stakeholders and
caregivers in the decision-making process.
About UNDRR:
UNDRR (est. 1999; HQ: Geneva, Switzerland) was created to
ensure the implementation of the International Strategy for
Disaster Reduction and later support the implementation of
the Sendai Framework.
Insta Links
• Risk-reduction strategies using traditional knowl-
edge
• United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
(UNISDR)
Practice Question:
Q. Discuss the need for Disaster risk reduction in India. What
are the challenges involved and explain the global efforts in
this direction? (250 words)
18. EXPANSION OF URBAN AREAS INTO
FLOOD-PRONE ZONES
Context:
A recent study led by the World Bank highlights the rapid
and continuous expansion of cities into flood-prone areas.
What does the World Bank Study show?
The study shows that urban areas in India are expanding
into flood-prone zones at an alarming rate, doubling since
1985. This poses a significant risk due to increased instanc-
es of flooding, leading to life and livelihood losses.
Examples:
• Libya, which suffered from devastating flooding
in September 2023, had an 83% increase in settle-
ment extent in the worst flood zones.
• Pakistan, experiencing catastrophic flooding both in
2022 and 2023, witnessed an 89% increase in settle-
ments in prone areas.
Middle-income countries, including India, have more urban
settlements in flood-prone areas. The study underscores
the urgency of considering flood-related risks in urban plan-
ning and making low-income housing more flood-resilient
while implementing improved storm-water management.
Current Affairs 30
Factors Behind Increasing Human Settlements in Flood
Zones:
Factors Explanation
Rural to Urban Urbanization near waterways increases
Migration as countries grow economically, leading
to settlements in flood-prone areas.
Example: Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
grew from a fishing village to a city of
over seven million people in a short pe-
riod
Economic Factor Low-income populations may be forced
to live in flood-prone zones due to
housing affordability constraints.
Lack of Regu- Ineffective land-use planning and zon-
latory Enforce- ing regulations can result in settle-
ment ments in flood-prone areas without
safeguards.
Cultural and His- Deep cultural or historical connections
torical Ties to flood-prone regions can influence
decisions to remain or settle in these
areas.
Tourism and Coastal and riverfront areas, despite
Recreation flood vulnerability, attract tourists and
recreation enthusiasts, leading to set-
tlement.
What needs to be done:
Strategies Explanation
Strict Land Use Enforce regulations that prohibit or
Policies restrict new construction in high-risk
flood zones, designating them as ‘no-
build’ areas.
Infrastructure Invest in resilient infrastructure, in-
Investment cluding flood defences, early warning
systems, and floodplain mapping. Im-
prove drainage systems in existing set-
tlements.
Adopt innova- A “sponge city” is an urban initiative
tive solutions that employs nature-based solutions
such as the like permeable surfaces, canals, ponds,
‘Sponge Cities’ and wetland restoration to enhance wa-
concept ter absorption, drainage, and flood re-
silience.
Government Provide financial incentives for res-
Support and Re- idents to relocate from flood-prone
location Assis- areas and strengthen emergency re-
tance sponse and preparedness measures.
Public Aware- Launch public awareness campaigns to
ness and Educa- educate citizens about the risks of living
tion in flood-prone areas and promote com-
munity-based education programs on
flood preparedness.
Notable initiatives:
• Stormwater disposal system: The Brihanmumbai
Storm Water Disposal System or BRIMSTOWAD, the
project to overhaul Mumbai city’s old stormwater
drainage system was started after the 2005 deluge.
• Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD in Aus-
tralia): regards urban stormwater runoff, and
wastewater as a resource rather than a nuisance or
liability.
• Bioswales or ‘Rain Garden’ (New York): are
landscape features that collect polluted stormwater
runoff, soak it into the ground, and filter out
pollution.
Conclusion:
Therefore, there is a need to include public open spaces
within the urban fabric in the form of storm management
infrastructure, which could help our cities transform into wa-
ter-sensitive cities.
Insta Links
Urban Flooding
Mains Link
Q. The frequency of urban floods due to high-intensity rain-
fall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for
urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to
reduce the risk during such events. (UPSC 2016)
Q. Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood
conditions. Discuss. (UPSC 2016)
Q. Account for the huge flooding of a million cities in India
including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest
lasting remedial measures. (UPSC 2020)
19. ANALYSIS OF THE DAM SAFETY ACT
(2021) IN INDIA
Context:
The Dam Safety Act in India, passed in late 2021, aims to ad-
dress issues related to the safety of dams, given that many of
them are old and pose safety risks. However, a recent disas-
ter in Sikkim highlights gaps in implementation.
Also read an article on a similar theme published a few
days ago: Dangers of Large Dams in India
Status of India’s Dams:
India is the 3rd largest dam-owning nation (4,407 large
dams) in the world. There are around 5,700 large dams in
the country, of which about 80% are over 25 years old.
Threats faced by Dams in India:
www.insightsonindia.com 69

Threats Description
Ageing Over 80% of India’s 6,000+ dams are over
25 years old, and more than 200 are over
a century old, making safety a top con-
cern. By 2025, over 1,000 dams will be 50
years or older.
Accumulation The buildup of sediments in reservoirs
of Sediments reduces their capacity and lifespan. Silt-
& Siltation ation, the accumulation of silt and debris
behind dams, also reduces storage capac-
ity.
Structural Is- Many of India’s dams are earthen, con-
sues structed from layers of compacted earth,
making them susceptible to ageing and
deterioration.
Flooding India’s concentrated annual rainfall pat-
terns, as opposed to distributed rainfall,
increase the vulnerability of dams. Flood-
ing has been responsible for 44% of dam
failures in India.
Seismic Threat Dam systems in the Himalayas, like the
Tehri Dam, face seismic risks due to the
region’s active tectonic movements and
changing terrain
Way forward:
Issues with the implementation of the Dam Safety Act
(DSA), 2021:
Issues Description
Insta Links:
Lacunae in Leg- The DSA does not promote risk-
islation based decision-making and fails to
incentivise transparency
Mains Links:
Q. Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the
70 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
J u r i s d i c t i o n The Act applies to all specified dams in
Question the country, but there’s a question of
whether Parliament has the jurisdiction
to regulate dams on rivers entirely with-
in a state.
Standardized The DSA mandates comprehensive dam
Safety Evalua- safety evaluations but lacks standard-
tion Issue ization in how failures are analyzed and
reported.
Transparency The Act does not sufficiently provide
and Accessibil- easy access to information for various
ity stakeholders
Government employees and project en-
gineers dominate decision-making
Absence of ear- During the glacial lake outburst flood
ly warning sys- (GLOF) in North Sikkim’s South Lhonak
tems Lake (Oct 2023), there was the absence
of early warning systems and preven-
tive measures as required by the Act.
Pattern of Ne- Frequent and large-scale dam-related
glect disasters indicate a pattern of neglect in
addressing dam safety.
Poor compliance at all levels, includ-
ing dam design and spillway capacity, is
highlighted by the Sikkim incident.
• Risk Assessment: Comprehensive risk assessments,
including climate change and geological stability, are
essential. Regular reviews update safety measures.
• Hazard Profiling: Hazard risks are influenced by cli-
mate change and urbanization, but reviews are of-
ten overlooked or not shared publicly.
• Transparency: Transparency in dam safety, with rig-
orous implementation and transparent reporting, is
paramount.
• Community Involvement: Engaging local commu-
nities for insights into environmental and social im-
pacts.
• Early Warnings: Advanced early warning systems
are crucial for detecting hazards and minimizing
damage.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance and upgrades
for ageing infrastructure are necessary.
• International Collaboration: Cooperation with
neighbouring countries in the Himalayan region is
vital for addressing shared risks in dam safety and
disaster management.
• Dam Safety Act
• Dam Safety
Current Affairs 30
downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and
property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give
two examples of large dam failures. (UPSC 2023)
Q. Suppose the Government of India is thinking of con-
structing a dam in a mountain valley bound by forests and
inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy
should it resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingen-
cies? (UPSC 2018)
GENERAL STUDIES – 4
1. EXAMPLES OF ETHICS
Example 1: Discriminatory order of Patan DC
The Patan District Collector in Gujarat, India, has faced crit-
icism from activists for ordering the transfer of all ration
cards from a fair price shop (FPS) run by a Dalit dealer in
Kanosan village to a nearby village.
Ethical Issues concerning the case:
Ethical Issues Description
Caste-Based Discrimi- The alleged social boycott and
nation discrimination against the Dal-
it ration dealer based on their
caste raises ethical concerns
about equality, fairness, and so-
cial justice
Violation of Laws and The transfer of ration cards may
Rights violate laws designed to protect
the rights of marginalized com-
munities, including those out-
lined in the Scheduled Caste and
Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of
Atrocities) Act.
Impact on Livelihood The actions taken against the
and Well-being Dalit dealer, including the boy-
cott and subsequent revocation
of their license, have had severe
consequences for their liveli-
hood and well-being.
Mental and Physical The reported suicide attempt
Harm and injury suffered by the Dalit
dealer due to the circumstances
raise concerns about the mental
and physical harm caused by this
situation.
Democratic Empower- The transfer of ration cards to
ment another village contradicts the
principle of empowering mar-
ginalized communities, as ad-
vocated by the National Food
Security Act
Duty of Public Officials The conduct of the district col-
lector and the failure to address
caste-based discrimination
highlight concerns about the
ethical responsibilities of public
officials in upholding justice and
equity.
Example 2: Use of commercial spyware by government
agencies to target political opponents and dissidents
Recently, former Egyptian MP Ahmed Eltantawy was target-
ed with Cytrox’s Predator spyware (from an Israeli-founded,
Greece-based company) via SMS and WhatsApp links. This
incident is not isolated, as spyware has been used extensive-
ly in various countries to surveil individuals.
Spyware is malicious software that infiltrates devices, gath-
ers sensitive data, and transmits it to third parties without
user consent. The Pegasus Project in 2021 exposed the wide-
spread use of spyware, with victims in multiple countries,
including India.
Ethical issues with the use of Spyware by governments:
Ethical Issues Description
Privacy Inva- Commercial spyware allows governments
sion to intrude into individuals’ devices with-
out their consent, violating their privacy
and personal data security.
Surveillance The use of spyware to monitor political
of Dissidents opponents and dissidents raises ethical
concerns regarding freedom of expres-
sion, political dissent, and human rights
Lack of Ac- Governments often deny or remain
countability non-committal about their use of spy-
ware, creating a lack of accountability for
potential abuses and violations of individ-
uals’ rights.
Authoritarian Autocratic regimes employ spyware for
Use of Spy- surveillance, silencing dissent, and target-
ware ing journalists, which contravenes demo-
cratic principles and human rights norms.
Tech Compa- Tech companies face ethical dilemmas
ny Responsi- regarding their products’ vulnerabilities,
bility and their response to software exploita-
tion can impact users’ security and privacy.
www.insightsonindia.com 71
 Current Affairs 30
Example 3: Lal Bahadur Shastri During his undergraduate years at Harvard University in the
Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister, is re- late 1970s, he failed his very first chemistry exam, scoring
membered for his humble origins, moral integrity, and dedi- just 20 out of 100, the lowest grade in his class. This expe-
cation to public service. rience initially shook him, but instead of giving up, Bawendi
persevered.
Ethical lessons from his life:
Ethical Value Example He realized that he needed to learn how to study effective-
ly, and he went on to excel in his exams, scoring 100s on
Integrity Resigning twice over train accidents,
most of them.
owning moral responsibility for the
Bawendi’s message to young people is to persevere and not
mishaps.
let setbacks destroy their ambitions. “You have a setback,
Social Conscious- Rejecting his birthname ‘Varma’ due but you can persevere and overcome this and learn from
ness to opposition to caste differences. your experience, which obviously I did,” he said. “I learned
Moral Responsibil- Accepting blame for train accidents how to become successful as a student,”.
ity as Union Minister and resigning from
government. Usage: This example can be used to show ethical values of
Commitment to Advocating the slogan “Jai Jawan, Perseverance, Determination, Resilience etc.
Ideals Jai Kisan” to promote self-reliance in
food production. Example 5: Nanded hospital deaths
Recent deaths in a Nanded hospital of 31 people within 3
Hard Work He dedicated efforts in his roles, par-
days (16 being Children) have highlighted the ongoing issues
ticularly during the 1965 India-Paki-
within India’s healthcare sector, particularly the challenge
stan war
of medicine shortages.
Commitment to Assuring the continuation of English
Democracy as an official language alongside Hin- Ethical Issues concerned in the case:
di to address language concerns.
Ethical Issues Description
Listening and Con- Displaying the capacity to listen pa-
sultation tiently and act decisively in demo- Patient Safety Shortage of essential medicines and
cratic leadership. staff can compromise patient safety
and result in harm.
Accountability Governments have an ethical duty to
provide healthcare; failure to address
shortages raises concerns.
Equitable Access Unequal access to healthcare services
raises ethical questions about fairness
and justice.
Government Re- The ethical obligation of the govern-
sponsibility ment is to efficiently manage health-
care systems and allocate resources.
Transparency Ethical transparency is essential to in-
form the public about resource alloca-
tion and healthcare quality.
Public Trust Failures in the healthcare system can
erode public trust, raising ethical con-
cerns.
Sanitation and Filthy conditions in hospitals violate
Hygiene ethical standards of cleanliness and pa-
tient dignity.

Example 6: Katalin Kariko

Example 4: Moungi Bawendi
She is a Hungarian-born scientist who has been awarded the
Moungi Bawendi, a 2023 Nobel chemistry prize winner and
2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Her work on mRNA paved the
MIT professor, achieved great success in the field of quan-
way for mRNA vaccines like Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna.
tum dots. However, his journey had a rocky start.

72 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Ethical Values from her life:
Life Lesson Example
Perseverance Despite demotion and grant rejections
by the University of Pennsylvania, Katalin
Kariko continued her research on mRNA.
She chose to persist as a lower-rung re-
searcher, determined to make a differ-
ence in her field.
Belief in One’s In the 1980s, Kariko believed in the po-
Ideas tential of mRNA to treat diseases, even
when it was considered a dead-end by
others (others preferred to work on DNA)
Innovation Kariko’s collaboration with Drew Weiss-
man led to innovative solutions for using
synthetic mRNA in vaccines, demonstrat-
ing the power of creative problem-solv-
ing.
Resilience Despite being underestimated as a for-
eign-born woman in a male-dominat-
ed field, Kariko remained resilient and
achieved remarkable success in her ca-
reer.
Example 7: NewsClick Raid Case
The Special Cell of Delhi Police conducted raids on the homes
and offices of journalists associated with the news portal
NewsClick in connection with an alleged terror financing
case. Some have been arrested under the under the Unlaw-
ful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Ethical Issues in the Case:
Ethical Issue Description
Right to Privacy Concerns about journalists’ privacy
rights when their electronic devices are
seized during raids.
Right Against Current laws in India do not provide
Self-Incrimina- journalists with immunity from disclos-
tion ing their communication, passwords,
documents, etc.
This raises the ethical question, of
whether journalists can be compelled to
share information that may incriminate
them or their sources.
Search and Issues related to the proper protocols
Seizure Proce- and documentation followed during the
dures search and seizure of electronic devices.
Integrity of Experts have flagged that the police reg-
Electronic Ma- ularly overreach their powers in search
terials and seizures and that incriminating evi-
dence is planted in digital devices (e.g.,
Bhima-Koregaon case) by not adhering
to the documentation protocol at the
time of seizure.
Legal Frame- The absence of clear legal frameworks
work for Digital for dealing with the distinct and vulner-
Evidence able nature of digital evidence.
Article 20(3) of the Constitution protects against self-incrim-
ination. In the K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) case,
it was ruled that disclosing passwords in criminal investiga-
tions falls under the “legitimate interests of the State” ex-
ception and doesn’t violate privacy.
Also, the Karnataka High Court (2021) ruled that providing
passwords doesn’t violate this. The Digital Personal Data
Protection Act allows the seeking of information (such as
Passwords/Sources) from journalists by the Police, impact-
ing journalistic sources.
Example 8: Gandhi’s Ethical Values (as highlighted in the
article)
Ethical Values Description
highlighted
Decentralization Gandhi emphasized decentralization in
governance, emphasizing the impor-
tance of empowering local communi-
ties and panchayats.
Limiting Power The ethical value of limiting the concen-
tration of power is highlighted through
Gandhi’s philosophical anarchism.
It underlines the concern that excessive
greed for power, like greed for wealth,
must be contained for the greater good
of society.
Ethical Research Gandhi praised the spirit of inquiry in
and Scientific In- modern medicine and encouraged sci-
quiry entists to work for the welfare of the
poor.
Sustainable De- Gandhi’s critique of industrialization
velopment and his call for sustainable practices
reflect ethical concerns about environ-
mental conservation and the conse-
quences of unchecked material growth.
Example 9: IIT Bombay: Segregation of Mess Tables
The article addresses an issue at IIT Bombay where mess ta-
bles have been segregated for vegetarians, leading to pro-
tests and fines for dissenting students.
Ethical Issues concerned in the case:
Ethical Issues Description
Segregation of Segregating mess tables based on food
Mess Tables preferences raises ethical concerns
about discrimination and exclusion.
www.insightsonindia.com 73

Fines for Protest- Imposing fines on students who pro-
ing Students test against segregation may be seen
as a violation of their freedom of ex-
pression and dissent.
Threat to Stu- Segregation can hinder diverse student
dent Harmony interactions and impact the quality of
and Education education, leading to ethical concerns.
Damage to IIT’s The controversy may damage IIT Bom-
Reputation bay’s global reputation, impacting the
institute’s integrity and values.
Solutions: To address these issues, IIT Bombay should direct-
ly tackle prejudices and caste-based discrimination, de-seg-
regate the mess, promote a supportive environment, and
proactively manage student concerns to foster a harmonious
educational environment.
Example 10: Karthyayini Amma
Karthyayani Amma, an inspirational figure in Kerala’s adult
literacy program, has passed away at the age of 101. In
2018, she gained widespread attention by becoming the top
scorer in the state literacy mission’s Akshara Laksham proj-
ect, which is the flagship adult literacy program.
At the age of 96, she scored an impressive 98 out of 100
marks in an exam that assessed her writing and mathemat-
ical skills. Her dedication to learning was further recognized
when she was honoured with the Nari Shakti Puraskar
Ethical Values shown by her:
Ethical Values Description
Perseverance Karthyayani displayed a strong commit-
ment to learning and education at an
advanced age, defying traditional expec-
tations.
Diligence She diligently worked to improve her lit-
eracy and mathematical skills, scoring
exceptionally well in her exams.
Determination Her determination to learn English and
engage with new skills was evident
when she expressed her desire to re-
ceive a laptop for this purpose from Ker-
ala’s Chief Minister
Inspiration Karthyayani served as an inspiration to
numerous school dropouts, motivating
them to pursue education and self-im-
provement.
Empowerment Through her actions, she demonstrated
the empowerment that comes from ed-
ucation, proving that it’s never too late
to learn
Generosity She donated her two month’s Old age
pension for COVID relief efforts
74 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Example 11: Australia: Indigenous “Voice to Parliament”
Australia is currently conducting a referendum that will de-
termine whether the country’s indigenous peoples should
have a formal voice in the law-making process. The refer-
endum aims to alter the Constitution to recognize the Ab-
original and Torres Strait Islander people and establish an
Indigenous “Voice to Parliament.”
This move is prompted by the significant disparities faced
by indigenous Australians in terms of socio-economic indi-
cators, including a life expectancy eight years shorter than
non-indigenous Australians, higher disease and infant mor-
tality rates, and a suicide rate twice as high as their non-in-
digenous counterparts.
Ethical values in the case:
Ethical Values Description
Recognition Acknowledging the historical and cultural
and Inclusion significance of the First Peoples of Austra-
lia, promoting inclusivity, and addressing
past injustices.
Equality and Working towards greater equality and
Justice justice in socio-economic indicators, en-
suring equal access to resources and op-
portunities.
Respect for Upholding the rights of indigenous com-
I n d i g e n o u s munities to have a say in decisions that
Rights impact their lives, fosters self-determina-
tion and autonomy.
R e c o n c i l i a - Acknowledging historical wrongs and
tion promoting reconciliation by engaging in
respectful dialogue and addressing past
grievances.
Democracy Upholding democratic principles by in-
volving indigenous people in the legisla-
tive process, enhancing representation in
the democracy.
E m p o w e r - Empowering indigenous communities by
ment providing a formal mechanism for influ-
encing decisions affecting their lives.
Cultural Pres- Recognizing the importance of preserv-
ervation ing and respecting the cultural heritage
of indigenous communities, including the
Torres Strait Islander people.
Example 12: Abortion at 26 weeks of pregnancy
The Supreme Court is currently deliberating a case involv-
ing a 27-year-old married woman seeking an abortion at 26
weeks of pregnancy.
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (MTP Act) in
India allows abortion in various stages of pregnancy, and
the court has previously permitted terminations beyond 26
weeks in certain circumstances.
Current Affairs 30
However, in this case, there is consensual conception, as it is
not a result of forced pregnancy.
Ethical Dilemmas in this case are:
Ethical Dilemma Description
Reproductive Autono- Balancing a woman’s right to
my vs. Foetal Rights choose whether to terminate
her pregnancy with the rights of
the unborn child.
Late-Stage Abortion vs. Determining whether to permit
Legislative Framework an abortion beyond 26 weeks
when the legislative framework
is more restrictive
Medical Board vs. Examining whether the decision
Woman’s Autonomy for late-stage abortion should
solely rest with medical boards
or be more inclusive of a wom-
an’s autonomous choice.
Unborn Child’s Rights Navigating the balance between
vs. Mother’s Funda- the fundamental right to life of
mental Right to Life the unborn child and the moth-
er’s autonomy in reproductive
choices.
Overall, the ethical considerations in this context encompass
women’s autonomy, the rights of the unborn child, and the
need for clarity and updated legislation in cases of late-stage
abortions.
What is the concept of foetal viability?
It refers to the stage of pregnancy at which a foetus has
developed sufficiently to potentially survive outside the
womb with medical assistance. It varies with advancements
in medical technology and typically falls between 23 to 24
weeks of gestation in modern healthcare settings. This con-
cept influences decisions related to late-stage abortions and
the rights of the unborn child.
Example 13: Indian superwomen
Two women from Kerala, Sabitha and Meera Mohanan,
working as caregivers for an elderly couple in Israel, be-
came heroes during an attack by insurgents from the Hamas
group. The Israeli Embassy in India hailed them as “Indian
superwomen.” Sabitha described the harrowing incident
when they locked themselves in a safety room for more than
four hours while attackers rained bullets on the door.
Ethical Values are shown:
Sabitha and Meera demonstrated remarkable ethical values,
including courage, selflessness, and dedication to protect-
ing the elderly couple they were caring for during the at-
tack. They risked their lives to ensure the safety of others
and showed unwavering commitment to their duty
Example 14: Copyright issues against AI
Music publishers Universal Music, ABKCO, and Concord
Publishing have filed a lawsuit against artificial intelligence
company Anthropic, alleging the misuse of copyrighted song
lyrics to train its chatbot Claude. The publishers claim that
Anthropic violated their rights by using lyrics from over 500
songs without permission.
Ethical Issues:
The lawsuit against Anthropic raises ethical concerns about
the use of copyrighted song lyrics without permission to
train AI, potentially infringing on intellectual property rights
and creative content ownership.
Example 15: V K Pandian Quits IAS and joins Politics
V K Pandian, the former private secretary to Odisha Chief
Minister Naveen Patnaik, has taken on key roles in Odisha’s
ruling political party (Biju Janata Dal) after taking voluntary
retirement from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
He has been appointed as the Chairman of the 5T (Transpar-
ency, Technology, Teamwork, Time, and Transformation)
Initiative and Nabin Odisha.
Ethical Issues concerned in the case:
Ethical Issues Impact and Concerns
Conflict of Interest
Bureaucrats may prioritize their par-
ty over public service.
Partisanship Neutrality and objectivity can be
compromised.
Impartiality The appearance of bias in deci-
sion-making may arise.
Undermining Trust Public trust in the bureaucracy’s in-
dependence may wane.
Politicization The bureaucracy may become more
politically oriented.
Influence Peddling Potential for unfair advantages and
unethical influence.
Abuse of Inside The exploitation of sensitive infor-
Knowledge mation for party gain.
Various Committees (including the Hota Committee (2004))
have recommended a cooling-off period of two years for
bureaucrats before they could take up jobs in the private
sector. It also suggested that the government could restrict
the type of jobs they take up to prevent conflicts of interest.
Example 16: Ethics in International Conflicts
The article discusses two key terms: “human shields” and
“forced displacement” in the context of the Israel-Palestine
conflict and how International Humanitarian Law (IHL) views
them.
Human Shields: In IHL, “human shields” refer to civilians or
other protected persons whose presence or movement is
used to make military targets immune from military oper-
ations. This can include forcing them to stay near military
targets or placing military targets in or near buildings with
www.insightsonindia.com 75

civilians.
• Using human shields is considered a war crime and
is banned under International Humanitarian Law. It
is also prohibited to target or attack human shields.
Forced Displacement: Forced displacement involves the or-
dering of civilians to evacuate from a certain area due to
reasons related to the conflict. The order to forcibly transfer
civilians, especially without guarantees of safety or return, is
considered unlawful under IHL.
Ethical Issues: Using human shields in war raises ethical
concerns by endangering innocent civilians for military gain.
Forced displacements can be morally problematic when ci-
vilians are uprooted without guarantees of safety or return,
impacting their well-being and rights.
Current Affairs 30
Responding The guidelines outline specific actions that
to Warning school individuals or members of the well-
Signs ness team should take when encountering
a student displaying warning signs or at-
tempting self-harm.
Destigmatiz- Schools are encouraged to destigmatize
ing Mental mental health concerns such as anxiety,
Health Issues depression, suicide, and substance abuse
through activities like storytelling, rallies,
posters, exhibitions, and other initiatives.
Safety Mea- The guidelines also suggest practical safety
sures measures, such as locking all empty class-
rooms and ensuring there are no dark cor-
ridors or areas within the school premises.

Usage: The Measures can be used in Case studies or Ethics

answers/ Indian Society Answers

Insta Links:
• Academic Distress’ and Student Suicides in India
• “Student Cell”: For suicide prevention

3. ETHICAL VALUES SHOWN BY NCF FOR

SCHOOL EDUCATION 2023
The National Curriculum Framework for School Education
2023 emphasizes the importance of inculcating values in ed-
2. GUIDELINES FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION ucation.
AMONG STUDENTS It articulates five ‘Aims of Education’:
Aim of Education Description
The Union Ministry of Education has released draft guide-
lines to prevent student suicides in schools 1. Rational Fostering critical thinking, prob-
Thought and In- lem-solving, and independent inquiry
These guidelines are titled UMMEED (Understand, Motivate, dependent Think- among students.
Manage, Empathise, Empower, Develop) ing
2. Health and Promoting physical and mental
Aim of the Guidelines: The guidelines aim to help schools Well-being well-being, including awareness of
enhance sensitivity, understanding, and support for stu- health and hygiene.
dents, emphasizing the importance of every child’s well-be- 3. Democratic and Encouraging active participation in
ing, “Every Child Matters” Community Par- a democratic society, understanding
ticipation community engagement.
Key Features Description 4. Economic Par- Preparing students for economic roles
School Well- The guidelines propose the formation of ticipation and employment opportunities.
ness Team a School Wellness Team led by the school 5. Cultural Partici- Promoting an understanding of cul-
(SwT) principal. These teams should be trained pation tural diversity and heritage, encour-
to handle crisis situations and provide im- aging cultural engagement.
mediate support when a student exhibits
signs of self-harm. Values categorized in the framework are:
Teacher and It recommends conducting annual orien- Category Values
Family Orien- tations for teachers and family members
Ethical and Moral 1. Empathy
tation to raise awareness about student suicides.
Values 2. Sensitivity
Schools are responsible for capacity-build-
ing among various stakeholders through 3. Integrity
these orientations. 4. Courage

76 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Democratic Val- 1. Commitment to Liberty Mains Links:

ues Q. “Education is not an injunction; it is an effective and per-
2. Commitment to Equality
vasive tool for all-round development of an individual and
3. Embracing Diversity social transformation.” Examine the New Education Policy,
4. Fraternal Spirit 2020 (NEP, 2020) in light of the above statement. (UPSC
5. Social Responsibility 2020)
Epistemic Values 1. Scientific Temper
(it refers to the 2. Recognizing Sources of Knowledge
virtues associated 4. 2023 NOBEL PRIZE FOR PEACE: NARGES
in Different Domains
with the pursuit MOHAMMADI
of knowledge and
truth) Context:
Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian activist, has been awarded
How these values can be developed? the 2023 Nobel Prize for Peace for her dedication to various
Method Description causes.
Classroom Discussions Regular discussions in the class-
About Narges Mohammadi:
room to foster values
Background Description
Sports and Activities Engagement in sports and activ-
ities to develop virtues About Narges Mohammadi (born 1972) is an Ira-
nian human rights activist, Nobel laureate,
Curricular Content Inclusion of stories and histori-
journalist, and scientist. She’s Vice Pres-
cal events that promote values
ident of the Defenders of Human Rights
Role Models Positive role models in school Center and she advocates for women’s
culture and practices rights and civil disobedience against hijab in
Age-Appropriate Ap- Tailored strategies for different Iran. Mohammadi has faced imprisonment
proaches age groups and abuse for her activism.
Moral and Ethical Introduction of specific courses Current Sit- Detained in Iran under charges of “spread-
Course to address values uation ing anti-state propaganda” and defama-
Dialogue and Empathy schools need to manage con- tion. Sentenced to a total of 31 years in
flicts in values, like disparities prison and 154 lashes
between school-taught values A c t i v i s m Advocate for women’s rights in Iran
and those practiced in commu- and Causes Opponent of the death penalty
nities by deploying dialogue
Supporter of political protesters
and empathetic actions
Nobel committee has recognized her dedi-
Teacher and Communi- The behaviour of teachers,
cation to causes aligning with the protests’
ty Influence principals, and the community
motto ‘Zan – Zendegi – Azadi (Woman –
plays a significant role
Life – Freedom)’ in Iran
Non-Judgmental As- Assessment through observa-
Member of the Centre for Human Rights
sessment tion of behaviour rather than
Defenders in Iran, founded by Shirin Ebadi
judgment
for the abolition of the death penalty
Curriculum Develop- Development of engaging
As a journalist, she wrote many articles
ment teaching materials
arguing for social reforms in Iran and pub-
Constitutional Under- Discussions on constitutional lished an essay collection, The Reforms, the
standing values and duties Strategy, and the Tactics
Wrote ‘White Torture’ (2022) describing
Conclusion:
her experiences under solitary confinement
Despite these efforts, it is more important to enable stu-
and featuring interviews with other Iranian
dents to understand and apply complex moral and ethical
women who underwent similar punishment
reasoning in real-world scenarios, so the focus must be on
the application of these ethical principles in the NCF 2023 Organized protests from within the prison
in day-to-day life. with fellow women prisoners

Insta Links:
Value Education

www.insightsonindia.com 77
 Current Affairs 30

Other Rec- 2023 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award Optimism and Maintaining optimism and hope for
ognitions 2023 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Hope positive change, even in the most
Freedom Prize challenging circumstances.
Featured in BBC’s list of 100 inspiring and Commitment to Advocating for non-violent means of
influential women in 2022 Non-Violence achieving social and political change,
emphasizing the importance of peace-
Nobel Peace She has become the second Iranian woman
ful resistance.
Prize to receive the Nobel Peace Prize after Shi-
rin Ebadi (awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
Insta Links:
in 2003). Shirin was also the first Muslim
• Freedom to Protest
woman to receive the award

Geopolitical Dimension of the Award:

• The award given to Narges Mohammadi has geopo- CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT
litical significance as it highlights international sup-
port for human rights in Iran and places pressure on 1. EK TAREEKH EK GHANTA EK SAATH INI-
the Iranian government to address these concerns.
• It also reflects a broader trend of recognizing politi-
TIATIVE
cal protestors and activists with Nobel Peace Prizes,
Context:
often seen as a way to promote democratic values
The “Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath” initiative is a massive
and challenge authoritarian regimes.
voluntary effort for cleanliness in India, endorsed by Prime
• Some notable examples include the Nobel Peace
Minister Narendra Modi.
Prize awarded to Aung San Suu Kyi (1991) in Myan-
mar and Liu Xiaobo (2010) in China, both of whom
The initiative encourages citizens to engage in one hour of
were political activists advocating for democratic
“shramdaan” (voluntary labour) for cleanliness at 10 am on
change in their respective countries.
October 1st as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
Ethical values that can be derived from her life:
Various groups and organizations, including Resident Wel-
Ethical Lesson Description fare Associations, village communities, NGOs, market as-
Commitment to Even in the face of imprisonment and sociations, faith groups, and the private sector, have come
Human Rights adversity. forward to participate in shramdaan at different locations.
Courage and Re- Demonstrating immense courage and
silience resilience in the pursuit of justice and Swachhata Pakhwada 2023, with the theme “Garbage Free
freedom, despite facing multiple ar- India,” is organized alongside this initiative and has seen the
rests and harsh sentences. participation of over 31 crore citizens across the nation in
various cleanliness-related activities.
Advocacy for Gen- Her advocacy for gender equality, par-
der Equality ticularly in Iran, highlights the impor-
Usage: The example shows values of Environmental Con-
tance of fighting against discrimina-
sciousness, Community Engagement, Environmental Stew-
tion and inequality based on gender.
ardship and Social Responsibility.
Promotion of De- Advocating for democracy and the
mocracy rights of individuals to express them-
selves freely, even when challenging 2. APPLE’S ‘MOTHER NATURE’ CAMPAIGN
an authoritarian regime.
Context:
Peaceful Activism Mohammadi’s dedication to peaceful The article discusses Apple’s ‘Mother Nature’ campaign and
activism as a means of driving social its environmental efforts,
and political change, rather than re-
sorting to violence. What is Apple’s ‘Mother Nature’ campaign?
Sacrifice for a Her willingness to sacrifice personal Apple’s ‘Mother Nature’ campaign is an environmental ini-
Cause freedoms and family life for a cause tiative launched by Apple, showcasing the company’s com-
she believes in. mitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
International Soli- Building bridges with the internation-
darity al community to raise awareness and Examples:
support for human rights issues in • Recycling Program: Since 1994, Apple has run a gad-
Iran. get-recycling program, incentivizing customers to

78 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
trade in their old devices for new ones. ten wealth in society. They typically have access to resourc-
• Positive Environmental Impact: Apple’s buyback es, opportunities, and decision-making processes that are
policy, recycling initiatives, and responsible sourc- not readily available to the general population.
ing of materials place it ahead of its competitors in
terms of environmental responsibility. Impact: This influence of elites in fund distribution leads to
a lack of representation of the needs of women and Sched-
Despite its efforts, Apple has faced criticism for practices uled Castes.
like “planned obsolescence” with its smartphones, and alle-
gations of environmental transgressions (linked to pollution Usage: The findings of the study can be quoted in Gover-
from Chinese component manufacturing facilities). nance questions on Gram Panchayat/ Public Administration
Usage: The Campaign can be used in Environment/ Corpo- optional
rate Social Responsibility Related Questions.
4. GANDHI’S RELATIONSHIP WITH MUSIC
3. WORLD BANK: ALLOCATION OF FUNDS
INFLUENCED BY THE ELITE Context:
Gandhi strategically used music to convey his messages and
Context: foster unity, spirituality, peace, and nationalism among the
World Bank research paper (titled “The added value of lo- Indian population during the struggle for freedom.
cal democracy evidence from a natural experiment in India” Aspect How Gandhi Used Examples
(2023) ) focusing on fund allocation in Karnataka’s gram Music
panchayats (local self-government bodies). Convey Mes- Gandhi used music He chose bhajans
sages to convey messag- like “Vaishnava Jana
What does the research say? es of spirituality, toh” and “Ishwar Al-
Findings Description peace, and nation- lah tero naam” to
Influence of the Fund allocations in gram panchayats are alism by selecting emphasize unity and
Elite significantly influenced by the elite, par- hymns and bha- spirituality
ticularly men and individuals from ‘up- jans that promoted He used music to
per’ castes. these values. soothe agitated
Performance of Elected gram panchayats are more ef- minds and promote
Elected GPs fective in representing the preferences peace during commu-
of women and Scheduled Caste com- nal tensions.
munities compared to administrator-led Communica- Music served as a Music played a signif-
ones. tion means of commu- icant role in the Dan-
Effectiveness of Local democracy, with elected leaders, nication during the di Yatra and prabhat
Local Democra- aligns fund allocation with citizen prefer- freedom struggle, pheris (musical pro-
cy ences, responds faster to citizen needs, rallying people to- cessions) to convey
and promotes citizen participation. gether and sum- patriotic sentiments
moning them to
The research found that local bureau-
the call of duty.
crat attendance was higher by 10% in
GPs led by elected leaders. Unity Music was instru- Hymns and bhajans
mental in fostering were sung collec-
GPs with elected leaders saw 15% more
unity among peo- tively during prayer
person-days under the MGNREGA job
ple from different services in ashrams,
scheme during the COVID pandemic
communities, cre- promoting a sense of
Elected members are likelier to engage ating a sense of oneness
with citizens on a continuous basis, community and
holding more village meetings to make consonance.
decisions.
Role of Admin- Administrators help overcome “home
istrators (often bias” but have lower local bureaucrat at-
‘outsiders’) tendance in gram panchayats.

Who are “Elites”?

The elite refers to a small, privileged group of individuals or
organizations who hold significant influence, power, and of-

www.insightsonindia.com 79
 Current Affairs 30

Nationalism Gandhi believed Patriotic songs and rately.

that music could prayers sung during
instil nationalism prabhat pheris be- Challenges in AI auditing:
and pride in peo- came symbols of re- It includes ensuring ethical AI use, addressing data integrity
ple, making them sistance against Brit- and bias issues, regulating and standardizing AI, creating in-
feel connected to ish rule ternational audit frameworks, adapting existing frameworks,
the freedom move- managing complex data, and involving specialists in AI audit
ment. assignments.
Selection of Gandhi preferred Classical music was
Regulation of AI:
Music simple, devotional not his preference; he
music that could be valued the message Regulatory Description
easily hummed and over the artistry. Actions
sung by the com- Global Level Regulatory Action
mon man. EU AI Act European Parliament approved the act. It
Notable Mu- Gandhi was im- Subbulakshmi’s ren- introduces new rules and scrutiny for AI
sician pressed by vocal- dition of the Ramd- tools, including ChatGPT.
ists like MS Subbu- hun and other bha- Requires developers to have their AI sys-
lakshmi, who sang jans was seen as a tems reviewed and approved for commer-
with such depth source of inspiration cial use.
and devotion that itand fundraising for Restricts real-time biometric surveillance
deeply moved him. the Kasturba Memo- and “social scoring” systems.
rial Fund.
UK’s AI Safe- UK wants to be a hub for AI safety regula-
Usage: The examples can be used in Essay/ Ethics/ Indian
ty Regulation tion. It has indicated a move towards de-
history to show how Gandhi used music to spread social
Intent tailed AI regulatory practices.
and nationalistic messages
AI Auditing Various global frameworks for AI audit-
Frameworks ing exist, including COBIT and COSO ERM
5. ‘YASHASVINI’: WOMEN BIKE EXPEDI-
Frameworks.
TION UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office
published draft guidance on an AI auditing
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, flagged off
framework.
the CRPF Women Bike Expedition named ‘Yashasvini’ from
Lal Chowk, Srinagar. Indian-Level Regulatory Actions
Digitalization The CAG in India will implement “One In-
This rally is organized by the CRPF in collaboration with the of Audit Pro- dian Audit and Accounts Department One
Ministry of Women and Child Development to celebrate cess System,” a web-enabled IT application, to
women’s empowerment. It involves 150 women CRPF offi- digitalize the audit process.
cers riding 75 Royal Enfield motorbikes across 10,000 kilo- India recognizes the need to establish AI regulation, influ-
metres, passing through 15 states and 2 Union Territories, enced by global initiatives like the EU. However, specific Indi-
with the destination being Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on Sardar an regulatory actions for AI are yet to be detailed.
Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary. Usage: The examples can be used in questions related to
E-Governance
Significance: The expedition symbolizes the resilience and
strength of women (Nari Shakti) and aims to promote the 7. WHY NOBEL PEACE PRIZE IS AWARDED
“Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” program of the Women and Child
Development Ministry. It also highlights the courage and
BY NORWAY?
determination of the Veeranganas of CRPF who protect the
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Norway, while the oth-
nation’s integrity and sovereignty.
er Nobel Prizes are awarded in Sweden. This tradition dates
Usage: The example can be used in Internal security Ques-
back to 1901 when the Nobel Peace Prize was established
tions to show how armed forces are also creating awareness
and has continued ever since.
of social issues.
Why Norway?
6. USING AI FOR AUDIT TECHNIQUES The reasons for this distinction are somewhat speculative,
but it is believed that Alfred Nobel, the founder of the No-
Recently, CAG, Girish Chandra Murmu, emphasized utilizing bel Prize, may have had reasons such as admiration for Nor-
AI for auditing. However, it must be done ethically and accu-

80 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
wegian figures or concerns about political influence.
Some historians also suggest that Sweden’s history of mili-
tarism may have played a role in this decision. Additionally,
Sweden and Norway were once in a union, with Norway join-
ing reluctantly after Sweden’s invasion in 1814.
8. DALITS CONVERTING TO SIKHISM
In Bihar’s Araria district, many Dalits have migrated to Pun-
jab and converted to Sikhism to escape caste-based discrim-
ination and poverty. They’ve returned to their villages as
Sikhs, aiming to find respect in society and equality, which
Sikhism promotes.
Conversions to Sikhism have also led to changes in their life-
style, including refraining from eating meat and drinking al-
cohol.
Out-migration from Bihar, driven by poverty and lack of op-
portunities, is a common trend. Caste-based discrimination
and exploitation are also significant factors pushing people
to migrate.
Despite the conversion to Sikhism and some economic im-
provement, social discrimination still exists in their villages.
They hope for recognition as a minority and a change in gov-
ernment records to escape the label of Dalits.
Usage: The example can be used in Ethics/Essay/ Sociology
Optional.
9. SARAH SUNNY (INDIA’S 1ST DEAF LAW-
YER IN SC)
Context:
Sarah Sunny, a 27-year-old lawyer from Bengaluru, recently
achieved a historic milestone by becoming the country’s first
deaf lawyer to argue in the Supreme Court.
Her groundbreaking journey began when Chief Justice DY
Chandrachud allowed a sign language interpreter to assist
her during proceedings. Subsequently, the court-appointed
its own interpreter, a first in its history, to ensure her under-
standing of the proceedings.
Significance:
• Observers believe that Sarah’s presence in the top
court will promote inclusivity and accommodation
for the deaf community within the Indian legal sys-
tem.
• This achievement has broken stereotypes and is ex-
pected to inspire more deaf students to study law,
making the legal system more accessible.
10. TRAVEL FOR LIFE INITIATIVE
Context:
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is partnering with
India to expand the Travel for LiFE (Lifestyle of the Plan-
et, for the Planet, and by the Planet) initiative across the
Asia-Pacific region.
The Ministry of Tourism in India will establish a PATA desk
to enhance engagement with PATA regarding Travel for LiFE
and other tourism-related cooperation.
About Travel for LiFE:
It is a sectoral program launched by the Ministry of Tourism
in India in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change, the United Nations World Tour-
ism Organisation (UNWTO), and the United Nations Environ-
ment Programme (UNEP) on September 27, 2023, World
Tourism Day
Aim of the initiative:
The initiative aims to bring about behavioural changes in
both tourists and tourism businesses, focusing on environ-
mental protection and socio-cultural sustainability. The pro-
gram also encourages tourism businesses to adopt sustain-
able practices and earn certification levels.
Eight Themes of Travel for LiFE –
1. Save Energy
2. Save Water
3. Say No to single-use plastic
4. Reduce Waste
5. Empower Local Businesses and Communities
6. Respect Local Culture and Heritage
7. Consume Local Foods
8. Conserve Nature
About PATA
It was founded in 1951, and is a not-for-profit member-
ship-based association that promotes the responsible de-
velopment of travel and tourism in the Asia-Pacific region.
Usage: The initiative can be used in Environment/ Tourism
Questions
www.insightsonindia.com 81

11. KERALA: “BACK TO SCHOOL” PRO-
GRAM
Kerala is launching a “back to school” program for 46 lakh
women enrolled in the Kudumbashree poverty alleviation
mission. Over the next two months, more than 2,000 schools
will open on weekends to provide training on adapting to
the digital age.
The program aims to empower women, enhance household
incomes, and strengthen the mission’s functioning.
Classes will cover topics like organizational strength, com-
munity life security, and digital age skills.
Usage: The example can be used in Indian society/ Social Jus-
tice/ Governance/Women-related questions on the Empow-
erment of Women.
12. MENTAL HEALTH AS A UNIVERSAL
HUMAN RIGHT (UHR)
Context:
On World Mental Health Day 2023 (October 10), WHO un-
derscores the theme that “Mental health is a universal hu-
man right.”
It advocates for mental health as a fundamental human
right, emphasizing the need to protect individuals from men-
tal health risks, provide accessible and quality care, and en-
sure liberty, independence, and inclusion in the community.
Initiatives taken for Mental Health are:
• Adoption of the Paro Declaration, which aims to
provide universal access to People-centred Mental
Health Care and Services.
• Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking
Across States (Tele MANAS)
• National Mental Health Programme (launched
1982)
• WHO calls for establishing Mental Health as a Uni-
versal Human Right (UHR)
13. NAIK YESHWANT GHADGE
Naik Yeshwant Ghadge was an Indian war hero who served
during World War II’s Italian campaign (1943-45). He epito-
mizes the forgotten Indian heroes of the war.
Ghadge, at the age of 23, single-handedly captured an en-
emy post in Montone, Italy. He was posthumously awarded
the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest military honour.
Indian soldiers, part of the British Indian Army, contributed
over 2.5 million troops to the Allied war effort, with about
50,000 participating in the Italian campaign.
Usage: The example shows values of Bravery, Duty and Sac-
82 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
rifice, Valour, and Service
14. UNICEF’S PASSPORT TO EARNING
(P2E) INITIATIVE
Context:
UNICEF’s Passport to Earning (P2E) Initiative has achieved a
significant milestone by certifying over one million young
people in India in the areas of financial literacy and digital
productivity.
About the initiative:
P2E is an e-learning solution, launched in 2022, by UNICEF
India, YuWaah and partners. This initiative aligns with the
National Education Policy and provides free access to certif-
icate courses in relevant skills. It aims to empower 5 million
youth between the ages of 14-29 with skills (by 2024) and
connect them to job and self-employment opportunities to
achieve financial independence.
• 62 per cent of all young learners who benefitted
from P2E courses in India are adolescent girls and
young women.
• It was celebrated during an event on the UN Interna-
tional Day of the Girl Child (11th October)
Usage: The example can be used in Economy (Skill Develop-
ment)/ Social Justice etc.
15. AI-BASED SYSTEM ENHANCES ELE-
PHANT SAFETY ON RAIL TRACKS
Tamil Nadu is close to completing its first artificial intelli-
gence (AI)-based early warning system designed to protect
wild elephants from train collisions along the Ettimadai–Wa-
layar railway section. This initiative involves the installation
of 12 e-surveillance towers equipped with thermal imaging
cameras to monitor elephant movements. Once fully func-
tional, the system will alert forest department staff and rail-
way authorities to reduce train speed, enhancing elephant
safety in the region.
Previous Measures:
Measure Description
Coordination The Union Environment Ministry set up
Committee a permanent coordination committee
involving the Ministry of Railways and
the Environment Ministry to prevent ele-
phant deaths on railway tracks
Eco Bridges These are wildlife corridors, also known
(Wildlife Corri- as wildlife crossings, which connect two
dors) larger areas of similar wildlife habitat, al-
lowing animals to move safely.
Current Affairs 30
MIKE Program The “Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Ele-
phants (MIKE)” program was launched in
2003 to combat illegal elephant poach-
ing and trade.
Seed Bombs Odisha’s Athagarh Forest Division has
for Elephant initiated the practice of casting seed balls
Food Enrich- (or bombs) in reserve forest areas to en-
ment rich food stock for wild elephants and
mitigate human-elephant conflicts.
Right of Pas- The Supreme Court upheld the 2011 Ma-
sage for Ele- dras High Court order regarding the Nil-
phants giris elephant corridor, affirming the an-
imals’ right of passage and mandating
the closure of resorts in the area.
Usage:
The examples of initiatives can be used in Environment/ Eth-
ics (Animal Ethics) Questions
16. LIFE LESSONS FROM WALT DISNEY
Context:
On the occasion of Disney’s 100th year, the article delves
into the history and origins of the Disney empire, starting
from Walt Disney’s humble beginnings in Kansas City.
Life Lessons from Walt Disney (1901-1966):
Life Lessons
Dream Big Walt Disney’s success began with a dream.
He showed that having big dreams and
pursuing them relentlessly can lead to
great achievements.
Perseverance Disney started from a humble beginning
and faced numerous setbacks and even
bankruptcy, but he never gave up. He
taught us that perseverance and resil-
ience are keys to success.
Creativity Disney encouraged thinking outside the
box e.g., the creation of the iconic charac-
ter Mickey Mouse
Innovation: Disney was known for his in-
novative ideas, from creating the first fea-
ture-length animated film to introducing
Disneyland
Patriotism Disney’s contributions during World War
II, including producing war-related films
and patriotic content
During WW 1, he joined the American
Red Cross and was sent overseas where
he spent over a year driving an ambulance
across France and Germany.
Legacy Disney’s legacy endures through his cre-
ations and the impact he had on enter-
tainment and storytelling. He taught us
about leaving a lasting legacy.
Imagination Disney celebrated the power of imagina-
tion and encouraged us to let our imagina-
tion run wild. He believed that imagination
can change the world.
MOTIVATION – A Quote From Walt Disney
“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and ob-
stacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when
it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in
the world for you.”
17. AMUL’S ‘BE MORE MILK’ CAMPAIGN
Context:
The campaign has gained global recognition with a colourful
and animated billboard displayed at New York’s Time Square.
Aim: The campaign promotes milk in a fresh and youthful
way, encouraging global youth to embody qualities like hon-
esty, purity, and authenticity while fostering positive cultur-
al integration.
Usage: The example can be used in Ethics/Indian Society Qn
for innovation and Cultural integrations.
18. USING BAMBOO FOR LANDSLIPS
PREVENTION
Context:
The Forest Department of Kerala plans to plant bamboo
and bamboo creepers along the Gap Road stretch of the
Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway in Munnar to prevent
landslips caused by unscientific road widening.
The bamboo is expected to penetrate the soil and prevent
future landslips, ensuring soil protection.
In 2017, the Government amended the Indian Forest Act to
categorise bamboo as grass. Now there is no prohibition on
growing or cutting bamboo trees even outside the forests.
About Bamboo
It grows four to five feet deep into the soil and ensures
strong protection of the soil. Using bamboo to prevent land-
slides has been found successful in countries like Malaysia,
the Philippines and Nepal
www.insightsonindia.com 83
 Current Affairs 30

19. USE OF LOCAL COMMUNITY FOR • In the early 19th century, Britain abolished slavery
in its colonies, creating an economic crisis for plac-
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION es like Trinidad, which heavily relied on slave labour
in the sugar industry.
• To address this labour shortage, plantation owners
in Trinidad turned to indentured labour from India,
with the first group arriving in 1845. These inden-
tured labourers brought their culture, including the
Ramleela tradition, with them to Trinidad.
Ramlila is a traditional folk performance of the ancient
Hindu epic Ramayana. The name literally means “Rama’s
play”. It is performed in northern India during the festival of
Dussehra, which is held each year in autumn.

Ramlila is a series of scenes that include a song, Narration,

Recital, and Dialogue.

Trinidad and Tobago is a dual-island Caribbean nation near

Venezuela, with distinctive Creole traditions and cuisines.
About 37% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population are of Indian
descent (mostly from Bhojpur and Awadh Region).

20. STRIKE FOR GENDER EQUALITY

Iceland, known for its gender equality, witnessed a one-day
strike by women, including Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdót-
tir, to protest gender discrimination. Despite topping global
gender gap rankings for 14 consecutive years, two major is-
sues persist:
• Gender pay gap, where women earn 21% less than
men in some professions
• Gender-based violence affects over 40% of women.

The goal is to challenge societal mindsets that perpetuate

these inequalities. In 1975, Iceland’s women staged their
first strike, leading to a law granting equal rights regardless
of gender a year later.

Usage: The example can be used to show how pervasive is
Gender inequality, even in countries with consistently high
gender rankings. Similarly, you can also show that Gender
inequality remains pervasive in low as well as very high-in-
come countries.
Usage: The example can be used to show Indian Culture in
foreign countries/ Indian Diaspora cultural heritage in Inter-
national Relations/Arts & Culture Questions

21. RAMLEELA IN TRINIDAD

Ramleela, a famous folk theatre tradition from India, has
found its way to Trinidad, where it holds cultural significance
among the Indian diaspora. This theatrical re-enactment of
the Ramcharitmanas, portraying the story of Lord Ram, has
been performed in Trinidad, which has a significant Indian
population due to indentured labour in the 19th century.

84 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

22. MAAVU MANTAPA
Context:
Dr P Manohar Upadhya, a veterinary doctor in Mangaluru,
has undertaken a remarkable initiative to conserve local
mango varieties of the coastal belt in Dakshina Kannada,
Udupi, and Kasaragod districts.
His initiatives:
He purchased 5.4 acres of land in Kukkila to plant grafted
saplings, focusing on “naada mavu” or local mango variet-
ies. This conservation effort, named “Maavu Mantapa,” is
not driven by commercial interests but aims to preserve lo-
cal mango diversity threatened by various factors.
Benefits of Conserving Local Species/Varieties:
Benefits Explanation
Biodiversity Pres- Maintains the unique flora and fauna
ervation of the region, contributing to overall
biodiversity.
Ecosystem Stabil- Local species play crucial roles in
ity maintaining ecological balance and
functioning.
Adaptation to Lo- Local species are better adapted to
cal Conditions the region’s specific environmental
challenges.
Cultural and Tradi- Preserves local knowledge, traditions,
tional Significance and practices related to indigenous
species.
Genetic Resource Safeguards the genetic diversity for
Preservation future breeding programs and scien-
tific research.
Resilience to Cli- Locally adapted species are more like-
mate Change ly to withstand climate-related chang-
es.
Usage: The example can be used in Environment Qn to
showcase the benefits of conserving local species of flora
and fauna
Three aspects For making a choice on Labour force par-
of women’s ticipation by women, she usually consid-
choices: HID ers three aspects. HID: Horizon, Identity,
and Decision Making.
Horizon: Refers to whether a woman per-
ceives her lifetime labour force participa-
tion as “long and continuous or intermit-
tent and brief”
Identity: Pertains to whether a woman
derives a sense of individuality/person-
hood from her professional identity.
Decision making: Involves women being
fully autonomous in making their labour
market choices.
3Es of wom- A framework emphasizing the importance
en empow- of engaging women in all aspects of so-
erment: En- ciety, liberating them from systemic con-
g a g e m e n t , straints, and promoting empathy and sup-
Emancipation port for gender equality.
and Empathy Engagement: Focusing on involving wom-
en in all aspects of society.
Emancipation: Concerned with liberating
women from systemic constraints.
Empathy: Encourages support for gender
equality and understanding of women’s
perspectives.
From unpaid, A transition from a situation where wom-
unaccounted en are “Unpaid, Unaccounted, and Un-
and under- derpaid” to a state of “AWARE” women,
paid women which signifies a shift toward empower-
to ‘AWARE’ ment, equality, and recognition.
women AWARE: Stands for Accounted, Well-com-
pensated, Acknowledged, Respected, and
Empowered.
24. ROLE OF RURAL WOMEN IN THE
FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

23. KEYWORDS FOR WOMEN EMPOWER- Various techniques used by women with examples are:
MENT
Aspect Examples of Rural Women’s Contri-
These keywords can be used in Indian Society/ Social Justice/ butions to Climate Resilience
Women Related Questions. Agriculture In Odisha, women resurrect tradi-
Keywords Meaning tional crops that withstand frequent
floods and droughts.
Watershed Man- Women collectives in Nagpur use in-
agement digenous techniques to turn parched
lands into fertile areas.
Seed Preservation Rural women in Telangana act as
seed guardians, safeguarding native
seeds against climate uncertainties.

www.insightsonindia.com 85
 Current Affairs 30

Sustainable Fishing Fisherwomen cooperatives in coast- engage with farmers on environmental solutions.
al Karnataka advocate for regulated
fishing practices and marine life sus- 26. 2023 CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH
tainability.
Waste Manage- Rural women in coastal Karnataka Context:
ment lead circularity efforts, transform- The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has an-
ing kitchen waste into compost and nounced the 2023 Champions of the Earth, recognizing indi-
promoting waste segregation and viduals and organizations for innovative solutions to combat
recycling. plastic pollution.
The award, the UN’s highest environmental honor, acknowl-
Agroforestry Women farmers in the Malnad re-
edges efforts to address the global plastic crisis.
gion practice agroforestry, inter-
cropping native trees with tradition-
Awardees and their contributions include:
al crops to combat erratic rainfall
patterns and enhance soil fertility. Awardee Category Work Description
Community Influ- Rural women actively participate Mayor Josefina Policy Lead- Implementing policies
ence in community decisions and drive Belmonte, Que- ership to combat climate crisis,
movements, using their vote and zon City, Philip- end plastic pollution, and
voice as agents of change. pines promote green urban ini-
tiatives.
Call for Inclusivity Highlight the need to intertwine cli-
mate change and women’s rights Ellen MacArthur Inspiration Mainstreaming a lifecy-
narratives, making climate strate- F o u n d a t i o n , and Action cle approach for plastics,
gies comprehensive and inclusive. United Kingdom fostering collaborations
among decision-makers,
Blueprint for Resil- The strength and wisdom of rural
academia, and more to
ience women offer valuable lessons for
address climate, biodi-
building climate resilience through
versity, and plastic pollu-
inclusive and collaborative ap-
tion.
proaches.
There is a need to recognize and include the voices of rural Blue Circle, Chi- E n t r e p r e - Utilizing blockchain and
women in climate action efforts, underscoring their valu- na neurial Vi- IoT to track and manage
able lessons and the importance of collaborative approaches sion plastic pollution lifecy-
for building climate resilience. cle, including collection,
regeneration, re-manu-
Usage: The examples can be used in Environment/ Mitiga- facturing, and resale.
tion against Climate Change Related Questions José Manuel E n t r e p r e - Leading Algramo, a so-
Moller, Chile neurial Vi- cial enterprise offering
25. VARSHA RAIKWA (RADIO BUN- sion refill services to reduce
plastic pollution and low-
DELKHAND) er costs of everyday es-
sentials.
Varsha Raikwar, a radio jockey at Radio Bundelkhand, uses
her radio show “Shubh Kal” to address climate change and Council for Science and Employing cutting-edge
agriculture-related issues. Scientific and Innovation technology and multi-
Industrial Re- disciplinary research to
The radio show encourages farmers to share tradition- search, South develop innovative solu-
al farming solutions and connects them with experts. The Africa tions for plastic pollution,
program promotes sustainable practices, such as vermicom- including sustainable
posting and organic farming, to mitigate the impact of cli- alternatives and local
mate change on agriculture. manufacturing.

Impact of her work:
Varsha Raikwar’s work has inspired positive changes, in-
cluding the development of water tanks and the adoption
of eco-friendly practices among farmers. The radio station
also reaches a wider audience through its mobile applica-
tion, and it conducts “narrow casting” sessions in villages to
Previous, Indian awardees include: Indian wildlife biolo-
gist Dr. Purnima Devi Barman (2022); PM Narendra Modi
(2018); Tulsi Tanti (Chairman of the Suzlon Group), and Afroz
Alam, a lawyer who led the clean-up at Mumbai’s Versova
beach

86 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
About the award:
The UNEP’s Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s top
environmental annual honor, celebrates individuals, groups,
and organizations for their transformative contributions to
the environment. It has recognized leaders in government,
civil society, and the private sector since its establishment in
2005, honoring those leading efforts to protect our natural
world.
To fight the pervasive impact of pollution on society, UNEP
had launched #BeatPollution, a strategy for rapid, large-
scale and coordinated action against air, land and water pol-
lution
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
GS-1
1. UDANGUDI PANANGARUPATTI
Context:
Udangudi Panangkarupatti, a type of palm jaggery or gur
from Tamil Nadu, has received a Geographical Indication
(GI) tag.
• The uniqueness of Udangudi Panangkarupatti lies in
its traditional preparation method, which does not
involve the use of modern strategies or chemical
additives like triple superphosphate and phosphor-
ic acid, which are commonly used in other areas for
jaggery production.
• This palm jaggery is distinct due to the presence of
red sand dune soil found in the Udangudi region.
This soil has low groundwater retention and results
in a dry climate with lower moisture content in the
atmosphere. These conditions lead to a high su-
crose content in the palm sap, enhancing its taste.
Udangudi jaggery has gained popularity not only locally but
also internationally, being exported to countries such as Sri
Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore.
2. CIRCULAR MIGRATION
Context:
Circular migration involves people moving to and from a
destination country based on employment availability,
rather than migrating permanently or temporarily.
• Circular migration gained popularity in the 1960s
and 1970s due to globalization, improved transpor-
tation, and social networks.
To be considered a circular migrant, certain criteria must be
met, including temporary residence in the destination, mul-
tiple entries into the destination country, freedom of move-
ment, legal right to stay, protection of migrants’ rights, and
demand for temporary labour.
This type of migration is now viewed as a balanced approach
that benefits both sending and receiving countries.
• For sending countries, it can boost the domestic
economy through remittances, foreign capital, and
improved infrastructure. However, it can also lead
to brain drain as talented individuals may seek op-
portunities elsewhere.
• For receiving countries, circular migration can help
fill low-income, low-skill job gaps and mitigate con-
cerns related to population growth. It promotes
brain circulation, where individuals contribute to
both countries’ development.
In India, internal migration has often been circular, particu-
larly from rural to urban areas, driven by industrialization
and job opportunities in the manufacturing, construction,
and services sectors. Inter-state migration is prevalent, with
states like West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar experiencing
high out-migration rates. Circular migrants benefit from bet-
ter-paying jobs, remittances, and improved household wel-
fare. However, they may face challenges, such as exploita-
tion, language barriers, and seasonal job insecurity.
3. GI TAGS (BASOHLI PASHMINA AND UD-
HAMPUR’S KALARI)
Context:
Basohli Pashmina and Udhampur’s Kalari, a popular Dogra
cuisine, have been awarded the prestigious Geographical In-
dication (GI) tag
About the items:
Item Basohli Pashmina Kalari Cuisine
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 Current Affairs 30

Origin Kathua dis- Udhampur dis- 5. SHYAMJI KRISHNA VARMA

trict, Jam- trict, Jammu and
mu and Kashmir Context:
Kashmir On the occasion of Shyamji Krishna Varma’s Jayanti, the
Description Traditional Prime Minister paid tribute to the great revolutionary and
craft; Over freedom fighter.
100 years
old; Hand- About Shyamji Krishna Varma:
• Shyamji Krishna Varma was an Indian revolutionary
spun prod- fighter, patriot, lawyer, and journalist. He was born
uct This dish is pre-
in Mandvi, Gujarat on October 4, 1857
Known for pared using milk • He was the first Indian M.A. and a scholar in San-
extreme and results in a skrit and English
softness, dense cheese. • He founded the Indian Home Rule Society, India
fineness, It is cooked in House, and The Indian Sociologist in London
its own fat, sea- • He moved his base from England to Paris after crit-
and light-
soned with salt, icism by the British. After the outbreak of the First
weight na- World War (1914-18), he moved to Geneva in Swit-
ture and served hot
alongside bun zerland and spent the rest of his life there. He died
Pashmina Shawl is made on March 30, 1930
slices. Kalari is a
from the fine wool of the • Became the first President of Bombay Arya Samaj.
beloved street
Changthangi or Pashmi- food among eth-
na goat’s undercoat. nic Dogras
C u l t u r a l Reflects the rich tradition An important
S i g n i f i - of craftsmanship in Jam- part of Dogra’s
cance mu and Kashmir culinary heritage

About GI tag:
• A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or manufactured
product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating
from a definite geographical territory.
• Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality
and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to
the place of its origin.

4. 500TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRA-

TIONS OF RANI DURGAVATI

6. GI TAGS FOR ARUNACHAL PRODUCTS

Context:
Three indigenous products from Arunachal Pradesh - Yak
Churpi, Khamti rice, and Tangsa textile - have received the
prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the GI Reg-
istry

88 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Product Description Benefits/Features the region.

• The GI tag signifies that Goan cashews have unique
Yak Churpi Fermented It has a high per- characteristics and qualities due to their geograph-
milk product centage of protein. ical origin.
(cheese) made It also contains ome-
from the unique ga-3 fatty acids and Significance:
Arunachali yak antioxidants. It is a • Differentiation from Non-Goan Cashews
breed. source of calcium, • Export Potential
phosphorus, magne- • Economic Contribution: Cashew was introduced to
sium, zinc, vitamin Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and it
A, vitamin D and vi- has since become a significant contributor to the
state’s economy.
tamin E.
Khamti rice Sticky rice is Known for its taste.
produced in Contains insoluble
Namsai dis- fiber promoting ben-
trict, Arunachal eficial gut bacteria.
Pradesh.
Tangsa textile Product of the Textiles are known
Tangsa tribe in for their exotic de-
Changlang dis- signs and colours.
trict, Arunachal
Pradesh.
Tangsa tribe is
mainly based in
Changlang and
consists of sub-
tribes.

9. MESOLITHIC ROCK ART FIND ADDS TO

7. LINKS BETWEEN CONSANGUINITY AND
GENETIC DISEASES
Context:
Consanguinity, the practice of marrying close relatives, is a
widespread tradition still practised in many human societies,
particularly in Asia and West Africa.
Key points regarding consanguinity and genetic diseases:
• Prevalence: An estimated 15-20% of the world’s
population practices consanguinity, with India hav-
ing numerous endogamous groups (people marry-
ing within the same caste or tribe).
• Consanguinity and Disease: Consanguineous societ-
ies, like the Amish population in the U.S., have been
studied for recessive diseases, leading to the discov-
ery of new genetic diseases and insights into genet-
ic predisposition to common diseases. Research
suggests that consanguinity may increase the risk of
diseases like type-2 diabetes.
8. GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION (GI) TAG
FOR GOAN CASHEW (KERNEL)
Context:
The cashew industry in Goa recently received a Geographi-
cal Indication (GI) tag, which has significant implications for
HYDERABAD’S HISTORY
Context:
A significant archaeological discovery was made in the
Manchirevula Forest Trek Park near Hyderabad.
• Ancient rock paintings that appear to date back to
the Mesolithic period.
• The paintings, which are in red pigment, depict
three tortoises, a fish, and a geometric motif.
• The paintings are approximately 6,000 to 12,000
years old, placing them within the Mesolithic era,
which spans from 10,000 to 4,000 BC.
• The site is well-preserved due to its covered nature,
and there are plans to create a protective fence and
clear a path for visitors to view the art while ensur-
ing its conservation.
Prehistoric rock paintings:
The term ‘Prehistory’ refers to the distant past when there
was no paper or language, and hence painting and drawing
were the oldest art forms practised by human beings to ex-
press themselves, using the cave walls as their canvas. The
first discovery of rock paintings was made in India in 1867–
68 by an archaeologist, Archibold Carlleyle, twelve years
before the discovery of Altamira in Spain.

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 Current Affairs 30

Period Upper Paleo- Mesolithic

Mesolithic Initiative Details
lithic (40000 (10000 – 4000
Rock Paint- Amendment Amendment to MMRDA in 2023 delisted
– 10000 BC) BC) ing to MMRDA six minerals, including Lithium and Nio-
Paintings Linear repre- Smaller in size
Made with bium, from the list of atomic minerals,
sentations of with hunting
natural thereby allowing private sector participa-
animal and scenes pre-
white ka- tion
human fig- dominating olin and Provided for the auction of mining leases
ures red ochre and composite licenses of 24 critical and
pigments strategic minerals by the central govern-
Prominent Vindhya rang- Langhnaj (Guja- Guntur ment
Locations es of Madhya rat), Bhimbet- Khanij Bidesh It is a government joint venture that aims
Pradesh, Ut- ka, Adamgarh India Ltd to secure critical minerals globally, with a
tar Pradesh focus on Australia and South America.
Themes Daily life The naturalistic Depicts so- Presently, India’s mineral royalty rates are among the high-
events to sa- style for ani- cial life and est in the world, thus impacting the competitiveness of the
cred and roy- mals, stylistic c u l t u r e , sector and putting an economic burden on mining compa-
al images for humans man tilling nies.
the land
About the Minerals:
Mineral Description Common Uses
10. ROYALTY RATES FOR THREE CRITICAL Lithium An alkali metal used Rechargeable bat-
AND STRATEGIC MINERALS in rechargeable bat- teries, energy stor-
teries for mobiles, age.
Context: laptops, electric ve-
The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Mines and hicles, and medical
Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, specify- devices like pacemak-
ing royalty rates for three critical and strategic minerals: Lith- ers.
ium, Niobium, and Rare Earth Elements (REEs). Rare Earth A group of 17-odd Catalysts, magnets,
Elements minerals including alloys, glass, elec-
What are Royalty rates? scandium, yttrium, tronics, petroleum
cerium, and more. extraction, electric
Royalty rates are fees paid to the government for the ex- motors, wind tur-
traction of minerals or resources from a specified area. 2nd bines.
Schedule of MMDRA 1957 deals with the royalty rates of Niobium A silvery metal with Alloys (stainless
minerals.
a corrosion-resis- steel), jet engines,
tant oxide layer on construction mate-
These minerals were delisted from atomic minerals and can its surface. The main rials, superconduct-
now be auctioned to the private sector. The approved royal- source of Niobium is ing magnets (par-
ty rates are as follows: the mineral colum- ticle accelerators,
• Lithium (3% of London Metal Exchange price) bite, which is found MRI scanners).
• Niobium (3% of Average Sale Price) in countries such as
• REEs (1% of the Average Sale Price of Rare Earth Ox- Canada, Brazil, Aus-
ide) tralia, and Nigeria.
If not specified, the royalty rate for minerals is 12% of the
Average Sale Price (ASP). 11. PONTUS PLATE

Significance of fixing Royalty Rates: Encouraging indigenous Context:

mining of these minerals is crucial for reducing imports,
boosting mining sector investment, promoting economic
development, and supporting India’s energy transition and
national security. The move is also expected to create job
opportunities in the mining sector.
Initiatives for Critical Minerals exploration:
Scientists have recently rediscovered the “Pontus plate,” a
long-lost tectonic plate that disappeared about 20 million
years ago.
• This plate was approximately a quarter the size of
the Pacific Ocean and once existed beneath an an-
cient ocean known as the Pontus Ocean.
• The rediscovery of the Pontus plate was accidental,
occurring during a study of rocks in Borneo. Re-

90 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
searchers had originally been studying the Pacific
plate when they came across rock fragments that
didn’t fit with known plates’ magnetic properties.
• Computer modelling eventually revealed that these
rock fragments belonged to a previously unknown
tectonic plate, the Pontus plate.
This plate formed at least 160 million years ago, possibly
even earlier, and eventually disappeared as it was subduct-
ed beneath the Australian and Chinese plates. This discov-
ery sheds light on Earth’s geological history and the move-
ment of tectonic plates.
12. SIR SYED AHMED KHAN
Context:
Sir Syed’s 125th birth anniversary coincides with the passing
of the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a prominent figure in promoting mod-
ern education and advocating reforms, had complex and
evolving views on women’s empowerment and education:
• Conflicting Views: While he was known for his efforts
to promote modern education among Muslims, Sir
Syed held conflicting views on women’s education.
• Educational Institution: He established the Mo-
hammedan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh, indi-
cating his commitment to education. However, his
approach to women’s education was conservative,
advocating a “disorganised tutor-based home edu-
cation” for them.
• Concerns About Education: Sir Syed believed that
women’s education could potentially jeopardize
their primary role in life, which, in his view, was
marriage. He supported gender segregation and op-
posed co-education, reflecting a somewhat feudal
mindset.
• Advocate for Women’s Empowerment: Despite his
conservative views on women’s education, Sir Syed
was a strong advocate for women’s empowerment.
He criticized harmful practices like female infan-
ticide, polygamy, and child marriage through the
Aligarh Institute Gazette.
• Influence of European Experience: Sir Syed’s in-
teractions with women in Europe during a visit in
1869-70 had a significant impact on his views. He
admired the freedom enjoyed by women in Europe
and believed that the rejection of women’s educa-
tion by Muslims had contributed to the community’s
decline.
13. THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
Context:
In 1879, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott,
founders of the Theosophical Society, established the soci-
ety’s headquarters in Adyar, Madras, India.
• The society aimed to investigate unexplained natu-
ral laws and latent human powers through spiritual
development, with Blavatsky believed to possess
psychic abilities, including communication with
“Mahatmas” on an astral plane. However, in 1884,
allegations of the dubious nature of these powers
led to a major controversy
About Theosophical Society:
It is the organizational body of Theosophy, a new religious
movement. Theosophy is a philosophy that combines mys-
ticism and spiritualism.
It teaches that the purpose of human life is spiritual eman-
cipation and that the human soul undergoes reincarnation
upon bodily death. Theosophy also promotes values of uni-
versal brotherhood and social improvement.
The Theosophical Society was founded in New York City in
1875 by:
1. Helena Blavatsky, a Ukrainian mystic and the principal
thinker of the Theosophy movement
2. Henry Steel Olcott, the first president of the Theosoph-
ical Society
3. Charles Webster Leadbeater
4. William Quan Judge
The Theosophical Society’s headquarters were established
in Adyar, near Madras (now Chennai) in India in 1882. Annie
Besant popularized the movement in India
14. 69TH NATIONAL FILM AWARDS
Context:
The President of India presented the 69th National Film
Awards in New Delhi.
• The National Film Awards were established in 1954
to encourage the production of films with high aes-
thetic and technical standards, and educational and
cultural value.
• The awards were originally called “State Awards for
Films”.
• Awards are given in three sections – Features,
Non-Features and Best Writing on Cinema.
www.insightsonindia.com 91

Some of the awards include:
• Dadasaheb Phalke Award: The highest award, given
to recognize the contributions of film personalities
to the development of Indian cinema
• Silver Lotus Award: Given for the best feature film
on national integration
• Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertain-
ment
The Role of Cinema in Reflecting Society: They portray the
struggles, triumphs, and challenges faced by individuals
and communities. By depicting real-life issues on screen,
cinema creates a space for viewers to engage with various
perspectives, encouraging them to re-evaluate their own
beliefs and biases.
15. CORAL REEF FOSSILS IN LADAKH
Context:
Geologists have made a remarkable discovery of coral reef
fossils at an elevation of 18,000 feet above sea level in the
Burtse region, Eastern Ladakh Himalayas.
• These fossils reveal the existence of ancient coral
colonies and provide insights into a previously un-
known geological past of the Burtse region, sug-
gesting the presence of a diverse marine ecosystem.
The findings support the idea that the Himalayas emerged
when continental plates were thrust out of the Tethys Sea
about 40 million years ago.
Significance:
The discovery of coral reef fossils in Ladakh is significant be-
cause it indicates that this region, now a high-altitude des-
ert, was once submerged under a vast ocean. This finding
offers insights into Ladakh’s geological history, the impact of
tectonic activity, and ancient climate conditions.
About the Coral reefs
They are underwater ecosystems composed of coral colo-
nies held together by calcium carbonate, which are vital for
marine ecology.
92 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
16. DOGRA ARCHITECTURE
Context:
The Maharaj Gunj market in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir,
which had lost its historical glory due to encroachments and
deviations, is undergoing a revival project.
• Srinagar Smart City Ltd. and the Kashmir chapter of
the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heri-
tage (INTACH) are collaborating to conserve vernac-
ular elements of Kashmiri architecture, particularly
those introduced by Dogra Hindu kings between
1846 and 1947.
About Dogra Architecture:
• Dogra architecture is a term used to describe the
buildings and structures constructed by the Dogra
Hindu kings who ruled over Jammu. The Dogra
kings ruled from 1846 to 1947.
• The Dogras are believed to be of Indo-Aryan de-
scent and migrated to the Jammu region from the
Punjab region during ancient times.
Dogra architecture in Jammu and Kashmir is characterized
by:
• Use of local materials: Utilizes stone, wood, and
bricks from the region.
• Symmetrical designs: Often feature symmetrical lay-
outs and ornate detailing.
• Wooden balconies: Prominent use of intricately
carved wooden balconies.
• Sloping roofs: Sloped roofs to withstand snowfall,
with overhanging eaves.
• Courtyards: Central courtyards for light and ventila-
tion in homes.
• Influence of Hindu and Tibetan styles: Combines el-
ements of both architectural traditions.
Some examples of Dogra architecture include:
• The Mubarak mandi, which was a hub of Dogra cul-
ture until 1947
• The jharokha style of balcony.
• The Amar Mahal Palace.
17. KING KULASHEKARA ALUPENDRA I
Context:
Archaeologists uncovered a rare inscription related to the
Alupa dynasty, marking the first record of an Alupa king’s
death and containing references to the Siri cult, including
Siri, Dalya, and Chattara.
• This Someshwara inscription holds great signifi-
cance in the study of Tuluva history and culture (in
modern-day Karnataka).
• The inscription is connected to the establishment
of the Soma cult, founded by Soma Sharma of Gu-
jarat in the 11th century AD, which later spread
across India.
• The Someshwara temple in Someshwara was con-
structed during the reign of Kulashekara Alupendra
in honour of Soma and adorned with Nava Durgas
Current Affairs 30
sculptures. 18. GUJARAT’S DHORDO VILLAGE GETS
UNWTO RECOGNITION
Context:
Dhordo village in Gujarat has earned recognition from the
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for
being one of the Best Tourism Villages in 2023.
• Dhordo, located in the Great Rann of Kutch, is
known for its annual Rann Utsav, which celebrates
the region’s rich cultural heritage, traditional arts,
music, and crafts.

About UNWTO Recognition of villages:

• The UNWTO recognizes villages that contribute to
rural development, and preserve landscapes, cul-
tural diversity, and culinary traditions.
Kulashekara Alupendra I, a renowned ruler of the Alupas in • These villages excel in various areas, including cul-
South Canara, is the central figure of this inscription. tural and natural resources, sustainability, and
tourism development.
The inscription features depictions of Alupendra I, show- • The Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched in
casing him both standing in a specific posture with a sword 2021, is part of the UNWTO’s efforts to promote
rural development, combat depopulation, and en-
and sitting in a meditative pose.
courage sustainable practices through tourism.
About the United Nations World Tourism Organization:
Kulashekara Alupendra was known for establishing new cit-
ies, setting temple administration regulations still followed
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
in the region, and promoting the Tulu language and culture.
is a specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes
responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tour-
He ruled Tulunadu from 1156 to 1215 A.D., and the inscrip-
ism. The UNWTO is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.
tion, although undated, is believed to be from the 12th cen-
tury based on palaeography.
The UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of Economic
growth, Inclusive development, and Environmental sus-
tainability.

19. LITTLE ICE AGE

Context:
A new study of the Little Ice Age (LIA), a global climatic event
from 1671-1942, challenges the traditional perception of it
being uniformly cold and dry.
• The study, reconstructed the climate history of the
Western Ghats in India between 1219 and 1942 us-
ing pollen-based vegetation data.

Key Findings:
• The findings suggest that the LIA was not uniformly
cold and dry but instead had significant variations
in rainfall patterns.
• The study points to the influence of the northeast
winter monsoon (NEM) in creating a “moist” or
“wet” LIA in the region.
• The research also highlights the impact of factors
like the northward movement of the Inter Tropi-
cal Convergence Zone (ITCZ), positive temperature
anomalies, increased sunspot numbers, and high
solar activity on climate changes during the LIA.

www.insightsonindia.com 93

This information can aid in developing paleoclimatic models
for future climate predictions and policy planning, helping
to understand the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) and its
variability during the Holocene
LIA is attributed to a combination of cooling from volcanic
aerosols and low solar activity producing lower surface
temperatures
20. CHINA CURBS GRAPHITE EXPORTS
Context:
China has implemented export restrictions on certain
graphite products, citing national security concerns, as part
of its broader efforts to control critical mineral exports.
• China is the world’s largest producer of natural
graphite, accounting for two-thirds of global supply.
• While Mozambique, Madagascar, and Brazil are sig-
nificant non-Chinese producers, China also refines
over 90% of the world’s graphite for use in EV bat-
tery anodes
About Graphite:
Graphite is a naturally occurring crystalline form of car-
bon. It’s made up of stacked layers of graphene. Graphite is
the most stable form of carbon under standard conditions.
Graphite is a mineral that’s found in metamorphic and igne-
ous rocks. It’s extremely soft, cleaves with very light pres-
sure, and has a very low specific gravity.
Graphite is a good conductor of electricity and heat. It’s also
lighter than diamond, smooth and slippery to touch.
Graphite, a key component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries,
has seen a surge in demand due to the growth of the EV in-
dustry. The battery end-use market for graphite has grown
by 250% globally since 2018
21. VAJRA MUSHTI KALAGA
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Current Affairs 30
22. BANNI FESTIVAL
Context:
During the traditional Banni festival in Devaragattu, Andhra
Pradesh’s Kurnool district, three individuals lost their lives,
and over a hundred were injured on the night of October 24.
About the Banni Festival:
Feature Description
Nature Traditional stick-fight
Occurrence Celebrated on the night of Dussehra (Vijaya
Dasami) annually
Origin Associated with the Vijayanagara Empire
Purpose To symbolically snatch idols from the dei-
ties’ team, leading to the Banni Fight
H i s t o r i c a l Celebrates the victory of Lord Mala
Significance Malleswara Swamy and Goddess Parvati
over the demonish Mani and Mallasura,
who troubled the people in the Devaragat-
tu region
Rituals Takes place at midnight - Procession of
idols of deities Malamma and Malleshwara
Swamy from the hill temple at Neraneki -
Devotees carry long sticks or lathis to hit
each other on the head with these sticks
Location It is held on the premises of Mala
Malleswara Swamy Temple (situated at
the border of Andhra Pradesh and Karna-
taka).
23. BABA FARID: JERUSALEM-INDIA CON-
NECTION
Context:
India’s connection with Jerusalem traces back 800 years to
the establishment of Baba Farid’s lodge.
What is the story?
Legend has it that Baba Farid, a Sufi saint from Punjab, med-
itated at this spot in Jerusalem, and Indian Muslims on their
way to Mecca began visiting the place to pray. Over time, this
humble spot evolved into a shrine and hospice for Indian
travelers. The property is now under the ownership of Waqf
Board of India, accessible solely to individuals of Indian citi-
zenship or heritage.
Who was Baba Farid?
Baba Farid, born in 1173 near Shakarganj, Pakistan, was from
a family that migrated from Kabul to Punjab. He followed the
Chishti Order and was a pioneering Sufi who wrote verses
in Punjabi. His significant impact is seen in Sikhism, where
many of his verses are included in the Guru Granth Sahib,
the holy scripture of Sikhs. Baba Farid’s most famous disci-
ple Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya (1238-1325) was responsible
for making Delhi an important centre of the Chishti silsilah.
Current Affairs 30
GS-2
1. IGMS 2.0 PUBLIC GRIEVANCE PORTAL
Context:
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Griev-
ances (DARPG) (Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and
Pensions) launched IGMS 2.0. Public Grievance portal and
Automated Analysis in Tree Dashboard portal
What is Intelligent Grievance Monitoring System (IGMS)
2.0?
IGMS is an artificial intelligence (AI) driven Grievance Moni-
toring System. It aims to enhance the efficiency of the public
grievance redressal process.
Portal IGMS 2.0 Public Grievance Portal
I m p l e m e n t i n g DARPG in collaboration with IIT Kan-
Agency pur
Objectives Provide instant tabular analysis of
Grievances Filed and disposed of. Of-
fer State-wise and district-wise Griev-
ances Filed data. Offer Ministry-wise
data. Enhance grievance redressal
process with AI capabilities.
Key Highlights Upgrades DARPG’s CPGRAMS portal
with AI capabilities.
About CPGRAMS:
CPGRAMS is an online platform available 24/7 for citizens
to lodge grievances related to service delivery. It connects
all Ministries/Departments of the Government of India and
States and offers role-based access. Citizens can track griev-
ance status using a unique registration ID and use the appeal
facility if not satisfied with the resolution by the Grievance
Officer.
• Close to 20 lakh grievances are received annually on the
CPGRAMS portal.
• CPGRAMS is now available in 22 scheduled languages.
• Special Campaign 3.0: The campaign has made a signif-
icant impact, clearing office space and promoting the
eOffice work culture.
2. UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION
AGAINST TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED
CRIMES (UNTOC)
Context: The Minister of State for Home Affairs attended a
two-day conference in Palermo, Italy, marking the 20th an-
niversary of the United Nations Convention against Trans-
national Organized Crimes (UNTOC).
The United Nations Convention against Transnational Or-
ganized Crime (UNTOC) is a global and legally binding in-
strument adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2000 and
enforced in 2003.
It is the first comprehensive treaty aimed at combatting
transnational organized crime including human trafficking,
migrant smuggling, and illicit firearms trafficking.
Currently, there are 191 parties to the Convention, including
India (who joined it in 2002 and ratified it in 2011). Central
Bureau of Investigation as the national Nodal Authority from
India. India also enacted the Criminal Law Amendment Act in
2013, which specifically defines human trafficking.
About Transnational Organized Crime:
Transnational organized crime refers to criminal activities
that operate across national borders, involving organized
groups engaged in various illegal activities such as drug traf-
ficking, human trafficking, money laundering, and cyber-
crime.
3. ONLINE REGISTRATION OF FIR
Context:
The 22nd Law Commission of India submitted a report which
suggest amending Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Pro-
cedure, 1973 (CrPC) to allow for online registration of FIRs
(First Information Reports).
Recommendations:
• The Law Commission recommends enabling the
registration of e-FIRs in a phased manner, starting
with offenses carrying a maximum punishment of
up to three years of imprisonment.
• e-Complaint to be allowed for all Non-Cognizable
Offences.
4. HATE SPEECH
Context:
According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR),
a total of 107 Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members
of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) in India have hate speech
cases against them.
• The analysis was based on self-sworn affidavits sub-
mitted by lawmakers and candidates in the last five
years.
Key Findings:
• These cases are distributed across various states,
with Uttar Pradesh having the highest number of
MPs with such cases, followed by Tamil Nadu, Bihar,
Karnataka, and Telangana, among others.
• The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the high-
est number of MPs with hate speech cases, with 22
of its members being mentioned. Other political par-
ties, such as the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP),
AIMIM, DMK, and others, also have lawmakers with
hate speech cases against them.
Hate speech is any form of expression that intends to vil-
ify, humiliate, or incite hatred against a group or individ-
www.insightsonindia.com 95
 Current Affairs 30
ual based on inherent characteristics. Hate speech can in- Conviction An MP loses their membership
clude Public speech, Writing, and Nonverbal communication. if convicted of a crime and sen-
tenced to at least two years in
5. SWACHH BHARAT MISSION prison. They are also disquali-
fied for six years after the con-
Context: viction unless the conviction
A World Bank paper has highlighted a concerning trend of order is suspended.
declining regular toilet use in rural India since 2018-19, de- Defection If an MP elected as a repre-
spite significant improvements in toilet access due to the sentative of one political par-
Swachh Bharat Mission - Gramin (SBM-G) launched in 2014- ty joins another political party
15. after the election, they are dis-
• While the program led to substantial increases in toi- qualified.
let access in rural areas, the paper indicates that the
annual improvements in toilet use have not been Office of Profit Holding an “office of profit” un-
linear and that there have been negative trends der the Government of India or
over the last two years. any State government leads to
• The decline in regular toilet use is most pronounced disqualification.
among Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe so-
Holding an Office that Some offices, as determined by
cio-economic groups.
• States like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Tel- Parliament Allows Parliament, do not disqualify
angana, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh have wit- MPs if held.
nessed a sustained decline in toilet use since 2018, Joining a Political Party Being elected as an indepen-
while seven other states have seen uneven declines. After Election dent candidate and later join-
ing a political party can result
6. CENTRAL TRIBAL UNIVERSITY in disqualification.

Context: 8. ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE

The Prime Minister has announced the establishment of a
Central Tribal University in Telangana’s Mulugu district, with Context:
a project cost of Rs 900 crore. The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the Enforcement
• The university will be named after tribal goddess- Directorate (ED) must provide the grounds for arrest in writ-
es Samakka and Sarakka. This initiative is aimed at
ing to the accused at the time of arrest.
benefiting the youth, particularly those from tribal
• The decision emphasizes that the ED should not en-
communities.
gage in vindictive conduct and should act fairly and
• Additionally, the Prime Minister has conferred the ti-
transparently.
tle of “Institution of Eminence” on the Central Uni-
• The ruling came in response to a plea by Pankaj Ban-
versity of Hyderabad and provided it with a special
sal and Basant Bansal, Directors of the M3M real
fund.
estate group, who challenged their arrest by the
ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act
7. DISQUALIFICATION FROM LOK SABHA (PMLA). The Punjab and Haryana High Court had
refused to set aside their arrest.
Context: • The court criticized the ED’s style of functioning and
Lakshadweep Member of Parliament (MP) Mohammed declared the arrest as illegal. It clarified that read-
ing out the reasons for arrest to the accused does
Faizal has been disqualified from the Lok Sabha for the sec-
not fulfil the legal requirements.
ond time this year.
• This decision follows the Kerala High Court’s refusal
to suspend his conviction in a murder case where
he was sentenced to a decade of rigorous imprison-
ment for attempting to murder.
• A Member of Parliament (MP) can be disqualified
from the Lok Sabha for a number of reasons, includ-
ing:
Disqualification Reason Description

96 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

P e n s i o n Provides fixed Does not guar- Guarantees

Guarantee pensions antee fixed a fixed pen-
pensions, and sion compo-
offers returns nent
based on mar-
ket condition
Contribu- F u n d e d Contributions Employees
tion through the from employ- contribute
budget ees and em- 10% of their
ployers are basic sala-
invested ry, matched
by the state
government
P e n s i o n Fixed, based Variable, de- Fixed at
Amount on salary and pendent on 50% of the
length of ser- corpus re- last drawn
vice turns basic salary
Fiscal Im- Unsustainable Fiscally sus- Any shortfall
pact on growth in pen- tainable in the re-
States sion liabilities turns from
leading to high NPS is fund-
9. ANDHRA PRADESH: NEW GUARANTEED fiscal deficit ed by the
PENSION SCHEME (GPS) government

Context:
The Andhra Pradesh Guaranteed Pension System Bill, 2023
was passed recently.
• Through this, the Andhra Pradesh government
started introducing the New Guaranteed Pension
Scheme (GPS) against the criticism of the New Pen-
sion Scheme (NPS) and the negative fiscal impact
Old Pension Scheme (OPS)

OPS vs. NPS vs. GPS explained using numbers:

Several states, including Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Himachal

Pradesh, Punjab, and Delhi, have been contemplating a re-
turn to OPS. However, a hybrid model like the GPS adopted
by Andhra Pradesh could serve as a potential model for oth-
er states in the future.

10. GLOBAL INTERNET FREEDOM

Old Pension Scheme (OPS), New Pension Scheme (NPS), and
Andhra Pradesh’s Guaranteed Pension Scheme (GPS):
Aspect Old Pension New Pension Guaranteed
Scheme (OPS) Scheme (NPS) P e n s i o n
Scheme
(GPS)
Context:
A new report by Freedom House reveals that global Inter-
net freedom has been on the decline for the 13th consecu-
tive year.
• This decline is seen in 29 countries, while only 20
countries have registered improvements in Inter-
net freedom.
• The report, titled ‘Freedom on the Net 2023: The
Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence,’ high-
lights the growing use of artificial intelligence by

www.insightsonindia.com 97

governments for censorship and the spread of dis-
information.
Some key findings include:
• Iran witnessed a sharp increase in digital repres-
sion.
• China ranked as the world’s worst environment for
Internet freedom for the ninth consecutive year, fol-
lowed by Myanmar.
• A record 55 countries this year imposed legal con-
sequences for online expression.
• Elections were identified as a trigger for digital re-
pression.
Regarding India, the report noted:
• The Information Technology (Intermediary Guide-
lines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules require
large social media platforms to use AI-based mod-
eration tools for various types of content.
• The report expressed concerns about the impact of
India’s expanding censorship regime on democracy.
• India was evaluated on various censorship meth-
ods, including Internet connectivity restrictions,
blocks on social media platforms, website blocking,
and the forced removal of content.
India scored 50 on a scale of 1 to 100, with higher scores
representing greater digital freedom, while Iceland received
the highest score of 94, indicating the best climate of Inter-
net freedom.
11. INDIA-JAPAN FUND (IJF)
Context:
The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) has
partnered with the Japan Bank for International Coopera-
tion (JBIC) to establish a $600 million India-Japan Fund (IJF),
with the Government of India (GoI) and JBIC as primary in-
vestors.
• This collaboration reflects a significant joint effort
between India and Japan in the field of climate and
environmental sustainability.
• The IJF is NIIF’s first bilateral fund, with the GoI con-
tributing 49% of the total fund, while JBIC contrib-
utes the remaining 51%.
The primary focus of the India-Japan Fund is on investments
in environmental sustainability and low-carbon emission
strategies. Its objective is to become a preferred partner for
encouraging increased Japanese investments in India.
About National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)
(formed in 2015; Office: New Delhi)
It is a government-backed Category-II Alternate Investment
Fund, created to offer long-term financial support to India’s
infrastructure sector. The Indian government holds a 49%
stake in NIIF, while the remaining shares are owned by both
foreign and domestic investors. Due to the substantial gov-
ernment ownership, NIIF is often regarded as India’s qua-
si-sovereign wealth fund.
98 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
12. VEER GATHA PROJECT 3.0
Context:
The 3rd edition of the Veer Gatha Project saw active par-
ticipation from over 1.36 crore school students across all 36
States and Union Territories in India.
About the Project:
The project, initiated under the Gallantry Awards Portal
(GAP) in 2021, aims to highlight acts of bravery by Armed
Forces personnel and instil values of patriotism and civic
consciousness among students. Students submitted poems,
paintings, essays, videos, and more to honour these brave
individuals.
Activities under it:
Under Veer Gatha Project 3.0, various activities were con-
ducted at the school level, with schools uploading their best
entries on the MyGov portal. 100 winners (Super 100) will
be chosen at the National Level and jointly honoured by the
Ministry of Education and Ministry of Defence, each receiv-
ing a cash prize of Rs 10,000. Winners at the District (4 win-
ners) and State/UT (8 winners) levels will also be recognized
and felicitated.
Two editions of the Veer Gatha Project (i.e., Edition-I
and Edition-II) have been conducted in 2021 and 2022
respectively.
13. OTT PLATFORMS DO NOT FALL UN-
DER TRAI JURISDICTION
Context:
The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal
(TDSAT) in India has ruled that Over the Top (OTT) streaming
platforms, like Disney + Hotstar, do not fall under the juris-
diction of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
• Instead, they are governed by the Information Tech-
nology Rules of 2021, as notified by the IT Ministry.
• This decision is significant as both TRAI and the De-
partment of Telecommunications (DoT) have been
attempting to regulate OTT services, a move that
has been contested by the IT Ministry.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is a govern-
ment body that regulates the telecommunications sector in
India. TRAI was established in 1997 by the Government of
India.
14. RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 52ND
GST COUNCIL MEETING
Context:
The 52nd GST Council Meeting made several important rec-
ommendations:
• Amendments in Appointment of GST Appellate Tri-
Current Affairs 30
bunals - in the conditions for appointing the Presi-
dent and Members of the proposed GST Appellate
Tribunals.
• GST Rates for Millet Flour: GST rates for food prepa-
ration of millet flour in powder form, containing at
least 70% millets by weight, were specified as fol-
lows:
o 0% when sold in non-pre-packaged and un-
labelled form.
o 5% when sold in pre-packaged and labelled
form.
• Exclusion of Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) from GST
• Reduced GST on Molasses: The GST rate on molas-
ses was reduced from 28% to 5%.
• IGST Exemption for Foreign Going Vessels
• Changes in GST Rates for Services
About GST Council:
It is a constitutional body under Article 279A (101 Constitu-
tion Amendment Act, 2016). Function: Making recommen-
dations on issues related to the implementation of GST
15. AGREEMENT ON COOPERATION IN
ENERGY SECTOR
Context:
India and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Under-
standing (MoU) on cooperation in the energy sector.
• This agreement outlines several areas of collabora-
tion, including renewable energy, energy efficiency,
hydrogen, electricity, grid interconnection, petro-
leum, natural gas, strategic petroleum reserves,
and energy security.
• Both countries also aim to encourage bilateral in-
vestments in renewable energy, electricity, hydro-
gen, storage, and oil & gas.
• The MoU emphasizes addressing climate change
through circular economy technologies like carbon
capture and storage. It also promotes digital trans-
formation, innovation, and cybersecurity in the en-
ergy sector.
16. TELE-MANAS
Context: India’s Tele-MANAS, a round-the-clock mental
health helpline launched on World Mental Health Day in
2022, has received over 3,40,000 calls from 32 states and
union territories.
• The helpline was initiated in response to the in-
creased mental health challenges brought about by
the COVID-19 pandemic, providing essential mental
health first-aid support.
Tele-MANAS is a mental health helpline in India. It was
launched in October 2022 by the Ministry of Health & Fam-
ily Welfare. The program’s objectives are:
• To enable people to seek support for their mental health
issues while maintaining anonymity
• To facilitate timely referral for specialist care and fol-
low-up
• To enhance mental healthcare capacity and networking
Tele-MANAS offers 24/7 mental health care services in ev-
ery Indian state, in regional languages. The service is accessi-
ble through the toll-free numbers 14416 or 1-800-891-4416
17. HABITAT RIGHTS
Context:
The Baiga Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in
Chhattisgarh has been granted habitat rights, making it the
second PVTG to receive such rights in the state.
• Out of 75 PVTGs in India, only three have received
habitat rights, including the Bharia PVTG in Madhya
Pradesh, the Kamar tribe, and now the Baiga tribe
in Chhattisgarh.
About Habitat Rights:
• Habitat rights are granted under the Forest Rights
Act and provide communities with rights over their
customary territories, cultural practices, livelihood
means, biodiversity knowledge, and protection of
their natural and cultural heritage.
• Habitat rights help safeguard traditional livelihoods
and ecological knowledge, and they empower
PVTG communities to access government schemes
and initiatives to develop their habitats.
PVTGs are a sub-classification of Scheduled Tribes in In-
dia. They are considered more vulnerable than regular
Scheduled Tribes.
PVTGs are characterized by:
• Declining or stagnant population
• Low level of literacy
• Pre-agricultural level of technology
• Economically backward
The Government of India renamed Primitive Tribal Groups
(PTGs) as PVTGs in 2006. The Dhebar Commission created
the PTG category in 1973
18. PROTOCOL FOR MANAGEMENT OF
MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN
Context:
The Indian government has introduced a national protocol
called the ‘Protocol for Management of Malnutrition in
Children’ aimed at identifying and providing comprehen-
sive care for malnourished children in the country.
• The protocol was launched by the Union Minister
for Women and Child Development.
Features:
• It outlines a 10-step process for identifying and
managing malnutrition in children at the Anganwa-
di level, incorporating aspects such as growth mon-
itoring, appetite testing, nutritional management,
and follow-up care.
www.insightsonindia.com 99

• The protocol also introduces innovative approach-
es, such as the “Buddy mother” concept, where a
mother with a healthy child guides the mother of a
malnourished child at an Anganwadi centre.
• This initiative is part of the government’s efforts
to combat malnutrition through the ‘Poshan Abhi-
yan,’ with a focus on treating malnourished children
and promoting their healthy growth.
19. UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY ELECTS 15
NEW MEMBERS TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS
COUNCIL
Context:
Russia is facing a challenging battle to regain a seat on the
United Nations Human Rights Council.
• Russia is competed against Albania and Bulgaria for
two seats in the East European regional group.
• The United States and other nations have been ac-
tively campaigning against Russia’s re-election, cit-
ing concerns about its human rights record, includ-
ing alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
• Human Rights Watch has also criticized Russia and
China, stating that they are unfit to serve on the
council due to their ongoing human rights abuses.
• By secret ballot, the Assembly elected Albania, Bra-
zil, Bulgaria, Burundi, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Do-
minican Republic, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan,
Kuwait, Malawi and the Netherlands.  All 15 mem-
bers will serve three-year terms beginning on 1 Jan-
uary 2024
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is an in-
tergovernmental body that promotes and protects human
rights around the world.
20. RESILIENT AND INCLUSIVE SUP-
PLY-CHAIN ENHANCEMENT (RISE) INITIA-
TIVE
Context:
The World Bank and Japan, have launched the Resilient and
Inclusive Supply-chain Enhancement (RISE) initiative in Mo-
rocco.
• This initiative is designed to tackle the dual chal-
lenges of job creation and climate change by aiding
emerging markets and developing countries in ex-
panding their clean-energy product manufacturing
and increasing their participation in the minerals
industry.
• The initiative aims to stimulate economic growth
and generate local employment opportunities, ulti-
mately contributing to poverty reduction.
• This collaborative effort emphasizes the importance
of international cooperation in promoting econom-
ic growth in these countries while strengthening
clean energy and critical minerals supply chains.
100 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
21. GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX
Context:
In the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023, India has been
ranked 111th out of 125 countries, indicating a serious level
of hunger.
• The GHI score is based on four indicators, including
under-nourishment, child stunting, child wasting,
and child mortality.
• India’s progress in combating hunger has almost
come to a halt since 2015, and this trend is consis-
tent with global findings.
Key Findings:
• India’s GHI score is 28.7 on a 100-point scale, where
lower scores represent less hunger, and higher
scores indicate more severe hunger. This categoriz-
es India’s hunger severity as “serious.”
• Globally, the 2023 GHI score is 18.3, considered
moderate.
• The report highlights that South Asia and Africa
South of the Sahara have the highest hunger levels,
with GHI scores of 27.0 each.
• Latin America and the Caribbean are the only re-
gions where GHI scores worsened between 2015
and 2023.
• East and Southeast Asia, led by China, have the sec-
ond-lowest 2023 GHI score, while Europe and Cen-
tral Asia have the lowest score
About GHI:
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is an annual report that mea-
sures and tracks hunger at the global, regional, and country
levels. The GHI is published by the Irish NGO Concern World-
wide and the German NGO Welthungerhilfe. The GHI’s goal
is to trigger action to reduce hunger around the world
22. MERA YUVA BHARAT
Context:
The Union Cabinet has granted approval for the establish-
ment of “Mera Yuva Bharat” (MY Bharat).
MY Bharat, an autonomous body will benefit youth in
the age group of 15-29 years, in line with the definition of
‘Youth’ in National Youth Policy.
• The primary objective of MY Bharat is to serve as
a comprehensive platform for youth development
across the government.
• It is set to be dedicated to the nation, in honour of
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary.
• This platform will function as a one-stop solution
for engaging with youth and promoting initiatives
designed to benefit them.
Current Affairs 30

23. INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION About Constitution Benches

(IORA)

25. SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS RIGHTS

OF THE UNBORN CHILD
Context:
24. ELECTORAL BONDS The Supreme Court of India has upheld the rights of an un-
born child by rejecting a woman’s plea to terminate her
Context: 27-week-old pregnancy.
The Supreme Court of India has referred the challenge to the
validity of the electoral bonds scheme, which allows anony- Reasons:
mous donations to political parties, to a Constitution Bench The court cited the violation of the Medical Termination of
of five judges. Pregnancy (MTP) Act, as there was no immediate threat to
• The case also pertains to the passage of the electoral the mother or any foetal abnormality.
bonds scheme as a Money Bill However, the court allowed the parents to decide whether
they wanted to give up the baby for adoption and directed
What are Electoral Bonds? the state to bear all medical costs.

As per the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act:

Stage Abortion Guidelines
Up to 20 Termination is allowed on the advice of 1
weeks doctor.
20-24 weeks Termination in this stage is determined by
2 registered medical practitioners in specif-
ic cases, such as statutory rape, sexual as-
sault, women with disabilities, or a change
in marital status during pregnancy.
After 24 A medical board in “approved facilities”
weeks must be set up, which can “allow or deny
termination of pregnancy” only if there is
substantial foetal abnormality. All state/
UTs are mandated to constitute a Medical
Board consisting of gynaecologists, paedia-
trician, etc

www.insightsonindia.com 101

What is the “foetal viability test”?
It determines the point at which a foetus can survive outside
the womb. While Indian courts have interpreted the Medi-
cal Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act broadly, the concept
of “foetal viability” as a criterion for permitting abortion is
relatively new in India. This test is based on the landmark
1973 US Supreme Court decision in Roe v Wade, which es-
tablished abortion as a constitutional right, allowing it up to
the point of foetal viability.
For an ethical Aspect of the topic: Click Here
26. ETHICS COMMITTEE OF LOK SABHA
Context:
Lok Sabha Speaker has referred a “cash-for-query” com-
plaint made by a BJP MP against a Trinamool Congress mem-
ber to the Ethics Committee of the Lower House.
• The complaint is based on evidence from an advo-
cate, which he claims shows the exchange of bribes
between the accused and a businessman.
• He also pointed out that a significant number of re-
cent parliamentary questions were focused on the
Adani Group, a conglomerate she has accused of
malpractices.
The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee examines complaints
of unethical conduct by members of the Lok Sabha. The
committee was established in 2000 by the late Speaker G
M C Balayogi. It became a permanent part of the House
in 2015. The committee was established in Rajya Sabha in
1997.
The committee’s functions include:
1. Examining complaints of unethical conduct by members
of the Lok Sabha
2. Making recommendations
3. Formulating a code of conduct for members
4. Suggesting amendments or additions to the code of
conduct
About Cash for Query Complaint:
A “cash-for-query” complaint is an accusation that someone
took money in exchange for asking questions in Parliament.
For example, in 2005, 11 former MPs were put on trial for a
“cash-for-query” scam. The sting showed them taking cash
to raise questions in Parliament
27. AUTOMATED PERMANENT ACADEM-
IC ACCOUNT REGISTRY OR ‘APAAR’ CARD
Context:
The Union Education Ministry has introduced the concept
of ‘One Nation, One Student ID,’ referred to as APAAR ID,
in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• The APAAR ID, which stands for ‘Automated Perma-
102 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
nent Academic Account Registry,’ is a digital identi-
fication system for students in India.
Highlights:
• The APAAR ID is an education ecosystem registry
system known as ‘EduLocker’ for students across all
states in India.
• It will digitally store academic qualifications, cred-
it scores, certificates, and other academic data for
students from pre-primary to higher education.
• To enrol in the APAAR ID system, students must
obtain their parent’s consent, and the states have
been directed to initiate this process.
• The unique 12-digit APAAR ID will be used for ad-
missions and other academic activities, making it
convenient for students.
• Both new and existing users can register or log in
using their mobile number, Aadhar Card, or ID and
password.
This initiative aims to create a unified educational system,
enhance security, and make academic data easily accessi-
ble for students.
28. ADVANCED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM (ATMS) STANDARDS AND SPECIFI-
CATIONS 2023
Context:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has un-
veiled an upgraded Advanced Traffic Management System
(ATMS) with the aim of enhancing road safety and digital
enforcement on National Highways and Expressways
Key Features of Description
the Initiative
Video Incident Replaces VIDS cameras, identifies 14
Detection and distinct traffic incidents - Alerts route pa-
E n fo rc e m e n t trol vehicles - Generates e-challans - Re-
System (VIDES) lays alerts to Variable Messaging Boards
- Notifies nearby travellers via the ‘Rajm-
argyatra’ mobile app.
Comprehen- Cameras every 10 km along National
sive Camera In- Highways - State-of-the-art Command
stallation and control Centres every 100 km - Inte-
gration of camera feeds - Integration of
Vehicle Speed Detection System (VSDS)
- Optimization of Automatic Number
Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
Traffic Moni- Cameras every 1 km on National High-
toring Camera ways - Advanced capabilities include
System (TMCS) automated accident and stalled vehicle
Upgrades detection.
Current Affairs 30
Collaboration Dedicated workstations for traffic po-
with Traffic lice representatives in Command and
Agencies control Centres - Facilitates real-time co-
ordination and response through shared
camera feeds.
Disaster Man- Provides inputs for effective disaster
agement and management planning. - Offers online
I n f o r m a t i o n sharing of highway status and other im-
Sharing portant information for agencies and
highway users.
Digital High- Development of integrated utility corri-
ways and 5G dors along National Highways for Optic
Integration Fibre Cables (OFC) infrastructure. - Use
of OFC for communication with the Com-
mand & Control Centre. - Provisions for
5G-based communication as coverage
expands.
29. DISTRICT OFFICERS UNDER THE POSH
ACT
Context:
The Supreme Court has instructed the Indian government
and all states and union territories to promptly appoint
district officers under the Sexual Harassment of Women at
Workplace (POSH) Act.
Need for Direction:
The court noted a lack of uniformity in implementing the
Act and non-implementation of the Act in several instances
Directions of SC:
Direction Description
Ensure the ap- Principal Secretaries of the Ministry of
pointment of Women and Child Development of every
District Officer state/UT to ensure the appointment of
a District Officer in every district within
four weeks under Section 5 of the PoSH
Act.
Local Com- Each appointed District Officer would
plaints Com- constitute Local Complaints Commit-
mittees tees to receive complaints from women
employed in small establishments with
less than 10 workers or cases in which
the assailant is the employer himself
(Section 6 of the Act).
Tenure The Chairperson and every Member of
the Local Committee shall hold office
for a period, not exceeding three years,
from the date of their appointment as
specified by the District Officer.
Nodal Person Identify a ‘nodal person’ within the De-
partment to oversee the implementa-
tion of the PoSH Act and coordinate with
the Centre.
Compliance Re- Each State/UT Government is to submit
port a consolidated report of its compliance
with the directions to the Centre within
eight weeks.
Compliance by Centre to consolidate reports, and iden-
Centre tify/remedy lapses in compliance by
State, before filing a consolidated affida-
vit of compliance within 12 weeks.
Transparency The court also suggested making ano-
nymized data from annual compliance
reports public to enhance transparency
30. MANUAL SCAVENGING
Context:
The Supreme Court of India has expressed distress over
deaths occurring during sewer cleaning due to the practice
of manual scavenging and issued a directive to government
authorities.
o Over the past five years, 347 people have lost their
lives while cleaning sewers and septic tanks in In-
dia.
Directives:
• Required to provide compensation of Rs 30 lakh to
the families of individuals who lose their lives while
cleaning sewers.
o The court also stated that those who suffer
permanent disabilities during such work
should receive a minimum compensation
of Rs 20 lakh, while those with other dis-
www.insightsonindia.com 103

abilities caused by sewer cleaning should
receive Rs 10 lakh.
• The court emphasized the need to completely erad-
icate manual scavenging and noted that the Union
and state governments have a duty to ensure this
practice is eliminated.
Manual scavenging is the practice of manually cleaning,
handling, and disposing of human excreta and other waste
materials from dry latrines, open drains, and sewers. It has
been officially banned in India since 1993
31. VIENNA CONVENTION
Context:
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has respond-
ed to Canada’s claims regarding India’s call for diplomatic
parity, urging that its actions are in accordance with Article
11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and
do not violate international norms.
About Vienna Convention:
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is a United
Nations treaty that defines the rules and regulations of dip-
lomatic relations between countries. The treaty was adopt-
ed in 1961 by the United Nations Conference on Diplomatic
Intercourse and Immunities in Vienna, Austria.
• The treaty sets common principles and terms on
how countries must treat each other’s diplomatic
representatives. It also defines the privileges that
diplomats enjoy in other countries.
The treaty provides a framework for:
• Establishing, maintaining, and terminating diplo-
matic relations
• Ensuring friendly relations
• Maintaining proper communication channels be-
tween countries
32. VISA SHOPPING
Context:
The practice of ‘visa shopping’ has been gaining popularity
in several Indian states.
• “Visa shopping” is a practice where individuals ob-
tain visas for countries, they may not visit during
the visa’s validity period.
Reasons for Visa Shopping:
• The objective is to use these visas as a means to
enter their preferred countries, particularly in Eu-
rope, even if they already have a visa for another
European nation.
• People also buy visas for countries they don’t intend
to visit immediately to increase their chances of
getting visas for their preferred destinations in the
future. This practice is prevalent in India, particular-
ly in Punjab, and it has raised legal implications.
104 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Example:
• One of the examples of visa shopping is the “Schen-
gen Visa,” which allows travellers to explore multi-
ple European countries without requiring separate
visas.
• Under the Schengen system, an agreement among
European countries, travellers can move freely
within the Schengen Area without border controls.
This allows entry into 27 countries, including 23 EU
members and some others.
Legal issues can arise if a traveller obtains a visa for one
country but stays in another or uses it as an entry point
rather than their actual destination.
33. SC STRUCK DOWN 2023 AMEND-
MENT TO SURROGACY (REGULATION)
RULES, 2022
Context:
The Supreme Court has intervened to protect a woman’s
right to parenthood who suffers from a rare medical con-
dition known as Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser (MRKH)
syndrome which left her without ovaries and a uterus, mak-
ing it impossible for her to produce her own eggs for repro-
duction.
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a reproductive practice where a woman (the
surrogate) agrees to carry and give birth to a child for an-
other person or couple (the intended parents)
Background of the case:
Previously, a government notification amended the law,
prohibiting the use of donor gametes and mandating that
“intending couples” must use their own gametes (sperm
and egg respectively) for surrogacy.
• This change was challenged in the Supreme Court,
arguing that it violated the woman’s right to par-
enthood
What did the SC say?
The SC countered the government’s argument that surroga-
cy should only involve a child “genetically related” to the
intending couple.
SC interpreted the law to mean that the child would be con-
sidered genetically related to the husband when Rule 14(a)
applied, allowing the gestational surrogacy process to pro-
ceed
• Rule 14(a) specifically recognises the absence of a
uterus or any allied condition as a medical indication
necessitating gestational surrogacy.
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, prohibits commercial
surrogacy and only allows altruistic surrogacy. The act went
into effect in January 2022.
The act aims to protect women’s reproductive rights. It
Current Affairs 30
prohibits surrogates from receiving any financial compen-
sation for their role, with the exception of insurance and
medical coverage
About Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome:
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a dis-
order that mainly affects the female reproductive system.
This condition causes the vagina and uterus to be underde-
veloped or absent, although external genitalia are normal
34. INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION OUT-
LOOK 2023
Context:
According to the International Migration Outlook 2023 re-
port Migration to Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and Development (OECD) countries has reached record lev-
els, with over 6 million new permanent immigrants in 2022.
Key Findings:
• On India: India has emerged as the top country of
origin of new citizens in OECD countries in 2021
with 4 lakh new migrants (excluding students).
• On Immigrant mothers:
o Migrant women have more children than
native-born peers, but fertility rates remain
below replacement levels (2.1 children per
woman) in most OECD countries.
o Immigrant mothers face a notable dis-
advantage in employment compared to
immigrant women without children and
native-born peers, with a 20% gap in em-
ployment rates across the OECD
o Migrant mothers are often trapped in inac-
tivity due to childcare responsibilities.
About OECD:
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Develop-
ment (OECD) is an intergovernmental economic organiza-
tion that was established in 1961 (originally to administer
American and Canadian aid under the Marshall Plan)
The OECD is a forum where 38 governments (India is not
a member) of democracies with market-based economies
collaborate to:
• Develop policy standards to promote sustainable eco-
nomic growth
• Find solutions to common challenges
• Develop global standards
• Share experiences and identify best practices
About the International Organization for Migration (IOM):
Click Here
GS-3
1. 2023 SASTRA RAMANUJAN PRIZE
Context:
Ruixiang Zhang, an Assistant Professor at the University of
California, Berkeley, USA, will receive the 2023 SASTRA Ra-
manujan Prize for his exceptional contributions to mathe-
matics.
About Dr. Zhang’s work:
His work spans various areas of mathematics, including an-
alytic number theory, combinatorics, Euclidean harmonic
analysis, and geometry.
About the Prize:
The SASTRA Ramanujan Prize, established in 2005, is pre-
sented annually by SASTRA University in Tamil Nadu on Ra-
manujan’s birth anniversary, December 22 (at its centre
Kumbakonam, the hometown of the renowned mathema-
tician Srinivasa Ramanujan). It recognizes mathematicians
under 32 years old who work in areas influenced by Srini-
vasa Ramanujan, in honour of his remarkable accomplish-
ments within that age. The prize includes a $10,000 cash
award and a citation, and it has gained international recog-
nition. Previous recipients include Manjul Bhargava and Ak-
shay Venkatesh
2. PINK BOLLWORM (PBW)
Context:
The Pink Bollworm (PBW) is causing significant damage to
cotton fields in northern Rajasthan, Haryana, and South-
western Punjab, with the infestation being more widespread
and serious than before.
• Farmers have been using Bt cotton seeds, which
have lost their effectiveness against the PBW.
• The situation has led to a drastic reduction in cotton
yields, making it financially unviable for many farm-
ers.
The pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) is an insect
that is a pest in cotton farming. It is native to Asia but has
become an invasive species in most cotton-growing coun-
tries around the world. It is considered possibly the most
destructive pest on cotton worldwide.
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3. YARKOVSKY EFFECT
Context:
NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission successfully collected a sample
from asteroid Bennu and is now on an extended mission to
study Apophis. The mission was significant for understand-
ing the early solar system, potential asteroid impacts, and
the Yarkovsky effect on asteroids.
What is the Yarkovsky effect?
The Yarkovsky effect is a phenomenon in space where the
way an asteroid absorbs and re-emits solar radiation can al-
ter its trajectory over time. This effect can lead to small but
significant changes in an asteroid’s path, potentially influ-
encing its orbit and posing collision risks with Earth.
Usage: Scientists study the Yarkovsky effect to better under-
stand and predict the movements of asteroids in our solar
system.
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Current Affairs 30
4. ISRO LOGO IMPRINTS SHOW LUNAR
SOIL ‘LUMPY’
Context:
The Chandrayaan-3 rover, Pragyan, which has the Indian
national emblem and the ISRO logo on its rear wheels, has
been unable to leave a clear imprint of these symbols on
the lunar soil.
• This inability to imprint the symbols has provided
new insights into the properties of lunar soil in the
South Pole region.
Features of Lunar Soil:
• It is not dusty but rather lumpy, indicating that
something is binding the soil together.
• Lunar Soil is a thick layer of regolith, fragmental
and unconsolidated rock material, that covers the
entire lunar surface.
• Lunar soil contains no organic matter.
• This discovery could have significant implications
for future missions targeting lunar habitation and
sustained human presence, especially in the con-
text of potential water discovery in the region.
The testing of emblem and logo imprints was conducted
using a lunar soil simulant (LSS) created by ISRO Satellite
Integration and Test Establishment (Isite).
UN Bonn summit
Context: Delegates at a UN conference in Bonn have adopt-
ed a new global framework aimed at reducing environmen-
tal risks associated with chemicals and waste.
• This framework, known as the Global Framework on
Chemicals, includes 28 targets designed to enhance
Current Affairs 30
responsible management of chemicals and waste
throughout their lifecycle.
The Bonn Declaration was adopted at the summit, aiming to
prevent exposure to harmful chemicals, phase out the most
dangerous ones when appropriate, and enhance the safe
management of such chemicals where necessary.
The declaration also encourages countries to support the
transition to circular economies and develop substitutes for
harmful chemicals to safeguard health, and the environ-
ment, reduce waste, and promote recycling efforts.
5. IREDA GETS UPGRADED
Context:
The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd.
(IREDA), a prominent green financing Non-Banking Finance
Company focused on renewable energy, has achieved an
upgrade from ‘Schedule B’ to ‘Schedule A’ status as a Cen-
tral Public Sector Enterprise.
• This elevation to ‘Schedule A’ status sets the stage
for IREDA to potentially attain “Navratna” status,
granting it greater financial autonomy.
• This upgraded status enables IREDA to make strate-
gic decisions that further promote the adoption of
renewable energy solutions in India.
The Government of India categorizes Central Public Sector
Enterprises (CPSEs) into four schedules: Schedule A, B, C,
and D. The categorization of a CPSE affects the organization-
al structure and salary of the board level incumbents.
6. PROJECT MARIANA
Context:
Project Mariana, a collaborative effort involving the Bank
for International Settlements (BIS) and the central banks of
France, Singapore, and Switzerland, has successfully com-
pleted its mission.
• The project focused on testing the cross-border
trading and settlement of wholesale central bank
digital currencies (wCBDCs) among financial institu-
tions, utilizing decentralized finance (DeFi) technol-
ogy concepts on a public blockchain.
Key points about Project Mariana:
• Project Mariana demonstrated the successful
cross-border trading and settlement of hypotheti-
cal euro, Singapore dollar, and Swiss franc wCBDCs
among simulated financial institutions.
• The project relied on several key elements, includ-
ing a common technical token standard provided
by a public blockchain, bridges for seamless wCBDC
transfers between different networks, and an Auto-
mated Market Maker (AMM) to facilitate automat-
ed spot FX transactions and settlements.
• The AMM’s innovative algorithms pooled liquidity
from various wCBDCs, enabling automatic pricing
and execution of spot FX transactions, and sug-
gesting potential applications for the next genera-
tion of financial market infrastructures supporting
cross-border trading and settlement.
7. R21/MATRIX-M MALARIA VACCINE
Context:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended
the use of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, which was
jointly developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum
Institute of India.
Key points about this development:
• The recommendation is based on pre-clinical and
clinical trial data showing good safety and high ef-
ficacy in four countries with both seasonal and pe-
rennial malaria transmission.
• Malaria is a disease that claims the lives of over half
a million people each year, particularly affecting
vulnerable populations.
The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine will compete with the
RTS,S shot by GSK Plc, which was recommended by the
United Nations agency in 2021 and is sold under the brand
name Mosquirix
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by a parasite that
is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Symp-
toms include Fever, Fatigue, Vomiting, Headaches, and Shak-
ing chills.
Malaria remains a major global health issue, causing over
600,000 deaths annually, with a significant number of vic-
tims being children in Africa.
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8. CALIPSO MISSION
Context:
NASA has announced the conclusion of its CALIPSO
(Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Ob-
servation) mission, which analysed climate, weather, and
air quality for 17 years.
• CALIPSO, launched jointly by NASA and France’s
CNES, used LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
technology to record over 10 billion measurements
and generate thousands of scientific reports.
• The mission involved two satellites, CALIPSO and
CloudSat, which were launched in 2003 and orbited
the Earth in a Sun-synchronous orbit.
• They measured cloud altitudes and various atmo-
spheric particles’ properties, such as dust, sea salt,
ash, and soot. These observations contributed to
sophisticated models to understand complex atmo-
spheric processes, including cloud formation, at-
mospheric convection, precipitation, and particle
transport.
One notable application of CALIPSO’s data was during the
2020 Australian wildfires when it observed smoke plumes
rising as high as 15 to 20 kilometres above the Earth’s sur-
face, reaching the stratosphere.
9. INDIA’S NAVIC WILL NOW BE SUPPORT-
ED BY ‘MADE IN INDIA’ CHIPSETS
Context:
For the first time, chipsets capable of receiving and process-
ing signals from India’s indigenous navigational system,
NavIC, will be designed and manufactured in India by an In-
dian company.
• Currently, not all smartphones and navigational
devices are compatible with NavIC, as they require
NavIC-compatible chipsets to decode its signals, of-
ten sourced from foreign companies like Qualcomm
and MediaTek.
• In a joint effort between the Ministry of Science &
Technology and the Ministry of Electronics & Infor-
mation Technology, an Indian company, based in
Hyderabad, will design and commercially produce
these chipsets.
NavIC, known as the Navigation with Indian Constellation,
is a constellation of seven satellites owned and operated by
India, offering precise navigation and positioning up to 1500
km beyond its territorial boundary.
It functions similarly to GPS but is owned and operated by
India, covering the entire Indian subcontinent with a posi-
tional accuracy of 5 meters, surpassing GPS’s 15-20 meters.
10. BIRD SPECIES FOUND IN TAMIL NADU
FOUND TO BE IN ‘RAPID DECLINE’
Context:
A recent analysis of the State of India’s Birds (SOIB) 2023
report reveals that approximately 110 bird species recorded
108 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
in Tamil Nadu are currently experiencing a decline across
India.
• Some bird species that were once considered com-
mon like the garganey, northern shoveler, common
sandpiper, and common teal and taken for granted
by birdwatchers are now categorized as declining.
The changing landscape due to urbanization is believed to
be a contributing factor to these bird population declines.
The State of India’s Birds (SoIB) 2023 report assesses the
long-term and current trends, distribution range size, and
overall conservation status of 942 of the nearly 1,350 bird
species identified in India.
The report is based on over 30 million bird observations
contributed by more than 30,000 birdwatchers to the eBird
platform.
11. ASTRA MISSILES
Context:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to induct the indigenous As-
tra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air to Air Missile by the end
of 2023.
• Astra is already integrated into the SU-30MKI and
was successfully test-fired from the Light Combat
Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The IAF intends to equip its
frontline fighters with the Astra-MK1, while the As-
tra-2 is expected to become a mainstay of the IAF’s
BVR missile arsenal, reducing import dependency.
The Astra is a family of Indian air-to-air missiles. It’s the first
indigenous air-to-air missile developed by the Defence Re-
search and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Astra
is a beyond-visual-range (BVRAAM) missile that uses radar
guidance to navigate and position the target
12. GREEN WAR ROOM
Context:
The Delhi government has launched a ‘green war room’ to
combat air pollution in the city by implementing the Winter
Action Plan and monitoring pollution 24x7.
• Delhi faces severe air pollution, particularly during
the winter months, due to various sources such as
vehicles, industry, construction activities, and stub-
ble burning in neighbouring states like Punjab and
Haryana.
Current Affairs 30
Features: colour, which helps them blend with their sur-
• The war room will be connected to a mobile appli- roundings when under stress.
cation called the Green Delhi app, emphasizing the
importance of public participation in addressing
the issue.
• The Delhi government will also launch an anti-dust
campaign, to address sources of pollution within
the city.
• The Green Delhi app allows citizens to report pollu-
tion-related complaints, which will be monitored by
the green war room.
According to a report by the Centre for Science and Environ-
ment (CSE), internal sources within Delhi contribute to 31%
of the pollution, while external sources from surrounding
states contribute 69%.
15. HIRAKUND WETLAND
Context:
13. OPERATION “KACHCHHAP” A study has revealed high levels of cancer-causing heavy
metals, including lead and chromium, in eight wetlands in
Context: Odisha, with Hirakud being one of them.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted a These heavy metals, which result from human activities
successful operation called “Kachchhap,”. such as urbanization, industrialization, and agriculture, can
• This operation resulted in the recovery of the 955 enter crops through the soil and subsequently be consumed
live baby turtles, including species like the Indi- by humans.
an Tent Turtle, Indian Flapshell Turtle, Crown Riv-
er Turtle, Black Spotted/Pond Turtle, and Brown The study also noted that the surrounding community indi-
Roofed Turtle. rectly consumes water from these wetlands by consuming
• The DRI had received intelligence about a syndicate foods like fish, rice, vegetables, and spinach grown in them.
engaged in the illegal trafficking and trading of Hirakud Reservoir (Ramsar Site)
these turtles, some of which are considered vulner- It is the largest earthen dam in Odisha and started operating
able or near-threatened species according to the in 1957. Out of the known 54 species of fish from the res-
IUCN Red List and are protected under the Wildlife ervoir, one has been classed as being endangered, six near
(Protection) Act, 1972. threatened and 21 fish species of economic importance. It
This operation is part of the DRI’s ongoing efforts to protect also provides important hydrological services by moderating
the environment and combat illegal wildlife trafficking. floods in the Mahanadi Delta, the ecological and socio-eco-
nomic hub of the east coast of India.
14. FISH THAT CAN CHANGE COLOUR -
BADIS LIMAAKUMI
Context:
Scientists have discovered a new fish species called Badis
limaakumi in the Milak River in Nagaland, India.
• This species, named after Limaakum, an assistant
professor and head of the zoology department at
Fazl Ali College, Nagaland, is unique in that it can
change its colour similar to a chameleon.

About Badis limaakumi:

• Badis limaakumi belongs to the Badidae family and
is a freshwater fish commonly found in streams
with slow or moderate water flow.
• It is also found in ditches and stagnant water bod-
ies in various countries, including India, Bangladesh,
Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, and Myanmar.
• The new species differs from other members of its
family due to distinctive features, such as a dark
opercular blotch at the base of its opercular spine
and the absence of spots on its sides and cleithrum.
• Fish from the Badis family are known as chameleon
fish because of their remarkable ability to change

www.insightsonindia.com 109
 Current Affairs 30

16. TURMERIC BOARD tion with the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) and the
High-Level Climate Champions (HLCC), has launched the
Context: Coral Reef Breakthrough.
The Indian government has officially established the Nation- • This initiative aims to safeguard at least 125,000
al Turmeric Board, responding to a longstanding demand square kilometres of shallow-water tropical coral
reefs by 2030 through investments of at least US$12
from turmeric farmers across the country.
billion.
• The board, under the Union Commerce Ministry,
will be dedicated to the development and growth
of turmeric and turmeric-related products in India. The Coral Reef Breakthrough will focus on four action
• India is a leading producer and exporter of turmeric points:
in the world. • Mitigating local drivers of loss, including land-based
• The largest producing states of Turmeric are Ma- pollution, coastal development, and overfishing.
harashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. • Doubling the area of coral reefs under effective
India has more than 62% share of world trade in protection by aligning with global coastal protection
turmeric targets.
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the Curcuma • Accelerating restoration efforts to impact 30% of
longa plant. It’s a relative of ginger and has been used in degraded reefs by 2030.
• Securing investments of at least USD 12 billion by
cooking for hundreds of years.
2030 from public and private sources to conserve
Turmeric is a deep, golden-orange colour and has a warm, and restore coral ecosystems.
bitter taste. It’s often used to flavour or colour: Curry pow- Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems made up of colonies
ders, Mustards, Butters, Cheeses. of tiny corals called polyps. These marine invertebrates have
Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which might hard exoskeletons made of calcium carbonate. They are ses-
reduce swelling. Curcumin also gives turmeric its yellow co- sile, meaning they are permanently fixed in one place.
lour. Coral reefs are massive structures made of limestone depos-
ited by coral polyps. They are sometimes called the “rainfor-
17. PALM OIL ests of the sea” because they support approximately 25 per
cent of all known marine species.
Context:
The Indian government aims to triple palm oil production by
2030 as part of the national oil palm mission.
• This initiative is in response to the projected in-
crease in domestic edible oil consumption from 24
million tonnes to 30 million tonnes by 2030.
• Despite these efforts, India’s import dependence
on edible oils is expected to continue due to rising
consumption.
• Currently, India imports around 14 million tonnes
of edible oil, which is likely to reach a record 17
million tonnes in the current oil year due to falling
global prices.
Major oil palm-growing states in India include Andhra
Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala, which account for 98% of
total production.
Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil that comes from the fruit
of the oil palm tree. It’s the most widely used vegetable
oil in the world and is found in about 60% of all packaged
products in supermarkets.
• Palm oil is used in Food manufacturing, Beauty prod-
19. AMAZON RIVER DOLPHINS
ucts, Biofuel, and Cookies.
• There are two types of palm oil:
Context:
• Crude palm oil: Comes from squeezing the fleshy fruit
The deaths of 120 river dolphins in a tributary of the Ama-
• Palm kernel oil: Comes from crushing the kernel, or the
zon River are believed to be linked to a severe drought and
stone in the middle of the fruit
high temperatures.
• Low river levels during the drought have led to wa-
18. CORAL REEF BREAKTHROUGH ter temperatures that are harmful to the dolphins.
The Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) is a species of
Context: toothed whale that lives in the rainforest rivers of South
The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), in collabora- America. They are also known as the boto, bufeo, or pink

110 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
river dolphin.
Known for their striking pink colour, are a unique freshwa-
ter species in South America and face vulnerability due to
slow reproductive cycles.
20. OLIVE RIDLEY
Context:
Two Olive Ridley turtles, fitted with satellite transmitters,
have embarked on remarkable journeys in search of food
after laying eggs on Sindhudurg district beaches in Maha-
rashtra.
• One has covered an impressive 5,000 kilometres
from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. And the
fellow turtle with a transmitter, is currently north of
the Malabar coast.
Olive ridley turtles are one of the smallest sea turtle spe-
cies. They are named for the olive green colour of their
heart-shaped shells. They are found primarily in the tropical
regions of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans.
• Protection Status:
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix I
21. NANOZYME CAN DEGRADE POLLUT-
ANTS IN WASTEWATER
Context:
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have de-
veloped a novel enzyme mimic called NanoPtA, with signif-
icant potential applications in wastewater treatment and
healthcare.
• In this study, the IISc team synthesized NanoPtA,
a platinum-containing nanozyme that can be con-
verted into a powder for industrial use.
• NanoPtA exhibits the ability to degrade toxic chem-
icals in industrial wastewater effectively when ex-
posed to sunlight.
• When NanoPtA comes into contact with wastewa-
ter, it forms tape-like structures through non-cova-
lent interactions between benzene rings and long
alkyl chains in the molecules. These structures emit
light, which enables them to oxidize pollutants in
the presence of sunlight, reducing wastewater tox-
icity.
The researchers found that NanoPtA could rapidly degrade
common pollutants like phenols and dyes, even at low con-
centrations, within ten minutes under sunlight.
Beyond wastewater treatment, scientists believe that Nan-
oPtA has potential applications in healthcare. It could serve
as a valuable diagnostic tool for neurological and neurode-
generative diseases, showcasing its versatility and signifi-
cance in multiple fields.
About Nanozymes:
They are nanomaterials that possess enzyme-like proper-
ties. Unlike natural enzymes, which are typically proteins,
nanozymes are typically made of inorganic materials such as
nanoparticles. These nanostructures can catalyze chemical
reactions in a manner similar to enzymes
22. CARBON ACCOUNTING FRAMEWORK
Context:
There is a rising need for a comprehensive carbon account-
ing system to address the interconnected and multifacet-
ed challenges of climate change, referred to as the climate
“polycrisis.”
• Instead of addressing climate issues sector by sec-
tor, they propose a profound transformation, akin
to building a “carbon infrastructure.”
• This carbon infrastructure would involve accounting
for carbon flows at every level, from households
and local communities to districts, states, and the
entire country.
Suggestions:
• Creating a carbon accounting system similar to fi-
nancial balance sheets, capable of tracking carbon
emissions from individuals to the entire nation.
• This would allow for the internalization of carbon
reduction goals and the potential implementation
of carbon taxes alongside income taxes.
www.insightsonindia.com 111

• The need for tracking carbon inflows and outflows
at a granular level, making carbon visible and en-
abling progressive carbon taxes.
A national carbon accounting system would require busi-
nesses and individuals to report their carbon activities,
making the circulation of carbon transparent. This trans-
parency would enable the financing of goods and services
using carbon surpluses and setting targets for emission re-
ductions.
23. DANDELI FOREST
Context:
The Dandeli forest in Karnataka, India, renowned for its
unique grasses, bird species, and cattle herders, is facing a
climate crisis due to rising temperatures and shifting rain-
fall patterns.
Concerns:
Issue Description
Loss of Decline in the abundance of the 100 differ-
Grasses ent types of grasses in the forest, affecting
herbivores’ food source.
Eupatorium The invasion of eupatorium weed, which is
Weed not consumed by herbivores and is prone
to fires, replaces native grasses.
C h a n g i n g The transition from semi-evergreen to
Forest Char- moist deciduous forests over time is influ-
acter enced by historical factors and human in-
terventions.
U n c o n - The ban on controlled fires during British
trolled For- rule has led to an increase in uncontrolled
est Fires forest fires, posing risks to the ecosystem.
Decline in Reduction in herbivore populations due to
H e r b i v o r e the loss of grasses, impacting the prey base
Pop. for big cats such as leopards and tigers.
Impact on Local cattle herders have seen a decrease in
Villagers the number of cattle per household due to
predation by big cats and the loss of grass-
lands.
Changes in Altered flowering and fruiting patterns
Fruit Avail- of fig trees affect bird populations like the
ability Malabar pied hornbill, which rely on fig
fruits.
Decline in Reduction in honey collection as ficus trees,
Honey Col- a source of honey, are not flowering prop-
lection erly.
About Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary:
It lies within the Kali Tiger Reserve (KTR) (Uttara Kannada
District of Karnataka) along with Anshi National Park.
KTR is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and global biodiversity
hotspot. The reserve derives its name from the Kali River,
112 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
which flows through the region. The ecoregions found here,
namely the North Western Ghats montane rainforests and
North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests.
24. AMPHIBIAN CRISIS
Context:
A global assessment conducted by conservationists reveals
that Earth’s amphibian species are facing a critical threat of
extinction.
• Of the 8,011 amphibian species assessed, 41% are
now considered threatened with extinction due to
various factors, including habitat destruction, dis-
ease, and climate change.
• This situation represents a worsening trend since
the first assessment in 2004, which found 39% of
amphibian species threatened.
• Amphibians are experiencing a more severe crisis
compared to other vertebrate groups, with 27% of
mammals, 21% of reptiles, and 13% of birds also
facing extinction threats in separate assessments.
• Salamanders and newts are the most threatened
amphibian order, with 60% of species facing extinc-
tion, followed by frogs and toads (39%) and caeci-
lians (16%).
25. CARD-ON-FILE TOKENISATION FOR
DEBIT AND CREDIT CARDS
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor, has proposed the
introduction of card-on-file tokenisation (CoFT) at the issu-
er-bank level.
• This move aims to enhance data security and pro-
vide customers with more control over managing
their card tokens.
Need:
• Under the current system, cardholders have to cre-
ate different tokens for each merchant, which can
be time-consuming and pose data security con-
cerns.
• With CoFT, tokens will be created at the issuer
bank-level and linked to the user’s existing accounts
with various e-commerce applications. This elimi-
nates the need for duplicate tokenization processes
Current Affairs 30
at each app or website, enhances transaction secu-
rity, and reduces card-data-related fraud.
About Tokenisation:
Tokenisation replaces a card’s 16-digit number with a
unique token, specific to a user’s card and one merchant at
a time. These tokens hide the card’s actual details, improv-
ing security, especially in case of data leaks from merchant
websites. Users can choose to let their cards be tokenised
for future online purchases
26. PUSA-44 PADDY VARIETY
Context:
The Punjab Chief Minister has announced a ban on the culti-
vation of the PUSA-44 paddy variety starting next year.
• PUSA-44 was developed in 1993 and gained im-
mense popularity among Punjab’s farmers, covering
70 to 80 per cent of the state’s paddy cultivation
area due to its high yield.
The reasons behind the ban on PUSA-44:
• Extended Maturity Period: PUSA-44 has a longer
maturity period, requiring around 160 days to ma-
ture, which is approximately 35 to 40 days longer
than other paddy varieties.
• Water Conservation: Punjab faces severe groundwa-
ter depletion, and the government aims to conserve
one month of irrigation water by banning PUSA-44.
• Stubble Burning: PUSA-44 exacerbates the problem
of stubble burning in Punjab. Its harvesting just be-
fore the ideal time for wheat sowing (typically at the
end of October) leaves a limited timeframe of 20 to
25 days for stubble disposal before wheat sowing.
27. NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR CLI-
MATE SERVICES
Context:
India is launching its first national-level framework for cli-
mate services, known as the National Framework for Cli-
mate Services (NFCS), led by the India Meteorological De-
partment (IMD).
• The NFCS aims to provide climate information and
services to various sectors, including agriculture,
energy, disaster management, health, and water,
to help them make informed decisions and mitigate
climate risks.
• The NFCS is based on the Global Framework for Cli-
mate Services (GFCS), which focuses on generating
high-quality climate data and information, with pri-
ority sectors including agriculture, energy, health,
water, and disaster risk reduction.
• The need for NFCS arises from the gaps in weather
and climate data across India, particularly in the Hi-
malayan regions and oceans, limiting the IMD’s abil-
ity to make long-term climate predictions.
Benefits:
• The NFCS aims to strengthen the observational
network, improve data collection, and run weath-
er and climate models to provide tailored climate
data and information.
• This information will support preparations for new
climate conditions and adaptation to their impacts
on various aspects of society, such as water sup-
plies, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and energy
generation.
Countries like Switzerland, China, Germany, and the United
Kingdom have already launched their NFCS, while several
others are in the advanced stages of implementation.
28. COMPREHENSIVE NUCLEAR TEST
BAN TREATY (CTBT)
Context:
Russia has recently suggested the possibility of withdrawing
its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Trea-
ty (CTBT), not to resume nuclear testing but to align with the
United States.
• The CTBT is a global treaty, adopted by the United
Nations in 1996, aimed at prohibiting all nuclear
explosions for military or peaceful purposes. How-
ever, it has not yet entered into force due to the in-
complete ratification process by several countries.
About the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT):
• The origins of the CTBT can be traced back to the
arms race between the United States and the Sovi-
et Union, which conducted numerous nuclear tests
from 1945 to 1996, causing concerns about the envi-
ronmental and health impacts of radioactive fallout.
• Various attempts to limit nuclear testing were made,
including the Limited Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty in
1963, which prohibited tests in the atmosphere,
outer space, and underwater but allowed under-
ground testing.
• The CTBT, established in 1996, sought to impose a
complete ban on explosive nuclear testing, taking
advantage of reduced geopolitical tensions after
the end of the Cold War. Despite its adoption, some
countries have conducted nuclear tests since then,
including India, Pakistan, and North Korea.
• The treaty requires ratification by 44 specific coun-
tries with nuclear technology, and eight of them,
including China, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, North Ko-
rea, Pakistan, and the United States, have yet to do
so.
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 Current Affairs 30

29. WATERMEAL the two species in terms of habitat use. This unex-
pected finding suggests that factors like overlapping
Context: prey availability and habitat suitability could facil-
itate coexistence or even cooperative behaviours
Scientists are conducting research on watermeal, the
between dholes and tigers.
world’s smallest flowering plant, to explore its potential as
a source of nutrition and oxygen for astronauts.
Dholes are wild dogs native to Asia.
• The study, conducted at the European Space Agen-
cy’s (ESA) ESTEC technical centre in the Nether- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
lands, involves subjecting watermeal to hypergravi- lists dholes as endangered. There are only 1000–2000 adults.
ty conditions using ESA’s Large Diameter Centrifuge
(LDC), which can replicate gravity levels up to 20
times that of Earth.
• The researchers placed watermeal samples in spe-
cially designed boxes equipped with LED lighting to
mimic natural sunlight and subjected them to hyper-
gravity conditions within the LDC. After two weeks
of experimentation, they will examine the water-
meal plants and conduct chemical analyses on sol-
id pellet extracts to understand how hypergravity
affects their growth and development.
Watermeal, known for its tiny size and floating habit on wa-
ter bodies, offers a unique subject for this research due to
its simplicity and rapid growth rate. It lacks roots, stems, or
leaves, making it an ideal candidate for studying the effects
of altered gravity on plant development.
Watermeal is not only scientifically intriguing but also has
practical benefits. It is a prolific producer of oxygen through 31. KEN-BETWA RIVER LINKING
photosynthesis and a rich source of protein. In Thailand, it
has been part of the local diet for generations. Context:
The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP), a major irrigation proj-
ect in India, has recently secured its final forest clearance
after six years.
• The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is a river inter-
linking project that aims to transfer surplus water
from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh (MP) to Be-
twa in Uttar Pradesh (UP). The project is the first
under the National Perspective Plan for the inter-
linking of rivers.
• The KBLP aims to irrigate the drought-prone Bun-
delkhand region. The dam will be built within Panna
Tiger Reserve and will generate 103 MW of hydro-
electric power.

30. ASIATIC WILD DOG-TIGER COEXIS-

TENCE
Context:
A recent study conducted in Assam’s Manas National Park
has revealed that the coexistence and potential cooperation
between Asiatic wild dogs (dholes) and tigers are influenced
by factors such as prey availability and habitat suitability.
• Dholes are an endangered species and the only
pack-living canid in India’s tropical forests.
• The study revealed a positive relationship between

114 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
32. TERRITORIAL ARMY
Context:
The Indian Army is considering converting its logistics and
transport units into the Territorial Army (TA) as part of a
larger manpower optimization plan. The TA is also recruiting
Chinese language interpreters for border personnel meet-
ings and cyber security experts to support the Army.
The Indian Territorial Army, established in 1949, is an auxil-
iary military organization of the Indian Army, often request-
ed by ministries and state governments for various roles,
including plantation drives, petroleum supply, oil explora-
tion, and protection of critical infrastructure.
33. OVER 70 SCHEMES UNDER EP-4
Context:
The Indian Army has successfully completed the fourth
phase of Emergency Procurements (EP-4).
• These procurements were carried out to address
critical capability gaps, especially along the North-
ern Borders. The Indian Air Force also concluded 64
contracts under EP-4.
Key highlights of the EP-4 procurements include:
• Weapon Systems
• Protective Equipment
• Intelligence, Reconnaissance, and Surveillance
• Drones and Counter-Drones
• Communication and Non-Communication Equip-
ment
• Survivability and Training
34. EXPORTER STATUS CERTIFICATES
Context:
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry in India has launched
a digital system for issuing automatic ‘Status Holder’ certif-
icates under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.
• This system eliminates the need for exporters to
apply to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade
(DGFT) for a Status Certificate.
• Instead, the IT system will determine export recog-
nition based on the Directorate General of Commer-
cial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) merchandise
export electronic data and other risk parameters.
The new system simplifies the process, reduces compliance
burdens, and promotes ease of doing business. The Status
Holder certification program enhances the credibility of In-
dian exporters in international markets and offers privileg-
es like simplified procedures, priority custom clearances,
and exemptions from certain requirements.
35. PERIODIC LABOUR FORCE SURVEY
(PLFS) ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023
Context:
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report for
2022-2023 has been released, focusing on key employment
and unemployment indicators. The survey’s key findings are
as follows:
Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):
The labour force participation rate (LPR) is a measure of the
proportion of a country’s working-age population that is
actively engaged in the labour market.
• An increasing trend in LFPR for persons aged 15
years and above was observed.
• In rural areas, LFPR increased from 50.7% in 2017-
18 to 60.8% in 2022-23.
• In urban areas, LFPR increased from 47.6% to 50.4%
over the same period.
• LFPR for males in India increased from 75.8% in
2017-18 to 78.5% in 2022-23.
• For females, LFPR increased from 23.3% to 37.0%
during this time.
Worker Population Ratio (WPR):
The worker-population ratio (WPR) is the ratio of a country’s
working population to its population, multiplied by 100. It’s
calculated by dividing the total number of workers by the
total population.
• The survey showed an increasing trend in WPR for
persons aged 15 years and above.
• In rural areas, WPR increased from 48.1% in 2017-
18 to 59.4% in 2022-23.
• In urban areas, WPR increased from 43.9% to 47.7%
during the same period.
• WPR for males in India increased from 71.2% in
2017-18 to 76.0% in 2022-23.
• For females, WPR increased from 22.0% to 35.9%
over this time frame.
Unemployment Rate (UR):
The unemployment rate is the percentage of unemployed
workers in the total labour force. The labour force includes
all people who are employed or unemployed. The unem-
ployment rate is calculated by dividing the number of un-
employed people by the total labour force.
• A decreasing trend in UR for persons aged 15 years
and above was observed.
• In rural areas, UR decreased from 5.3% in 2017-18
to 2.4% in 2022-23.
• In urban areas, UR decreased from 7.7% to 5.4%
during the same period.
• UR for males in India decreased from 6.1% in 2017-
18 to 3.3% in 2022-23.
• For females, UR decreased from 5.6% to 2.9% over
this time frame.
36. MULTIMODAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLI-
GENCE
Context: Multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining
prominence as the next frontier in AI development.
• Multimodal AI systems allow users to interact with
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 Current Affairs 30
AI through various means, such as images, sounds,
videos, and text. This approach is important because
it aligns more closely with how humans understand
and interpret information from diverse sources.

Key points regarding multimodal AI:

• Leading AI companies like OpenAI and Google are
actively pursuing multimodal AI systems. OpenAI,
known for GPT-3 and GPT-4, has enabled its models
to understand and analyze images, and its mobile
apps are being equipped with speech synthesis for
more interactive conversations with chatbots.

Working of Multimodal Artificial Intelligence:

• It involves combining different modalities such as
text and images or text and audio during training.
This enables AI systems to understand and gener-
ate content across various modalities. For example,
OpenAI’s DALL.E model connects text and images
to generate visual content based on text prompts,
while GPT’s voice processing capabilities are rooted
in Whisper, its speech-to-text translation model.
Applications of Multimodal AI:
• Multimodal AI has practical applications, such as au-
tomatic image caption generation, detecting hate
speech in memes, predicting dialogue in videos,
and even potential uses in fields like medicine, au-
tonomous driving, and robotics.
• In medicine, multimodal AI is useful for process-
ing complex datasets from sources like CT scans. In
speech translation, AI models can perform text-to-
speech, speech-to-text, speech-to-speech, and text-
to-text translations for various languages.
37. GLOBAL AMPHIBIAN ASSESSMENT
Context:
The second Global Amphibian Assessment, conducted by
over 1,000 experts and analysing 8,011 species worldwide,
has revealed that the elusive dancing frogs of the Western
Ghats are one of the most threatened amphibian genera.
Key Findings:
• This assessment points out that 41 per cent of am-
phibian species are on the brink of extinction glob-
ally, with climate change, habitat loss, disease, fire,
invasive species, and over-exploitation posing sig-
nificant threats to them.
• The dancing frog genus, Micrixalus, which is part of
the endemic family Micrixalidae, is identified as the
most threatened frog genus in India.
• Additionally, the Nyctibatrachidae, commonly
known as night frogs, has 83.9 per cent of its species
threatened across the southern states of Karnata-
ka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• Amphibians are currently the second most declin-
ing taxa globally, after corals, making their conser-
vation a matter of great concern.
38. BIMA VAHAK
Context:
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
of India (IRDAI) has announced that the guidelines for the
women-centric insurance distribution channel called “Bima
Vahak” will become effective upon the launch of “Bima
Vistaar,” an all-in-one standard insurance product currently
under development.
• The primary objective of Bima Vahak is to establish
a dedicated distribution channel focused on en-
hancing insurance inclusion and awareness in ev-
ery village/gram panchayat, thereby increasing the
accessibility and availability of insurance throughout
the country.
IRDAI stands for the Insurance Regulatory and Develop-
ment Authority of India. It was established on April 19, 2000
to regulate the insurance industry in India.
IRDAI’s responsibilities include:
• Regulating and licensing the insurance and re-insur-
ance industries in India
• Protecting the interests of policyholders
• Promoting the orderly growth of the insurance industry
in India
39. ‘A-HELP’ PROGRAM
Context:
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Gov-
ernment of India, introduced the ‘A-HELP’ (Accredited
Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production)
program in the state of Jharkhand.
• This program aims to empower women by engaging
them as Accredited Agents who play a vital role in
disease control, animal tagging, and livestock in-
surance.
The ‘A-HELP’ initiative is being implemented in various Indian
states and union territories, including Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu
and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand,
and Jharkhand, through an MoU between the Department
of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and the National Rural
Livelihoods Mission

116 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
40. HEMOCHROMATOSIS
Context:
Hemochromatosis is a rare genetic disorder characterized
by iron overload, which can lead to severe dysfunction in
various organs.
• There are two main types of hemochromatosis: he-
reditary hemochromatosis and secondary hemo-
chromatosis.
About Hemochromatosis:
Hereditary Hemochromatosis: This genetic disorder results
from a mutation in the HFE gene, causing individuals to ab-
sorb excessive iron from their diet.
Unlike the body’s natural ability to regulate iron intake,
people with hereditary hemochromatosis accumulate iron
gradually in their system, which can lead to health problems
over time.
The excess iron can affect vital organs such as the liver,
heart, and pancreas, potentially causing cirrhosis, heart
failure, diabetes, and arthritis.
Secondary Hemochromatosis: This type is typically caused
by external factors like frequent blood transfusions, exces-
sive iron supplementation, or certain medical conditions.
Iron accumulation in secondary hemochromatosis can be
more rapid and lead to organ dysfunction.
41. PROSOPIS JULIFLORA
Context:
The National Security Guard (NSG) is waging a battle against
the invasive plant species, vilayati kikar, at its Manesar cam-
pus, located near the Delhi-Ajmer highway.
• These invasive trees have led to a depletion of the
water table in the region.
• The NSG is also employing the Miyawaki plantation
method in the foothills of the Aravallis, which in-
volves overcrowding the plantation with diverse
saplings to encourage faster growth.
• The invasive vilayati kikar has been detrimental to
the area’s biodiversity, blocking sunlight and pre-
venting the growth of other plants.
42. NATURAL RUBBER
Context:
The annual rubber conference of the Association of Natural
Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) took place in Guwa-
hati.
Issues faced in Rubber Industry:
• Mechanization in rubber plantations, sustainable
agricultural practices, supply chain strengthening,
and value addition for rubber wood to ensure the
sustainability of rubber farming.
The conference also discussed the ‘INROAD’ project, which
aims to expand rubber cultivation in north-eastern states
with the support of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers
Association (ATMA) and explored the potential for carbon
crediting
ANRPC is an inter-governmental organization comprising 13
member countries, including India, Bangladesh, Cambodia,
China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea,
Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The organization was established in 1970 to promote collab-
oration among natural rubber-producing nations.
43. OPERATION AJAY
Context: India has initiated “Operation Ajay” to evacuate its
citizens from conflict-stricken Israel.
• This marks the second evacuation operation of the
year, following Operation Kaveri, which brought
back Indian citizens from Sudan earlier.
• The decision to initiate Operation Ajay comes in re-
sponse to recent conflicts in the region, including a
Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent military
www.insightsonindia.com 117
 Current Affairs 30
strike on the Gaza Strip. • The project aims to protect the endangered Nilgiri
Tahr, a species native to the Western Ghats.
Various other past operations are: – • It focuses on understanding the population, distri-
bution, and ecology of Nilgiri Tahr, reintroducing
Operation Name Year Reason for Evacuation them to their historical habitats, addressing imme-
Operation Dost 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake diate threats to their survival, raising public aware-
Operation Ganga 2022 Tensions between Russia ness, and developing eco-tourism activities.
and Ukraine
Vande Bharat 2020 Covid-19 pandemic
Operation Samudra 2020 Covid-19 pandemic
Setu
Evacuation from 2016 Terrorist strikes
Brussels
Operation Raahat 2015 Conflict in Yemen
Operation Maitri 2015 Nepal earthquake
Operation Safe 2011 Conflict in Libya
Homecoming
Operation Sukoon 2006 Conflict in Lebanon
1990 Kuwait Airlift 1990 Invasion of Kuwait by Iraq

44. ICRISAT JOINS ONE CGIAR INITIATIVE

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Ar-
id Tropics (ICRISAT) has joined the One CGIAR (Consultative
Group on International Agricultural Research) integrated
partnership.
This partnership involves the CGIAR System Organization and
12 One CGIAR research centres (including ICRISAT), aiming to
unify efforts in transforming food, land, and water systems
to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis.
CGIAR (est. 1971; founder: Forrest F Hill) is a network of
publicly-funded agri-food systems research centres. It aims
to reduce rural poverty, increase food security, improve hu-
man health and nutrition, and sustainable management of
natural resources.
About ICRISAT
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Ar-
id Tropics (ICRISAT) (HQ: Patancheru, Hyderabad; founded
1972 with support from the Ford and Rockefeller founda-
tions) is an international organization that conducts agricul-
tural research for rural development.
It has regional centres in Mali and Kenya, along with re-
search stations in several African countries. ICRISAT operates
under the charters of the FAO and UNDP. It holds a special
status as a UN organization in India, granting it certain im-
munities and tax privileges.
45. PROJECT NILGIRI TAHR
Context: Tamil Nadu has launched ‘Project Nilgiri Tahr,’ a
wildlife conservation initiative.
46. ‘MAKHIR’ GINGER
Context:
Trinity Saioo, the 2021 Padma Shri winner known as the
“Turmeric Trinity,” who was recognized for her work in pro-
moting Lakadong turmeric cultivation in Meghalaya, is now
focusing on promoting the unique “Makhir” ginger of the
state.
• Makhir ginger is known for its distinct pungency
and medicinal properties.
Meghalaya is home to two popular types of ginger, Makh-
ir and Nadia, both known for their health benefits despite
their small size.
About Lakadong turmeric:
• Under the “One District One Product” scheme,
Lakadong turmeric gained recognition in the West
Jaintia Hills district.
• It is distinguished by its high curcumin levels and an-
tioxidant properties.
47. ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING: SEBI RE-
LEASES FRESH SET OF GUIDELINES
Context:
The Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a set
of amendments to strengthen anti-money laundering(AML)
standards and combat finance terrorism (CFT).

118 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
• These guidelines are based on rules established
under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act of
2002.
The key amendments include:
• Additional Measures: Financial groups must imple-
ment group-wide programs to deal with money
laundering. Additional measures should be taken if
the host country does not meet AML/CFT require-
ments consistent with the home country’s stan-
dards.
• Disclosing Status: In the case of a trust, the report-
ing entity must ensure that trustees disclose their
status at the commencement of an account-based
relationship.
• Identifying Beneficial Ownership.
These amendments aim to enhance the effectiveness of
AML/CFT measures and strengthen the process of identify-
ing beneficial ownership.
48. WHITE PHOSPHORUS
Context:
Human Rights Watch (HRW) says the Israeli military recent-
ly used white phosphorus munitions in Lebanon and Gaza.
• White phosphorus munitions can be delivered
through artillery shells, bombs, rockets, or gre-
nades. This substance is colourless, white, or yellow
and emits a garlic-like odour.
White Phosphorous in war:
• While white phosphorus is not banned by interna-
tional conventions, it is not categorized as an “in-
cendiary weapon” intended to cause fires or burns.
• Instead, it is considered a multipurpose munition.
Protocol III of the 1980 Convention on Certain Con-
ventional Weapons prohibits incendiaries or the
use of other substances to attack civilian popula-
tions, but it allows militaries to argue that white
phosphorus is used only as a smokescreen, signal,
or to illuminate a target.
• Israel has faced accusations of using white phos-
phorus in Gaza in the past, notably during Opera-
tion Cast Lead in 2008-2009.
About White phosphorus:
It is a highly toxic, wax-like substance known for its ability
to burn at extremely high temperatures, exceeding 800 de-
grees Celsius (1,500 degrees Fahrenheit).
It can melt metal and is often used by militaries to cre-
ate smokescreens due to its fast-spreading fires and thick
smoke production that can last for about seven minutes.
White phosphorus is harmful to humans and can cause se-
vere burns, penetrating down to the bone. The chemicals
can be absorbed by the body, leading to dysfunction in mul-
tiple organs, including the liver, kidneys, and heart
49. NAVRATNA STATUS
Context:
Two Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) under the
Ministry of Railways, Ircon International Limited (IRCON),
and RITES Ltd, have been granted ‘Navratna’ status.
• RITES Ltd, in its 50th year of operation, is a prom-
inent transport infrastructure consultancy and en-
gineering firm in India, offering services in various
sectors such as transportation, railways, highways,
airports, and more.
• IRCON, with 47 years of experience, specializes in
railways, highways, and high-tension substation en-
gineering and construction. The company has exe-
cuted various projects in railway construction, elec-
trification, tunnelling, and more, both in India and
abroad.
www.insightsonindia.com 119

50. CAR-T CELL THERAPY
Context:
India’s Drug Controller General (DCGI) has granted market
authorization for CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T) cell
therapy developed by ImmunoACT, a spin-off company
from IIT-Bombay.
• This ground-breaking treatment, known as Nex-
CAR19, is now approved for use in cases of re-
lapsed-refractory B-cell lymphoma and leukaemia.
• The therapy’s market authorization follows exten-
sive scrutiny of data from phase 1 and 2 clinical
trials by the Central Drugs Standards and Control
Organisation (CDSCO).
51. PSYCHE
Context: NASA has launched a spacecraft called ‘Psyche’
on a six-year mission to study a unique metal-rich asteroid
120 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
also named ‘Psyche.’
• This asteroid orbits the Sun between Mars and Ju-
piter.
• The primary goal of the Psyche mission is to explore
the iron core, a previously unexplored aspect of
planet formation.
• For the first time, the mission will examine a celes-
tial body primarily composed of metal rather than
rock and ice.
• Additionally, it aims to gain insights into the inter-
nal structure of terrestrial planets, including Earth,
by directly studying the interior of a differentiated
body, which would otherwise remain hidden.
52. GREEN CREDIT PROGRAM (GCP) AND
ECOMARK SCHEME UNDER LIFE INITIATIVE
Context:
The Indian government has introduced two green initia-
tives in preparation for the upcoming UN Climate Summit,
COP 28 - Green Credit Program (GCP) and Ecomark scheme
Under LiFE Initiative
Initiative Description
Green Credit Pro- A market-based mechanism de-
gram (GCP) signed to incentivize voluntary en-
vironmental actions across various
sectors
Initial focus on water conservation
and afforestation
Indian Council of Forestry Research
and Education (ICFRE) is responsible
for the implementation, manage-
ment, monitoring, and operation
Individuals and entities earn Green
Credits by registering environmen-
tally friendly activities through a
dedicated government app/website
Ecomark Scheme Provides accreditation and labelling
for household and consumer prod-
ucts meeting specific environmen-
tal criteria while maintaining quality
standards
Aims to raise consumer awareness
of environmental issues, encourage
eco-conscious choices, and moti-
vate manufacturers to transition to
eco-friendly production
Administered by the Central Pollu-
tion Control Board in partnership
with the Bureau of Indian Standards
(BIS)
Current Affairs 30
53. NEW TOAD SPECIES
Context:
A new species of toad, called Bufoides bhupathyi, has been
discovered in the Dampa tiger reserve of Mizoram, India.
• This marks the third species in a genus found in the
north-eastern region of India.
• The previous two species, Bufoides meghalayanus
and Bufoides kempi, were found in Meghalaya.
• To resolve taxonomic confusion, field surveys were
conducted, leading to the discovery of Bufoides bh-
upathyi, which is distinct from other similar species
in terms of interdigital webbing, colouration, skin
tuberculation, and the presence of ovoid, tubercu-
lated, and depressed parotid glands.
• The new species is currently known to exist only in
the Dampa tiger reserve and is likely to meet the
criteria for being assessed as critically endangered
according to the International Union for Conserva-
tion of Nature (IUCN).
• It has been named after S Bhupathy, a prominent
herpetologist who served as the principal scientist
at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural
History in Coimbatore.
54. ANGEL TAX FOR START-UPS
Context:
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued a direc-
tive to its officers, instructing them not to carry out scru-
tiny of angel tax provisions for start-ups recognized by the
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
(DPIIT).
• The directive comes in response to concerns raised
by start-ups regarding scrutiny notices for angel tax.
The CBDT directive outlines two scenarios for recognized
start-up companies:
• First, if the case is selected under scrutiny solely
for the applicability of Section 56(2) (viib) of the In-
come-tax Act, no verification is required during the
assessment proceedings, and the contention of the
recognized start-up on the issue will be accepted.
• Second, if the case is selected under scrutiny for
multiple issues, including Section 56(2) (viib) of
the Income-tax Act, the issue will not be pursued
during the assessment proceedings.
Angel tax is income tax levied at a rate of 30.6% on unlisted
companies that issue shares to investors at a price higher
than their fair market value.
The Finance Act 2023 amended Section 56(2)(viib) of the
Income-tax Act, colloquially known as the ‘angel tax,’ to
include foreign investors. DPIIT-recognized start-ups are ex-
empt from the angel tax levy.
55. PRODUCTION OF HYDROCARBONS
UNDER OLAP BID
Context:
The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in India is offering
8 blocks for hydrocarbon exploration and production under
the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) bid round IX.
• Three of the blocks are in the Cauvery basin, two
in Saurashtra, two in Assam Shelf, and one in the
Cambay basin.
Six of the blocks fall under Category-I basins with proven
hydrocarbon resources, while the remaining two are in Cat-
egory-II with contingent resources. The notice inviting offers
for these blocks will be released soon for international com-
petitive bidding.
The Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) was launched in
June 2017 to accelerate exploration and production (E&P)
activities in India. OALP allows companies to select explora-
tion blocks on their own, without waiting for a formal bid
round from the government
56. SELF-DECLARATION OF FREEDOM
FROM AVIAN INFLUENZA
Context:
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has
approved India’s self-declaration of freedom from Highly
www.insightsonindia.com 121

Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in specific poultry com-
partments.
• This is a significant development for India’s poul-
try industry and reflects the country’s commitment
to maintaining high animal health and biosecurity
standards.
• Compartmentalization, a strategy used to establish
and maintain groups of animals with specific health
statuses, played a key role in this achievement.
• India adopted the concept of poultry compartmen-
talization as a crucial tool to reduce the risk of dis-
ease outbreaks and facilitate the trade of poultry
and poultry-related products.
India, one of the top producers of eggs and poultry meat
globally, is poised to capitalize on this achievement, poten-
tially opening up new opportunities in the global market.
57. INDIAAI REPORT
Context:
Seven working groups of the Ministry of Electronics and In-
formation Technology (MeitY) have submitted the first edi-
tion of the IndiaAI report.
• This report outlines India’s strategy for the devel-
opment of its artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem.
The IndiaAI program aligns with Prime Minister vi-
sion of “India for AI and AI for India” and aims to
catalyse the development of a 1 trillion-dollar dig-
ital economy.
About IndiaAI Program:
• The IndiaAI program is holistic and ambitious, cov-
ering various aspects of the AI ecosystem, includ-
ing compute infrastructure, data, AI financing, re-
search and innovation, skilling, and institutional
capacity for data management.
• It also focuses on supporting start-ups and entre-
preneurship, India datasets program, and the India
AI Compute Platform.
• The report details the operational aspects of estab-
lishing Centers of Excellence (CoEs) and outlines an
institutional framework for governing data collec-
tion, management, processing, and storage.
• It includes recommendations on leveraging India’s
demographic dividend and enhancing AI skills,
strengthening AI compute infrastructure through
public-private partnerships, and implementing a
Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme to support do-
mestic companies and start-ups.
58. INCLUSION OF TRADITIONAL MEDI-
CINE ON WHO’S LIST
Context:
The Indian government is pushing for the inclusion of
Ayurveda and related traditional medicine systems in the
11th revision of the World Health Organization’s Interna-
tional Classification of Diseases (ICD) as the second module
of a supplementary chapter on traditional medicine condi-
122 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
tions.
• This move aims to provide these traditional systems
with a standardized language for global recognition
and integration.
• The ICD serves as a common language for health-
care professionals worldwide, allowing them to
share standardized information.
• ICD-11 previously included Module-1 for traditional
medicine conditions originating in China.
• The inclusion of Ayurveda and related systems in
Module-2 would allow for a more comprehensive
approach to reporting adverse events and integrat-
ing traditional medicine into insurance and reim-
bursement systems, in line with WHO’s goals for
universal health coverage.
59. INDIAN RUPEE’S VALUATION
Context:
The Indian rupee has reached a nearly two-year high in
valuation against major trading partner currencies due to
central bank intervention and increased domestic inflation.
The rupee’s 40-currency real effective exchange rate (REER)
showed a 5.7% overvaluation by the end of September, the
highest since November 2021.
The RBI’s focus on preventing the rupee from weakening,
coupled with inflation, has contributed to the high REER,
although analysts believe the RBI doesn’t consider it an
outlandishly overvalued currency.
60. NEW EVOLUTIONARY LAW
Context:
Scientists have proposed a new evolutionary law that can
explain the evolution of both living and non-living entities,
including minerals and stars.
• This law suggests that natural systems, whether liv-
ing or non-living, evolve towards greater pattern-
ing, diversity, and complexity.
About New Evolutionary Law:
• As life evolved from single-celled to multi-celled or-
ganisms, Earth’s minerals became more complex,
contributing to diversity. The interaction between
biodiversity and mineral diversity played a role in
shaping life as it exists today.
• It identifies three kinds of functions in nature: sta-
bility (systems with stable arrangements survive),
dynamic systems with an energy supply, and nov-
elty (exploration of new configurations or arrange-
ments leading to new behaviours or characteristics).
This law has implications for various complex evolving
systems, from astrophysics to ecology and artificial intelli-
gence, and scientists aim to apply it to diverse domains of
science.
Current Affairs 30
The study showcases the importance of interdisciplinary
collaboration, including input from philosophers of science
in shaping these ideas.
61. TILAPIA PARVOVIRUS
Context:
India has reported the presence of tilapia parvovirus (TiPV)
for the first time in Tamil Nadu., affecting farm-bred tilapia
fish.
• The virus caused mortality rates ranging from 30%
to 50% in farms and 100% in laboratory settings.
Tilapia, considered a “poor man’s fish,” was introduced to
Indian freshwater bodies in the 1950s. While Nile tilapia,
introduced in the 1970s, is larger and widely cultivated, the
occurrence of TiPV is a concern for tilapia farming in India.
Research is ongoing to develop a vaccine to combat TiPV
and mitigate losses for fish farmers.
al bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef caused by extreme
heat.
• This approach involves using water cannons to
spray seawater into the sky, which results in the
formation of brighter, whiter clouds.
• These clouds, known as low marine clouds, reflect
sunlight away from the ocean’s surface, offering
protection to the marine life beneath and poten-
tially reducing coral bleaching.
• The idea of marine cloud brightening was initiated
after the mass coral bleaching event in 2016, with
initial lab development and pilot testing near the
Great Barrier Reef.
• This method aims to delay coral bleaching during
marine heatwaves, potentially buying more time for
the reef’s recovery.
• To brighten clouds, researchers spray microscopic
seawater droplets into the air, mimicking the cre-
ation of sea salt aerosols by natural processes like
wind and waves.
• Sea salt provides shade and additional reflection
of light. While humanity unintentionally brightens
clouds through the release of aerosols, the research
in Australia aims to harness this process for envi-
ronmentally responsible and socially acceptable
conservation efforts for the Great Barrier Reef.

64. DEFENCE SYSTEMS OF ISRAEL

W e a p o n Purpose and Current Future De-

System Features Status velopments
Iron Beam Strengthen Isra- Deployed in Expected
62. LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS el’s air defence active com- increase in
against short- bat service. energy lev-
Context:
range projec- els.
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has suc-
tiles, drones,
cessfully eliminated lymphatic filariasis (LF), a mosqui-
artillery, and The naval
to-borne infectious disease, becoming the second country
mortar shells. version is
to achieve this in 2023 after Bangladesh.
• Lao PDR is the 11th country in the WHO Western Uses a fibre laser in develop-
Pacific Region to eliminate LF. to destroy air- ment for
• The World Health Organization (WHO) credited this borne targets. use on na-
achievement to the efforts of the Lao government, Advantages in- val ships
healthcare workers, communities, and national and clude lower costs to protect
international partners. per shot, unlim- against
• Overall, 19 countries have successfully eliminated
ited firings, low- d r o n e
LF, with mass drug administration being a cost-ef-
fective method for treating affected residents and er operational swarms.
stopping transmission. costs, and no in-
LF, also known as elephantiasis, causes severe health issues, terceptor debris.
and its elimination is a significant global health goal. The Iron Dome Short-range de- Deployed in P r o v i d e s
elimination of LF contributes to the United Nations’ sustain- fence system active com- short-range
able development goal of “health for all” by 2030 with an intercept bat service. d e f e n c e
range of 2.5 to against vari-
63. MARINE CLOUD BRIGHTENING 43 miles. ous threats.
Designed to pro-
Context: tect populated
Australian researchers are exploring the concept of “marine areas.
cloud brightening” as a potential solution to mitigate cor-

www.insightsonindia.com 123
 Current Affairs 30

D a v i d ’ s Designed to Limited use Expected erating expenses, which are short-term expenses used to run
Sling counter medi- since be- to play a the daily business operations.
um-range mis- coming op- vital role Background:
siles. erational in Israel’s Previously, Telecom firms were required to pay a one-time
multi-tiered license fee for entry and an annual license fee linked to their
Operational
defence Annual Gross Revenue (AGR) as per the National Telecom
since 2017.- Uses
s t r a t e g y, Policy 1999.
the “Stunner”
interceptor for comple-
menting Impact of the Decision:
medium- to long-
Arrow and The judgment disallows license fees as a revenue expense
range threats up
Iron Dome for tax calculation, leading to an increase in tax liabilities for
to 185 miles.
systems telecom companies.
This decision is expected to result in additional tax liabilities
for telecom companies, particularly older ones like Bharti
65. ‘LENIENCY PLUS’ NORMS TO CURB Airtel and Vodafone Idea, estimated to be around $1 billion
CARTELISATION in the current fiscal year.
• The Supreme Court’s order has not clarified whether
Context: these accounting changes should be made retroac-
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has introduced tively, and income tax authorities are expected to
demand payment for any shortfall in tax payments
a draft of revised lesser penalty regulations that include a
for the prior period, along with applicable penalties.
“leniency plus” program to combat cartel activities.

What are ‘Leniency plus’ norms? 67. ESTIVATION

In the “Leniency Plus” program, a cartel member cooperat-
ing with CCI for leniency can disclose the existence of an-
other unrelated cartel during the original leniency proceed-
ings in exchange for an additional reduction in penalties,
thereby saving time and resources in cartel investigations.
• The “Leniency Plus” regime is already recognized in
several other countries.
• The “leniency plus” regime was introduced in the
new Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023. Howev-
er, several provisions of the Act are yet to be noti-
fied.
• Experts believe that the “leniency plus” regime will
strengthen the CCI’s leniency program and enable
quicker and more effective market corrections.
Context:
Estivation, also known as aestivation, is a biological phe-
nomenon in which some animals enter a prolonged state of
dormancy or inactivity during hot and dry conditions.
• It serves as a survival strategy to conserve energy
and water. Animals undergoing estivation typically
seek shelter in cool underground burrows, crevic-
es, or cocoons, reducing their metabolic activity and
energy consumption.
• This behaviour helps them avoid extreme dryness
and the risk of predation.
Examples of estivating animals include the West African
lungfish, desert tortoises, and certain land snails.

66. TELCOS’ LICENCE FEE TAX 68. MICROALGAE

Context:
The Supreme Court set aside the Delhi High Court’s order
that categorized license fees before and after July 31, 1999,
differently, as capital expenditure (Capex) and revenue ex-
penditure.
What does the judgement say?
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the payment of
entry fees and variable annual license fees by telecom com-
panies should be considered as capital expenditure, not
revenue expenditure, and therefore, they should be taxed
accordingly
Capital expenditure vs Revenue expenditure:
Capital expenditures are typically one-time large purchases
of fixed assets that will be used for revenue generation over
a longer period. Revenue expenditures are the ongoing op-
Context:
A study published in the journal Nature Microbiology has
revealed that microalgae, crucial in the ocean’s food chain
and carbon capture, have developed a unique strategy to
adapt to global warming and declining nutrient levels in the
sea.
• As climate change reduces nutrient availability,
these microalgae activate a protein called rhodop-
sin, similar to the protein in the human eye respon-
sible for vision in dim light.
• This light-responsive protein enables microalgae to
thrive by using sunlight as an alternative to tradi-
tional chlorophyll for growth.
• The study suggests that microbial rhodopsins are
significant light capturers in the ocean, potentially
absorbing as much light as chlorophyll-based pho-
tosynthesis.
• As global warming leads to nutrient scarcity at the

124 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
ocean’s surface due to reduced mixing between the Key Space Explo- Description
surface and deeper waters, microalgae struggle to
ration Goals
produce food and capture carbon dioxide.
This mechanism may have applications in biotechnology Indigenous Space India’s plan to establish its own space
for enhancing the activity of light-dependent microbes for Station (Bharatiya station by 2035. Build on the success
various purposes, from insulin production to biofuel. Antariksha Sta- of past space initiatives, including
tion) by 2035 Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L-1 mis-
sions.
69. REVERSIBLE INHIBITION OF SPERM
Indian Landing on India’s goal is to land an Indian on the
UNDER GUIDANCE OR RISUG the Moon by 2040 moon by 2040.
Context: Interplanetary Encouragement to work on interplan-
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has success- Missions etary missions. This includes creating
fully tested a long-lasting male contraceptive called “Re- a space vehicle to orbit Venus and
versible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance” (RISUG). another to land on Mars.
Department of The DoS will formulate a roadmap
About RISUG: Space (DoS) Road- for moon exploration. This includes a
• RISUG is a non-hormonal injectable male contra- map for Moon Ex- series of Chandrayaan missions, new
ceptive that blocks the production of sperm by ploration launch vehicle development, launch
creating a physical barrier in the vas deferens, the pad construction, and human-centric
tube that carries sperm. laboratories.
• It begins to work within two months of injection
and remains effective for up to a decade. Investment and Noting the need for substantial in-
• The overall efficacy of RISUG in achieving azoosper- Private Sector vestments and contributions from
mia (absence of sperm) was 97.3%, and it was Contribution the private sector to achieve these
99.02% effective in preventing pregnancy without goals.
any serious side effects.
This breakthrough in male contraception offers a safe, effec-
tive, and long-lasting option for family planning.
71. GREEN ENERGY CORRIDOR (GEC)
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Space and Historical Studies
Context:
Cases Key Points The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, has approved
AI to read the Recently, AI was used to read an ancient the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II – Inter-State
ancient scroll scroll damaged by the Vesuvius erup- Transmission System (ISTS) for a 13 GW Renewable Energy
tion Project in Ladakh.
Called the Vesuvius Challenge - a compe-
tition for reading Herculaneum Papyri What is GEC?
Scrolls contain Roman and Greek texts, Aspect Details
well-preserved. About Green Energy Corridor (GEC) is an ini-
Researchers read the word ‘porphyras’ tiative aimed at integrating and evac-
(Purple) in ancient Greek using AI. uating renewable energy into India’s
AI in space ex- Northwestern University-led team de- power grid, promoting sustainable
ploration veloped BTSbot for automated super- growth, and enhancing energy security.
nova discovery without any human in- It has two phases.
volvement. Implementing Power Grid Corporation of India Limit-
BTSbot is a machine-learning algorithm Agency ed (POWERGRID)
trained on 1.4 million images GEC-1 Imple- Already underway in Gujarat, Andhra
It detected supernova SN2023tyk. mentation Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil
Nadu, and Rajasthan, aiming to inte-
70. INDIA’S GOAL OF LANDING MAN ON grate and evacuate 24GW of Renew-
THE MOON able Energy (RE).

Context:
The Prime Minister has “directed” the Indian Space Re-
search Organisation (ISRO) to achieve several significant
milestones recently

www.insightsonindia.com 125
 Current Affairs 30

GEC-2 Imple- Planned for seven states: Gujarat, Hi- What is the National Policy for Rare Diseases?
mentation machal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Ra- The National Policy for Rare Diseases is a government initia-
jasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. tive designed to address and provide support for individuals
Targeting grid integration and pow- suffering from rare and uncommon medical conditions.
er evacuation of around 20 GW of RE
projects over five years (FY 2021-22 to Significance:
2025-26). This inclusion would provide financial support to eligible
patients and grant access to the expensive enzyme replace-
Objectives Synchronize renewable energy (wind
ment therapy, Xenpozyme. The Drug Controller General of
and solar) with conventional power
India recently permitted a pharma company to import and
sources.
market Xenpozyme after US FDA approval.
Achieve 500 GW of installed electricity
capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030
73. INS IMPHAL
Evacuate 20,000 MW of large-scale re-
newable power Context:
Significance Enhance India’s long-term energy se- INS Imphal, India’s third indigenous stealth destroyer of
curity; Promote eco-friendly growth by the Project 15B class, was delivered to the Indian Navy four
reducing the carbon footprint; Create months ahead of schedule by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
employment opportunities for both Limited.
skilled and unskilled workers.
Features:
72. NIEMANN-PICK DISEASE It’s the first warship with accommodation for women of-
ficers and sailors, can carry 312 crew, has a 4,000 nautical
Context: mile range, and is armed with Brahmos missiles, Barak-8
Parents of children suffering from Niemann-Pick disease, a missiles, and anti-submarine weapons. This class of destroy-
rare genetic disorder affecting fat metabolism, are urging ers is more versatile than previous ones and capable of vari-
the Indian government to include it in the National Policy for ous maritime missions.
Rare Diseases.
Various Projects of the Indian Navy:
What is Niemann-Pick disease? Project Name Examples of Warships
Niemann-Pick disease refers to a group of inherited meta- Project 15A (guided INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Chen-
bolic disorders in which abnormal amounts of lipids (fatty missile destroyers of nai
materials such as waxes, oils, and cholesterol) build up in the the Kolkata class)
brain, spleen, liver, lungs, and bone marrow.
Project 15B (advanced INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mor-
version of 15A) mugao, INS Imphal, INS Surat
Symptoms: Enlarged liver and spleen, difficulty in coordi-
nating movement, frequent respiratory infections, slurred Project 17 INS Shivalik, INS Satpura, INS Sa-
speech among others. hyadri
Project 17A INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, INS Uday-
Causes: This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive giri
pattern, where both gene copies must be faulty to manifest Project 28 INS Kamorta, INS Kadmatt, INS
the disease. Kiltan
Project 75 INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS
Occurrences: Niemann-Pick disease affects one in 250,000 Karanj
individuals and is expensive to treat.
Project 75I (Future Under development
Submarines)
Project 71 (Indigenous INS Vikrant (Under construction)
Aircraft Carrier)
Project 15 (Delhi-class) INS Delhi, INS Mysore, INS Mum-
bai
Project 25A (Kamor- INS Kamorta, INS Kadmatt, INS
ta-class) Kiltan

126 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
74. PURPLE ECONOMY
Context:
Shanti Raghavan, the recipient of the Business Line Change-
makers Award in 2020, leads the organization EnAble India.
They are working on creating a ‘purple economy,’ which
promotes disability inclusion and job opportunities on a
large scale.
What is the Care Economy?
It refers to the economic activities related to providing care
and support services, often in healthcare, childcare, elderly
care, and other areas aimed at improving people’s well-be-
ing. It encompasses both paid and unpaid care work and is a
critical aspect of social and economic development.
What is Purple Economy?
The purple economy is an economic order that focuses on
the sustainability of caring labour. It’s an alternative vision
that complements the green economy. The purple economy
aims to:
1. Organize the system around the sustainability of caring
labour
2. Address the inequalities created by the disproportion-
ate reliance on women’s unpaid and underpaid labour
3. Contribute to sustainable development by promoting
the cultural potential of goods and services
4. Contribute to a richer and more diverse cultural envi-
ronment
Examples of the purple economy include Digital, Tourism,
Luxury goods, and Housing.
75. DOUBLE TAXATION AVOIDANCE
AGREEMENT (DTAA)
Context:
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that a Double Taxa-
tion Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) cannot be enforced un-
less it is notified under Section 90 of the Income Tax Act.
• This decision may have significant implications for
multinational corporations (MNCs) from Switzer-
land, the Netherlands, France, and other countries.
Implications:
• The decision may lead to additional tax revenue for
the Indian government but could potentially strain
relations with tax treaty partners.
• The ruling revolves around the interpretation of
the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause contained
in various Indian treaties with countries that are
members of the Organisation for Economic Coop-
eration and Development (OECD).
• This clause allows for concessions in tax rates on
dividends, interest, royalties, or fees for techni-
cal services, similar to concessions given to other
OECD countries.
The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement or DTAA is a tax
treaty signed between India and another country (or any
two/multiple countries) so that taxpayers can avoid paying
double taxes on their income earned from the source coun-
try as well as the residence country
76. REGIONAL RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM
(RRTS)
Context:
The Prime Minister inaugurated the first leg of the Region-
al Rapid Transit System (RRTS), India’s first dedicated mass
rapid transit system for regional connectivity called as
Namo Bharat Train.
• The RRTS is designed to operate at speeds of up to
www.insightsonindia.com 127

180 km/hour and is expected to reduce the trav-
el time between Delhi and Meerut to less than an
hour.
About RRTS:
• RRTS is a new rail-based, semi-high-speed, high-fre-
quency commuter transit system with a design
speed of 180 Kmph for better connectivity.
Key Features:
• The RRTS is an integrated, mass transit network
aimed at promoting balanced and sustainable ur-
ban development in the National Capital Region
(NCR).
• Implementing Authority: The National Capital Re-
gion Transport Corporation (NCRTC), a joint venture
between the central government and the state gov-
ernments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar
Pradesh, is responsible for implementing the RRTS
project across the NCR.
77. KASTURI COTTON BHARAT
Context:
The Union Minister of Textile, Commerce & Industry, Con-
sumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution, launched the
website for “Kasturi Cotton Bharat.”
• This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Textiles,
the Cotton Corporation of India, trade bodies, and
the industry, aims to enhance the competitiveness
of Indian cotton in the global market.
• It focuses on self-regulation for branding, traceabil-
ity, and certification of Indian cotton.
The website, https://kasturicotton.texprocil.org, serves as a
digital platform for information and updates, explaining the
registration process for ginners to produce the Kasturi Cot-
ton Bharat Brand.
This brand represents whiteness, softness, purity, lustre,
and Indianness. To ensure traceability, QR-based certifica-
tion technology and a blockchain-based software platform
will be used across the supply chain.
78. PROJECT UDBHAV
Context:
‘Project Udbhav’ has been launched by the Indian Defence
Minister, aiming to integrate ancient Indian strategic wis-
dom into modern military pedagogy.
• The project, in collaboration with the United Ser-
vice Institution of India (USI), seeks to create an
indigenous strategic vocabulary based on India’s
philosophy and culture.
About the project:
• The project will explore under-explored strate-
gic thinking, statecraft, and warfare from classi-
cal texts and enrich military training curricula like
Chanakya’s Arthashastra (strategic partnerships, di-
plomacy, soft power projections, etc.) and Thirukku-
128 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
ral (Ethical conduct in warfare).
• It will focus on educating military leaders, inform-
ing senior commanders, and creating a knowledge
pool for scholars and defence personnel.
• Ancient Indian texts and historical military cam-
paigns and leaders will be studied to connect tradi-
tional knowledge with contemporary military prac-
tices.
79. OPERATION CHAKRA-2
Context:
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carried out a wide-
spread crackdown on cyber criminals in India in an opera-
tion known as ‘Operation Chakra-2.’
• This operation involved searches at 76 locations
across the country and was prompted by the reg-
istration of five separate cases of cyber-enabled
financial fraud, including a ₹100-crore cryptocur-
rency scam.
• The fraud scheme posed as a fake crypto mining op-
eration and targeted unsuspecting Indian citizens.
The cases were registered based on information
provided by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
• The agency is collaborating with various interna-
tional law enforcement agencies, including the FBI,
INTERPOL, and others, to follow up on leads.
• ‘Operation Chakra-1’ was conducted nearly a year
ago in collaboration with Interpol, the FBI, and po-
lice forces from various countries, involving search-
es at 115 locations.
80. IEA: WORLD ENERGY OUTLOOK 2023
Context:
According to the International Energy Agency, India is ex-
pected to have the highest growth in energy demand over
the next three decades, however, India’s industrial sector
will emit 30% less CO2 by 2030, and passenger cars will emit
25% less CO2 per kilometre driven.
Reasons for such assessment:
These changes are attributed to government policies that
have lifted people out of poverty and improved their qual-
ity of life while addressing climate commitments through
increased efficiency and new technologies.
Other assessments about India: Over the past five years in
India, solar PV has accounted for nearly 60% of new gener-
ation capacity.
Other assessments about the World: Fossil fuel share in the
global energy supply is projected to reduce from around 80%
to 73% by 2030. Global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions will peak by 2025.
Current Affairs 30
About IEA 82. INDIA’S FIRST NANO DAP PLANT
IEA (HQ: Paris; Founded in 1974) is an autonomous inter-
governmental organisation to ensure the security of oil Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation inau-
supplies. Membership: 31 countries (India is not a member). gurated India’s 1st IFFCO’s Nano DAP (Liquid) plant in Kalol
India is part of the ‘association countries’ of IEA. World En- (Gandhinagar), Gujarat.
ergy Outlook is Published every year and provides critical
analysis and insights on trends in energy demand and supply. What are Nano DAP and Nano Urea?
Nano DAP and Nano Urea are advanced agricultural fertil-
Other Reports: izers designed to improve nutrient efficiency and reduce
World Energy Investment Report 2023 environmental impact. DAP liquid is an efficient source of
Nitrogen and Phosphorus. They are developed using nano-
81. QR CODES ON FOOD PRODUCTS technology to enhance nutrient delivery to plants, leading to
higher crop yields with less fertilizer usage.
Context:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Significance:
has recommended the use of QR codes on food products The introduction of Nano Urea and Nano DAP is seen as a
to make information accessible to visually impaired individ- groundbreaking agricultural experiment, aiming to reduce
uals. urea use and promote natural farming, with the potential for
significant positive impacts if adopted by Primary Agricultur-
What are QR Codes? al Credit Societies (PACS) nationwide.
QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional
barcodes that store information. They can be scanned with The benefit of Nano Technology in Fertilizers:
a smartphone or QR code reader, providing quick access to Benefits Explanation
the encoded data, such as website links, text, or contact in- Increased Surface Area Nano-sized particles have a larg-
formation. er surface area, aiding nutrient
absorption.
Aim of the move by FSSAI:
This move aims to ensure that everyone, including those Improved Solubility Nanoparticles dissolve easily in
with special needs, can access safe food. Food labelling water, ensuring nutrient avail-
should enable all consumers to make informed choices. ability.
Targeted Delivery Nanotechnology enables con-
Benefits of using QR code: trolled nutrient release to plant
The use of QR codes is suggested to provide comprehen- roots.
sive product details, including ingredients, nutritional in- Reduced Leaching Nano fertilizers have lower
formation, allergens, manufacturing dates, and more. This leaching potential, reducing en-
approach complements the existing mandatory labelling re- vironmental impact.
quirements and aligns with the Rights of Persons with Dis- Enhanced Nutrient Up- Smaller particles facilitate bet-
abilities Act, 2016. take ter nutrient absorption by plant
roots.
What are Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display)
Regulations 2020? About IIFCO:
It is a set of regulations by FSSAI that addresses gaps in pre- Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, also known as
vious regulations. It introduces new requirements like aller- IFFCO (founded in 1967; HQ: New Delhi), is a multi-state
gen information, nutrient contributions, expiry dates, logos, cooperative society. IFFCO is wholly owned by Cooperative
and symbols. Even e-commerce platforms must label food Societies of India. The society is engaged in the business of
products for sale, and large restaurant chains are included in manufacturing and marketing of fertilizers.
these regulations.

About FSSAI: 83. GLOBAL TAX EVASION REPORT 2024

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (est. 2008;
HQ: New Delhi) is an autonomous statutory body (under the
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006) established under the
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Context:
The European Union Tax Observatory’s ‘Global Tax Evasion
Report 2024’ discusses tax evasion, the Global Minimum Tax
(GMT), and measures to combat tax evasion.

www.insightsonindia.com 129
 Current Affairs 30
What is Tax Evasion? o In October 2021, 136 countries, including
Tax evasion is the illegal act of not paying owed taxes to the India, set a 15% minimum global tax rate to
government by fraudulent means, such as underreporting prevent tax avoidance.
income, hiding money offshore, or inflating deductions, to • Automatic Exchange of Information (2017): Intro-
reduce tax liability. duced to combat offshore tax evasion by wealthy
individuals.
Key Highlights of the Report and its Recommendations:
Highlights Recommendations 84. 5G TECHNOLOGY FOR EFFECTIVE PO-
$1 trillion profit shifted to tax Minimum corporate tax of LICING
havens in 2022, despite the 25%, closing tax competi-
BEPS framework tion loopholes Context:
Global billionaires’ low effec- New 2% global minimum The Indian government is organizing a Hackathon focused
tive tax rates (0% to 0.5%) tax on billionaires’ wealth on developing applications and tools that will enable law
due to the frequent use of enforcement agencies to harness the capabilities of 5G tech-
shell companies to avoid in- nology for more effective policing.
come taxation
Themes include 360-degree surveillance, predictive polic-
Offshore tax evasion de- Create a Global Asset Reg-
ing, develop apps for real-time location tracking of mobile
creased but challenges re- istry for wealth and assets
users with internal authentication processes to enhance
main
crime control and victim tracing.
Policy choices impact tax eva- Tax long-term residents
sion moving to low-tax coun- Benefits: 5G will facilitate faster data transfer, improving
tries the ability of the police to make informed decisions at crime
Multinational corporations Implement unilateral scenes.
shifted $1 trillion to tax ha- measures for tax collection
vens What is 5G?
The report red-flagged Strengthen economic sub- 5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology for mobile
the trend of “Greenwash- stance and anti-abuse rules communication, offering faster data transfer speeds, lower
ing the Global Minimum latency, and greater connectivity than previous generations.
Tax” wherein MNCs can use
‘green’ tax credits for low India is simultaneously trying to develop infrastructure for
carbon transition to reduce 6G technology and its adoption.
their tax rates way below the
minimum of 15%. About 6G:

Indian Measures to curb tax evasions:

• E-Invoicing
• Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018
• The Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and
Assets)
• Imposition of Income Tax Act, 2015
• Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
• Treaties such as Double Tax Avoidance Agreement
(DTAA)
• Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA)
• The Benami Transactions Informants Reward Scheme
• Reduced base corporate tax for existing companies
to 22 per cent and new manufacturing firms to 15
per cent.

International Reforms to Combat Tax Evasion

• Global Minimum Tax (GMT): Applies a standard min-
imum tax rate globally, discouraging tax competition.
o OECD proposed a 15% corporate minimum
tax on foreign profits of large multination-
als.

130 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
85. DNA AND FACE MATCHING SYSTEMS
Context:
The Indian government is set to implement the “DNA and
Face Matching” systems at 1,300 police stations across the
country under the Criminal Procedure Identification Act
2022 (CrPI) (the Act replaced the 100-year-old Identifica-
tion of Prisoners Act, 1920, expanding the scope to capture
additional data)
More Information:
Facial Recogni- Facial recognition systems identify and
tion System in measure facial features to verify individ-
Policing uals from images or video frames.
Examples: Various police departments
in India, such as TSCOP and CCTNS (Tel-
angana), PAIS (Punjab), Trinetra (UP),
Police Artificial Intelligence System (Ut-
tarakhand), and AFRS (Delhi), have im-
plemented facial recognition technology
systems.
About Crimi- The Criminal Procedure Identification
nal Procedure Act (CrPI) was passed in 2022, granting
Identification police and Central investigating agencies
Act the authority to collect, store, and ana-
lyze physical and biological samples, in-
cluding retina and iris scans of arrested
individuals.
I n t e g r a t i o n NAFIS, managed by the NCRB, is integrat-
with Nation- ed into the CrPI Act’s implementation.
al Automated NAFIS contains fingerprint data for over 1
F i n g e r p r i n t crore people, including accused and con-
Identification victs, and is accessible at approximately
System (NAFIS) 1,300 police stations nationwide.
Nodal Agency The National Crime Records Bureau
(NCRB) is assigned with finalising the
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Benefits It will boost law enforcement efficien-
cy by quickening criminal investigations,
reducing crime, and maintaining order.
It will ease daily tasks, employ Big Data
for crime trends, provide real-time access
via smartphone apps, and enhance pub-
lic-police interaction, offering digital ser-
vices like online grievance submissions
for citizens’ convenience (e.g., Punjab
Police’s SAANJH)
Challenges Data security gaps may lead to misuse.;
Uneven tech access due to rural-urban
disparities; Insufficient police reform in-
tegration; Budget limitations hinder new
tech adoption; and Limited tools for in-
teragency collaboration
About NCRB
The National Crime Records Bureau (founded 1986; HQ: Del-
hi) is an Indian government agency responsible for collect-
ing and analyzing, crime data as defined by the Indian Penal
Code and Special and Local Laws. It comes under the Minis-
try of Home Affairs.
86. SIM CARDS
Context:
The growing use of mobile phones have highlighted the im-
portance of SIM cards, or Subscriber Identification Module
cards, which are essential components for connecting mo-
bile phones to cellular networks following the GSM stan-
dard.
• The SIM card contains information, such as the In-
ternational Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), the
subscriber’s location, a list of preferred networks
for roaming, emergency numbers, and, space per-
mitting, the subscriber’s contacts and SMS messag-
es.
• SIM cards adhere to international standards (ISO/
IEC 7816) maintained by organizations like the In-
ternational Organization for Standardization.
Functioning:
The SIM card hardware features an integrated circuit con-
nected to metal contacts on the card’s surface. These con-
tacts serve specific purposes, like power supply, clock access,
data transmission, and grounding, as defined by ISO/IEC
7816-2. The SIM card plays a crucial role in authenticating a
phone’s place within a cellular network.
Evolution of SIM cards:
SIM cards have evolved in size, from full-size SIMs to nano
SIMs. The latest development is the eSIM (eUICC), where
the SIM software is preloaded onto the mobile equipment,
eliminating the need for a physical card.
This reprogrammable eSIM is environmentally friendly and
enhances security, as it is not physically removable, making
it harder for malicious individuals to access the SIM applica-
tion. However, it can potentially allow network operators to
track users’ data more comprehensively, even within apps
on the device.
www.insightsonindia.com 131
 Current Affairs 30
The program’s goal is to help consumers make informed
choices about energy-consuming appliances. The program is
expected to save approximately 11.2 billion units of elec-
tricity by 2030 and reduce CO2 emissions by close to 9 mil-
lion tonnes by 2030

87. GHOST PARTICLE

Context:
China is constructing the world’s largest “ghost particle” de-
tector, a massive underwater telescope in the South China
Sea, designed to detect neutrinos, which are often referred
to as “ghost particles.”
• The telescope, named “Trident,” is expected to span
7.5 cubic kilometers and be 10,000 times more sen-
sitive than existing underwater telescopes.
• It is being built in the South China Sea to detect neu- 89. THALLIUM POISONING
trinos, which can interact with water molecules.
The significance of detecting neutrinos lies in their mysteri- Context:
ous behaviour and their potential role in solving scientific Cases of Thallium poisoning have been rising in India, partic-
mysteries. ularly in the Maharashtra
Neutrinos are subatomic particles that have very little mass About Thallium is a toxic metal element (symbol
and no charge, and they interact very weakly with other Tl) with atomic number 81, known for its ex-
Thallium
particles, making them challenging to detect treme toxicity. It does not freely occur in na-
ture. Thallium has no colour, odour or taste.
88. STAR LABELLING OF SOLAR PANELS Its use is regulated in India. Thallium is also
called the “poisoner’s poison”.
Context: Appear- Silvery-white tar-
The Indian government has introduced a Star Labelling Pro- ance nishes to Gray
gramme for solar panels to enhance consumer awareness
State at Solid
and promote the use of high-quality and energy-efficient
Room Tem-
solar photovoltaic modules.
• The Star Labelling Programme for solar panels is de- perature
signed to help consumers make informed choices Chemical Highly toxic (consid-
when purchasing and installing solar panels. Symbol ered a poison)
Common Historically used in low-temperature ther-
Significance: Uses mometers. Radioactive isotopes are used in
• Consumer Empowerment: The program aims to em- medical imaging. Limited industrial applica-
power consumers by providing information about
tions.
the quality and energy efficiency of solar panels.
• Emissions Reduction: It is estimated that by 2030, Health Extremely toxic when ingested or inhaled.
the star-enabled solar panels will contribute to a re- Hazards Can cause severe health issues, including
duction of approximately 30 million tonnes of CO2 nerve and kidney damage.
emissions annually.
Mere contact with thallium can cause poi-
• Voluntary Initially: The program will be voluntary
for the first two years. soning as it is highly soluble in water and can
• “Made in India” Initiative easily pass through the skin. It is also a sus-
• Solar Energy Expansion pected carcinogen.
• Expected Growth: India anticipates adding an addi- Antidote Prussian blue is used to remove thallium
tional 200 GW of solar panels by 2030, contributing from the body.
to a substantial increase in solar energy capacity.
The Star Labelling Programme is a voluntary program that Interesting Thallium is known for its high toxicity and
rates the energy efficiency of appliances on a scale of Fact was historically used as a rat poison
1-5. The program was formulated by the Bureau of Energy Saddam Hussein, the former president of
Efficiency (BEE) under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. Iraq, is alleged to have used it to murder his
political opponents.

132 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

90. TN’S FIRST TIGER REWILDING PRO- What is the Lewis Model?
The Lewis Model, developed by economist William Arthur
GRAM IN ANAMALAI TIGER RESERVE
Lewis, proposed that in underdeveloped countries with a
surplus of low-wage labour in agriculture, industrialization
Context:
could lead to economic growth.
A committee assessed the progress of Tamil Nadu’s first tiger
rewilding program in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
This model suggests that as long as the wages in the indus-
• The tiger is cared for by dedicated Forest Depart-
trial sector are marginally higher than subsistence wages in
ment staff who minimize contact and monitor the
agriculture, surplus labour can transition to the industrial
animal through cameras.
sector, boosting economic development.
About ATR:
About It is carved out of the Tamil Nadu por-
tion of the Anamalais and lies South of
the Palakkad gap in the Western Ghats
Surrounded by various wildlife reserves
and forests: Parambikulum Tiger Re-
serve on the East, Chinnar Wildlife Sanc-
tuary and Eravikulum National Park on
the South Western side
Ranges within the reserve include Am-
aravathi, Udumalpet, Pollachi, Ulandy,
Valparai, and Manamboli
Anthropologi- Home to over 4600 Adivasi people from Why does this model work in China but not in India?
cal Diversity six indigenous tribes living in 34 set- The Lewis Model worked in China but has faced challenges
tlements, including Kadars, Malasars, in India due to differences in industrialization, technological
Malaimalasar, Pulaiyars, Muduvars, advancement, and labour transitions.
and Eravallan (Eravalar)
Flora Encompasses a variety of ecosystems, In China, the model was successful because of its ability to
including wet evergreen forest, semi-ev- absorb a massive surplus rural labour force, turning China
ergreen forest, montane shola-grass- into the “world’s factory.”
land, moist deciduous, dry deciduous,
thorn forests, and marshes. In contrast, India faces hurdles in implementing the Lewis
The Kariyan shola, Grass Hills and Man- Model because manufacturing is becoming more capital-in-
jampatti of ATR are part of the UNESCO tensive and reliant on labor-displacing technologies like ro-
World Heritage site botics and artificial intelligence. This shift limits the ability
Fauna Notable mammal species include the of labour-intensive industries to absorb surplus agricultural
Asiatic elephant, Sambar, spotted deer, labour.
Barking deer, Mouse deer, Gaur, Nilgiri
tahr, and Tigers. Additionally, India is experiencing disguised unemployment
in the agricultural sector, which complicates labour transi-
Other Protect- Mudumalai Tiger Reserve - Kalakkad - tions.
ed Areas in Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve - Sathya-
Tamil Nadu mangalam Tiger Reserve - Nilgiri Bio- As a result, Niti Aayog is exploring new models for job cre-
sphere Reserve - Mukurthi National Park ation in and around agriculture, focusing on value addi-
- Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park tion and agribusiness as potential sources of employment.
- Guindy National Park Bio-fuels, bio-based products, and sustainable agriculture
practices are seen as potential areas for employment gen-
91. THE LEWIS MODEL IN ECONOMIC eration, offering alternatives to traditional farm-based jobs.
DEVELOPMENT
92. NANOPHOTONIC ELECTRON ACCEL-
Context: ERATOR (NEA)
The Lewis Model, which envisioned the shift of surplus la-
bour from agriculture to manufacturing, hasn’t played out in Context:
India as expected. Researchers have activated the world’s smallest particle ac-

www.insightsonindia.com 133

celerator, known as a “nanophotonic electron accelerator”
(NEA), which is approximately the size of a small coin.
What are particle accelerators?
It is a device that accelerates charged particles, such as elec-
trons or protons, to very high speeds and energies. These
accelerated particles are then used for various scientific and
practical purposes, including fundamental research in parti-
cle physics, medical treatments, and industrial applications.
• E.g., the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)
How this miniature accelerator is different from LHC?
NEA consists of a small microchip containing an even small-
er vacuum tube which is made up of thousands of individual
pillars. Unlike traditional particle accelerators (like LHC), this
tiny accelerator relies on directing miniature laser beams at
thousands of individual “pillars” on a microchip to accelerate
electrons. While the NEA’s energy field is weaker than large
particle accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), its
smaller size and potential for further enhancements make it
promising for applications in medical treatments, particular-
ly for precise radiotherapy. The NEA’s compact design offers
advantages for medical purposes and could replace more in-
vasive cancer treatment methods.
93. LORRAINOSAURUS (PLIOSAUR)
Current Affairs 30
About Lorrainosaurus:
It was one of the first large pliosaurs and played a significant
role in the evolution of these apex predators that ruled the
oceans for millions of years.
The fossils of Lorrainosaurus were discovered in 1983 and
were recently analyzed, shedding light on this ancient ma-
rine reptile’s significance.
94. GLOBAL DECLARATION FOR RIVER
DOLPHINS
Context:
In a significant move to protect the world’s six surviving spe-
cies of river dolphins, 11 Asian and South American coun-
tries have signed a groundbreaking Global Declaration for
River Dolphins.
Need for such initiative:
River Dolphins are top predators in some of the world’s
greatest river systems and important indicators of the river’s
health. This initiative comes after decades of alarming pop-
ulation declines in river dolphins, with numbers plummet-
ing by 73% since the 1980s due to various threats, including
unsustainable fishing practices, pollution, habitat loss, and
even the impact of climate change.

Context: Aim of the declaration:

Researchers have identified fossils of a 170-million-year-old The declaration’s aim is to halt the decline and bolster the
ancient marine reptile as the oldest-known mega-predatory most vulnerable river dolphin populations through collabo-
pliosaur (a group of ocean-dwelling reptiles). This pliosaur rative efforts.
genus, named Lorrainosaurus, was found in northeastern
France. Surviving species of river dolphins:
Species Habitat IUCN
What are pliosaurs?
Pliosaurs were a type of marine reptile that lived over 200 Amazon River Freshwater rivers in Endangered
million years ago (during the early Middle Jurassic period). Dolphin South America
They were known for their short necks, large conical teeth Ganges River Ganges and Brahma- Endangered
and massive skulls. These creatures evolved into enormous Dolphin putra River systems
apex predators, some exceeding 10 meters in length. They in India and Bangla-
were major marine predators of their time, akin to today’s desh
Killer whales. They are one of the largest aquatic carnivo- Indus River Dol- Pakistan and River Endangered
rous reptiles that have ever lived and are often referred to phin Beas (a tributary of
as sea monsters the Indus River in
Punjab)
Irrawaddy Dol- Coastal areas in Endangered
phin South and Southeast
Asia, rivers including
Ayeyarwady (Myan-
mar), Mahakam (In-
donesian Borneo),
Mekong, and Chilka
Lake (India)

134 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Tucuxi Dolphin Amazon River sys- Endangered Forms of Dark 1. False Urgency: Creating a false sense of
tem in Brazil, Colom- Patterns urgency or scarcity to prompt immediate
bia, Ecuador, and purchases
Peru 2. Basket Sneaking: Including additional
Yangtze Finless Yangtze River (the Critically Endan- items or charges at checkout without user
Porpoise longest river in Asia) gered consent.
3. Interface Interference: Manipulating
About Gangetic River dolphin: the design to highlight specific informa-
tion and obscure other relevant details.
4. Bait and Switch: Advertising one out-
come but delivering another.
5. Drip Pricing: Withholding elements of
prices upfront or obscuring them during
the user experience.
6. Other Forms: Forced action, Subscrip-
tion trap, Confirm shaming, Disguised ad-
vertising, Nagging, and more.
R e g u l a t o r y India has taken several regulatory mea-
Measures (In- sures to address dark patterns, including:
dia) 1. Summoning cab and two-wheeler ag-
gregators to address their charges and
algorithms.
2. Forming a consultation group to com-
bat fake online reviews.
3. Applying the Advertising Standards
95. DARK PATTERN SALES DEEMED ‘CY- Council of India (ASCI) code, which covers
BERCRIME’ misleading ads in various media, includ-
ing online advertising.
Context: Draft Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Pat-
The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India is addressing deceptive terns
online practices by airlines and travel agents (such as IndiGo,
SpiceJet, and MakeMyTrip), which have been termed “cy- 96. GIR COW BREED
bercrime.” These practices, known as “dark patterns,” trick
consumers into making unintended purchases while booking Context:
flight tickets. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission, India’s initiative to enhance in-
digenous cattle breeds, has primarily promoted the Gir cow
More about Dark Pattern: breed due to its high milk yield and adaptability.
Term Definition
What is Gir Cow Breed?
Dark PatternsDigital design techniques used to ma-
The Gir cow is an indigenous breed of cattle in India known
nipulate customer behaviour are often
for its high milk yield, adaptability to various regions, and
considered an unfair trading practice and
calm temperament. It is characterized by its distinctive
potentially a cybercrime.
hump over the shoulders and a reddish-brown coat. Gir cows
Usage by Social media and Big Tech firms like Ap- are prized for their milk production, with purebred Gir cows
Companies ple, Amazon, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, yielding 18-20 liters of milk per day. Gir is originated in Gir
Microsoft, and Skype employ dark pat- forests in Gujarat and also found in Maharashtra and adja-
terns to their advantage. cent Rajasthan
Example For instance, LinkedIn users may receive
unsolicited sponsored messages from in- Other indigenous cattle breeds: Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Hal-
fluencers, and disabling this option can be likar etc
a complex process with multiple steps.
What is the issue with adopting Gir Cow Breed?
Rashtriya Gokul Mission’s focus on Gir breed risks threaten-
ing the purity of other indigenous breeds. While the Gir cow

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has its advantages, experts argue that focusing solely on one
breed is detrimental. They suggest that genetically superior
cows should be identified and bred from various indigenous
breeds to maintain regional traits and diversity.
About the Rashtriya Gokul Mission:
Keywords Explanation
Rashtriya Gokul A program for indigenous bovine
Mission breed development and conserva-
tion
I m p l e m e n t a t i o n Started in December 2014
Since
Continued Under Part of Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas
Yojna from 2021 to 2026
Nodal Ministry Managed by the Ministry of Fisher-
ies, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Objectives Aims to enhance bovine produc-
tivity, promote high genetic merit
bulls, expand artificial insemination
coverage (increase artificial insemi-
nation to 70%), and conserve indig-
enous cattle and buffalo
97. JIOSPACEFIBER
Context:
Reliance Jio has successfully demonstrated JioSpaceFiber,
India’s first satellite-based gigabit internet service, at the
India Mobile Congress.
This technology, developed in partnership with Luxem-
bourg-based SES, leverages medium Earth orbit (MEO) sat-
ellites, particularly SES’s O3v and o3b mPOWER networks.
How is it different from Elong Musk’s Starlink?
Unlike the more common low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite in-
ternet (e.g., StarLink or OneWeb), JioSpaceFiber uses MEO
satellites, orbiting at a greater distance from the planet,
which may result in higher latency (latency is the time that
data takes to transfer across the network). However, MEO
satellites can cover larger areas with fewer satellites.
To access JioSpaceFiber, a larger satellite dish may be re-
quired. Reliance Jio has already connected four remote loca-
tions using this technology.
What is Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet is an online connection provided by satel-
lites in space. Internet service providers launch satellites into
orbit around Earth, and these satellites communicate with
user equipment, including a modem and satellite dish, to
transmit and receive data. It’s advantageous for connecting
remote or rural areas and enabling multi-device access.
136 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
98. HAEMOGLOBIN
Context:
In a recent discovery published in Nature, scientists found
that haemoglobin, typically associated with red blood cells,
is also produced by chondrocytes, the cells responsible for
making cartilage in the body.
What is haemoglobin?
Haemoglobin is a Iron containing protein found in red blood
cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tis-
sues and returns carbon dioxide to the lungs for exhalation.
It plays a crucial role in oxygen transport and maintaining the
body’s overall oxygen balance.
What does the new study says?
A recent study revealed that chondrocytes, responsible for
forming cartilage, produce haemoglobin, contrary to the
previous belief that only Red Blood Cells (RBCs) contained it.
Chondrocytes play a role in strengthening and flexibilizing
cartilage, and they rely on haemoglobin for oxygen transport
and survival. Haemoglobin within chondrocytes stores and
releases oxygen as needed.
What are Cartilage?
Cartilage is a flexible and connective tissue found in vari-
ous parts of the body, such as joints, the nose, and ears. It
provides support and cushioning while allowing for smooth
movement in the joints.
99. AMANGARH TIGER RESERVE
Context:
The Amangarh Tiger Reserve, an extension of the Jim Cor-
bett National Park, has seen a marginal increase in its tiger
population. However, this growth in the tiger population has
had unintended consequences for the leopards in the area.
What is the Issue?
The territorial nature of tigers, with one big cat ruling over
8 square kilometers, is causing leopards to be pushed out
of the forests. This phenomenon has led to leopards ventur-
ing into human habitats, resulting in over 35 leopards being
Current Affairs 30
captured in such areas and 16 people being killed in leop-
ard attacks. The expansion of the Amangarh Tiger Reserve
is seen as a potential solution to protect big cat habitats and
prevent future conflicts.
About Amangarh Tiger Reserve:
Aspect Information
Location Located in Amangarh, Bijnor district, Ut-
tar Pradesh.
Situated in the Terai region, covering ap-
proximately 578 sq km.
Shares boundaries with Jim Corbett Na-
tional Park in Uttarakhand.
Originally part of Jim Corbett National
Park, remained in Uttar Pradesh after the
creation of Uttarakhand.
Establishment Declared a tiger reserve in 2012.
Flora Vegetation includes grasslands, wetlands,
and dense forests.
Fauna Mammals: Tigers, Elephants, Swamp
Deer, Hog Deer, Sloth Bear, Porcupine
Birds: Hornbill, Red Jungle Fowl, Pea
Fowl, Bengal Florican,
Reptiles: Monitor Lizard, Turtles, Ganget-
ic Dolphin, Mugger, Gharia, etc.
SPORTS CORNER
Context:
India achieved a historic milestone at the Hangzhou
19th Asian Games with a record-breaking medal haul of
107 medals, including 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze.
The game was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notable features of this year’s Game:
Feature Description
Total Medals India secured a total of 107 med-
als, including 28 gold, 38 silver,
and 41 bronze (India’s best in Asian
Games)
Improved Ranking India’s performance elevated its
rank to fourth place (after China,
Japan and South Korea), up from
eighth in the 2018 Asian Games.
Athletics Excel- Neeraj Chopra’s gold in javelin
lence throw and a total of 29 medals, in-
cluding six gold, in athletics.
Historic Badmin- Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chi-
ton Win rag Shetty secured India’s first
Asian Games doubles gold in bad-
minton.
Triumphant Hock- The men’s hockey team won gold
ey Team and secured direct qualification for
the Olympics next year.
Other Sport Impressive performances in ar-
Achievements chery, shooting, and various
sports, showcasing diversification.
India’s medal tally expanded into
new disciplines such as roller skat-
ing, sailing, table tennis, rowing,
and equestrian sports
Other features of this year’s Asian Games
Esports introduced Esports officially debuted as an
official event at the Asian Games
2022, featuring seven top titles, in-
cluding League of Legends, and in-
volving teams from over 30 coun-
tries. Gold medals were awarded
for each game.
Number of Sports Medals were contested across 61
disciplines, including Non-Olym-
pic sports such as Kabaddi, sepa-
ktakraw, cricket, Go board game
and newcomers like breaking,
sport climbing and e-sports
Motto The motto of Asian Games 2023 is
‘Heart to heart, @ Future’
www.insightsonindia.com 137
 Current Affairs 30

About the Asian Games: 1. IOC APPROVES INCLUSION OF CRICKET

The Asian Games, also known as Asiad, is a major conti- IN 2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC
nental multi-sport event held every four years, featuring
athletes from across Asia. The Games were initially regu-
lated by the Asian Games Federation (AGF) from 1951 to
1978. Since 1982, they have been organized by the Olym-
pic Council of Asia (OCA) after the dissolution of the AGF.
These Games are recognized by the International Olympic
Committee (IOC) and are considered the second-largest
multi-sport event globally, following the Olympic Games.
Why Isreal is not included in the Asian Games?
Israel has been excluded from the Games since 1976, the
reason cited as being due to security reasons. Israel re-
quested to participate in the 1982 Games, but the request
was rejected by the organizers due to the Munich massa-
cre
India held the first and ninth editions of the Asian Games
in New Delhi in 1951 and 1982 respectively. India has con-
sistently ranked in the top 10 in medals tally (except in the
1990 games). India has won at least one gold medal in all
the Asian Games held till now.
India’s initiatives in sports:
• Support from initiatives like the Target Olym-
pic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and the Khelo India
Scheme. 2. IOC AMENDS THE OLYMPIC CHAR-
• Specialized training camps, foreign experts, and TER TO STRENGTHEN ITS HUMAN RIGHTS
foreign exposure trips for athletes.
COMMITMENTS
• Individualized support for top athletes like Neeraj
Chopra, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and others
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made
Prelims Links: amendments to the Olympic Charter to strengthen its hu-
Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the man rights commitments during its 141st Session. These
32nd Summer Olympics: (UPSC) changes include additional wording in the Fundamental
1. The official motto for this Olympics is ‘A New World’. Principles of Olympism.
2. Sport Climbing, Surfing, Skateboarding, Karate and
Baseball are included in this Olympics. They aim to promote and respect human rights across
Which of the above statements is/are correct? their three spheres of activity: as an organization, as the
(a) 1 only owner of the Olympic Games, and as the leader of the
(b) 2 only Olympic Movement.
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Additionally, the IOC’s Framework on Fairness, Inclusion,
Ans: (b) and Non-Discrimination aims to ensure inclusion in elite
sports without discrimination based on gender identity or
sex variations while preserving fair competition.
About IOC:
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) (founded:
1894; HQ: Lausanne, Switzerland) is a non-governmental
sports organization responsible for organizing the Olym-
pic Games and governs National Olympic Committees
(NOCs). In 2009, the UN General Assembly granted the
IOC Permanent Observer status. The IOC Session is the
annual meeting of IOC members where each member has
one vote, and its decisions are final.

138 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

3. FIDE WORLD CUP

Context: The Prime Minister recently congratulated Raun-

ak Sadhwani on his victory at the FIDE World Junior Rapid
Chess Championship 2023

About FIDE World Cup:

The FIDE World Cup, established in 2000 by the Inter-
national Chess Federation (FIDE), encompasses various
iterations. Since 2005, it’s been a 128-player single-elimi-
nation chess tournament, a vital part of the World Chess
Championship qualification. The format includes 7 rounds
of “mini-matches” with 2 games each, followed by rapid
and blitz tiebreaks if needed. The final consists of 4 games
before tiebreaks.

About FIDE:
The International Chess Federation or World Chess Feder-
ation, commonly referred to by its French acronym FIDE, is
an international organization (HQ: Lausanne (Switzerland);
Founded 1924) that connects the various national chess
federations and acts as the governing body of internation-
al chess competition. It was
FIDE was constituted as a non-governmental institution. It 2. ARMENIA
is the governing body of the sport of chess and regulates
all international chess competitions. It was recognized by Context:
the International Olympic Committee as a Global Sport- Armenia’s Parliament voted to join the International Crimi-
ing Organization in 1999. It has 199 countries as affiliate nal Court (ICC), a move that has strained its relationship with
members (including India), in the form of National Chess Russia.
Federations
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vlad-
imir Putin related to events in Ukraine, leading Moscow to
view Armenia’s ICC membership as unfriendly.
MAPPING Armenian move was prompted by Azerbaijan’s capture of
the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the subsequent exodus of
1. MALDIVES people of Armenian descent from the region.

The Maldives recently elected a new leader, Mohamed About Armenia:

Muizzu, replacing President Ibu Solih. Muizzu. President So-
lih’s loss was attributed to anti-incumbency sentiment, eco-
nomic concerns post-COVID-19, internal party divisions, and
sovereignty issues fueled by the “India out” campaign.
This election was seen as a contest between India and Chi-
na’s influence in the Maldives.
Armenia is a landlocked country in the mountainous Cauca-
sus region between Asia and Europe. Yerevan is the capital.
Armenia was the first state to adopt Christianity as its official
religion. It underwent the Armenian genocide during World
War I. After periods of independence and Soviet rule, it be-
came independent in 1991.

About Maldives:
It is a South Asian archipelagic country situated in the In-
dian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It consists of
26 atolls that stretch across the equator. It is the smallest
country in Asia, both in terms of land area and population,
with around 521,021 people. It is also the world’s lowest-ly-
ing country. It gained independence from the United King-
dom in 1965 and established a presidential republic in 1968.

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 Current Affairs 30

3. BEKAL FORT (KASARGOD, KERALA)

Context:
Kerala Tourism Development Corporation’s (KTDC) plan to
develop a caravan park and camp shelter at Bekal Fort, situ-
ated in the Kasargod district of Kerala.

Bekal Fort, dating back to 1650 AD and constructed by

Shivappa Nayaka of the Keladi dynasty, is known as the larg-
est fort in Kerala. Throughout its history, the fort has wit-
nessed the rise and fall of various dynasties and eventually
came under the control of the Kingdom of Mysore.

Bekal Fort’s unique structure, seemingly emerging from the
sea, features a water tank, an observation tower attributed
to Tipu Sultan, a zigzag entrance, defensive trenches, and
strategically placed holes in its outer walls for naval defence.
Its solid construction is reminiscent of forts like Thalassery
Fort and St. Angelo Fort in Kannur, both built by the Dutch.
4. MARRAKESH (MOROCCO)
Context: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World
Bank have convened in Marrakesh, Morocco, marking their
first annual meetings on African soil in half a century.
These meetings, traditionally held outside their Washington
headquarters every three years, were initially scheduled for
2021 but were postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pan-
demic.

Despite facing challenges, such as a recent earthquake in the

region, the Moroccan government decided to proceed with
the event.

Morocco, a North African country bordering the Atlantic

Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, is distinguished by its
Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences.

140 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

6. TANZANIA
Context:
India and Tanzania have elevated their ties to a strategic
partnership level. They signed six agreements covering dig-
ital cooperation, culture, sports, maritime industries, and
white shipping information sharing.

Additionally, they agreed on a five-year roadmap to expand

their defence cooperation. Both countries are working on a
trade agreement in local currencies. India views Tanzania as
a valued partner in the Indo-Pacific.

Tanzania is an East African country known for its vast wil-

derness areas. They include the plains of Serengeti National
Park, populated by the “big five” game (elephant, lion, leop-
ard, buffalo, rhino), and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to
Africa’s highest mountain.
5. HERAT (AFGHANISTAN)
Context:
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 struck Herat
province in Afghanistan, resulting in the flattening of entire
villages and causing the death of over 1,000 people.

The Taliban government has appealed for urgent aid, but Af-
ghanistan’s economic crisis has hindered relief efforts.

Afghanistan is prone to earthquakes because it lies near the

junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, making
it a seismically active region.

Herat is one of the thirty-four provinces of Afghanistan, lo-

cated in the northwestern part of the country. Together with
Badghis, Farah, and Ghor provinces, it makes up the north-
western region of Afghanistan. It is primary city and adminis- 7. HAITI
trative capital is Herat City.
Context:
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has approved a
multinational security mission led by Kenya to intervene in
Haiti due to a surge in deadly gang violence and instability in
the country.

Aim: This intervention aims to restore security, protect crit-

ical infrastructure, and control escalating violence in Haiti.

Haiti is a Caribbean country that shares the island of Hispan-

iola with the Dominican Republic to its east. It’s still recov-
ering from a 2010 earthquake and has been grappling with
armed groups taking control of large parts of the country.

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 Current Affairs 30

9. BALTIC-CONNECTOR GAS PIPELINE

Context:
Finland is investigating potential sabotage of the Baltic-con-
nector gas pipeline that connects it with Estonia.

The pipeline is crucial for Finland’s gas supply, but alterna-

tive sources are available to ensure energy security.

The Baltic Sea is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that is en-

closed by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithu-
ania, Poland, Russia, Sweden and the North and Central Eu-
ropean Plain. It separates the Scandinavian Peninsula from
the rest of continental Europe.

8. UK’S ROSEBANK OIL FIELD

Context:
The row over the UK’s Rosebank oil field revolves around the
British government’s approval of a major oil and gas project
in the North Sea. This decision has sparked Environmental
Concerns (contradictory to the UK’s commitment to achiev-
ing net-zero carbon emissions by 2050)

The Rosebank oil field, located northwest of the Shetland

Islands, is a significant untapped reserve with the potential
to produce 300 million barrels of oil. It’s expected to con-
tribute 8% of the UK’s total oil production and generate jobs
until 2051.

The North Sea lies between Great Britain, Denmark, Norway, 10. KULASEKARAPATTINAM (TAMIL
Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. An epeiric NADU)
sea (on the continental plate and having a very low depth
avg. of 90m) on the European continental shelf, it connects Context:
to the Atlantic Ocean through the English Channel in the ISRO is establishing a second spaceport in Kulasekarapat-
south and the Norwegian Sea in the north. tinam, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Small Satellite Launch Vehi-
cles (SSLVs) developed by the private sector.

This spaceport will be operational in about two years and

will exclusively serve the private sector, with no ISRO rocket
launches planned from there.

The SSLV is a cost-effective, flexible launch vehicle capable

of deploying around 500kg satellites in a 500-km orbit. Ad-
ditionally, a small space manufacturing park is planned near
the spaceport, offering further support to private sector ini-
tiatives.

Kulasekharapatnam is a town in the Thoothukudi district of

Tamil Nadu. It was an ancient port dating to the 1st century

142 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
AD and was contemporaneous to the existence of Kollam,
Cheran, and Pandyan ports.

11. PARVATI KUND AND JAGESHWAR

TEMPLES (KUMAON REGION, UTTARA-
KHAND)
Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged people to
visit the Parvati Kund and Jageshwar temples in the Kumaon
region of Uttarakhand, emphasizing their natural beauty and
spiritual significance.
Jageshwar is a Hindu pilgrimage town in the district Almora
(Kumaun region Uttarakhand), known for its group of 125
ancient temples dating from the 7th to the 14th century
(primarily constructed and restored by the Katyuri dynasty
kings). These temples are dedicated to various deities, with
many honouring Lord Shiva.
According to the Skandha Purana and Linga Purana, the
worship of Lord Shiva originated in Jageshwar, making it a
significant religious site. Additionally, the area was a hub for
Lakulisha Shaivism, a revivalist sect that reveres Lord Shiva.
12. VIZHINJAM PORT
Adani Group’s Vizhinjam Port (set to be completed by 2024)
(near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala), is poised to transform
the country’s maritime infrastructure.
Features of the Port:
• India’s first deepwater container transhipment ter-
minal.
• Proximity to international shipping routes connect-
ing Europe, the Gulf and East Asia
• This transhipment terminal can handle ultra-large
ships and marks India’s entry into the transhipment
club
• It has the potential to compete with global ports
like Colombo, Singapore, Port Klang, and Jebel Ali.

It also hosts religious festivals like the Jageshwar Monsoon

Festival and Maha Shivratri Mela. The temples showcase a
mix of North Indian Nagara and South/Central Indian archi-
tectural styles.

Parvati Kund, located at an elevation of about 5,338 feet,

is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess
Parvati meditated.

www.insightsonindia.com 143
 Current Affairs 30

13. AMAZON RAINFOREST

Prelims Links:
Context:
Q. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Severe drought in the Amazon rainforest has disrupted the
(UPSC 2013)
lives of Indigenous people, leading to water and food short-
ages. Geographical Feature Region
(a) Abyssinian Plateau Arabia
The Rio Negro, one of the world’s largest rivers, has reached (b) Atlas Mountains North-Western Africa
a record low level, causing significant problems. (c) Guiana Highlands South-Western Africa
(d) Okavango Basin Patagonia
Reasons for the drought: Ans: B
Two simultaneous natural events, El Nino and high sea sur-
face temperatures, have exacerbated the drought by reduc- 14. INDIA-SRI LANKA FERRY SERVICE
ing cloud formation and rainfall. With rising global tempera-
tures, the Amazon is expected to experience more frequent Context:
and severe droughts, potentially leading to irreversible The historic sea route between India and Sri Lanka has been
changes in the rainforest. revived with the launch of a passenger ferry service connect-
ing Nagapattinam (India) and Kankesanthurai (Sri Lanka),
About Amazon Rainforests: approx. 110 Km distance, with the aim of strengthening
The Amazon Rainforests are vast, tropical forests in South bilateral relations, promoting tourism, and boosting local
America, covering 6,000,000 square km. They are found trade.
within 28 degrees north or south of the equator, receiving • Named ‘Cheriyapani,’ the service rekindles mari-
over 200 cm of rainfall annually. It plays a vital role in ab- time links dating back to the early 1900s.
sorbing carbon dioxide and stabilizing the global climate and • Previously, Indo-Ceylon Express or Boat Mail used
water cycle. Covering about 40% of Brazil, it’s bordered by to run between Chennai and Colombo but was halt-
the Guiana Highlands, the Andes, the Brazilian central pla- ed in 1982 due to the Sri Lankan civil war.
teau, and the Atlantic Ocean. The basin is shared by eight
countries and French Guiana.

144 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
15. MARSHALL ISLANDS
The United States signed a new 20-year agreement with
the Marshall Islands worth over $2 billion in economic as-
sistance.
This deal is part of the Compacts of Free Associations (CO-
FAs), which involve the U.S. providing defence and econom-
ic aid to certain Pacific island nations, and gaining military
access to strategic ocean areas.
This agreement follows similar deals with Palau and Micro-
nesia and is aimed at strengthening U.S. influence in the
Northern Pacific amid competition with China.
About Marshall Islands:
It is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, known for its atolls
and islands. Its history includes Spanish and German influ-
ence, Japanese occupation during World War I, and U.S.
administration post-World War II, including nuclear tests.
It gained independence in 1979 through a Compact of Free
Association with the United States.
To know about FIPIC: Click here
16. LEMRU ELEPHANT CORRIDOR
Context:
The Ministry of Coal have excluded certain coal mines from
development to protect forest areas, including the Lemru
Elephant Corridor. This is being done as the ministry strives
to strike a balance between increasing coal production and
preserving the environment.
About Lemru Elephant Reserve:
• The Lemru Elephant Reserve (Hasdeo Aranya for-
ests) in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh, aims to
reduce human-elephant conflicts as elephants mi-
grate from Odisha and Jharkhand. This biodiverse
area, often called the lungs of Chhattisgarh, also
contains significant coal deposits.
• The state government notified the reserve (Conser-
vation Reserve) in October 2020 under Section 36A
of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972(WLPA).
• In India, elephant reserves and corridors have no
legal sanctity under any law, including the Wildlife
Protection Act (WLPA), 1972. The act mentions only
national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation
and community reserves (collectively called Protect-
ed Areas)
About Hasdeo Forest:
• The Hasdeo forest (spanning over 170 sq km) and is
often called the “lungs of Chhattisgarh“, is said to be
the largest contiguous stretch of dense forestland in
central India.
www.insightsonindia.com 145

17. SOUTH CHINA SEA
Context:
In recent developments in the South China Sea, tensions
have escalated between China and the Philippines.
The Philippines has accused Chinese coastguard vessels of in-
tentionally colliding with its vessels while on a resupply mis-
sion in the disputed region near the Second Thomas Shoal
within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, where both
nations claim sovereignty.
About the South China Sea:
The South China Sea is an arm of the western Pacific Ocean
in Southeast Asia. It is located to the south of China, east
and south of Vietnam, west of the Philippines, and north of
the island of Borneo. It’s a major global shipping route, with
about one-third of the world’s shipping passing through
it, contributing significantly to its geopolitical significance.
There are multiple contested islands in this region, including
the
• Paracel Islands (claimed by China, Taiwan, and Viet-
nam)
• Spratly Islands (claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam,
Brunei, and the Philippines)
• Scarborough Shoal (claimed by the Philippines, Chi-
na, and Taiwan)
Additionally, China has been constructing artificial islets in
the region since 2010. The 2016 UNCLOS ruling dismissed
China’s claims within the nine-dashed line and clarified that
the disputed Islands are not its maritime entitlement.
146 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
18. BHUTAN AND CHINA BOUNDARY
TALKS
Context:
Bhutan and China recently conducted their 25th round of
boundary talks, marking the first such meeting since 2016.
A significant outcome of the talks was the signing of a “Coop-
eration Agreement” that established a Joint Technical Team
for the delimitation and demarcation of the Bhutan-China
boundary.
Notably, Bhutan doesn’t have a formal diplomatic mission
in China or with any of the UN Security Council Permanent
Members.
About the Dispute:
The history of the Bhutan-China border dispute started in
1950 when China published a map claiming areas in the west
and north of Bhutan. The dispute primarily centres around
495 square kilometres in north-central Bhutan and 269
square kilometres in western Bhutan. China claims parts of
Bhutan, including the strategic Doklam region. Other regions
of dispute include Gamochen, Batangla, Sinchela, Sakteng
Sanctuary and Amo Chhu.
Current Affairs 30
• Congo basin: Spans across Cameroon, Central Afri-
can Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Re-
public of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.
• Amazon Basin - It extends over 9 countries in South
America.
• Borneo-Mekong-Southeast Asia Basin.

19. JAMRANI DAM MULTIPURPOSE

PROJECT (UTTARAKHAND)
Context:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved
the inclusion of the Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project of Ut- These 3 global ecosystems account for 80% of the world’s
tarakhand under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yoja- tropical forests and 2/3 of the earth’s biodiversity
na-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP).
The Republic of the Congo (a different country from the Dem-
The project involves dam construction (on Gola River, a trib- ocratic Republic of Congo (DRC)), also called Congo-Brazza-
utary of Ram Ganga River in the Nainital district), irrigation, ville, is a central African nation with rainforest reserves that
hydropower generation (14 MW), and providing drinking are habitats for gorillas. Its capital city, Brazzaville, lies across
water to Haldwani and nearby areas. the Congo River from Kinshasa, the capital of the neighbour-
ing Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is fo-
cused on improving irrigation and water efficiency, and
this project is part of the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Pro-
gramme (AIBP). The Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project is
the seventh project to be included in this initiative.

20. BRAZZAVILLE (CONGO)

Context: The Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairsis is
21. GULF OF GUINEA
on a visit to the Republic of Congo to represent India at the
Context:
Second Summit of three basins for Biodiversity Ecosystem
India and the European Union (EU) carried out their first
and Tropical Forests, taking place in Brazzaville, the capital
joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Guinea to enhance mari-
of the Republic of Congo.
time security cooperation. The exercise involved the Indian
Navy’s INS Sumedha and three EU ships: Italian Navy Ship
Three basins are

www.insightsonindia.com 147

ITS Foscari, French Navy Ship FS Ventôse, and Spanish Navy
Ship Tornado.
The Gulf of Guinea is the northeastern most part of the trop-
ical Atlantic Ocean from Cape Lopez in Gabon, north and
west to Cape Palmas in Liberia. Null Island, defined as the
intersection of the Equator and Prime Meridian, is in the gulf.
Current Affairs 30
23. VENEZUELA
Context:
The recent thaw in U.S.-Venezuela relations is due to Maria
Corina Machado’s victory in the opposition primary and the
Biden administration’s decision to ease sanctions on Venezu-
ela’s oil and mining sectors in exchange for fair elections in
2024. Geopolitical shifts related to the Russia-Ukraine con-
flict also played a role. The sanctions relief is expected to
revive Venezuela’s economy.

About Venezuela:
It is a country on the northern coast of South America.To the
northwest are the Andes Mountains and the colonial town
of Mérida, a base for visiting Sierra Nevada National Park.
Caracas, the capital, is to the north.

The country’s economy is strongly depending on hydrocar-

bons, as well as on loans from China and Russia. Tradition-
ally, petroleum represents more than 85% of Venezuela’s
exports.

22. GUDAVI BIRD SANCTUARY (KARNA-

TAKA)
Context:
Several birds, including spoonbills, herons, and black-headed
ibis, have suddenly died at Gudavi Bird Sanctuary in Sorab
taluk (Shimoga District in Karnataka)

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is a tourist destination in the Malena-

du region of Karnataka (part of Soraba Taluk of Shivamogga
district). It is located on the Gudavi Lake banks. Shivamogga
is also famous for Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary, and Bhadra
Wildlife Sanctuary, northwest of Shivamogga is Jog Falls.

148 www.insightsonindia.com