Drishti January

Current
Affairs
(CONSOLIDaTION)
JANUARY 2024
(Part – I)
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Contents
Polity and Governance.........................................................................................................1
z India Maldives Relations.......................................................................................................................................... 1
z Shimla Development Plan 2041.............................................................................................................................. 3
z Reforming Organ Transplantation........................................................................................................................... 5
z Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana................................................................................................. 7
z Selection of Tableaux on the Republic Day............................................................................................................. 8
z Website Blocking by the Government................................................................................................................... 10
z Bilkis Bano Case and Remission............................................................................................................................. 11
z Concerns over Hit-and-Run Law............................................................................................................................ 13
z Concerns Over Existing Examination System......................................................................................................... 14
z Supreme Court Legal Services Committee............................................................................................................ 16
z Outlook of OTT in 2024......................................................................................................................................... 17
z PRITHvi VIgyan Scheme......................................................................................................................................... 19
z Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection Project............................................................ 20
z Section 132 of the Income Tax Act,1961............................................................................................................... 21
z Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Year End Review 2023................................................................... 22
z Bharatmala Phase-1: Deadline Extended.............................................................................................................. 23
z Sanitation Challenges in Indian District Courts..................................................................................................... 24
z Technological Innovations Implemented Under MGNREGA Scheme.................................................................... 26
z Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra Adds Beneficiaries to PM-Kisan................................................................................. 27
z Scheme of Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment............................................................................ 28
z SHRESHTA.............................................................................................................................................................. 29
z Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana......................................................................................... 30
Economic Scenario.............................................................................................................32
z World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects Report................................................................................................. 32
z Lentil Production India.......................................................................................................................................... 33
z World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024.......................................................................................... 34
z Navigating GST Challenges.................................................................................................................................... 35
z World Economic Situation and Prospects Report for 2024................................................................................... 36
z Concerns over Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016......................................................................................... 38
z Decline of Saffron Production in Kashmir.............................................................................................................. 40
z Debt Sustainability and Exchange Rate Management........................................................................................... 42
z Supreme Court Verdict on Adani-Hindenburg Case.............................................................................................. 44
z India’s Toy Industry............................................................................................................................................... 45
z Interest Rate Adjustments in Small Savings Schemes........................................................................................... 46
z Extended PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components.............................................................................. 47
z RBI Guidelines on Inoperative Accounts and Unclaimed Deposits........................................................................ 48
z India’s Steel Sector................................................................................................................................................ 49
z Inflation in India: Demand vs. Supply.................................................................................................................... 50
z Banks’ Gross NPAs Drop to 3.2%........................................................................................................................... 52
International Relations.......................................................................................................54
z India and Saudi Arabia Sign Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024................................................................................... 54
z Annual Exchange of Nuclear Installation Lists: India and Pakistan........................................................................ 54
z Issue of Indians Jailed Abroad............................................................................................................................... 56
z Global Geopolitical Intricacies and Opportunities for India.................................................................................. 57
z India-Italy Migration and Mobility Agreement...................................................................................................... 59
z Red Sea and Panama Canal................................................................................................................................... 60
Social Issues.......................................................................................................................63
z Vaccine Drive to Fight Cervical Cancer.................................................................................................................. 64
z Global Risks Report 2024: WEF............................................................................................................................. 64
z Rise of Child Marriages in West Bengal................................................................................................................. 66
z Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956................................................................................................................. 67
z Caste Based Discrimination in Indian Prisons........................................................................................................ 69
z Sickle Cell Disease.................................................................................................................................................. 71
z Prioritizing the Poor, Youth, Women, and Farmers.............................................................................................. 71
z Huntington’s Disease............................................................................................................................................. 73
Science & Technology.........................................................................................................75

z Heat-Tolerant Covid-19 Vaccine by IISc................................................................................................................. 75
z ISRO Tests Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell............................................................................................ 76
z Counter-Drone Technology and UAV Development............................................................................................. 77
z Antimicrobial Resistance....................................................................................................................................... 78
z Peregrine Mission One.......................................................................................................................................... 80
z GSAT-20 (GSAT-N2) Aboard SpaceX’s Falcon-9..................................................................................................... 80
z India to Join SKAO as a Full Member..................................................................................................................... 81
z Space Missions in 2024.......................................................................................................................................... 82
z Efficacy of Liquid Nano Urea.................................................................................................................................. 84
z Lithium-Deal with Argentina................................................................................................................................. 84
z Pegasus Spyware................................................................................................................................................... 87
z X-ray Polarimeter Satellite: ISRO........................................................................................................................... 88
Environment and Ecology...................................................................................................90

z Project Tiger.......................................................................................................................................................... 90
z Natural Pathogenic Fungi to Save Eucalyptus Forests........................................................................................... 92
z Darjeeling Zoo’s Conservation Breeding Programme for Snow Leopards............................................................. 93
z Varied Progress in Clean Air Target....................................................................................................................... 95
z Northeast African Cheetah.................................................................................................................................... 96
z Sustainable Agriculture......................................................................................................................................... 96
z Wetland City Accreditation................................................................................................................................... 98
z Buxa Tiger Reserve................................................................................................................................................ 99
z Biodiversity Credits.............................................................................................................................................. 101
z Captive-bred Wolves into the Wild in Gujarat.................................................................................................... 102
z Pelagic Birds........................................................................................................................................................ 102
z Balancing Climate Goals and Biodiversity Protection.......................................................................................... 103
Security............................................................................................................................105
z Peace Pact with ULFA.......................................................................................................................................... 105
Art and Culture.................................................................................................................106

z GI Tags for Over 17 Products............................................................................................................................... 106
Geography.......................................................................................................................108
z 150 Years of India Meteorological Department.................................................................................................. 108
z Rock Glaciers....................................................................................................................................................... 109
Ethics...............................................................................................................................111
z Decoding Psychoanalysis..................................................................................................................................... 111
Miscellaneous..................................................................................................................113
z Atal Setu Nhava Sheva Sea Link........................................................................................................................... 113
z President of India Presents Sports and Adventure Awards 2023........................................................................ 114
z US Religious Freedom Designations.................................................................................................................... 115
z Proposed Hypotheses on the Parting of the Red Sea.......................................................................................... 116
z India as a MICE Destination................................................................................................................................. 117
z Expansion of Litchi Cultivation Across India........................................................................................................ 117
z PMLA Notice to Offshore Crypto Firms............................................................................................................... 118
Rapid Fire Current Affairs.................................................................................................120

z India Celebrates 76th Army Day and 8th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day.............................................................. 120
z Indian Air Force AN-32 (K-2743).......................................................................................................................... 120
z Argentina’s Inflation Surges Past 200%............................................................................................................... 121
z Spacetime: Geometry of Universe...................................................................................................................... 122
z Gangireddu Melam.............................................................................................................................................. 122
z Indian Army Eyes Upgraded ‘Pup Tents’ for Icy Heights Along LAC.................................................................... 124
z Indian of the Year Award 2023............................................................................................................................ 124
z ICD 11 TM Module 2 Launch: Global Integration of Ayush Medicine................................................................. 124
z National Youth Day 2024..................................................................................................................................... 125
z Startups for Railways........................................................................................................................................... 125
z Sisal Leaves: A Green Revolution in Menstrual Hygiene..................................................................................... 125
z Impact of Wind Turbines on Forest Bats............................................................................................................. 126
z Privileges Committee to Seek Responses from Suspended Rajya Sabha MPs.................................................... 126
z World Hindi Day.................................................................................................................................................. 126
z Nanoplastic Contamination in Bottled Water..................................................................................................... 127
z High Court Nod: Yakshagana Mela Reinstates All-Night Shows.......................................................................... 127
z Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2023......................................................................................... 127
z India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime Likely to End....................................................................................... 128
z Floods in Telangana Reveal Paleolithic Tools...................................................................................................... 128
z Warmest Year on Record 2023............................................................................................................................ 129
z Pravasi Bharatiya Divas........................................................................................................................................ 129
z World Typing Day................................................................................................................................................ 129
z National Birds Day............................................................................................................................................... 130
z BIS: 77 Years of Shaping Standards..................................................................................................................... 130
z Martian Plasma Waves........................................................................................................................................ 130
z Moradabad’s Brassware Industry........................................................................................................................ 130
z Panspermia.......................................................................................................................................................... 131
z Term of Trade...................................................................................................................................................... 131
z Roche’s Breakthrough Antibiotic......................................................................................................................... 131
z MeitY Launches ERNET India’s Web Portal......................................................................................................... 131
z Qatari Court Decision on Indian Naval Personnel............................................................................................... 132
z Reverse Flipping.................................................................................................................................................. 132
z Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2023............................................................................................................. 132
z Aditya-L1 into L1 orbit......................................................................................................................................... 132
z Warlis’ Lesson: Peaceful Leopard Coexistence in Maharashtra.......................................................................... 133
z Cyber Kidnapping................................................................................................................................................ 133
z World Braille Day................................................................................................................................................. 134
z Reviving Ancient Water Bodies in Coastal Karnataka Towns.............................................................................. 134
z Savitribai Phule Birth Anniversary....................................................................................................................... 134
z Rani Velu Nachiyar Birth Anniversary.................................................................................................................. 135
z IREDA’s 2024 Roadmap....................................................................................................................................... 135
z Family Pension Guidelines for Government Servants/Pensioners...................................................................... 135
z Snow Leopard...................................................................................................................................................... 135
z Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund................................................................................................................. 137
z K-SMART App....................................................................................................................................................... 137
z India-UAE Joint Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’.................................................................................................. 137
z No Tsunami Threat to India................................................................................................................................. 137
z Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School................................................................................................................ 138
z Ayodhya’s Transformational Projects.................................................................................................................. 138
z Constitution of the Sixteenth Finance Commission............................................................................................ 138
z Trial Essential to Define ‘Religious Character of Place of Worship’: Allahabad HC............................................. 138
w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS JANUARY, PART-I 2024 1
Polity and Governance
Highlights
z India Maldives Relations z Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection
z Shimla Development Plan 2041 Project
z Reforming Organ Transplantation z Section 132 of the Income Tax Act,1961
z Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana z Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Year End Review 2023
z Selection of Tableaux on the Republic Day z Bharatmala Phase-1: Deadline Extended
z Website Blocking by the Government z Sanitation Challenges in Indian District Courts
z Bilkis Bano Case and Remission z Technological Innovations Implemented Under MGNREGA Scheme
z Concerns over Hit-and-Run Law z Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra Adds Beneficiaries to PM-Kisan
z Concerns Over Existing Examination System z Scheme of Special Assistance to States for Capital
Investment
z Supreme Court Legal Services Committee
z SHRESHTA
z Outlook of OTT in 2024
z Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
z PRITHvi VIgyan Scheme
India Maldives Relations

Why in News?
The Maldives has recently found itself in the midst
of diplomatic turmoil, raising questions about its
relations with India through undiplomatic remarks,
military positioning, and the scrapping of crucial
agreements.
Note:
2 CURRENT AFFAIRS JANUARY, PART-I 2024 www.d rish t i I A S. c o m
¾ Maldives has also signed new deals with China, z There is an inscription of Vajrayana Buddhism,
further complicating the geopolitical landscape. that had existed in the Maldives in ancient
times.
What are the Major Points Related to India and
Maldives Relations? Regional Stability: A stable and prosperous
Maldives aligns with India’s “Neighbourhood
¾ Historical Ties: The diplomatic and political
First” policy, promoting peace and security in the
relationship between India and the Maldives dates
Indian Ocean region.
back to 1965 when the British relinquished control
of the islands.
Since the democratic transition in 2008, India has
invested years in building deep relationships with
various stakeholders in the Maldives, including
political, military, business, and civil society
figures.
¾ Maldives’ Significance for India:

Strategic Location: Located south of India, the
¾ India’s Significance for Maldives:
Maldives holds immense strategic importance
in the Indian Ocean, acting as a gateway to the Essential Supplies: India is a crucial supplier of
Arabian Sea and beyond. everyday essentials, including rice, spices, fruits,
z This allows India to monitor maritime traffic vegetables, and medicines.
and enhance regional security. z India also aids in building Maldivian
Cultural Link: India and Maldives share a deep infrastructure by providing materials like
cultural and historical connection dating back cement and rock boulders.
centuries. Education: India serves as the primary education
z Until the first half of the 12 century, Buddhism
th
provider for Maldivian students who pursue
was the principal religion in the Maldivian higher education in Indian institutions, including
islands. scholarships for deserving students.
Note:
Disaster Assistance: India has been a consistent It has caused unease in India and could lead to a
source of aid during crises, such as tsunamis and regional geopolitical contest.
drinking water shortages.
What are the Key Takeaways From Recent
z The provision of essential items and support China-Maldives Deals?
during the Covid-19 pandemic showcases
¾ Elevation of Bilateral Ties:
India’s role as a reliable partner.
China and Maldives announced the elevation
Security Provider: India has a history of providing
of their countries’ ties to a Comprehensive
security assistance, intervening during a coup
Strategic Cooperative Partnership, signifying
attempt in 1988 through Operation Cactus and
the deepening of their relationship.
conducting joint naval exercises for the protection
¾ Key Agreements:
of the Maldives.
Belt and Road Initiative: The nations will jointly
z Joint Exercises include- “Ekuverin”, “Dosti”
accelerate the formulation of the Cooperation
and “Ekatha”.
Plan on the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering
India’s Dominance in Maldives Tourism: Indian
connectivity and infrastructure development.
tourists have become the leading source market
for the Maldives since the Covid-19 pandemic. In Tourism Cooperation: Both countries pledged to
2023, they accounted for a significant 11.2% of strengthen collaboration in the tourism sector,
total tourist arrivals, amounting to 18.42 lakh recognizing its significance to the Maldives’
visitors. economy.
Disaster Risk Reduction: The agreements
Note: Eight Degree Channel separates Indian Minicoy
encompass cooperation in disaster risk reduction,
(part of Lakshadweep Islands) from that of Maldives.
emphasizing joint efforts to address and mitigate
What are the Major Challenges Related to India the impact of natural disasters.
Maldives Relations?
Blue Economy: They expressed their commitment
¾ India-Out Campaign: In recent years, Maldivian to advancing cooperation in the blue economy,
politics has witnessed a campaign centered on an focusing on sustainable use of ocean resources.
“India Out” platform, branding Indian presence as
Digital Economy: Efforts to strengthen investments
a threat to Maldivian sovereignty.
in the digital economy were underscored.
Key campaign points include the demand for the
¾ Economic Assistance:
withdrawal of Indian military personnel.
China has extended support to the Maldives by
Current Maldives’ President has set a deadline of
providing grant assistance, although the specific
15th March, 2024, for the withdrawal of Indian
amount remains undisclosed.
troops.
z The agreements also highlight the importance
¾ Tourism Strain: The tourism scenario in the Maldives
of China-Maldives trade, with bilateral trade
has gained significant focus due to a diplomatic
in 2022 totaling USD 451.29 million.
dispute arising from disparaging comments directed
at the Indian Prime Minister after his promotional
visit to the Lakshadweep islands. Shimla
Consequently, a boycott Maldives trend has been
floating social media as a response to the Development Plan 2041
controversy.
Why in News?
¾ China’s Rising Influence in Maldives: Chinese is
becoming increasingly visible in the Maldives. The Recently, the Supreme Court has approved the
Maldives’ proximity to key shipping lanes and India Shimla Development Plan 2041 that is aimed at
makes it strategically important for China, potentially regulating construction activities in Himachal Pradesh’s
fueling its interest in deeper engagement. capital city, terming it Sustainable.
Note:
What is the Shimla Development Plan 2041? ¾ The court mentioned that the NGT cannot dictate
the state government’s formulation of the plan but
¾ About:
can scrutinize the plan on its merits.
The draft Development Plan for the Shimla
¾ The court acknowledged that the 2041 development
Planning Area 2041 was published in February
plan appears to be balanced and sustainable, but it
2022.
emphasized that parties are still open to challenging
The development plan has been prepared by the specific aspects of the plan on their merits.
Town and Country Planning Department of
Himachal Pradesh under the AMRUT (Atal What is the National Green Tribunal (NGT)?
Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban ¾ It is a specialized body set up under the National Green
Transformation) sub-scheme of the Government Tribunal Act (2010) for effective and expeditious
of India. disposal of cases relating to environmental
protection and conservation of forests and other
z The plan is GIS (Geographic Information
natural resources.
System)-based. It covers Shimla Municipal
Corporation and its adjoining areas under the ¾ With the establishment of the NGT, India became
provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Town and the third country in the world to set up a specialized
Country Planning Act, 1977. environmental tribunal, only after Australia and New
Zealand, and the first developing country to do so.
The plan states that “town planning does not
come under the purview of NGT”. ¾ The NGT Act provided a specialized role to the
tribunal to act on issues where a dispute arose under
¾ Background of Legal Battles:
seven specified laws (mentioned in Schedule I of
The initial approval for the plan was granted by the Act): The Water Act 1974, The Water Cess Act
the previous state government in February 2022. 1977, The Forest Conservation Act 1980, Air Act
However, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) 1981 , Environment Protection Act 1986, Public
intervened and issued stay orders in May 2022, Liability Insurance Act 1991 and the Biological
terming the plan illegal and in conflict with Diversity Act 2002.
earlier orders passed in 2017. ¾ NGT is mandated to make disposal of applications
z The NGT’s 2017 verdict had prohibited or appeals finally within 6 months of filing the same.
construction on buildings above two floors ¾ The NGT has five places of sittings, New Delhi is the
and the attic floor in the Shimla planning area. Principal place of sitting and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata
z The NGT found the scheme violated the ban and Chennai are the other four.
by allowing more floors and new constructions ¾ The Tribunal is headed by the Chairperson who sits
in restricted areas. The NGT warned of damage in the Principal Bench and has at least ten but not
to law, environment and public safety if the more than twenty judicial members and at least
state continued. ten but not more than twenty expert members.
The state government appealed to the Supreme ¾ Decisions of the Tribunal are binding. The Tribunal
Court, and in May 2023, the Supreme Court has powers to review its own decisions. If this fails,
directed the government to address objections the decision can be challenged before the Supreme
to the draft development plan and issue a final Court within ninety days.
plan within six weeks.
What is AMRUT?
What is the Supreme Court’s Ruling? ¾ Launch: June 2015
¾ In January, 2024, the SC gave its approval to the ¾ Concerned Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban
Shimla Development Plan 2041, setting aside the Affairs
previous orders of the NGT, stating that it was ¾ Purpose:
beyond the jurisdiction of the tribunal to direct the To ensure that every household has access to a
state government on how to formulate the tap with the assured supply of water and a
development plan. sewerage connection.
Note:
The Priority zone of the Mission is water supply
z What Does the THOT Act, 1994 Say?
followed by sewerage.
¾ About:
To increase the amenity value of cities by
The law governs the transplantation of human
developing greenery and well maintained open
organs and tissues in India, including the donation
spaces (e.g. parks).
of organs after death.
To reduce pollution by switching to public
It lays down regulations governing healthcare
transport or constructing facilities for non-
providers and hospitals, and stipulates penalties
motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling).
for violations.
¾ Components:
¾ Organ Donors and Recipients:
Capacity building, reform implementation, water
A transplant can be either from a pool of organs
supply, sewerage and septage management,
of deceased persons donated by their relatives
storm water drainage, urban transport and
or from a living person who is known to the
development of green spaces and parks.
recipient.
z The reforms aim at improving delivery of
In most cases, the Act allows living donations
citizen services, bringing down the cost of
from close relatives such as parents, siblings,
deliver y, improving f inancial health,
children, spouses, grandparents, and
augmenting resources and enhancing
grandchildren.
transparency. It also includes replacement of
¾ Donations From Distant Relatives and Foreigners:
street lights with LED lights.
Altruistic donations from distant relatives, in-
¾ State Annual Action Plan (SAAP):
laws, or long-time friends are allowed after
AMRUT has made states equal partners in
additional scrutiny to ensure there is no financial
planning and implementation of projects by
exchange.
approval of SAAP once a year by MoHUA and
Living donations from close relatives involving
states have to give project sanctions and approval
Indians or foreigners must be accompanied by
at their end, therefore actualisation of
documents establishing their identities, family
cooperative federalism.
trees, and pictures that prove the donor-recipient
¾ Supervision:
relationship.
An Apex Committee (AC), chaired by the Secretary,
z Donors and recipients are also interviewed.
MoHUA and comprising representatives of related
¾ Donations from Unrelated Persons:
Ministries and organisations supervises the
Donations from unrelated persons require
Mission.
documents and photographic evidence to prove
their long-term association or friendship with the
Reforming recipient.
Organ Transplantation These are examined by an external committee
to prevent illegal dealings.
Why in News? ¾ Fines and Punishments:
Recently, the Delhi High Court has recommended Offering to pay for organs or supplying them for
an optimal timeframe of 6-8 weeks for completing payment; initiating, negotiating, or advertising
organ transplant processes involving living donors. such arrangements; looking for persons to supply
¾ High Court directed the government to establish organs; and abetting in preparing false documents
specific timelines for all stages of organ donation can attract a jail term up to 10 years and a fine
applications in accordance with The Transplantation up to Rs 1 crore.
of Human Organs and Tissues (THOT ) Act, 1994, ¾ Formation of NOTTO:
and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues National O r gan and T issue Transplant
Rules, 2014 (THOT Rules). Organization (NOT TO) is a National level
Note:
organization set up under Directorate General of may be prescribed by the Central Government
Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family. from time to time”.
z T his has b een mandated as p er the State government and Union Territories “shall
Tr a n s p l a n t a t i o n o f H u m a n O r g a n s constitute one or more Authorisation Committee
(Amendment) Act 2011. consisting of such members as may be nominated
z National Network division of NOTTO would by the State Government and the Union
function as apex centre for All India activities Territories.”
of co ordination and ne t wo r k in g f o r ¾ Powers:
procurement and distribution of Organs and
Under Section 9(5), the Committee is expected
Tissues and registry of Organs and Tissues
to conduct a thorough inquiry while reviewing
Donation and Transplantation in the country.
applications for transplant approval.
What Do the THOT Rules, 2014 Say? A crucial aspect of the inquiry is to verify the
¾ Authorisation Committee: authenticity of the donor and recipient, and
Rule 7 of the 2014 Rules provides for the ensure that the donation is not driven by
constitution of the Authorisation Committee and commercial motives.
the nature of enquiry and evaluation conducted ¾ Role of Parliament:
by it. Section 24 of the Act allows the Centre to make
Rule 7(3) says the Committee must ensure there rules, subject to parliamentary approval, for
is no commercial transaction involved in cases carrying out the various purposes of the Act.
where the donor and recipient are not near z These can relate to the manner and conditions
relatives. under which a donor may authorise the
z Rule 7(5) says that if a recipient is in a critical removal of their organs before death.
condition and needs transplantation within a
z Also how a brain-stem death is to be certified,
week, the hospital can be approached for an
or the steps to be taken to preserve human
expedited evaluation.
organs removed from anyone, etc.
¾ Living Donor Transplantations:
For living donor transplantations, Rule 10
describes the application process, which requires
joint applications by the donor and recipient.
Rule 21 requires the Committee to personally
interview applicants and determine their
eligibility to donate.
What is the Authorisation Committee?
¾ About:
The Authorisation Committee oversees and
approves organ transplant procedures involving
donors and recipients who are not near relatives.
What did the High Court Decide?
This approval is crucial, especially in cases where
organs are donated for reasons of affection, ¾ Constitution of Authorisation Committees
attachment, or other special circumstances, to The Act mandates state governments/Union
ensure ethical compliance and prevent illegal Territories to form one or more authorisation
practices. committees, consisting of nominated members.
¾ Composition: High Court underscores the necessity of it to
Section 9(4) of the Act,1994 says the “composition maintain the integrity and effectiveness of organ
of the Authorisation Committee shall be such as transplantation protocols.
Note:
¾ Timelines for Living Donor Transplantation ¾ This initiative, launched in the fiscal year 2021-22,
Application: aims to uplift Scheduled Caste (SC) communities by
The high court stipulates that the timeline for generating employment opportunities through skill
processing living donor transplantation development, income-generating schemes, and
applications should not exceed a maximum of various initiatives.
10 days from the date of application. What are the Key Highlights of the PM-AJAY?
Within a maximum of 14 days, the court ¾ Objectives:
mandates the verification of documents
Reduce poverty in the SC communities by the
concerning the domicile status of the recipient
ge n e r at i o n o f a d di t i o nal e m p l oy m e nt
and donor.
opportunities through skill development,
Any opportunity given to the donor or recipient income-generating schemes and other initiatives.
to complete required documentation must be
To increase literacy and encourage enrolment
communicated within the prescribed timeline
of SCs in schools and higher educational
under the Rules. institutions by providing adequate residential
¾ Scheduled Interviews and Family Meetings facilities in quality institutions, in the aspirational
After four to six weeks of receiving the districts/SC majority blocks and elsewhere in
application, interviews should be scheduled India.
within two weeks. ¾ Components of PM-AJAY:
The committee should conduct the interview, Development of SC-Dominated Villages into an
facilitate a family meeting, and convey the “AdarshGram”: This component was formerly
decision within this timeframe. known as Pradhan Mantri AdarshGram Yojana
z The court emphasizes that the entire process, (PMAGY) and the objective of this component is
from submission to decision, should ideally to ensure integrated development of SC-majority
not exceed six to eight weeks. villages.
¾ Recommendations to Government: z Provide adequate infrastructure for socio-
economic development needs.
The high court calls for the judgment to be
presented to the Secretary, Ministry of Health z Target improvement in identified socio-
and Family Welfare, ensuring the prescription of economic indicators (Monitorable indicators).
timelines for all steps in the consideration of T he monitorable indic ator s are
organ donation applications, after consulting distributed across 10 domains. These

relevant stakeholders. domains encompass crucial aspects such
as Drinking water and Sanitation,
Education, Health and Nutrition, Social
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Security, Rural Roads and Housing,
Jaati Abhuyday Yojana Electricity and Clean fuel, Agricultural
Practices, Financial Inclusion, Digitization,
Why in News? and Livelihood and Skill Development.
z Eliminate disparity between SC and non-SC
Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and
population.
Empowerment highlighted the Pradhan Mantri
z Ensure completion of education up to at least
Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is a
the secondary level for all SC children.
comprehensive scheme amalgamating three Centrally
z Address factors leading to maternal and infant
Sponsored Schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Adarsh
Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to mortality.
Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP), and Babu z Eliminate the incidence of malnutrition,
Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY). especially among children and women.
Note:
z Achievements: Atleast 10% of the total funds for skill

Under the Adarsh Gram Component, a development
total of 1834 villages have been Declared Promote SC Women Cooperatives
as Adarsh Gram during the current engaged in the production and marketing
FY2023-24. of consumer goods and services.
‘Grants-in-aid’ for District/State-level Projects: z Achievements:
z This component was formerly known as During the FY 2023-24, the perspective
Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Caste plan for 17 states has been approved
Sub Plan. under the Grant-in-aid component.
z The scheme aims at the socio-economic Construction of Hostels in Higher Educational
development of SCs through grants for the Institutions:
following types of projects: z It enables and encourages SC students to attain
z Comprehensive Livelihood Projects: Such quality education and reduce dropout rate,
projects which create an entire eco-system Implemented through the State Governments,
for producing sustainable income, or social UT Administrations and central and State
advancement to the SCs only shall be taken up. Universities/Institutions
The projects should preferably be a combination z The cost norms for construction/expansion of
of two or more of the following: hostels will be as under:
Skill Development: Skilling courses as
North Eastern Region: Rs.3.50 lakh per
per norms of the Ministry of Skill inmate.
Development and Entrepreneurship.
Northern Himalayan Regions: Rs.3.25
Related facilities and infrastructure for
lakh per inmate.
conducting Skill Development Activities
Gangetic Plains & Lower Himalayan
conducted by the Government. Skill
Development Institutions can also be Region: Rs3.00 lakh per inmate.
funded. z 100% Central assistance for hostels for boys
Grants for Creation/Acquisition of

’hostels as well– earlier it was cost sharing with
Assets for Beneficiaries/Households: No the State.
standalone individual asset distribution z Achievements: During the FY 2023-24, a total
is allowed under the scheme. If the of 15 new hostels have been sanctioned.
project involves acquiring or creating
assets crucial for livelihoods,
beneficiaries can receive financial
Selection of Tableaux
assistance for loans, up to Rs. 50,000 or on the Republic Day
50% of the asset cost, whichever is less,
per beneficiary/household. Why in News?
Infrastructure development: Recently, the Ministry of Defence has proposed a
Development of infrastructure related to rollover plan for the States and Union Territories (UTs)
the project and also Hostels and to showcase their tableaux in the Republic Day Parade.
residential schools. ¾ It comes after a few states’ governments have
z Special Provisions: criticized the central government for not allowing it
Upto 15% of the total Grants exclusively to be a part of the 2024 Republic Day Parade Tableaux.
on viable income-generating economic
development schemes/programmes for
Which States/Union Territories have been
SC Women. Selected for the Republic Day Parade?
Upto 30% of the total Grants utilized for ¾ 16 States and UTs have been selected for the 2024
infrastructure development Republic Day Parade, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal
Note:
Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, The sketch or design must be simple, colourful,
Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, easy to comprehend and avoid statistical data
Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and unnecessary details.
and Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the Ministry shares basic guidelines
¾ The MoD has included a provision for States and that must be included in the proposal like the use
Union Territories that are not selected for the of eco-friendly material and technology.
Republic Day parade to showcase their tableaux at Writing or use of logos on the tableaux is not
the Bharat Parv. allowed except for the name of State/UT
The Government of India organizes the six-day presenting, which can be in Hindi in the front,
mega event “Bharat Parv” from January 26-31, English at the back and in the regional language
as part of the Republic Day celebrations. This on the sides of the tableau.
alternative event takes place at the historic Red
¾ Committee of Experts:
Fort.
The MoD constitutes a committee of experts
¾ The Government has finalized a rotational plan to
from the fields of arts, culture, painting,
ensure that every State and Union Territory gets an
sculpture, music, architecture, and choreography,
opportunity to present their tableaux at the Republic
among others, to screen proposals.
Day parade within a three-year cycle (2024-2026).
z The expert committee, consisting of renowned
The rotational system, agreed upon by 28 States,
artists recommended by IGNCA (Indira Gandhi
intends to provide fair opportunities to all
National Centre for the Arts) and ICCR (Indian
regions, mitigating accusations of political bias
Council for Cultural Relations), selected the
and fostering a more inclusive celebration.
tableaux of 16 States and UTs for the year 2024
What is the Selection Process of Tableaux? parade after four rounds of meetings.
¾ Ministry Responsible for Conducting Parade: In the first phase, the panel carries out a basic
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is responsible for evaluation and suggests modifications in the
conducting the parade and coordinating sketch or design.
arrangements with States and other agencies. Once the designs are approved post any
Preparations for the ceremony, which has become modifications, participants present a three-
synonymous with national pride and patriotism, dimensional model of the proposed tableau to
begin months in advance. This process includes the panel.
the selection and shortlisting of tableaux. These are examined by experts for final selection.
The Ministry of Culture collaborates with the Only shortlisted candidates are informed about
MoD in the selection process, given the cultural the next round.
and artistic nature of the tableaux, supporting
What is Republic Day?
in the evaluation and promotion of cultural
displays. ¾ India became Independent on 15th August, 1947
which is celebrated as Independence Day.
¾ Selection and Shortlisting:
There is a standard procedure for selecting parade
¾ Republic Day is celebrated as the day when India
participants. Every year, months ahead of the acquired a written Constitution and became an
event, the MoD invites States, UTs and independent republic.
departments to submit sketches or designs for The term ‘Republic’ indicates that India has an
tableaux on a broad theme. elected head called the President.
z For instance, the theme of 2024 is ‘Viksit ¾ The Constitution of India was adopted by the
Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘Bharat- Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 and
Loktantra ki Matruka’ (India-Mother of came into effect on 26th January 1950.
Democracy). 26th November is observed as Constitution Day.
Note:
¾ 26th January was chosen to be observed as the What is the Legal Framework within the
Republic Day because it was on this day in 1930 when Government to Block Websites or Online Contents?
the Indian National Congress (INC) declared Purna
¾ Information Technology Act, 2000:
Swaraj or Indian independence from the British
regime. In India, the IT Act, 2000, as amended from time
During INC’s Lahore session of December 1929,

to time, governs all activities related to the use
Purna Swaraj resolution was passed. The session of computer resources.
was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru. It covers all ‘intermediaries’ who play a role in
the use of computer resources and electronic
records.
Website Blocking z The Information Technology (Intermediary
by the Government Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code)
Rules 2021 issued by the Ministry of Electronics
Why in News? and Information Technology, under IT Act 2000
Website blocking orders have grown over a 100-fold regulates the content and conduct of
from 2013 to October 2023, shows a reply to a Right to intermediaries and digital media platforms,
Information (RTI) application. and have resulted in the blocking of several
websites and channels that allegedly violate
What are the Trends of the Website Blocking
the rules.
Orders in India?
¾ Section 69 of the IT Act:
¾ The Union government issued 62 website blocking It confers on the Central and State governments
orders in 2013, and in 2023, 6,954 till October.
the power to issue directions “to intercept,
¾ These orders are issued under Section 69A of the monitor or decrypt any information generated,
Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. transmitted, received or stored in any computer
¾ The increase in website blocking orders has occurred resource”.
alongside a significant rise in internet use, especially The grounds on which these powers may be
since the substantial reduction in mobile data prices
exercised are:
in 2016.
z In the interest of the sovereignty or integrity
¾ Most of the web pages blocked are likely to be
of India, defence of India, the security of the
individual posts, videos or profiles.
state.
¾ Location of web/application servers are traced on
z Friendly relations with foreign states.
immediate basis as and when required or in case they
are not complying with the laws of the land or they z Public order, or for preventing incitement to
are required to be blocked as per court orders. the commission of any cognizable offence
relating to these.
z For investigating any offence.
Why the Government Blocks Websites and

what are the Challenges in Blocking them?
¾ Government website blocking is primarily driven by
concerns related to national security, public order,
and legal regulations.
¾ It aims to counter threats such as Terrorism, Hate
Speech, or illegal content.
¾ However, this practice encounters various challenges.
Users can easily circumvent blocks using tools like
VPNs, making enforcement difficult.
Note:
VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network” and
describes the opportunity to establish a protected Bilkis Bano Case and Remission
network connection when using public networks.
Why in News?
¾ Website blocking has become much harder due to
evolutions in the encryption technologies used by Recently, the Supreme Court has nullified the
Web browsers and firms, increasingly blurring the Gujarat government’s decision to grant Remission to 11
level of visibility that Internet providers have on their convicts involved in the gangrape of Bilkis Bano and the
murder of seven of her family members during the 2002
users’ activity.
Riots in the state.
What are the Implications of What is the Background of Bilkis Bano Case?
Blocking Websites by the Government?
¾ During 2002 Gujarat riots, Bilkis Bano, a pregnant
¾ Impact on Freedom of Expression: woman at the time, was subjected to a brutal
Website blo cking , especially when not gangrape, while seven members of her family,
transparently justified, can raise concerns about including her three-year-old daughter, were killed by
Freedom of Expression. It is crucial to strike a a mob during the riots.
balance between protecting national interests ¾ Following extensive legal proceedings, the Central
and safeguarding citizens’ rights to express their Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigated the case.
opinions. ¾ In 2004, SC moved the trial from Gujarat to Mumbai
¾ Impact on Information Access: after Bilkis faced death threats; directed the central
government to appoint a special public prosecutor.
Blocking websites may hinder access to valuable
¾ In 2008, a Mumbai court convicted 11 individuals for
information and diverse perspectives. This can
their involvement in the gangrape and murder,
limit the public’s ability to stay informed about marking a significant step towards justice for Bilkis
various issues and make well-rounded decisions. Bano.
If the government blocks websites without due ¾ However, in August 2022, the Gujarat government
diligence, it may unintentionally impede the granted remission to these 11 convicts, leading to
dissemination of knowledge and hinder the their release. This decision sparked controversy and
public’s right to access information. legal challenges due to concerns regarding the
¾ Economic Consequences: authority and jurisdiction responsible for granting
such remissions.
B l o c k i n g we b s i te s c a n have e c o n o mi c
repercussions, especially if it disrupts the What is the SC’s Ruling Nullifying Gujarat
operations of legitimate businesses hosted on Government’s Remission Grant?
those platforms. ¾ Lack of Authority and Concealed Facts:
Businesses and entrepreneurs may face challenges The Cour t emphasized that the Gujarat
if their websites are blocked, impacting not only government lacked the authority or jurisdiction
their revenue but also potentially stifling to issue the remission orders.
innovation and economic growth. Under Section 432 of the CrPC, state governments
¾ Public Perception and Trust: do have the power to suspend or remit a sentence.
The government’s decisions to block websites can But the court noted that Section 7(b) of the law
clearly states that the appropriate government
shape public perception and trust in its ability to
is the one in whose jurisdiction the offender is
uphold democratic values.
sentenced.
If the public perceives website blocking as
It pointed out that the decision to grant remission
arbitrary or unjustified, it can lead to a loss of should be within the domain of the state where
trust in government institutions, potentially the convicts were sentenced, not where the crime
impacting overall civic engagement. occurred or where they were imprisoned.
Note:
¾ Criticism of the Remission Process: executive power, and in all cases of

The Court highlighted serious flaws in the death sentences.
remission process, mentioning that the orders Under Article 161, a Governor can grant pardons,
lacked proper consideration and were obtained reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment,
through the concealment of facts, constituting or suspend, remit or commute the sentence.
fraud upon the court. z This can be done for anyone convicted under
¾ Overreach and Unlawful Exercise of Power: any law on a matter which comes under the
The Court criticized the Gujarat government’s State’s executive power.
overreach, asserting that it unlawfully exercised The scope of the pardoning power of the
power that rightfully belonged to the Maharashtra President under Article 72 is wider than the
government in issuing remission orders. pardoning power of the Governor under Article
¾ Directives and Rejection of Liberty Plea: 161.
Rejecting the convicts’ plea to protect their ¾ Statutory Power of Remission:
liberty, the Court directed them to surrender to The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) provides
jail authorities within two weeks. for remission of prison sentences, which means
the whole or a part of the sentence may be
What is Remission?
cancelled.
¾ About: Under Section 432, the ‘appropriate government’
Remission is the complete ending of a sentence may suspend or remit a sentence, in whole or in
at a reduced point. Remission is distinct from both part, with or without conditions.
furlough and parole in that it is a reduction in Under Section 433, any sentence may be
sentence as opposed to a break from prison life. commuted to a lesser one by the appropriate
In remission, the nature of the sentence remains government.
untouched, while the duration is reduced i.e., This power is available to State governments so
the rest of the sentence need not be undergone. that they may order the release of prisoners
The effect of the remission is that the prisoner is before they complete their prison terms.
given a certain date on which he shall be released ¾ Landmark Cases of Remission:
and in the eyes of the law he would be a free man.
Laxman Naskar v. State of West Bengal (2000):
However, in case of breach of any of the conditions
z In this case, SC stipulated the factors that
of remission, it will be cancelled, and the offender
govern the grant of remission namely:
has to serve the entire term for which he was
Whether the offence is an individual act
originally sentenced.
of crime without affecting the society at
¾ Constitutional Provisions:
large?
Both the President and the Governor have been
Whether there is any chance of future
vested with sovereign power of pardon by the
recurrence of committing crime?
Constitution.
Whether the convict has lost his
Under Article 72, the President can grant pardons,
potentiality in committing crime?
reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment
Whether there is any fruitful purpose of
or suspend, remit or commute the sentence of
any person. confining this convict any more?
Socio-economic condition of the convict’s
z This can be done for any person convicted of
any offence in all cases where: family.
Epuru Sudhakar v. State of AP (2006):
The punishment or sentence is by a
court-martial, in all cases where the z SC held that judicial review of the order of
punishment or remission is available on the following grounds:

The sentence is for an offence under any non-application of mind;
law relating to the Union government’s order is mala fide;
Note:
order has been passed on extraneous or fleeing an accident spot and failing to report
wholly irrelevant considerations; the incident to a police officer or a magistrate.
re l e va n t m a t e r i a l s ke p t o u t o f z However, if the driver reports the incident
consideration; immediately after the accident, they will be

order suffers from arbitrariness. charged under Section 106(1) instead of
Section 106(2). Section 106(1) provides for a
NOTE: punishment of up to five years for causing
¾ Pardon: It removes both the sentence and the death by any rash or negligent act not
conviction and completely absolves the convict from amounting to culpable homicide.
all sentences, punishments, and disqualifications. ¾ Need:
¾ Commutation: It denotes the substitution of one form The new law comes in the backdrop of concerning
of punishment with a lighter form of punishment. figures related to road accidents in India.
For example, a death sentence may be commuted z In 2022, India recorded over 1.68 lakh road
to rigorous imprisonment. crash fatalities, averaging 462 deaths daily.
¾ Respite: It denotes awarding a lesser sentence in z India experienced a 12% increase in road
place of one originally awarded due to some special accidents and a 9.4% rise in fatalities, while
fact, such as the physical disability of a convict or global road crash deaths decreased by 5%.
the pregnancy of a woman offender.
On average, there are 19 deaths per hour
¾ Reprieve: It implies a stay of the execution of a due to road accidents in India, almost one
sentence (especially that of death) for a temporary death every three and a half minutes.
period. Its purpose is to enable the convict to have
z More than half of road fatalities occurred on
time to seek pardon or commutation from the
national and State highways, which make up
President. less than 5% of the total road network.
z India, with only 1% of the world’s vehicles,
Concerns over Hit-and-Run Law contributes to about 10% of crash-related

deaths and suffers an annual economic loss of
Why in News? 5-7% of its GDP due to road crashes.
¾ Principle Underlying the Law:
The recent protests by transporters and commercial
The National Crime Records Bureau recorded
drivers in states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, West
Bengal, and Punjab shed light on the contentious Section 47,806 hit-and-run incidents which resulted in
106 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). the deaths of 50,815 people in 2022.
z Offenders have a legal duty to report road
¾ This section, which stipulates severe penalties for
accidents to the police or magistrate, and
hit-and-run incidents, has become a focal point of
there are provisions to criminalize the
discontent among the driving community.
omission of this duty.
¾ The countrywide truckers’ strike has been called off
The principle underlying Section 106 (2) of hit-
after the government assured that it would consult and-run law is to deter rash and negligent driving
stakeholders before implementing a contentious and to punish those who flee the scene without
law against hit-and-run. reporting or helping the victims.
What is the Hit-and-run Law? The law reflects the legislative intent to enforce
moral responsibility on the offender towards the
¾ Provisions:
victim.
The hit-and-run provision is part of the Bharatiya z Drawing parallels with existing laws, such as
Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which is set to replace the Section 134 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988,
colonial-era Indian Penal Code, 1860. highlights the government’s commitment to
z Section 106 (2) of the BNS, 2023 stipulates a ensuring a prompt and responsible response
penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a fine for from drivers in the aftermath of accidents.
Note:
Section 134 of the Motor Vehicles Act, ¾ Perceived Unfair Blame:

1988, requires the driver of the vehicle Drivers argue that they are often unfairly blamed
to take all reasonable steps to secure for accidents, irrespective of the actual
medical attention for the injured person circumstances.
unless it is not practicable on account of The legislation’s punitive approach may
mob fury or any other reason beyond exacerbate this perception of unfairness and
his control. contribute to a negative impact on the transport
industry.
What are the Concerns of the Protesters?
¾ Possible Misuse by Authorities:
¾ Section 106 (2) of the BNS, 2023:
They are concerned that the law may be abused
Transporters and commercial drivers are by law enforcement agencies and that the harsh
demanding the withdrawal or amendment of penalties could hurt the transport industry as a
Section 106 (2) of the BNS, 2023. whole.
Protesters argue that the prescribed penalties, ¾ Unfair Treatment and Limited Categorization:
including a 10-year imprisonment and Rs. 7 lakh The current legislation raises concerns about the
fine, are excessively severe. fairness of penalties imposed on truck drivers
The widely circulated view that Section 106 (2) of and individual vehicle drivers,
the BNS stipulates imprisonment of up to 10 years z For instance, an exception has been made
and a fine of Rs. 7 lakh for fleeing an accident under 106 (1) of the BNS for doctors in the
spot and failing to report the incident to a police event of rash or negligent acts, where the
officer/magistrate is grossly incorrect. punishment will be up to two years with a
z While this Section discusses a maximum fine.
punishment of 10 years and a fine, there is no This limited categorisation is problematic and is
actual mention in the BNS about the fine against the principles of equality, as the liability
being Rs 7 lakh. of a wide variety of people working in other
sectors also needs to be moderated.
NOTE:
¾ Lack of Differentiation:
¾ Section 161 of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment)
Section 106(2) lacks differentiation between rash
Act, 2019, provides compensation for victims of
and negligent driving, which are two distinct
hit-and-run accidents.
types of offences with different degrees of
The compensation for death is Rs 2 lakh and for
liability.
grievous hurt, it is Rs 50,000. Unlike Section 106
z They also contend that the section does not
(2) of BNS, the compensation in this case is not
consider the contributory factors in negligent
recoverable from the drivers.
acts, such as the behaviour of commuters, road
¾ Challenging Conditions: conditions, lighting on the road, and other
They argue that the penalty is excessive and fails similar factors, which may affect the driver’s
to consider the challenging work conditions of responsibility.
drivers, such as long driving hours and difficult Applying one clause to all situations may unfairly
roads. prejudice drivers in different circumstances.
Transporters also argue that accidents may be
caused by factors beyond the driver’s control,
such as poor visibility due to fog, and fear of mob
Concerns Over
violence against drivers if they stop to assist at Existing Examination System
accident sites.
z The fear of violence further complicates the
Why in News?
decision-making process for drivers in the In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the
aftermath of accidents. examination system plays a pivotal role in shaping
Note:
learning outcomes and determining the credibility of The total student enrolment exceeds 40.15
z
academic certifications. million, showcasing the vastness of the higher
¾ However, recurrent scandals, inconsistent standards, education sector.
and a pervasive focus on rote memorization have z Additionally, there are 60 school boards for
raised concerns about the effectiveness of the secondary and higher secondary education,
existing examination system in India. certifying over 15 million students annually.
Secrecy and standardization are considered
What are the Concerns Regarding the Existing
hallmarks of good examination boards, but
Examination System in India? secrecy without proper checks leads to scandals.
¾ Credibility and Educational Standards: Uniformity in examinations, while seeking
Scandals during examination seasons impact the consistency, can hinder experimentation in
credibility of examination boards. assessment and curriculum.
Lack of credibility affects educational standards z This poses a notable risk to the credibility of
as teaching aligns with examination patterns, education. Balancing standardization with

often promoting rote learning. room for innovation is essential for a dynamic
¾ Short-Term Memorization: and effective education system.
¾ Impact on Employability:
Midterms, semester exams, and unit tests provide
a lighter schedule but encourage short-term Employers rely on their assessments rather than
memorization. institutional certifications for evaluating

candidates.
Students often study for marks, forgetting the
z The emphasis on higher order learning is
learned content soon after exams.
crucial for employability, yet institutional
Education should focus on long-term learning,
examinations often fall short.
internalizing knowledge rather than short-term
z This in turn has created a coaching market for
memorization.
competitive examinations and skilling.
z The system needs to be practical, testing
students’ abilities effectively. What Steps Can Be Taken to Address the
¾ Assessment Quality: Challenges in the Examination System?
The validity and comparability of the summative ¾ Ensuring Learning Outcomes:
examination across institutions are meaningless Specify minimum standards of learning outcomes
today. There are complaints that examination to provide a clear benchmark.
boards test only memory, leading to students Encourage academics across disciplines to
being coached to memorize answers rather than contribute to curriculum design, pedagogy, and
develop higher-order thinking. assessment systems.
z Additionally, question papers often have grave ¾ Subject and Skill-Specific Assessments:
flaws such as language errors, irrelevant Incorporate subject-specific and skill-specific
questions, and errors in conceptualization. assessment processes to ensure a comprehensive
The examination system is prone to cheating and evaluation.
malpractices, such as copying, leaking, z Expect university degrees and school board
impersonation, etc. certificates to truly reflect the learning
z This undermines the credibility and quality of achievements of students.
the assessment and the education system. z Advocate for comprehensive and challenging
¾ Decentralised System: assessments that distinguish students based
India has numerous higher education examination on their academic attainments.
systems with diversified modes of assessment, Emphasize continuous assessment throughout
including 1,100 universities, 50,000 affiliated the course, with teacher involvement and student
colleges, and 700 autonomous colleges. participation.
Note:
Make summative assessment and evaluation

committee at the national level was established
transparent by implementing checks and balances. under the chairmanship of then SC judge Justice
¾ Leverage Technology for Credibility: PN Bhagwati.
Utilize technology in assessments to enhance What is the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987?
credibility, standardizing question papers and
¾ About:
evaluations.
In 1987, the Legal Services Authorities Act
Explore market-available software solutions for
was enacted to give a statutory base to legal
both centralized and distributed assessment
aid programmes. It aims to provide free and
systems.
competent legal services to eligible groups,
¾ External Audit of Assessment Systems: including women, children, SC (Scheduled Castes)/
Conduct regular external audits of assessment ST (Scheduled Tribes) and EWS (Economically
systems in universities and school boards. Weaker Section) categories, industrial workers,
Establish benchmark principles and standards for disabled persons, and others.
audit repor ts, ensuring reliabilit y and ¾ NALSA:
consistency. Under the Act, NALSA was constituted in 1995
Grade examination boards based on transparency, to monitor and evaluate the implementation of
reliability, and consistency, reflecting these legal aid programmes and to lay down policies
aspects in audit reports. for making legal services available.
¾ Transparency Measures for Students: A nationwide network has been envisaged under
Implement measures for transparency, allowing the Act for providing legal aid and assistance.
students to access the evaluation process and It also disburses funds and grants to State Legal
address grievances. Services Authorities and NGOs for implementing
Initiatives Related to Education legal aid schemes and programmes.
¾ Right To Education Act of 2009. ¾ State Legal Services Authorities:
Subsequently, in every state, State Legal Services
¾ New Education Policy 2020.
Authorities (SLSA) were established to implement
¾ Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
NALSA’s policies and directions, give free legal
¾ Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan. services to people, and conduct Lok Adalats.
¾ Rashtriya Uchhattar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA). An SLSA is headed by the Chief Justice of the
¾ National Testing Agency (NTA) respective High Court and includes the senior
¾ National Curriculum Framework. HC judge as its Executive Chairman. While the
HC Chief Justice is the patron-in-chief of the
SLSA, the CJI is the patron-in-chief of NALSA.
Supreme Court ¾ District Legal Services Authorities:
Legal Services Committee Similarly, District Legal Services Authorities
(DLSAs) and Taluk Legal Services Committees
Why in News? were established in districts and most taluks.
Recently, the Supreme Court judge Justice BR Gavai Situated in the District Courts Complex in every
has been nominated as the Chairman of the Supreme district, each DLSA is chaired by the District Judge
Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC). of the respective district.
The Taluka or Sub-Divisional Legal Services
What is the Supreme
Committees are headed by a senior civil judge.
Court Legal Services Committee? Collectively, these bodies organise legal
¾ Background: awareness camps, provide free legal services,
The idea of a legal aid programme was earlier and supply and obtain certified order copies and
floated in the 1950s, it was in 1980 that a other legal documents, among other functions.
Note:
The Committee for Implementing Legal Aid
¾ Moreover, Articles 14 (right to equality) and 22(1)
Schemes started monitoring legal aid activities (rights to be informed of grounds for arrest) also
throughout India. make it obligatory for the State to ensure equality
¾ About: before the law and a legal system that promotes
justice based on equal opportunity.
The SCLSC was constituted under Section 3A of
the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to
provide “free and competent legal services to the Outlook of OTT in 2024
weaker sections of society”, in cases falling under
the top court’s jurisdiction. Why in News?
Section 3A of the Act states that the National The OTT market in India is currently battling the
Legal Services Authority (NALSA) shall constitute dilemma between growth and profitability in a price-
the committee. sensitive market. In 2023, the Over-The-Top (OTT)
It consists of a sitting SC judge, who is the
Market in India experienced significant disruptions and
challenges that shaped its trajectory.
chairman, along with other members possessing
the experience and qualifications prescribed by What is Over-The-Top?
the Centre. Both the chairman and other members ¾ About:
will be nominated by the CJI (Chief Justice of
OTT stands for “Over-The-Top,” a term used to
India). describe content delivery over the internet
Further, the CJI can appoint the Secretary to the directly to viewers, bypassing traditional
Committee. broadcast, cable, or satellite TV platforms.
¾ Members: The OTT market refers to the industry that
The SCLSC consists of a chairperson and nine provides streaming media services, delivering
members nominated by the CJI. The Committee, movies, TV shows, music, and other content to
in turn, can appoint officers and other employees users via the internet.
as prescribed by the Centre, in consultation with Examples: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime
the CJI. Video, Peacock, CuriosityStream, Pluto TV, and so

many more.
Besides this, Rule 10 of the NALSA Rules, 1995,
entails the numbers, experience, and qualifications ¾ Benefits of OTT :
of the SCLSC members. Flexibility and Convenience:
Under Section 27 of the 1987 Act, the Centre is z Users can access content anytime, anywhere,
empowered to make rules in consultation with across multiple devices, providing unparalleled
the CJI, by notification, to carry out the provisions convenience.
of the Act. Diverse Content:
z OTT platforms offer a wide array of content,

What are the Constitutional Provisions that including movies, TV shows, documentaries,
Mandate the Provision of Legal Services in India? and original productions, catering to varied
¾ The need for providing legal services has been tastes and interests.
underlined in many provisions of the Indian Personalization:
Constitution. Article 39A states, the State shall z These platforms use algorithms to recommend
secure that the operation of the legal system content based on viewing habits, enhancing
promotes justice, on a basis of equal opportunity, user experience and content discovery.
and shall, in particular, provide free legal aid, by Cost-Effectiveness:
suitable legislation or schemes or in any other way, z Compared to traditional cable or satellite TV
to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are subscriptions, OTT services often offer more
not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or affordable pricing options, including free
other disabilities. content with ad support or subscription tiers.
Note:
Global Accessibility:
¾ Regulatory compliance may tighten, emphasizing
z OTT platforms transcend geographical barriers, sensitivity toward religious or minority sentiments.
allowing users worldwide to access content Increased transparency in viewership trends will aid
regardless of their location. advertisers and creators.
¾ Limitations of OTT : What are the Laws regulating OTT Platforms?
Internet Dependence: ¾ In 2022, the Ministry of Electronics and Information
z Reliable high-speed internet is crucial for Technology (MeitY) had notified the Information
seamless streaming. In areas with poor Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital
connectivity, accessing content can be Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 to regulate OTT
frustrating. platforms.
Content Fragmentation: ¾ The rules establish a soft-touch self-regulatory
architecture with a Code of Ethics and three-tier
z Exclusive content rights on different platforms
grievance redressal mechanism for OTT platforms.
result in fragmentation. To access specific
Every publisher should appoint a Grievance
shows or movies, users may need multiple
subscriptions. Officer based in India for receiving and redressing
grievances in 15 days.
Data Privacy Concerns:
Also, every publisher needs to become a member
z OT T plat forms collec t user dat a for
of a self-regulating body. Such a body will have
personalization, raising privacy concerns if
to register with the Ministry of Information and
mishandled or if data is shared with third
Broadcasting and address grievances that have
parties without consent.
not been resolved by the publisher within 15 days.
Content Quality and Quantity:
The Ministry of Information Broadcasting and the
z While there’s a vast selection of content,
Inter-Departmental Committee constituted by
quality can vary. Additionally, the sheer volume the Ministry constitute the third-tier Oversight
of content can make discovering quality Mechanism.
material overwhelming for users.
¾ They provide for self-classification of the content
What was the State of without any involvement of Central Board of Film
OTT in 2023 and Outlook for 2024? Certification.
¾ In 2023, the OTT landscape saw disruptive moves What Can be Done for Better Regulation of OTT?
with platforms offering premium content for free, ¾ Self-Regulation Frameworks:
impacting subscription revenue. There is a need to encourage OTT platforms to
¾ Monetization challenges persisted, none reaching establish transparent content guidelines and
break-even due to high content costs. rating systems akin to traditional media.
¾ Freemium models emerged, curbing password Industry-led self-regulation can address concerns
sharing and integrating ads. Regulatory concerns without stifling creativity.
lingered but censorship wasn’t favored, fostering ¾ Collaborative Oversight Bodies:
selective data sharing. It is imperative to form independent bodies
¾ Looking to 2024, expect cost-efficient content comprising industry experts, stakeholders, and
strategies with a decline in experimental content. government representatives. These bodies can
Mergers among major players like Zee/Sony and monitor content, review complaints, and set
potential collaborations like RIL/Disney may industry standards.
restructure market dynamics, influencing bargaining ¾ Clear Content Classification and Ratings:
power and content costs. There is a need to implement standardized
¾ Pricing strategies will continue evolving, likely content classification systems to help users make
intensifying limitations on sharing and embedding informed viewing choices based on age-
ads. appropriateness and content themes.
Note:
¾ Transparency in Data Sharing: microzonation. SAGE aims to strengthen
Encourage OTT platforms to share viewership earthquake monitoring and research on
trends selectively with oversight bodies, aiding in the Earth’s solid components.
content evaluation and ensuring compliance with z REACHOUT: Research, Education, Training and
guidelines. Outreach.
¾ Regular Audits and Compliance Checks: PRITHVI scheme comprehensively addresses the
There is a need to conduct periodic audits to five components of Earth System Sciences:
ensure platforms adhere to established a t m o s p h e r e, hyd r o s p h e r e, ge o s p h e r e,
guidelines, fostering accountabilit y and cryosphere, and biosphere.
responsible content curation. z This holistic approach aims to enhance
understanding and deliver reliable services for
the country.
PRITHvi VIgyan Scheme ¾ Objectives:
Why in News? To augment and sustain long-term observations

of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere
The Union Cabinet recently approved the
and solid earth to record the vital signs of the
comprehensive scheme “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” by
Earth System and change
the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Development of modelling systems for
¾ This initiative spans five sub-schemes, aiming to
understanding and predicting weather, ocean
enhance Earth System Sciences and provide crucial
and climate hazards and understanding the
services for societal, environmental, and economic
science of climate change.
well-being.
Exploration of polar and high seas regions of the
¾ The Cabinet also approved an agreement between
Earth towards discovery of new phenomena and
the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and
resources;
Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC)
Development of technology for exploration and
to jointly develop a “small satellite.”
sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources for
NOTE: India and Mauritius have a history of cooperation societal applications.
since the 1980s when ISRO established a ground station Translation of knowledge and insights from Earth
in Mauritius for tracking and telemetry support for systems science into services for societal,
ISRO’s launch vehicle and satellite missions. environmental and economic benefit.
What is the “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” Scheme? ¾ Benefits for India:
¾ About: PRITHVI provides advanced warning services for

natural disasters like cyclones, floods, heatwaves,
It is an overarching scheme of the Ministry of
and earthquakes, facilitating prompt and
Earth Sciences (MoES) for the period from 2021
effective disaster management.
to 2026.
z Additionally, the scheme ensures precise
It encompasses five ongoing sub-schemes,
weather forecasts for both land and oceans,
namely:
enhancing safety and minimizing property
z ACROSS: Atmosphere and Climate Research-
damages in adverse weather conditions.
Modelling Observing Systems & Services.
PRITHVI extends its reach to explore the three
z O -SMART: Ocean Ser vices, Modelling
poles of the Earth; Arctic, Antarctic, and
Application, Resources and Technology.
Himalayas facilitating valuable insights and
z PACER: Polar Science and Cryosphere knowledge about these regions.
Research.
The scheme encourages the development of
z SAGE: Seismology and Geosciences technology for exploration and sustainable
The scheme includes six activities, harnessing of oceanic resources, aligning with
including seismological monitoring and modern advancements in Earth Science.
Note:
The project introduces Submarine Optic Fiber

Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Cable connectivity for the first time in
Submarine Optical Fiber Lakshadweep since independence.
z Fiber optics, or optical fiber, refers to the
Connection Project technology that transmits information as light
pulses along a glass or plastic fiber.
Why in News? The Department of Telecommunications (DOT)
Recently, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated funded by the Universal Services Obligation Fund
the Kochi-Lakshadweep islands submarine optical fiber (USOF), completed the project. Bharat Sanchar
connection (KLI-SOFC) project among various Nigam Limited (BSNL) was the Project Executing
developmental projects covering a wide range of sectors Agency.
including technology, energy, water resources, healthcare The KLI project extended submarine cable
and education. connectivity from the mainland (Kochi) to eleven
What are the Key Facts Lakshadweep Islands namely, Kavaratti, Agatti,
Amini, Kadmat, Chetlet, Kalpeni, Minicoy,
About the KLI-SOFC Project?
Androth, Kiltan, Bangaram and Bitra has been
¾ Background: extended.
Lakshadweep required digital connectivity,
Other Projects in Lakshadweep Islands
prompting a high-capacity submarine cable link
due to limitations in satellite communication, ¾ Low-Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD)
marked by inadequate bandwidth to meet Plant at Kadmat:
growing demand. Produces 1.5 lakh litres of clean drinking water
every day. Functional Household Tap Connections
(FHTC) in Agatti and Minicoy Islands.
z All households on the Agatti and Minicoy
islands now have functional household tap
connections.
z The LTTD is a process under which the warm
surface seawater is flash evaporated at low
pressure and the vapour is condensed with
cold deep sea water.
¾ Solar Power Plant at Kavaratti:
The first-ever battery-backed solar power project
in Lakshadweep.
¾ Primary Health Care Facility in Kalpeni:
Foundation stone laid for the renovation of the
primary health care facility in Kalpeni.
¾ Model Anganwadi Centres (Nand Ghars):
Five model Anganwadi centres (Nand Ghars) to
be constructed in the islands of Androth, Chetlat,
Kadmat, Agatti, and Minicoy.
¾ Significance:
¾ KLI-SOFC Project: The project aligns with the goals of ‘Digital India’
The KLI-SOFC project will lead to an increase in and ‘National Broadband Mission,’ fostering the
internet speed, unlocking new possibilities and rollout of various e-governance projects in
opportunities. Lakshadweep Islands.
Note:
z E-Governance, Tourism, Education, Health,
Commerce, and Industries will experience Section 132 of
significant enhancements, contributing to the Income Tax Act,1961
improved standards of living and overall
socio-economic development on the islands. Why in News?
The population of Lakshadweep Islands will The landmark judgment in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy
benefit from high-speed wireline broadband vs Union of India, 2017 declared the fundamental right
connectivity, facilitated through Fibre to the to privacy. However, concerns have emerged regarding
Home (FTTH), and 5G/4G Mobile network the extra-constitutional powers granted by Section 132
technologies. of the Income-Tax Act,1961 in India as they seem to
z The bandwidth generated by the project will violate the fundamental rights of the citizens.
be accessible to all Telecom Service Providers
What is Section 132 of the Income Tax Act,1961?
(TSPs), reinforcing telecom services in
Lakshadweep Islands. ¾ The section was introduced in 1961, as part of
Income Tax Act,1961, to replace the Taxation on
What are the Key Facts Income (Investigation Commission) Act, 1947, which
About the Lakshadweep Islands? was struck down by the Supreme Court in Suraj Mall
¾ India’s smallest Union Territory Lakshadweep is an Mohta vs A.V. Visvanatha Sastri (1954) on the
ground that it treated a certain class of assesses
archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area of
differently from others, thereby violating the
32 sq km.
guarantee of equal treatment contained in Article
¾ The capital is Kavaratti and it is also the principal 14 of the Constitution.
town of the UT.
The original income-tax law in 1922 lacked search
All Islands are 220 to 440 km away from the and seizure powers.
coastal city of Kochi in Kerala, in the emerald
¾ Section 132 of the Income-Tax Act, 1961, empowers
Arabian Sea.
the tax authorities to conduct searches and seizures
The name Lakshadweep in Malayalam and of persons and properties, without any prior judicial
Sanskrit means ‘a hundred thousand islands’. warrant, if they have a “reason to believe” that the
¾ Lakshadweep has a tropical climate and it has an person has concealed or evaded income.
average temperature of 27° C – 32° C. It grants authorities the power to search buildings,
As the climate is equitable during monsoons, places, vehicles, or aircraft based on suspicion of
ship-based tourism is closed. hiding financial assets.
¾ It is directly under the control of the Centre through It allows for the seizure of books of account,
an administrator. money, bullion, jewellery, or other valuable items
¾ The entire indigenous population has been classified discovered during the search. Additionally, tax
officials can seize such items found in the
as Scheduled Tribes because of their economic and
possession of any person during a search or
social backwardness.
survey under the Act.
According to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes list (modification orders), 1956, there are What are the Challenges Regarding
no Scheduled Castes in this Union Territory. Section 132 of the Income Tax Act,1961?
¾ In 2020, the Lakshadweep Islands administration ¾ Breach of the Proportionality Principle:
established the world’s first conservation area for Section 132 of the Income-Tax Act, despite not
sea cucumbers, the Dr. KK Mohammed Koya Sea being formally challenged, suggests a potential
Cucumber Conservation Reserve, spanning 239 breach of the doctrine of proportionality
square kilometers in the Cheriyapani Reef. principle.
Note:
z The state’s power to search and seize is no detention for days without proper safeguards
longer viewed as a simple tool of social highlights concerns about the duration and
security but is subject to the doctrine of conditions of such searches.
proportionality. This means that its use must Case Related to Section 132 of the
be intended for a legitimate aim, rationally Income Tax Act,1961
connected to its objective, with no alternative
¾ Pooran Mal vs Director of Inspection (1973):
less intrusive means available, and a balance
The constitutionality of this provision was
struck between the means chosen and the
challenged in the case of Pooran Mal vs Director
right that is violated.
of Inspection (1973).
z The Supreme Court in the case of Principal
z The Supreme Court upheld the law, citing
Director of Income Tax vs Laljibhai Kanjibhai its own judgment in M.P. Sharma vs Satish
Mandalia, 2022 revealed a reliance on the Chandra(1954) by emphasizing that the
“Wednesbury” principle, a standard of power of search and seizure is essential
administrative review derived from a UK court for the protection of social security and is
judgment, treating search opinions as regulated by law.
administrative, not judicial. z The court also noted that the Constitution
Wednesbury principle states that if a does not recognize a fundamental right
decision is so unreasonable that no to privacy similar to the American Fourth
sensible authority could ever take it, such Amendment about searches and seizures.
decisions are liable to be quashed The American Fourth Amendment
through judicial review. protects against unreasonable searches
Critics argue that Post-Puttaswamy, there should and seizures by the government.
be no place for the Wednesbury rule, especially z It was concluded that statutory provisions
when fundamental rights are at stake, and that for searches do not defeat the constitutional
any executive action must conform to statutory protection under Article 20(3).
law in the strictest sense possible. The judgment in M.P. Sharma was concerned with
¾ Violation of the Right to Privacy: searches under the Code of Criminal Procedure,
while searches under the Income-Tax Act do not
The right to privacy, a fundamental right under
require a judicial licence.
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, includes
z The Court’s reading of the law has since
protection from unreasonable searches and
changed, with M.P. Sharma being formally
seizures, as well as confidentiality of personal
overruled. The right to privacy is now
information.
considered intrinsic to the right to personal
Income Tax searches, however, intrude on liberty guaranteed by Article 21 of the
individuals’ privacy without consent, often based Constitution.
on vague grounds, leading to potential abuse.
Additionally, there is a lack of adequate safeguards

and oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse and
Ministry of Social Justice
protect the rights of the individuals subjected to and Empowerment Year End
I-T searches. Review 2023
z The absence of stringent safeguards exposes
individuals to potential misuse of power by tax Why in News?
authorities. Recently, the year-end-review of the Department of
¾ Duration and Conditions of Searches: Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD),
The Gujarat High Court’s questioning of a raid Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the
where individuals were allegedly kept in virtual year 2023 was released.
Note:
What are the Key Highlights through enterprise initiatives, fostering
of the Initiatives and Achievements? collaboration between government, corporate,
and institutions.
¾ Historic Gatherings and Festivals for Inclusion:
The Department hosted events like a special
¾ Technology and Accessible Resources:
gathering at Rashtrapati Bhavan and India’s First The government launched ISL (Indian Sign
Festival of Inclusion (Purple Fest) in Goa, Language) dictionary terms, Video Relay Service,
involving thousands of Div yang jan and and online courses in Indian Sign Language, along
transgenders, setting world records, and fostering with ensuring accessible books through
a sense of belonging. SugamyaPustakalaya.
¾ India-South Africa cooperation in Disability Sector: ¾ Sports and High-Tech Training Centers:
The Union Cabinet signed a Memorandum of Inaugurated India’s first high-tech sports training
Understanding (MoU) between the Government center for Divyangjan, named after former Prime
of India and the Government of South Africa, Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in Gwalior,
focused on cooperation in the Disability Sector. Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing equal opportunities
¾ Divya Kala Mela: in sports and talent enhancement.
The Divya Kala Mela 2023, held in different cities ¾ Legal Support and Financial Inclusion:
throughout the year, stands as a testament to the Delivered impactful judgments, providing interest
Government’s commitment to fostering holistic rate rebates to divyangjan borrowers, promoting
development and empowerment for persons with financial inclusion through NDFDC loans, and
disabilities. collaborating for universal design centers for
With a vision aligned with the Prime Minister’s reading.
Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Government z DEPwD announces 1% interest rate rebate to
aims to ensure equal participation of divyang divyangjan borrowers under NDFDC Loan.
individuals in India’s overall growth. ¾ Assistance to Disabled Persons Camp (ADIP)
¾ Disabilities Awareness Days: Scheme:
The DEPwD embarked on a year-long celebration, The Scheme witnesses remarkable achievements,
commemorating various disability awareness like with grants-in-aid totaling Rs.368.05 crore,
World Braille Day on January 4 to International benefiting 2.91 lakh beneficiaries.
Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3,
2023d in 2023.
¾ Recognition of Achievements:
Bharatmala Phase-1:
Government felicitated Abilympics winners, Deadline Extended
honoring Indian Deaf Cricket Team and Para
Swimmer Shri Satendra Singh Lohia, celebrating Why in News?
excellence in the field of disabilities, and Recently, the Government has extended the deadline
recognizing their contributions. for completion of the flagship highway development
¾ Initiatives and Reforms: project Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I to 2027-28.
The government launched transformative ¾ The move follows an over 100% increase in the
programs like integrating universal accessibility estimated cost of the mega project and reflects the
courses into architectural programs, releasing slowing of implementation, and financial
anonymous data through UDID (Unique Disability constraints.
ID) portal, and introducing portals for skill
training, employment opportunities, and online What is Bharatmala Pariyojana?
case monitoring. ¾ About
¾ Empowering Through Entrepreneurship: Bharatmala Pariyojana is an umbrella programme
Government partnered with institutes to support launched under the Ministry of Road Transport
and empower 3000 Persons with Disabilities and Highways.
Note:
The first-phase of Bharatmala was announced in of the Judiciary,’ has brought attention to disparities in
2017 and was to be completed by 2022. gender-specific facilities within district court complexes
¾ Salient Features: across the country.
Bharatmala focuses on enhanced effectiveness ¾ The report sheds light on the inadequate provision
of already built infrastructure, multi-modal of separate toilets for women, the lack of sanitary
integration, bridging infrastructure gaps for napkin vending machines, and the absence of toilets
seamless movement and integrating National and for transgender persons.
Economic Corridors. There are six key features
What are the Key Findings of the Report?
of the programme:
z Economic Corridors: Integrating the economic
¾ Inadequate Women-Friendly Facilities:
corridors facilitates larger connectedness Nearly one-fifth of district court complexes lack
between economically important production separate toilets for women.

and consumption centers. Only 6.7% of women’s toilets have sanitary
z Inter-corridor and Feeder routes: This would napkin vending machines.

ensure first mile and last mile connectivity. ¾ Challenges in Existing Washrooms:
z National Corridor Efficiency Improvement: Existing washrooms often have broken doors and
Through this, the greater actionable goal is to face issues of irregular water supply.
undertake lane expansion and decongestion Shared washrooms for male and female judges
of existing National Corridors. raise concerns about privacy and equality.
z Border and International Connectivity Roads:
Judges personally engage sweepers and cleaners
Better border road infrastructure would ensure
to ensure cleanliness in court toilets.
greater maneuverability, while also boosting
z For instance, In Peren district of Nagaland, no
trade with neighboring countries.
maintenance facility was engaged to clean the
z Coastal and Port Connectivity Roads: Port-led
toilets. Staff members themselves had to
economic development is further boosted
ensure the upkeep of the washrooms.
through connectivity to coastal areas,
encouraging both tourism and industrial ¾ Lack of Inclusive Facilities:
development. Most district courts do not have toilets for
z Green-field Expressways: Expressways have transgender persons.

higher traffic configuration and choke points Emphasized the need for “gender-inclusive
would benefit from green-field expressways. toilets” in every court complex.

¾ Status: z In Kerala, washrooms for transgender persons
Till November 2023, 15,045 km or 42% of the are shared with persons with disabilities.
project has been completed. z Uttarakhand has only four washrooms for
¾ Challenges: transgender persons across the state.

Cost of raw material, Increased land acquisition z Tamil Nadu offers such facilities in only two
cost, Construction of high speed corridors and districts — Chennai and Coimbatore.
increase in Goods and Services Tax rates. Using washrooms that do not align with their
gender identity may cause discomfort and
Sanitation Challenges harassment to transgender persons.
in Indian District Courts What are the Challenges Posed

by Inadequate Sanitation Facilities?
Why in News? ¾ Health and Hygiene Risks:
A recent report published by the Centre for Research Insufficient toilet facilities may result in unhygienic
and Planning of the Supreme Court of India, titled ‘State conditions, posing health risks for women,
Note:
including the increased likelihood of infections include guidelines for minimum amenities,
and diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and accessibility requirements, and hygiene protocols.
dysentery. ¾ Encourage User Feedback:
Lack of separate toilets can contribute to safety Create mechanisms for court users to provide
concerns for women, especially in poorly lit or feedback on sanitation facilities, identify issues,
secluded areas, making them vulnerable to and propose improvements. This could involve
harassment or assault. suggestion boxes, surveys, or public meetings.
Pregnant women and elderly individuals may z Ensure swift and timely action on suggestions
face challenges accessing shared toilet facilities, and complaints.
impacting their comfort and mobility.
What is the Status of Toilet Facilities in India?
¾ Violation of United Nations Human Rights:
¾ Sanitation is a State subject, and hence the task of
The UN Human Rights state that the right to
providing toilets, initiating behaviour change
sanitation entitles everyone to have physical and
activities, providing Solid and Liquid Waste
affordable access to sanitation, in all spheres of
Management arrangements and sustaining the
life, that is safe, hygienic, secure, and socially and
various activities vests with the states.
culturally acceptable and that provides privacy
¾ According to the National Family Health Survey
and ensures dignity.
(NFHS), 69.3% of households have access to
¾ Violation of Fundamental Right:
improved toilet facilities or those that are not
The Supreme Court, in Virendra Gaur vs State
shared.
Haryana (1995), emphasized that Article 21
8.4% of households have access to shared toilet
protects the right to life, extending it to
facilities and 2.9% have access to unimproved
sanitation for the enjoyment of life with dignity.
facilities.
How can Sanitation ¾ The report by NFHS showed that 80.7% of urban
Facilities be Improved in Courts? households and 63.6% of rural households have
access to improved toilet facilities, while the
¾ Allocate Dedicated Resources:
percentage stands at 63.6 for rural households.
Budget sufficient funds for sanitation upkeep and
A total of 19.4% of Indian households did not use
allocate staff responsible for cleaning and
any toilet facility in 2019-2021.
maintenance. Consider appointing hygiene
z In urban regions, open defecation is practiced
champions within the court to raise awareness
and monitor standards. in 6.1% of all households while that number
shoots up to 25.9% for households in rural
z As suggested by the former CJI, a dedicated
areas.
institution, the National Judicial Infrastructure
Authority of India (NJIAI), could be established Initiatives Related to Sanitation
to serve as a central body for mobilizing funds ¾ Swachh Bharat Mission
for sanitation improvement projects in courts. ¾ World Health Organization (WHO) Water, sanitation
¾ Upgrade Existing Facilities: and hygiene (WASH) - India
Renovate bathrooms to ensure cleanliness, ¾ Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban
functionality, and accessibility for people with Transformation (AMRUT)
disabilities. Install proper ventilation, lighting, and ¾ Swachhata Abhiyaan App:
hygiene supplies like soap, paper towels, and The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
sanitary bins. has launched it to capture the data of insanitary
¾ Develop Sanitation Guidelines: latrines still existing and manual scavengers
Set national standards for sanitation facilities in associated with their cleaning.
courts, ensuring consistency and quality across ¾ Among states and union territories, access to a toilet
different states and court levels. This could facility is lowest in Bihar (available only in 61.2% of
Note:
households). Bihar is followed by Jharkhand (69.6%) Aadhaar have been authenticated and 87.52%
and Odisha (71.3%). active workers are now eligible for Aadhaar
Lakshadweep reports 100% household access to Payment Bridge System (APBS).
toilet facilities. APBS is a payment system that uses
Aadhaar numbers to electronically send
government subsidies and benefits to
Technological Innovations the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of
Implemented Under beneficiaries.
Gram Panchayats facing technical or
MGNREGA Scheme Aadhaar-related problems may seek
exemptions from APBS on a case-by-case
Why in News? basis until the resolution of the issues.
The Ministry of Rural Development has responded z National Payments Corporation of India
to concerns about the use of technology, particularly (NPCI) data indicates a success rate of 99.55%
Aadhaar, in denying welfare benefits to vulnerable or above when Aadhaar is enabled for DBT.
Indians and delaying wage payments under the Mahatma z Payment for beneficiaries who turn up for
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act wage employment to be made through APBS.
(MGNREGA) scheme. z The recent concerns stating that 34.8% of total
¾ In response to these concerns, the ministry has registered workers and 12.7% of active
highlighted several technological innovations under workers are still ineligible for ABPS have no
the MGNREGA, aiming to enhance transparency and relevance.
efficiency in its implementation. Because APBS is applicable only in case
What is the MGNREGA Scheme? a registered beneficiary turns up for

wage employment.
¾ About:
National Electronic Fund Management System
Launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Rural
(NEFMS):
Development, MGNREGA stands as one of the
z NEFMS is Introduced in FY 2016-17 for direct
world’s largest work guarantee programs.
wage payments to beneficiaries.
This initiative provides a legal guarantee, ensuring
Over 99% of wage payments are directly
a hundred days of employment each financial
credited to beneficiaries’ bank/post
year for adult members of any rural household.
office accounts.
z Participants engage in unskilled manual work
Real-time Monitoring through NMMS:
related to public projects, earning the statutory
z National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS)
minimum wage.
app captures real-time at tendance of
¾ Current Status of MGNREGA: beneficiaries at worksites.
There are 14.32 crore registered Job Cards, with
Beneficiaries and citizens can verify
68.22% active Job Cards, and a total of 25.25 crore w o r ke r a t t e n d a n c e , e n h a n c i n g
workers, of which 56.83% are active workers. transparency.
¾ Technological Innovations Implemented: Geotagging of Assets:
Aadhaar Integration: z Utilizes remote sensing technology for
z Continuous Aadhaar seeding( linking an geotagging assets created under the scheme.
Aadhaar number to a primary bank account Remote sensing is the process of
number) for de-duplication and authentication detecting and monitoring the physical
of genuine beneficiaries. characteristics of an area by measuring
z Aadhaar seeding of 14.08 crore (98.31%) active its reflected and emitted radiation at a
workers have already been completed. Against distance (typically from satellite or
these seeded Aadhaar, a total 13.76 crore aircraft).
Note:
z Ensures public scrutiny and accountability by What is PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
providing location-specific information. (PM-Kisan)?
Job Card Updation: ¾ About:
z Regular exercise conducted by states/UTs for
It was launched to supplement financial needs
job card updation/deletion.
of land holding farmers.
A Job card can be deleted in case it is a
It has become operational from December, 2018.
fake job card (incorrect job card)/
duplicate job card/ household not willing ¾ Financial Benefits:
to work/ family shifted from Gram Financial benefit of Rs 6000/- per year in
Panchayat permanently/ single person in three equal installments, every four month is
job card and that person is expired. transferred into the bank accounts of farmers’
Since April 2022 about 2.85 crore Job
families across the country through Direct Benefit
cards have been deleted. Transfer (DBT) mode.
Drone Monitoring: ¾ Scope of the Scheme:
z Pilot testing of drone usage is conducted for The scheme was initially meant for Small and
monitoring and implementation, enhancing Marginal Farmers (SMFs) having landholding
real-time monitoring and data collection for upto 2 hectares but scope of the scheme was
improved decision-making. extended to cover all landholding farmers.
¾ Funding and Implementation:
Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra It is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding
from the Government of India.
Adds Beneficiaries to It is being implemented by the Ministry of
PM-Kisan Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
¾ Objectives:
Why in News? To supplement the financial needs of the Small
Recently, the number of Pradhan Mantri Kisan and Marginal Farmers in procuring various inputs
Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme beneficiaries has to ensure proper crop health and appropriate
declined by more than 20%, decreasing from a peak of yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm
10.47 crore in April-July 2022 to 8.12 crore. income at the end of each crop cycle.
¾ The government’s proactive measures, particularly To protect them from falling in the clutches of
the “saturation drive” initiated under the Viksit moneylenders for meeting such expenses and
Bharat Sankalp Yatra, have added 34 lakh farmers ensure their continuance in the farming activities.
back to the list of beneficiaries. ¾ PM-KISAN Mobile App:
What is Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra? It was developed and designed by the National
¾ About: Informatics Centre in collaboration with
the Ministry of Electronics and Information
It is a nationwide campaign to raise awareness
Technology.
through outreach activities to achieve saturation
of schemes of Govt. of India across the country ¾ Physical Verification Module:
covering all Gram Panchayats, Nagar Panchayats A mandatory physical verification of 5% beneficiary

and Urban Local Bodies. every year is being done as per the provisions
The campaign is being taken up by adopting a laid down in the scheme.
whole of government approach with active ¾ Objectives:
involvement of various Ministries/Departments Reach out to the vulnerable who are eligible
of Government of India, State Governments, under various schemes but have not availed
Central Govt. Organizations and Institutions. benefit so far.
Note:
Dissemination of information and generating

awareness about schemes.
Interaction with beneficiaries of government
schemes through their personal stories/
experience sharing.
Enrolment of potential beneficiaries through
details ascertained during the Viksit Bharat
Sankalp Yatra.
What are the Challenges of PM-Kisan?
¾ Mandatory Provisions and Aadhaar Linkage:
The mandatory land seeding provisions and the
requirement to link Aadhaar with active bank
accounts have introduced complexity, leading to
challenges for farmers in complying with these
prerequisites.
Farmers, especially those in remote areas, may
face technical challenges in fulfilling the Aadhaar
linkage and land seeding requirements, hindering
their access to PM-Kisan benefits.
¾ Awareness and Outreach:
Many eligible farmers may still be unaware of the
PM-Kisan scheme or may not have sufficient What are the Trends in Capital
information about the application process. expenditure as per the Ministry of Finance?
Despite efforts, outreach initiatives may struggle
¾ UP and Bihar are the top two States which have
to reach all segments of the farming community,
fulfilled the criteria related to Capital Expenditure
particularly in remote or marginalized areas.
and received maximum allocation under the Scheme
¾ Technology Accessibility:
in the last four years.
Disparities in technology access, including
¾ Uttarakhand, Haryana, Kerala and Punjab are among
smartphones and internet connectivity, may
the States which have received about 1-2% of the
hinder farmers’ ability to engage with the online
total released amount under the Scheme.
processes required for PM-Kisan enrollment and
compliance. ¾ Andrha Pradesh, Kerala, Manipur and Punjab have
not received any allocation in 2023-24 and as per
the Ministry of Finance, these States have not met
Scheme of Special Assistance the eligibility criteria prescribed under the Scheme.
to States for Capital Investment What is the Special Assistance
to States for Capital Investment Scheme?
Why in News?
¾ About:
Out of the Rs 1,67,518.6-crore special assistance
The Scheme for Special Assistance to States for
(loan) allocated by the Centre under the Scheme for
Special Assistance to States for capital expenditure/ Capital Expenditure was launched in FY 2020-21
investment, Uttar Pradesh (UP) has been the highest in the wake of Covid-19 Pandemic.
recipient over the last four years. The scheme has been expanded and continued
¾ The substantial financial support underscores the as ‘Scheme for Special Assistance to States for
government ’s commit ment to bols tering Capital Investment 2023-24’ with allocation of
development initiatives in UP. Rs 1.3-lakh crore.
Note:
¾ Parts: It is considered to be productive and growth
The scheme has eight parts, Part-I being the enhancing as it adds to the productive capacity
largest with allocation of Rs. 1 lakh crore. This of the economy and generates income and
amount has been allocated amongst states in employment in the future.
proportion to their share of central taxes and The Indian government allocates capital
duties as per the award of the 15th Finance expenditure through its annual budget, which is
Commission. presented by the finance minister.
Other parts of the scheme are either linked to z The capital investment outlay has experienced
reforms or are for sector-specific projects. a consecutive three-year increase, reaching Rs
z Part-II provides incentives to states for 10 lakh crore, which accounts for 3.3% of the
scrapping of old vehicles and setting up of GDP, marking a significant growth of 33% (
automated vehicle testing facilities; Union Budget 2023-24).
z Part-III and IV provide incentives to states for ¾ Effective Capital Expenditure:
reforms in urban planning and urban finance; The capital expenditure presented in the budget
z Part-V provides funds for increasing the does not include the spending by the government
housing stock for police personnel and their on creating capital assets through grants-in-aid
families within the police stations in urban to states and other agencies.
areas. z These grants are classified as revenue
z Part-VI of the scheme supports the vision of expenditure in the budget, but they also
national integration, Make in India and One contribute to the creation of fixed assets such
District One Product by promoting cultural as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, etc.
diversity and local products through Unity Mall z Therefore, to capture the true extent of public
projects. investment by the central government, a
z Under Part-VII, Rs. 5,000 crore is provided as concept of ‘effective capital expenditure’ has
financial assistance to states for establishing been introduced.
libraries with digital infrastructure at the Effective capital expenditure is defined as the
Panchayat and Ward level, primarily benefiting sum of capital expenditure and grants for creation
children and adolescents. of capital assets.
¾ Objectives of the Scheme: z It is budgeted at Rs 13.7 lakh crore or 4.5% of
The scheme is expected to have a higher multiplier GDP (Union Budget 2023-24).
effect on the economy by stimulating demand
and creating jobs.
The scheme also aims to enhance the pace of
SHRESHTA
projects in key sectors such as Jal Jeevan Mission
and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana by Why in News?
providing funds for meeting the state share. The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
The scheme also seeks to encourage states to recently highlighted the Scheme for Residential
undertake reforms in urban planning and urban Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted
finance to improve the quality of life and Areas (SHRESHTA).
governance in cities. What are the Key Highlights of the SHRESHTA?
What is Capital Expenditure in India? ¾ About:
¾ Capital Expenditure (Capex): SHRESHTA aims to fill the educational service gap
It refers to the funds allocated by the government in Scheduled Castes (SCs) dominant areas by
for the acquisition, construction, or improvement providing high-quality education, socio-economic
of physical assets such as infrastructure, buildings, upliftment, and overall development for SC
machinery, and equipment. students.
Note:
Admission will be provided in Class 9 and Class 11 ¾ Monitoring:

of CBSE/State affiliated private schools. The Ministry monitors the progress of students
¾ Eligibility: regularly.
The students, belonging to SCs, studying in class z Ins titutions are required to disclose
8th and 10th in the current academic year are performance on their websites and the
eligible for availing the benefits of the scheme. e - A n u d a a n /o n l i n e p o r t a l , e n s u r i n g
Students from the SC community who come from transparency.
a marginalized income group with an annual z Installation of cameras in institutions, providing
income of up to Rs 2.5 lakh are eligible. live feeds for monitoring purposes.
¾ Operating Procedure:
z All the institutions are liable for a field visit by
The scheme is being implemented in two Modes:
an inspection team constituted for this
z Mode 1: SHRESHTA Schools: purpose.
Selection Process: ¾ Impact:
Meritorious SC students are selected 2023-24 (as of December 2023): 7,543 beneficiaries.
annually through the National Entrance
z Admissions in 2023-24: A total of 2,564
Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) conducted by
students were admitted to 142 Private
the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Residential Schools, and Rs. 30.55 Crore has
Selected students are admitted to the
been reimbursed for school fees.
best CBSE/State Board-affiliated private
residential schools in classes 9th and
11th. Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan
z Financial Support:
Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
The Department covers the total fee for
students, including school and hostel Why in News?
fees, amounting to Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs.
1,35,000 from class 9th to 12th. Recently, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has
Admissible fee for each class under the
released some statistics regarding Ayushman Bharat
Scheme. Pradhan Mantri — Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
z Bridge Course: What are the Key Highlights of the AB PM-JAY
A bridge course is provided outside Statistics?
regular school hours to enhance students’
¾ Ayushman Cards:
capability to adapt easily to the school
environment. Women account for approximately 49% of the
total Ayushman cards created and approximately
The Department bears 10% of the annual
fee for the bridge course. 48% of total authorised hospital admissions.
z Monitoring:
As of December 2023, approximately 28.45 Crore
Ayushman Cards have been created since the
The Ministry monitors the progress of
inception of the scheme, out of which,
students regularly.
approximately 9.38 crore Ayushman Cards have
z Mode 2: NGO/VO Operated Schools/Hostels:
been created during the year 2023.
Schools/Hostels run by VOs/NGOs with
¾ Health Coverage:
classes up to 12th grade receive grants
for school fees and residential charges 55 crore individuals corresponding to 12 crore
for SC students. families are covered under the scheme and many
Grants range from Rs. 27,000 to Rs.
states and union territories implementing AB PM-
55,000 per student based on the type of JAY have further expanded the beneficiary base,
school. at their own cost.
Note:
¾ Hospital Admissions: zThe National Health Authority (NHA) has
A total of 6.11 crore hospital admissions amounting provided flexibility to States/UTs to use non-
to Rs 78,188 crores were authorised of which 1.7 Socio - Economic Caste Census (SECC)
crore hospitals admissions worth over Rs 25,000 beneficiary family databases with similar socio-
crores were authorised during the year 2023 (Jan- economic profiles for tagging against the
Dec 2023). leftover (unauthenticated) SECC families.
¾ Funding:
What is Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY?
The funding for the scheme is shared – 60:40 for
¾ About: all states and UTs with their own legislature, 90:10
PM-JAY is the world’s largest health insurance in Northeast states and Jammu and Kashmir,
scheme fully financed by the government. Himachal and Uttarakhand and 100% Central
Launched in 2018, it offers a sum insured of Rs.5 funding for UTs without legislature.
lakh per family for secondary care and tertiary ¾ Nodal Agency:
care. The National Health Authority (NHA) has been
z Health Benefit Packages covers surgery, constituted as an autonomous entity under the
medical and day care treatments, cost of Society Registration Act, 1860 for effective
medicines and diagnostics. implementation of PM-JAY in alliance with state
¾ Beneficiaries: governments.
It is an entitlement-based scheme that targets the The State Health Agency (SHA) is the apex body
beneficiaries as identified by latest Socio- of the State Government responsible for the
Economic Caste Census (SECC) data. implementation of AB PM-JAY in the State.
nnn
Note:
Economic Scenario
Highlights
z World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects Report z Supreme Court Verdict on Adani-Hindenburg Case
z Lentil Production India z India’s Toy Industry
z World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024 z Interest Rate Adjustments in Small Savings Schemes
z Navigating GST Challenges z Extended PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components
z World Economic Situation and Prospects Report for 2024 z RBI Guidelines on Inoperative Accounts and Unclaimed Deposits
z Concerns over Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 z India’s Steel Sector
z Decline of Saffron Production in Kashmir z Inflation in India: Demand vs. Supply
z Debt Sustainability and Exchange Rate Management z Banks’ Gross NPAs Drop to 3.2%
¾ Challenges in Global Trade and Borrowing Costs:

World Bank’s Global Global trade growth in 2024 is expected to be only
Economic Prospects Report half the average in the decade preceding the
Pandemic.
Why in News? Borrowing costs for developing economies,
Recently, the World Bank (WB) has released its especially those with low credit ratings, are
Global Economic Prospects Report, which shows that expected to remain high.
the global economy may witness a poor performance by ¾ Global Growth:
the end of 2024, the slowest half-decade of GDP (Gross Global growth is projected to slow for the third
Domestic Product) growth in 30 years. consecutive year, dropping from 2.6% in 2023 to
2.4% in 2024.
What are the Key Highlights of the Report?
Developing economies are projected to grow just
¾ Slowest Half-Decade of GDP Growth in 30 Years:
3.9%, more than one percentage point below the
The global economy is projected to experience
average of the previous decade.
the slowest half-decade of GDP growth in three
Low-income countries are projected to grow by
decades, with a growth rate of 2.4% in 2024.
5.5%, lower than initially expected.
¾ Improved Outlook Compared to Previous Year:
¾ Weak Near-Term Growth and High Debt Levels:
The risk of a global Recession has receded,
There will be weak near-term growth, particularly
attributed to the strength of the US economy,
resulting in a better global economic position than in developing countries, leading to high levels of
the previous year. Debt and limited access to food. That would
obstruct progress on many global priorities.
But mounting geopolitical tensions could create
fresh near-term hazards for the world economy. ¾ Recommendations:
There is a need for urgent action to accelerate
¾ Deteriorating Medium-Term Outlook for Developing
Economies: investment and strengthen fiscal policy
frameworks to avoid a wasted opportunity in the
While the global economy is in a better place than
a year ago, the medium-term outlook has current decade.
worsened for many developing economies. The report advocates for a ‘formidable’ increase
Factors include slowing growth, sluggish Global in investment by developing countries,

Trade, and tight financial conditions. approximately USD 2.4 trillion per year, to address
Note:
climate change and achieve other key global ¾ The country’s lentil production is estimated to touch
development goals by 2030. an all-time high of 1.6 million tonnes in the 2023-24
The developing economies need to implement rabi season on higher acreage.
comprehensive policy packages, including ¾ According to official data, in the 2022-23 crop year,
improvements to fiscal and monetary frameworks, the country’s lentil production stood at 1.56 million
expansion of cross-border trade and financial tonnes.
flows, betterment of the investment climate, and What are Lentils?
strengthening of institutional quality.
¾ About:
What is World Bank?
Lentil is a bushy annual herbaceous plant of the
¾ About: legume family.
It was created in 1944, as the International Bank These are edible legumes, known for their lens-
for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) shaped, flat disced seed.
along with the IMF. The IBRD later became the Lentil plants are typically short, and bear self-
World Bank. pollinated flowers.
The World Bank Group is a unique global Lentil grains are excellent sources of energy,
partnership of five institutions working for carbohydrates, protein, fat, fibers, phosphorus,
sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and iron, zinc, carotene, vitamins, and antioxidants.
build shared prosperity in developing countries. ¾ Climatic Condition:
The World Bank is one of the United Nations’ Lentil is primarily grown as a rainfed crop.
specialized agencies. It requires cold temperature during its vegetative
¾ Members: growth and warm temperature at the time of
It has 189 member countries. maturity.
India is also a member country. Lentil is grown during rabi season.
¾ Major Reports: ¾ Soil Types:
Human Capital Index. Lentils can grow on various soil types, from sand
to clay loam, growing best in deep sandy loam
World Development Report.
soils with moderate fertility.
¾ Its Five Development Institutions:
A soil pH around 7 would be the best. Lentils do
International Bank for Reconstruction and not tolerate flooding or water-logged conditions.
Development (IBRD)
¾ Lentil Growing Region:
International Development Association (IDA) It is mainly cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya
International Finance Corporation (IFC). Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and
Multilateral Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Jharkhand.
International Centre for the Settlement of z The Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and
Investment Disputes (ICSID) Madhya Pradesh is considered as lentil bowl

z India is not a member of ICSID. which contributes nearly 25% to the total lentil
production in the country.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization
Lentil Production India (FAO), the world top lentil growers in 2022 were
Canada, India, Australia, Turkey, and Russia.
Why in News? z Despite being the second largest producer of
As per the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, India is set lentil, India has so far been relying on imports
to become the world’s largest producer of lentils to meet its domestic requirements, buying
(masoor) during the 2023-24 crop year on account of mainly from Australia, Canada, Russia,
higher acreage. Singapore, and Turkey.
Note:
What is the Status of Pulse Production in India? Despite deteriorating economic conditions, global
labor markets have shown surprising resilience,
¾ India is the largest producer (25% of global
with improvements in both the unemployment
production), consumer (27% of world consumption)
rate and the jobs gap rate (the number of persons
and importer (14%) of pulses in the world.
without employment who are interested in finding
¾ Pulses account for around 20% of the area under
a job).
foodgrains and contribute around 7-10% of the total
foodgrains production in the country. ¾ Global Unemployment Trends:
The global unemployment rate stood at 5.1% in
¾ Gram is the most dominant pulse having a share
of around 40 % in the total production followed by 2023, a modest improvement from 2022.
Tur/Arhar at 15 to 20 % and Urad/Black Matpe and However, the report projects a worsening Labor
Moong at around 8-10 % each. Market outlook, with an additional two million
¾ Though pulses are grown in both Kharif and Rabi workers expected to be looking for jobs in 2024,
seasons, Rabi pulses contribute more than 60% of raising the global unemployment rate to 5.2%.
the total production. ¾ Uneven Recovery:
¾ Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar The recovery from the pandemic is uneven, with
Pradesh and Karnataka are the top five pulses- new vulnerabilities and multiple crises eroding
producing states. prospects for greater social justice.
Differences persist between higher and lower
What are Government Initiatives
income countries, both in terms of unemployment
to Boost Pulses Production in India?
rates and jobs gap rates.
¾ Policy Support: The policy prescription for ensuring While the jobs gap rate in 2023 was 8.2% in high-
reasonable prices to the farmers largely centres income countries, it stood at 20.5% in the low-
around procuring the pulses by providing Minimum income group.
Support Prices (MSP) to the farmers through
Similarly, while the 2023 unemployment rate
National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing
persisted at 4.5% in high-income countries, it was
Federation of India (NAFED) and more recently
5.7% in low-income countries.
through Small Farmers Agri Consortium (SFAC).
¾ Income Inequality Widening:
¾ National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-Pulses.
Income inequality has widened, and Disposable
¾ ICAR’s Role in Research and Variety Development
Incomes have declined in the majority of G20
¾ Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan countries.
(PM-AASHA) Scheme
z Disposable income is net income. It’s the
amount left over after taxes.
World Employment and The erosion of real disposable income is seen as
a negative factor for aggregate demand and a
Social Outlook: Trends 2024 more sustained economic recovery.
Why in News? ¾ Working Poverty Persists:
Despite quickly declining after 2020, the number
Recently, the International Labour Organisation’s
of workers living in extreme poverty (earning
(ILO) has released the World Employment and Social
less than USD 2.15 per person per day in
Outlook: Trends 2024 report, which highlighted that
purchasing power parity terms) grew by about
Global Unemployment rate is set to increase in 2024 and
1 million in 2023.
growing inequalities and stagnant productivity are causes
The number of workers living in moderate poverty
for concern.
(earning less than USD3.65 per day per person in
What are the Key Highlights of the Report? PPP terms) increased by 8.4 million in 2023.
¾ Resilience Amid Deteriorating Economic Conditions: Working poverty is likely to persist as a challenge.
Note:
¾ Informal Work Rates Remain High: What is the International Labour Organisation?
Rates of Informal Work are expected to remain
¾ About:
static, accounting for around 58% of the global
It was created in 1919, as part of the Treaty of
workforce in 2024.
Versailles that ended World War I, to reflect the
¾ Labor Market Imbalances: belief that universal and lasting peace can be
The return to pre-pandemic labor market accomplished only if it is based on social justice.
participation rates has varied between different z It became a specialized agency of the United
groups. Nations in 1946.
Women’s participation has bounced back quickly, It is a tripartite organization, the only one of
but a gender gap still persists, especially in its kind bringing together representatives of
emerging and developing nations. governments, employers and workers in its
Youth unemployment rates and the NEET (Not in executive bodies.
Employment, Education, or Training) category ¾ Members:
remain high, posing challenges for long-term India is a founding member of the ILO with a
employment prospects. total 187 member States.
¾ Productivity Growth Slowed: In 2020 India assumed the Chairmanship of the
After a brief post-pandemic boost, labor Governing Body of ILO.
productivity has returned to the low levels seen ¾ Headquarter: Geneva in Switzerland.
in the previous decade. ¾ Awards: In 1969, ILO received the Nobel Peace Prize
Productivity growth has continued to slow despite for improving fraternity and peace among nations,
technological advances and increased investment, pursuing decent work and justice for workers, and
with barriers including skills shortages and the providing technical assistance to other developing
dominance of large digital monopolies. nations.
¾ Outlook Uncertain and Structural Concerns:
The imbalances observed are not simply part of
Navigating GST Challenges
pandemic recovery but may be structural.
Workforce challenges pose a threat to both Why in News?
individual livelihoods and businesses.
The recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue
Falling living standards, weak productivity,
data paints a concerning picture: consumption growth
persistent inflation, and greater inequality
is not uniform across Indian states, revealing a potential
undermine efforts to achieve Social Justice and
dissonance in national economic recovery.
sustainable recovery. The report emphasizes the
need to address these challenges effectively and What are the Major Takeaways From the
quickly. Recent GST Related Data?
¾ Positive Real Wages: ¾ Overall GST Collections: It grew by 11.7% in the first
Real wages in India and Turkey are “positive” nine months of 2023-24 compared to the 2022-23.
compared to other G20 countries, but the State GST collections grew at a higher rate (15.2%)
available data refer to 2022 relative to 2021. This compared to Central GST, suggesting differential
implies that, despite global challenges, wage consumption patterns across states.
increases in India have managed to outpace ¾ Sharp Disparities Among States: Some states like
inflation, contributing to an improvement in real Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka
wages. showed robust growth in state GST revenues (17%
The other G20 countries saw real wages fall; the to 18.8%), while others like Gujarat, West Bengal,
declines were particularly pronounced in Brazil and Andhra Pradesh lagged behind with single-digit
(6.9%), Italy (5%) and Indonesia (3.5%). growth or even contraction.
Note:
¾ Lowest Private Consumption Expansion: National This complexity poses a challenge for businesses,
Statistical Office (NSO) estimates project private final especially smaller enterprises, in understanding
consumption expenditure (PFCE) growth for the year and adhering to the diverse regulations.
at only 4.4%, the slowest since 2002-03 (excluding ¾ Technology and Infrastructure Readiness: The
pandemic times). successful implementation of GST relies heavily on
The PFCE is defined as the expenditure incurred robust technological infrastructure. Issues such as
by the resident households and non-profit lack of technological readiness among businesses,
institutions serving households (NPISH) on final and disparities in technology adoption can hinder
consumption of goods and services, whether the seamless functioning of the GST network.
made within or outside the economic territory.
¾ Input Tax Credit (ITC) Verification: The government
What is Goods and Services Tax? authorities have recently identified and busted more
than 29,000 bogus firms involved in evading GST
¾ About: GST is a value-added tax system that is levied
dues.
on the supply of goods and services in India.
¾ Multiple Registrations Across States: Businesses
It is a comprehensive indirect tax that was
introduced in India on 1st July 2017, through the operating in multiple states must register separately
101st Constitution Amendment Act, 2016, with in each state for GST compliance.
the slogan of ‘One Nation One Tax’. This multiplicity of registrations adds administrative
¾ Tax Slabs: The primary GST slabs for regular taxpayers burden and increases compliance costs for
are currently 0% (nil-rated), 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%. businesses with a pan-India presence, contributing
to logistical challenges.
There are a few GST rates that are less commonly
used, such as 3% and 0.25%.
¾ Benefits of GST: World Economic Situation
Simplified Tax Regime: GST replaced a multitude
of indirect taxes, making compliance easier and
and Prospects Report for 2024
reducing paperwork for businesses.
Why in News?
Increased Transparency: The online GST portal
simplifies tax administration and promotes A recent United Nations report titled World
transparency in the system. Economic Situation and Prospects report for 2024
forecasts a decline in global inflation in 2024, but warns
Reduced Tax Burden: Lower prices due to the
of a simultaneous rise in food inflation, particularly in
elimination of cascading taxes benefit consumers.
developing nations.
Boosted Economic Growth: By removing tax
¾ The implications of this phenomenon, coupled with
barriers and improving efficiency, GST is expected
to contribute to higher economic growth and job climate-related challenges and geopolitical tensions,
creation. pose threats to food security, poverty alleviation, and
economic growth.
¾ GST Council: The GST Council is a constitutional body
responsible for making recommendations on issues What are the Key Highlights of the World
related to the implementation of the GST in India. Economic Situation and Prospects Report for
As per Article 279A (1) of the amended 2024?
Constitution, the GST Council was constituted by
¾ Global GDP Growth:
the President.
The report forecasts a deceleration in global gross
What are the Current Major domestic product (GDP) growth, from an
Challenges Related to GST in India? estimated 2.7% in 2023 to 2.4% in 2024.
¾ Complexity and Compliance Burden: GST in India Developing economies, in particular, are struggling
has a complex structure with multiple tax slabs, to recover from pandemic-induced losses, with
leading to increased compliance requirements. many facing high debt and investment shortfalls.
Note:
It is anticipated that many low-income and ¾ Climate Change:
vulnerable nations will experience only moderate 2023 experienced extreme weather conditions,
growth in the upcoming years. leading to devastating wildfires, floods, and
z The reasons are persistently high-interest droughts worldwide.
rates, escalating geopolitical conflicts, slow z These events have direct economic impacts,
international trade and an increase in climate- such as damage to infrastructure, agriculture,
related calamities. and livelihoods.
¾ India’s Perspective: Studies project significant economic losses due to
South Asia grew by an estimated 5.3% in 2023 and climate change.

is projected to increase by 5.2% in 2024, driven z Estimates suggest a potential 10% reduction
by a robust expansion in India, which remains the in global GDP by 2100, considering events like
fastest-growing large economy in the world. the Greenland ice shelf collapse.
India is projected to grow by 6.2% in 2024, z Without mitigation, models indicate a potential
supported by domestic demand and growth in 23% decrease in average global incomes by
manufacturing and services. 2100.
¾ Inflation: IPCC estimates predict a range of 10 to 23% global
GDP losses by 2100 due to temperature impacts
Global inflation, a key concern over the past two
alone.
years, shows signs of easing.
¾ Investment:
z Global headline inflation fell from 8.1% in 2022
Global investment growth is expected to remain
to an estimated 5.7% in 2023 and is projected
to decline to 3.9% in 2024. low due to economic uncertainties, high debt
burdens, and rising interest rates.
Headline inflation measures the total
z Developed nations prioritize sustainable
inflation within an economy, which
sectors like green energy and digital
includes commodities like food and
infrastructure.
energy prices.
z Developing countries grapple with capital flight
z The decline in inflation was attributed to
and reduced foreign direct investment.
ongoing moderation in international
z Geopolitical tensions impact regional
commodity prices and a decrease in demand
investment flows, contributing to low global
due to monetary tightening by the UN.
investment growth amid economic
However, food price inflation remains critical, uncertainties and rising interest rates.
exacerbating food insecurity and poverty,
Investment in the energy sector, especially in clean
particularly in developing countries.
energy, is growing but not at a pace sufficient to
z An estimated 238 million people experienced meet the net-zero-emissions goal by 2050.
acute food insecurity in 2023, an increase of
z Report estimates USD 150 trillion needed by
21.6 million from 2022.
2050 for energy transition and infrastructure,
Weak local currencies, climate-related requiring USD 5.3 trillion annually for the global
shocks and limited pass-through from energy sector alone.
international prices to local prices will be z Despite this, climate finance falls short of
the causes of this ongoing increase in requirements, emphasizing the crucial need
food inflation. for massive scaling up.
z The resurgence of El Nino can disrupt climate z The report calls for effective operationalization
patterns, leading to both excessive and of the Loss and Damage Fund and increased
insufficient precipitation affecting food financing commitments to aid vulnerable
production. countries facing climate disasters.
Note:
¾ Labour Market: Decline in official development assistance and

The global labour market displays divergent trends foreign direct investment compounds financial
between developed and developing countries constraints for low-income nations.
post-pandemic. Debt sustainability becomes a critical concern,
z Developed Countries: necessitating debt restructuring and relief efforts

Experienced a robust recovery with low
to manage escalating financial burdens effectively.
unemployment rates, notably 3.7% in ¾ Multilateralism and Sustainable Development:
the US and 6.0% in the EU in 2023, The 2024 WESP report emphasizes the need for
coupled with rising nominal wages and strengthened global cooperation, particularly in
narrowing wage inequality. areas like climate action, sustainable development
However, real income losses and labour financing, and addressing the debt sustainability
shortages pose challenges. challenges of low- and middle-income countries.
z Developing Countries: The report underscores the critical role of
Mixed progress with varied

multilateralism in navigating the complex global
unemployment trends (e.g., China, Brazil, economic landscape and achieving the UN-
Türkiye, Russia report declines). mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Persistent issues are informal
employment, gender gaps, and high Concerns over Insolvency
youth unemployment.
Globally, the decline in female labor force
and Bankruptcy Code, 2016
participation to 47.2% in 2023 (compared
Why in News?
to 48.1% in 2013).
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) came into
Artificial Intelligence(AI) Impact on Global
effect in 2016 to achieve several objectives, including
Employment:
maximizing the value of debtor’s assets, promoting
z Since ChatGPT’s introduction in 2022, AI
entrepreneurship, ensuring timely resolution of cases,
adoption has rapidly advanced.
and balancing the interests of stakeholders.
One-third of global firms now use
¾ However, recent developments have raised concerns
generative AI, with 40% planning to
about the effectiveness of the code and the
expand AI investment.
resolution process.
AI could reduce demand for low-skilled
jobs, disproportionately impacting What are the Key Issues with the IBC?
women and lower-income countries. ¾ Low Repayment Percentage:
Also, there’s a significant gender gap in The resolution plan approval process typically
AI professions. involves only about 15% payment by the purchaser,
¾ Trade: and repayment can take years without any
Global trade growth weakened to 0.6% in 2023, further interest collected by the banks according
anticipated to recover to 2.4% in 2024. to the financial stability report (FSR) released by
z The report points to a shift in consumer Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2023.
spending from goods to services, rising z This has raised questions about the effectiveness
geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, of the repayment process.
and the lingering effects of the pandemic as ¾ Settlement and Recovery:
factors impeding global trade. Recent settlements and resolutions, such as the
¾ International Finance and Debt: Reliance Communications Infrastructure Ltd.
Rising external debt and increased interest rates (RCIL) case, have raised concerns due to the low
hinder developing countries’ access to settlement amounts and extended resolution
international capital markets. periods.
Note:
z For example, the settlement for RCIL amounted or financial creditors recovering an average of
to a mere 0.92% of the debt, and it took four just 10-15% in NCLT-settled cases of large
years to complete the resolution plan, far corporates. However, the RBI says the creditors
beyond the stipulated maximum of 330 days. realize 168.5% of the liquidation value and 86.3%
z The Financial Creditors (FCs) should ideally get of the fair value.
principal and interest. z As per the FSR, out of 597 liquidations, against
Time-consuming processes for identifying and the claim of Rs 1,32,888 crore, the amount
acknowledging defaults contribute to reduced realised was 3% of the claims admitted.
recovery rates. It hampers the timely initiation of z While banks collect up-to-date interest on
resolution proceedings, contributing to reduced loans to farmers, students, MSMEs and on
recovery rates. housing, including penalty interest for delays,
¾ Haircuts and Recovery Rates: corporates are treated differently.
The concept of “haircuts,” which involves writing The amount realized from liquidations has also
off loans and accrued interest, has gained been minimal, raising concerns about the recovery
process.
prominence.
¾ Regulatory Concerns:
z Promoters are taking advantage by taking the
company to cleaners and getting a substantial Regulatory Reports:
haircut from bankers/National Company Law z The FSR has highlighted several concerns
Tribunal (NCLT). regarding the Corporate Insolvency Process
After resolutions, borrowers and Insolvency (CIRP).
Professionals (IPs) remain wealthy, while lenders The report indicates that the admitted
suffer and banks are absolved from liability, as claims are less than the dues, and banks
only companies are declared insolvent, not the or financial creditors are recovering only
owners, leading to depositors being the losers. a fraction of the liquidation value and fair
value.
z This has resulted in low recovery rates for
financial creditors, with some cases realizing Parliamentary Standing Committee Report:
as little as 5% of the loan outstanding. z The 32nd report of the Parliamentary Standing
Committee on Finance has raised concerns
about low recovery rates, with haircuts as
much as 95% and the delay in the resolution
process with more than 71% of cases pending
for more than 180 days clearly points towards
a deviation from the original objective of the
code intended by the Parliament, and issues
with Resolution Professionals (RPs) and
Insolvency Professionals (IPs).
It also recommends the need for a
professional code of conduct for the
Committee of Creditors (COCs) and fixing
a ceiling on haircuts.
¾ Limited Judicial Bench Strength:
The IBC resolution process is impeded by a
¾ Realizable Value: shortage of judges, resulting in a deceleration of
The FSR released by the RBI in 2023 highlights case processing. This, in turn, contributes to
the low realizable value to creditors, with banks prolonged resolution times.
Note:
What are the Key Highlights of Adjudication of Proceedings:

the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016? z National Companies Law Tribunal (NCLT)
adjudicates proceedings for companies.
¾ About:
z Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) handles
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016
proceedings for individuals.
provides a framework for resolving the bankruptcy
Courts play a pivotal role in approving the
and insolvency of companies, individuals, and
initiation of the resolution process,
partnerships in a time bound manner.
appointing professionals, and endorsing
z Insolvency is a state where the liabilities of an
the final decisions of creditors.
individual or an organization exceeds its asset
Procedure for Insolvency Resolution under the
and that entity is unable to raise enough cash
Code:
to meet its obligations or debts as they
z Initiated by either the debtor or creditor upon
become due for payment.
default.
z Bankruptcy is when a person or company is
z Insolvency professionals manage the process,
legally declared incapable of paying their due
providing financial information to creditors and
and payable bills.
overseeing debtor asset management.
T h e I n s o l ve n c y a n d B a n k r u p tc y C o d e
z A 180-day period prohibits legal action against
(Amendment) Act, 2021 amends the Insolvency
the debtor during the resolution process.
and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
Committee of Creditors (CoC):
z This amendment aims to provide an efficient
z Formed by insolvency professionals, the CoC
alternative insolvency resolution framework
comprises financial creditors.
for corporate persons classified as micro, small
The CoC determines the fate of
and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the
code. outstanding debts, deciding on debt
revival, repayment schedule changes, or
z It aims for ensuring quicker, cost-effective and
asset liquidation.
value maximizing outcomes for all the
z Failure to decide within 180 days leads to the
stakeholders.
debtor’s assets going into liquidation.
¾ Objectives:
Liquidation Process:
Maximizing the value of debtor’s assets.
z Proceeds from the sale of the debtor’s assets
Promoting entrepreneurship. are distributed in the following order of order:
Ensuring timely and effective resolution of cases. First insolvency resolution costs, including
Balancing the interests of all stakeholders. the remuneration to the insolvency
Facilitating a competitive market and economy. professional, second secured creditors,
Providing a framework for cross-border insolvency whose loans are backed by collateral and
cases. third dues to workers, other employees,
forth unsecured creditors.
¾ IBC Proceedings:
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI):
z IBBI serves as the regulatory authority Decline of Saffron
overseeing insolvency proceedings in India. Production in Kashmir
The IBBI’s Chairperson and three whole-
time members are appointed by the Why in News
government and are experts in the fields The Saffron fields of Kashmir, known for producing
of finance, law, and insolvency. the world’s costliest spice, are facing a severe crisis due
It also has ex-officio members. to the encroachment of cement factories.
Note:
¾ Despite ranking as the second-largest saffron z Farmers express concern over declining prices,
producer globally, with an average annual production quantity, and quality, leading to a bleak future
of 11-12 tonnes, after Iran, the region’s saffron for the industry.
industry is weakening, presenting economic
challenges for local farmers. What are the Key Facts
About the Kashmiri Saffron?
What Factors Contribute
¾ Saffron Production and Price:
to the Decline in Saffron Production?
Saffron production has long been restricted to a
¾ Proximity to Cement Factories:
limited geographical area in the Union territory
Cement factories in close proximity to saffron
of Jammu & Kashmir.
fields emit large volumes of dust, damaging both
z Pampore region, in India, commonly known as
quality and quantity of saffron yield.
Saffron bowl of Kashmir, is the main contributor
z Saffron fields in Pulwama, have witnessed a
to saffron production.
60% decline in cultivation in the last 20 years
due to cement pollution. The saffron spice, extracted from the stigma (male
¾ Impact of Cement Dust: reproductive part) of the saffron flower (Crocus
sativus L), is known as kong in Kashmiri, zaffran
Delicate saffron flowers are adversely affected
in Urdu, and kesar in Hindi.
by cement dust containing harmful gasses like
nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and carbon z Kashmiri kesar is highly valued, selling at Rs 3
monoxide. lakhs per kilogram.
Large volumes of cement dust also results in z A gram of kesar is obtained from approximately
decreased chlorophyll, clogged stomata (tiny 160-180 flowers, requiring extensive labor.
pores in plant tissue that allow for gas exchange)
in leaves, interrupted light absorption and gas
diffusion, inducing early leaf fall and resulting in
stunted growth.
z Cement dust negatively impacts crocin
responsible for the color of saffron) content,
affecting color, medicinal properties, and
cosmetic benefits of Kashmiri saffron.
¾ Environmental Factors:
Climate change, unexpected rainfall, and land
diversion for housing and industries contribute to
reduced saffron production.
¾ Season:
z Usage of machines for ploughing also affects
In India, saffron Corms (seeds) are cultivated
saffron cultivation, which is highly dependent
during the months of June and July and at some
on a favorable climate.
places in August and September.
¾ Lack of Government Intervention:
It starts flowering in October.
Farmers have resisted the establishment of
cement factories near saffron fields since 2005, ¾ Cultivation Conditions:
citing environmental concerns. Altitude: Saffron grows well at an altitude of 2000
z Despite protests and appeals, authorities have meters above sea level. It needs a photoperiod
permitted cement industries to operate in close (sunlight) of 12 hours.
proximity to saffron cultivation. Soil: It grows in many different soil types but
¾ Market Challenges: thrives best in calcareous (soil that has calcium
Saffron farmers face financial difficulties as the carbonate in abundance), humus-rich and well-
spice’s market becomes less lucrative. drained soil with a pH between 6 and 8.
Note:
Climate: For saffron cultivation, we need an

z The Food and Agriculture Organization of the
explicit climatological summer and winter with United Nations has recognized over 60 such
temperatures ranging from no more than 35 or sites worldwide through its GIAHS Programme.
40oC in summer to about –15 or –20oC in winter.
Rainfall: It also requires adequate rainfall that is
1000-1500 mm per annum.
Debt Sustainability and
¾ Crocin Content and Color: Exchange Rate Management
Kashmiri kesar contains 8% of crocin, while the
rest of the varieties contain 5-6% of the element. Why in News?
¾ Benefits of Kashmiri Saffron: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently
It is known for medicinal properties such as released its annual Article IV consultation report on India,
lowering blood pressure, treating anemia, addressing critical issues concerning the nation’s debt
migraines, and aiding insomnia. sustainability and exchange rate management.
Possesses cosmetic benefits, enhancing skin What are IMF’s Projections Related to India’s
quality, reducing pigmentation, and minimizing
Economic Outlook?
spots.
Integral part of traditional dishes and it is widely
¾ Debt Sustainability: The IMF flagged concerns about
used in beverages, confectionery, dairy products, India’s long-term debt sustainability.
and food coloring. It projected that India’s general government debt,
encompassing both the Centre and States, could
Initiatives in India to Promote Saffron Production
potentially escalate to 100% of GDP by fiscal year
National Saffron Mission:
¾
2028, particularly under adverse circumstances.
The NSM was launched in 2010-11 to support the
¾ Debt Management Challenges: The report highlighted
cultivation of saffron in Jammu and Kashmir. The
the necessity for more prudent debt management
mission was part of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
practices, emphasizing the crucial need for financing
Yojana (RKVY) and aimed to improve the socio-
to achieve climate change mitigation goals and
economic status of the people living in Kashmir.
enhance resilience against natural disasters.
¾ North East Centre For Technology Application and
The Indian Finance Ministry contested the IMF’s
Reach (NECTAR):
debt projections, dismissing them as a worst-case
It is an autonomous body under the Department
scenario rather than an imminent reality.
of Science & Technology, Government of India
¾ Exchange Rate Dynamics: The IMF reclassified India’s
supported a pilot project to explore the feasibility
of growing saffron in the North East region of de facto exchange rate regime to “stabilized
India, with the same quality and higher quantity. arrangement” from “floating” for December 2022
to October 2023
¾ Recognition:
This reclassification reflects observations about
In 2020, the central government granted a
Geographical Indication (GI) certification to controlled fluctuations in the rupee’s value due
saffron grown in the Kashmir Valley. to interventions by the RBI.
Saffron Heritage of Kashmir is one of the Globally
¾ Stagnant Credit Ratings: Despite being lauded as the
Important Agricultural Heritage systems (GIAHS). fastest-growing major economy, India’s sovereign
investment ratings have remained stagnant for a
z GIAHS are agroecosystems where communities
maintain a close relationship with their considerable period.
territories. These resilient sites, marked by Agencies like Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings
agrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge, and have maintained India’s credit rating at ‘BBB- with
sustainable management, involve farmers, stable outlook’ since 2006, citing concerns about
herders, fisherfolk, and forest people, weak fiscal performance, burdensome debt, and
contributing to livelihoods and food security. low per capita income.
Note:
What is the Global Debt Landscape? zSlow Revenue Growth: Tax reforms haven’t
sufficiently boosted revenue collection,
¾ Rising Global Debt: Globally, public debt has surged
creating a revenue-expenditure gap.
dramatically, surpassing USD 92 trillion in 2022, a
Global Geopolitical Events: Events like the Russia-
more than fourfold increase since 2000, outpacing
Ukraine war and rising commodity prices can lead
the growth of global GDP.
to economic disruptions and higher import costs,
According to the UN, in 2022, 3.3 billion people
forcing the government to borrow to maintain
live in countries that spend more on interest stability.
payments than on education or health.
Informal Economy and Tax Leakage: India’s large
Developing countries accounted for almost 30% of
informal economy poses challenges for efficient
the total, of which roughly 70% is attributable to tax collection.
China, India and Brazil, largely driven by diverse
z Tax evasion and lack of formalization in
factors like the pandemic, cost-of-living crisis, sectors like agriculture and small businesses
and climate change. limit revenue generation, potentially forcing
Debt Asymmetry Between Developed and the government to rely on debt financing.
Developing Nations: Developing countries, Guarantees and Contingencies: Government
including those in Africa, contend with substantially guarantees for loans taken by public sector
higher borrowing costs compared to developed entities or contingent liabilities, like potential
nations. losses from public-private partnerships,
z This disparity in borrowing rates compromises substantially add to the debt indirectly.
debt sustainability for developing nations, Exchange Rate Fluctuations: Fluctuations in
leading to increased interest spending relative exchange rates impact the cost of servicing
to public revenues. foreign currency-denominated debt, potentially
increasing the overall debt burden.
What is India’s Current Debt Scenario?
¾ Legislation for Debt Management in India:
¾ Government Current Debt Levels: The central
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management
government’s debt stood at ₹155.6 trillion,
Act, 2003 (FRBM Act): FRBM Act is an Indian law
approximately 57.1% of GDP by March 2023.
enacted to bring financial discipline to the
Meanwhile, State governments carried a debt of
government’s fiscal operations and to reduce the
about 28% of GDP.
country’s fiscal deficit.
As stated by the Finance Ministry, India’s public
z FRBMA aimed for specific debt-GDP targets for
debt-to-GDP ratio is 81% in 2022-23. This, is way the Centre and States.
higher than the levels specified by the FRBM
However, disruptions induced by the
target.
pandemic contributed significantly to
z The 2018 amendment to the FRBM Act
elevated debt-GDP ratios, surpassing the
specified debt-GDP targets for the Centre, specified thresholds.
States and their combined accounts at 40%,
z Also, despite several years since its enactment,
20% and 60%, respectively.
the Government of India has struggled to meet
¾ Interlinked Factors Related to India’s Rising Debt the FRBM Act targets.
Levels:
High Fiscal Deficit: The government consistently
What Measures can India
spends more than it earns, leading to the deficit Take for Sustainable Debt Management?
being financed through borrowing. This deficit can ¾ Short Term: Fiscal Consolidation:
arise due to: Targeted Reforms: Streamlining subsidies,
z High Expenditure Commitments: Social reforming public sector enterprises, and reducing
welfare programs, subsidies, and defense administrative inefficiencies and strict adherence
spending significantly contribute to government to FRBM Act targets can free up resources for
outlays. debt repayment and productive investments.
Note:
Improved Tax Efficiency: Strengthening tax

administration and tackling tax evasion can Supreme Court Verdict on
significantly boost revenue without excessive
borrowing.
Adani-Hindenburg Case
¾ Long Term Growth-Oriented Strategies:
Why in News?
Skill Development and Education: Investing in
The Supreme Court of India recently concluded its
human capital through education and skill
judgment on a series of petitions pertaining to allegations
development programs enhances productivity
and competitiveness, leading to higher economic made by the US-based firm, Hindenburg Research,
growth and improved tax collection. against the Adani group.
Export Promotion: Diversifying export markets,
¾ The apex court refused to transfer the investigation
incentivizing high-value exports, and addressing from the Securities and Exchange Board of India
competitiveness challenges can boost foreign (SEBI) to other bodies, affirming its confidence in
exchange earnings, potentially reducing the need SEBI’s handling of the case.
for external debt. ¾ Also, SC instructed SEBI to utilize its investigative
What Differentiates Floating Exchange Rate authority to determine if the Hindenburg report’s
Dynamics from Stabilized Arrangement? short-selling actions violated laws, resulting in
¾ Floating Exchange Rate: investor harm.
Market-Driven: Currency value is determined What is the Supreme Court’s Position
solely by supply and demand in the foreign Regarding the Adani-Hindenburg Dispute and
exchange market, with minimal government
SEBI’s Inquiry?
intervention.
High Volatility: The exchange rate can fluctuate
¾ Background:
significantly in response to economic news, Hindenburg’s Allegations: In January 2023,
events, or market sentiment. Hindenburg Research accused the Adani group of
Promotes Flexibility: Businesses and individuals stock manipulation, accounting fraud, and using
can adjust to changing economic conditions improper tax havens and shell companies to
through market-determined exchange rates. manage funds, significantly impacting the stock
¾ Stabilized Arrangement: market.
More Managed than Purely Floating: The ¾ Petitions and Arguments:
government or central bank may intervene in Petitions Filed: Various petitions were filed
the foreign exchange market occasionally to seeking a court-monitored investigation, citing
smooth out excessive volatility or maintain a implications for national security and the
target range for the currency. economy.
Moderate Volatility: Aiming for greater stability
z They also alleged that SEBI, the market
than a pure float, but still accepting some degree regulator, was not competent or independent
of fluctuation.
enough to conduct a fair and impartial probe.
Offers Predictability: Businesses and individuals
Counter Arguments: The Adani group refuted the
can plan with a more stable exchange rate
allegations, attributing them to false information
environment.
and vested interests.
¾ IMF’s Classification of Stabilised Arrangement:
z S E B I d e fe n d e d i t s c o m p e t e n c e a n d
The IMF classifies an exchange rate regime as
independence in handling the investigation.
a stabilized arrangement when it determines
that the exchange rate has not moved beyond ¾ Recent Judgment:
a 2% band in 6 months and that this stability The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Adani
has resulted from market interventions rather group and SEBI, rejecting the transfer of the probe
than market conditions. to other investigative bodies.
Note:
z The court held that the power to transfer Institutional investors must disclose upfront
investigation must be exercised in exceptional whether a transaction is a short sale, while retail
circumstances and not in the absence of cogent investors can make a similar disclosure by the
justifications. trading day’s end.
The Court deemed the Hindenburg report Also, short selling is permitted for securities
unreliable and aimed at influencing the market traded in the F&O (Futures & Options) segment,
through selective and distorted information. subject to SEBI’s periodic review of eligible stocks.
z While upholding SEBI’s integrity, the Court
z Futures and Options (F&O) are derivative
directed an expedited completion of SEBI’s instruments. Futures involve an obligation to
investigation within three months. buy/sell assets at an agreed price on a set date,
NOTE: The Supreme Court formed the Justice Sapre carrying unlimited risk.
Committee in March 2023 to probe potential regulatory Options grant the right (but not
failures after investors suffered significant losses due obligation) to buy/sell assets by a certain
to market volatility following Hindenburg Research’s date, with a premium paid upfront
allegations against the Adani Group for share price limiting potential losses.
manipulation and accounting fraud.
What is Short Selling?
¾ About:
Short selling is the practice wherein an investor
borrows a stock or security, sells it in the open
market, foreseeing a potential future price
decline, aiming to repurchase the same asset at
a lower price point later on.
z SEBI defines short selling as selling a stock that
the seller does not own at the time of trade.
India’s Toy Industry
Why in News?
Recently, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM)
Lucknow at the behest of Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry
of Commerce & Industry, has conducted a Case Study on
“Success Story of Made in India Toys”, highlighting a
significant rise in Toy Exports in in FY 2022-23 in
comparison to FY 2014-15.
¾ Regulation of Short-selling in India:
SEBI has recently stated that investors across all What is the Status of Indian
categories will be allowed for short-selling, but Toy Industry as per the Study?
naked short-selling will not be permitted.
¾ Significant Growth Trends:
z Consequently, all investors are required to
The Indian toy industry exhibited remarkable
fulfill their duty of delivering securities during
growth between FY 2014-15 and FY 2022-23,
the settlement period
marked by a substantial decline in imports by 52%
z Naked short selling occurs when an investor
and a significant rise in exports by 239%.
sells stocks or securities without first arranging
to borrow them or ensuring they can be This growth indicates a shift towards self-
borrowed. sufficiency and global competitiveness.
Note:
¾ Quality Improvement: to enhance the overall quality of toys manufactured

There’s been an overall enhancement in the and sold in the country.
quality of toys available in the domestic market. ¾ Provisions for Toy Manufacturers:
This emphasizes the importance of meeting Special provisions by BIS (Bureau of Indian
international standards and ensuring consumer Standards) have been made, including granting
satisfaction and safety. licenses to small units without testing facilities for
¾ Growth Drivers: a specified period, facilitating compliance with
Enhanced Manufacturing Ecosystem: Government quality standards.
efforts have facilitated the creation of a more ¾ BIS Standard Marks:
conducive manufacturing ecosystem. Doubling Over 1200 licenses have been granted to domestic
the number of manufacturing units in six years, manufacturers and over 30 to foreign
reducing dependence on imported inputs from manufacturers, ensuring adherence to quality
33% to 12%, increasing in gross sales value by a standards through BIS marks.
CAGR of 10% and improving labor productivity ¾ Cluster-based Approach:
are noteworthy achievements.
Supporting the domestic toy industry through
Global Integration and Export Focus: India’s
schemes like SFURTI (Scheme of Funds for the
emergence as a top exporting nation in the toy Regeneration of Traditional Industries) by the
industry indicates successful integration into the Ministry of MSME and providing support for
global toy value chain. Zero-duty market access designing and tooling to various toy clusters by
in key countries like the UAE and Australia has the Ministry of Textiles.
contributed to this growth trajectory.
¾ Promotional Initiatives:
What are the Government Initiatives Events like The Indian Toy Fair 2021 and Toycathon
to Foster the Growth in the Toy Industry? aim to promote indigenous toys, encourage
¾ National Action Plan for Toys (NAPT): innovation, and create a platform for showcasing
and ideation in the toy industry.
A comprehensive plan comprising 21 specific
action points, coordinated by DPIIT and
implemented by multiple Central Ministries/ Interest Rate Adjustments
Departments. This plan addresses various aspects
like design, quality control, promotion of
in Small Savings Schemes
indigenous toy clusters, etc.
Why in News?
¾ Increase in Basic Customs Duty (BCD):
Recently, the Union government decided to raise the
A substantial increase in BCD on toys (from 20%
returns on the Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme
to 60% in February 2020, and subsequently to
(SSAS) from 8% to 8.2%, and on the 3-year Post Office
70% in March 2023) aims to protect the domestic
Time Deposit Scheme (POTDS) from 7% to 7.1%, for the
toy industry from cheaper imports and encourage
first quarter of 2024, while keeping the interest rates
local manufacturing.
unchanged for all other small savings schemes.
¾ Mandated Sample Testing:
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT),
What is Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme?
under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry ¾ About:
mandated sample testing for each import The Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme (SSAS)
consignment to prevent the import of substandard is a small deposit scheme by the Ministry of
toys, ensuring better quality control. Finance exclusively for a girl child and is launched
¾ Quality Control Order (QCO) for Toys: as a part of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign.
Issued in 2020, this order emphasizes quality z The scheme is meant to meet the education
standards for toys, effective from January 2021, and marriage expenses of a girl child.
Note:
¾ Eligibility: z It encourages savings and investments in
Any girl child who is a resident Indian from the specific avenues, thereby reducing taxable
time of opening the account till the time of income and providing tax benefits to taxpayers.
maturity/closure.
The account may be opened by one of the Extended PLI Scheme for
guardians in the name of a girl child, who has not
attained the age of ten years as of the date of Automobile and Auto
opening of the account. Components
A family can open a maximum of two accounts
under this scheme for girl children. However, Why in News?
exceptions allow opening more than two accounts The Ministry of Heavy Industries has recently
for twins or triplets born in the first or second extended the tenure of the Production Linked Incentive
order, supported by an affidavit and birth (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components by
certificates. one year, with incentives now applicable for five
¾ Benefits: consecutive financial years starting from 2023-24.
The Minimum Investment is Rs 250 per annum; ¾ This decision has been made after receiving the
the Maximum Investment is Rs 1,50,000 per approval of the Empowered Group of Secretaries
annum. The Maturity Period is 21 years. (EGoS).
z At present, SSAS has several tax benefits and ¾ Companies failing to meet the first year’s sales
the highest rate of interest among all the Small increase threshold will not receive incentives for
Savings Schemes. that year.
However, they remain eligible for future benefits
What is the Post Office Time Deposit Scheme? by achieving a 10% year-on-year growth over the
¾ About: first year’s threshold.
The POTDS also known as National Savings Time
What is a Production Linked Incentive Scheme?
Deposit scheme is a government-backed savings
option that allows individuals to deposit an ¾ About:
amount for a fixed tenure and earn a predetermined PLI scheme is a government initiative in India that
interest rate on their investment. This scheme is offers financial incentives to companies based
offered by India Post Payments Bank (IPPB). on their incremental sales of products
manufactured in India.
¾ Features of the POTDS:
The scheme aims to drive domestic manufacturing,
It offers four types of accounts with varying
spur job creation, bolster exports, facilitate
maturity periods: 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 5
technology transfer, and diminish import reliance.
years.
¾ Key Features:
It allows deposits from Rs. 1,000 to any amount,
Sector-specific: The scheme is currently active in
in multiples of Rs. 100.
14 key sectors: mobile manufacturing ,
It allows joint accounts, minor accounts, and
manufacturing of medical devices, automobiles
nomination facility.
and auto components, pharmaceuticals, drugs,
It provides income tax benefits for the 5-year specialty steel, telecom & networking products,
account under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, electronic products, white goods (ACs and LEDs),
of 1961. food products, textile products, solar PV modules,
z Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, of 1961, advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery, and drones
allows for deductions from gross total income and drone components.
for certain investments and expenses made by Incentive Rate: The incentive rate varies depending
individuals and Hindu Undivided Families on the sector and product category, but can range
(HUFs). from 4% to 6% of incremental sales.
Note:
What is the Status of the years from maturity are considered unclaimed
Automobile Sector in India? deposits. As of March 2023, around Rs 42,270
crore remains unclaimed in banks.
¾ India is the world’s third-largest automobile market.
The Automobile Sector resulted in 5.41% of the total What are the Revised RBI Guidelines?
FDI inflow as per the September 2023 DPIIT Report.
¾ Annual Review:
¾ The Electric Vehicle market is expected to grow at a
Banks must conduct an annual review of accounts
CAGR of 49% between 2022-2030 and the EV
with no customer-induced transactions for over
industry would create 5 Mn direct and indirect jobs
by 2030. a year.
¾ Related Government Initiatives: z In the absence of an explicit mandate to renew
FAME Scheme
term deposits, banks must review such
accounts.
Automotive Mission Plan 2016-26 (AMP 2026)
z Banks need to review such accounts, where the
customers have not withdrawn the proceeds
RBI Guidelines on Inoperative after maturity or transferred these to their
Accounts and Unclaimed savings/current account to prevent such
deposits from becoming unclaimed.
Deposits
¾ Communication Protocol:
Why in News? Banks are instructed to notify account holders
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently revised through letters, emails, or SMS about the lack of
guidelines regarding inoperative accounts and unclaimed operations in the last year.
deposits, aiming to streamline the classification and Alert messages must explicitly state the account’s
activation processes. impending ‘inoperative’ status if no operations
¾ The revised instructions apply to all Commercial occur in the next year.
Banks and all Cooperative Banks and will come into Customers will be required to submit fresh KYC
effect from 1st April 2024. documents for reactivation in such cases.
What are Inoperative Accounts and Unclaimed ¾ Classification Criteria for Inoperative Accounts:
Deposits? Only customer-induced transactions, not bank-
¾ Inoperative Account: induced ones, are considered for classification.
An account with no ‘customer-induced z Mandates like standing instructions or auto-
transactions’ for over two years is deemed renewal with no other operations are also
inoperative. treated as customer-induced transactions.
z A customer-induced transaction can be a z Bank-induced transactions encompass charges,
financial transaction initiated by or done at the fees, interest payments, penalties, and taxes.
behest of the account holder by the bank or The classification of an account as inoperative will
third party, a non-financial transaction, or a be for a particular account of the customer and
KYC (know your customer) updation done in
not with reference to the customer.
face-to-face physical mode or through digital
channels such as internet banking or mobile ¾ Exemptions from Inoperative Classification:
banking application of the bank. Accounts opened for beneficiaries of government
Around Rs 1-1.30 lakh crore is estimated to be schemes and students (with zero balance) should
lying in inoperative bank accounts. be segregated in the core banking solution.
¾ Unclaimed Deposits: z This ensures that the ‘inoperative’ label is not
Balances in savings/current accounts inactive for applied due to non-operation for more than
10 years or term deposits unclaimed after 10 two years.
Note:
¾ Reactivation Process: zThe steel industry plays a pivotal role in crucial
Reactivation of inoperative accounts necessitates sectors such as construction, infrastructure,
the submission of KYC documents. This process automobile, engineering, and defense.
applies to all branches, including non-home Steel is a key sector for the Indian economy
branches. (responsible for 2% of the country’s GDP in FY
z The Video-Customer Identification Process 21-22).
(V-CIP) can also be utilized for reactivation if ¾ Producing States:
requested by the account holder. India’s major steel-producing states include
z No charges are permitted for the activation of Odisha, which leads among all steel producing
inoperative accounts. states, followed by Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
¾ Penalties and Interest: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and West Bengal
Banks are not authorized to impose penal charges also play crucial roles.
for non-maintenance of minimum balances in any
What are the Government Initiatives for the
account classified as an inoperative account.
Growth of Steel Sector?
Accounts opened for beneficiaries of government
schemes and students (with zero balance) should ¾ Inclusion of Specialty Steel in PLI Scheme:
be segregated in the core banking solution. The government approved a Rs 6322 crore outlay
z This ensures that the ‘inoperative’ label is not for a 5-year period to promote manufacturing of
applied due to non-operation for more than specialty steel, attracting investments, and
two years. fostering technological advancements in the
Interest on savings accounts should be credited sector.
regularly irrespective of the fact that the account ¾ Green Steel Making:
is in operation or not. The Ministry of Steel constituted 13 Task Forces
¾ Depositor Education and Awareness Fund: with the engagement of industry, academia, think
The credit balance in any deposit account tanks, S&T bodies, different Ministries and other
maintained with banks, not operated for ten years stakeholders to discuss, deliberate and recommend
or more, is required to be transferred by banks to upon different levers of decarbonisation of the
the DEA (Depositor Education and Awareness) steel sector.
Fund maintained by the RBI. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(MNRE) has announced a National Green Mission
India’s Steel Sector for green hydrogen production and usage. The
steel sector has also been made a stakeholder in
Why in News? the mission.
The steel sector has adopted the Best Available
Over the years, the Steel Sector has witnessed
Technologies (BAT) available globally, in the
tremendous growth and India has emerged as a global
force in steel production and the 2nd largest producer of modernization & expansions projects.
steel in the world after China. ¾ Ministry’s Engagement with PM Gati Shakti National
Master Plan:
What is the State of Steel Sector in India?
The Ministry of Steel has integrated BISAG-N’s
¾ Present Scenario: India’s steel output has been capabilities into the PM Gati Shakti National
125.32 million tonnes (MT) of crude steel and 121.29 Master Plan, uploading geolocations of more than
MT of finished steel production in FY23. 2000 steel units to gain insights into steel
¾ Significance: production facilities.
Steel is one of the widely used materials all over This information will aid in planning railway line
the world. The iron and steel industry is the extension, inland waterways, highways, ports, and
bottom line producer industry. gas pipeline connectivity.
Note:
¾ Steel Scrap Recycling Policy:

The Steel Scrap Recycling Policy (SSRP) has been Inflation in India:
notified in 2019 which provides a framework to Demand vs. Supply
facilitate and promote establishment of metal
scrapping centres in the country for scientific
Why in News?
processing and recycling of ferrous scrap generated
from various sources including end of life vehicles Recently, Inflation in India is a perennial concern,
(ELVs). but recent observations by the Reserve Bank of India
¾ National Steel Policy 2017: (RBI) suggest changing dynamics influenced by both
supply and demand factors.
The Government has formulated the National
Steel Policy 2017, which lays down the broad ¾ Over the entire period from January 2019 to May
roadmap for encouraging long term growth for 2023, approximately 55% of the Consumer Price
the Indian steel industry, both on demand and Index (CPI) headline inflation is attributed to supply-
supply sides, by 2030-31. side factors and the contribution of demand drivers
z Government ’s push for infrastructure
to inflation stood at 31%.
development through Gati-Shakti Master Plan, What has Caused Inflation
‘Make-in-India’ initiative for manufacturing in India in Recent Years?
sector and other flagship schemes of the
Government would provide impetus to the ¾ During the two waves of Covid-19, supply disruptions
demand and consumption of steel in the were the main cause of inflation.
country. . The start of the pandemic, lockdowns caused a
¾ Steel and Steel products (Quality Control) Order: major decline in production and demand, leading
The Ministry of Steel has introduced Steel Quality
to a steep drop in economic growth.
Control Order, thereby banning sub-standard/ This phase also saw a decrease in commodity
defective steel products both from domestic & prices due to weakened demand.
imports to ensure the availability of quality steel As the economy began to reopen with distribution
to the industry, users and public at large. As per of vaccines and release of pent-up demand,
the Order, it is ensured that only quality steel demand recovered more rapidly than supply. This
conforming to the relevant BIS standards are imbalance resulted in rising pressures on
made available to the end users. commodity prices.
¾ Safety in the Iron & Steel Sector: ¾ The onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022
After extensive consultations with stakeholders, further intensified supply chain challenges and
academia etc, a set of 25 common minimum added to commodity price pressures.
Safety Guidelines for the Iron & Steel Sector was
formulated.
These Safety Guidelines are at par with the global
standards and are compliant with the
requirements of the ILO Code of practice on
safety in the Iron & Steel industry.
Inputs have also been taken from the World Steel
Association’s guidance document on “Safety &
Health Principles and Definitions”.
¾ National Metallurgist Award:
What is the Methodology
This award is a prestigious award given by the
Ministry of Steel to recognize the outstanding
for Assessing Inflation Causes?
contributions of metallurgists in the iron and steel ¾ Unforeseen shifts in prices and quantities within a
sector. month determine whether inflation is demand-
Note:
driven (prices and quantities move in the same decrease in supply is linked with a lower volume
direction) or supply-driven (prices and quantities but an increase in price, and vice versa.
move in opposite directions). ¾ Demand and supply factors at the sub-group level
An increase in demand leads to a rise in both were combined using the CPI weights to assess
prices and quantities, while a decrease in overall headline inflation.
demand results in a reduction in both. ¾ Headline inflation is a measure of the total inflation
Inflation is considered to be supply-driven if there within an economy, including commodities such as
is an unexpected change in prices and quantities food and energy prices, which tend to be much more
that move in opposite directions. In this case, a volatile and prone to inflationary spikes.
Note:
The headline inflation figure is reported through Collective bargaining by labor unions can
the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which calculates result in higher wages, leading to
the cost to purchase a fixed basket of goods to increased production costs and
determine how much inflation is occurring in the subsequently higher prices for goods and
broad economy. services.
What is Inflation?
¾ About:
Banks’ Gross
Inflation, as defined by the International NPAs Drop to 3.2%
Monetary Fund, is the rate of increase in prices
over a given period, encompassing a broad Why in News?
measure of overall price increases or for specific The gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio for
goods and services. Scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) witnessed a
It reflects the rising cost of living and indicates significant decline, falling from 3.9% at the end of March
how much more expensive a set of goods and/or 2023 to 3.2% by the end of September, 2023, as per the
services has become over a specified period, recent report of Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
usually a year. ¾ Contributing factors: Write-offs, Upgrades, and
z In India, inflation’s impact is particularly Recoveries.
significant due to economic disparities and a What is a Non-Performing Asset?
large population.
¾ About:
¾ Different Causes of Inflation:
As per RBI, an asset becomes non-performing
Demand-Pull Inflation:
when it ceases to generate income for the bank.
z Demand Pull inflation occurs when the
NPA is usually a loan or advance for which the
demand for goods and services exceeds their principal or interest payment remained overdue
supply. When the overall demand in the for a certain period of time.
economy is high, consumers are willing to pay
z In most cases, debt is classified as non-
more for the available goods and services,
performing, when the loan payments have not
leading to a general rise in prices.
been made for a minimum period of 90 days.
A booming economy with high consumer z For agriculture, if principle and interest is not
spending can create excess demand, paid for 2 cropping seasons, the loan is
putting upward pressure on prices. classified as NPA.
Cost-Push Inflation: ¾ Types:
z Cost-push inflation is driven by an increase in Banks are required to classify NPAs further into
the production costs for goods and services. the following three categories based on the period
This can be caused by factors such as increased for which the asset has remained non-performing
incomes, increased costs of raw materials, or and the realizability of the dues:
disruptions in the supply chain. z Sub-standard Assets: A substandard asset is
Built-In or Wage-Price Inflation: an asset classified as an NPA for a period less
z This type of inflation is often described as a than or equal to 12 months.
feedback loop between wages and prices. z Doubtful Assets: A doubtful asset is an asset
When workers demand higher wages, that has been non performing for a period
businesses may raise prices to cover the exceeding 12 months.
increased labor costs. This, in turn, prompts z Loss Assets: Assets that are uncollectible and
workers to seek higher wages, and the cycle where there is little, or no hope of recovery
continues. and that needs to be fully written off.
Note:
¾ Gross NPA(GNPA) and Net NPA: adjudicate and recover debts owed to banks and
GNPA: This is the total amount of NPAs without financial institutions.
deducting the provisional amount. The Securitisation and Reconstruction of
Net NPA: This is the gross NPA minus the Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security
Interest Act (SARFAESI Act), 2002: Empowers
provision.
banks and financial institutions to take possession
z Provision refers to funds left aside by banks to and sell secured assets of defaulting borrowers
cover potential losses arising from bad loans without court intervention.
or NPAs. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016:
¾ Provisions to Deal with NPAs in India: Provides a fast-track corporate insolvency
The Recovery of Debts due to Banks and Financial resolution process for stressed assets, including
Institutions Act (RDB Act), 1993: It established NPAs.
Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) and Debts z IBC has helped resolve Rs 3.16 lakh crore of
Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs) to quickly debt stuck in 808 cases, since its inception.
¾ Write-offs: Write-offs refer to the removal of a non-performing loan or asset from the bank’s books as an
acknowledgment that the debt is unlikely to be recovered.
This action does not absolve the borrower from the obligation to repay but acknowledges the unlikelihood
of recovery.
¾ Upgrades: It refers to the process of reclassifying a loan account from NPA back to a “standard” asset category,
if certain conditions are satisfied including: arrears of interest and principal are paid by the borrower.
¾ Recoveries: Recoveries represent the funds or assets regained by the bank after taking actions to collect on
defaulted loans or NPAs.
These can include repayments, collateral liquidation, or settlements after pursuing recovery mechanisms.
nnn
Note:
International Relations
Highlights
z India and Saudi Arabia Sign Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 z Global Geopolitical Intricacies and Opportunities for India
z Annual Exchange of Nuclear Installation Lists: India and Pakistan z India-Italy Migration and Mobility Agreement
z Issue of Indians Jailed Abroad z Red Sea and Panama Canal
¾ It takes place during Dhu’al-Hijjah, the final month

India and Saudi Arabia Sign of the Islamic calendar, and is performed over five
to six days.
Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024
¾ The pilgrims wear simple white garments (Ihram) to
Why in News? symbolize equality and purity.
¾ The pilgrims circle the Kaaba, a black cubic structure
The Indian government has recently signed a
at the Grand Mosque, seven times in a counter-
Bilateral Haj Agreement for the year 2024 with the
clockwise direction, and kiss or touch the Black Stone
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), marking a significant
on its corner.
development in the facilitation of the annual Haj
This ritual is called Tawaf, which means “going
pilgrimage.
round and round” in Arabic.
¾ The agreement sets a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims
from India for Haj 2024, with 1,40,020 seats reserved Haj pilgrimage for the Indian Pilgrims
for the Haj Committee of India and 35,005 for Haj ¾ Haj pilgrimage for the Indian Pilgrims is conducted
Group Operators. either through Haj Committee of India (HCoI), which
¾ The agreement also appreciates and supports the is a statutory organization under the administrative
initiative of the Indian government to encourage the control of Ministry of Minority Affairs or through
participation of women pilgrims without a the Haj Group Organisers (HGOs) duly approved
Mehram(Male Companion). by Ministry.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs is the nodal
What are the Key ministry to conduct Haj pilgrimage in India.
Highlights of the Haj Pilgrimage? ¾ The Haj Committee of India (HCI) was established
¾ The Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage to the holy city of in 2002 under the Haj Committee Act, 2002.
Mecca in Saudi Arabia that every adult Muslim must All aspects of the arrangements for the HCI
make at least once in their lifetime. It is one of the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia are coordinated by
five pillars of Islam. the Consulate General of India (CGI), Jeddah,
The Other Pillars of Islam: Saudi Arabia.
z Shahada (Faith): The declaration of faith in the
oneness of God and the acceptance of Annual Exchange of Nuclear
Muhammad as God’s prophet.
z Salah (Prayer): Performing the five daily
Installation Lists: India and
prayers facing the Kaaba in Mecca. Pakistan
z Zakat (Charity): Giving a portion of one’s
wealth to those in need. Why in News?
z Sawm (Fasting): Fasting during the month of Recently, India and Pakistan have exchanged lists of
Ramadan. their respective nuclear installations and facilities
Note:
through diplomatic channels in New Delhi (India) and Disagreements over Demilitarization: Calls for
Islamabad (Pakistan). demilitarization on both sides of the LoC remain
¾ This exchange falls under the Agreement on the unaddressed, hindering progress towards peaceful
Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations resolution.
and Facilities between the two countries. ¾ Terrorism:
Cross-border Infiltration: Accusations by India of
What is the Agreement on the Prohibition of Pakistan-backed militants infiltrating the LoC to
Attack Against Nuclear Installations and Facilities? carry out terrorist attacks.
¾ About: The Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack Designation of Terror Groups: Differences in
against Nuclear Installations and Facilities was signed designating militant groups as terrorist
on 31st December, 1988, by the then Pakistani Prime organizations by both countries create obstacles
Minister Benazir Bhutto and Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi. to counter-terrorism cooperation.
The treaty came into force on 27th January, 1991. Impact on Civilian Populations: Terrorist attacks
The recent one is the 33rd consecutive exchange claim innocent lives and foster further animosity
between the two communities.
of such lists between the two countries, the first
one having taken place on 01st January, 1992. ¾ Water Sharing:
Construction of Dams: Dispute over construction
¾ Background: While other factors might have played
of dams and hydroelectric projects on the Indus
a role, the direct trigger for the negotiation and
River and its tributaries, impacting water flow
signing of the agreement was the tension generated
and usage rights.
by the 1986-87 Brasstacks exercise by the Indian
Implementation of Indus Water Treaty:
Army.
Differences in interpreting and implementing
Operation Brasstacks was a military exercise clauses of the treaty regarding water allocation
conducted in the Indian state of Rajasthan, near and dispute resolution mechanisms.
the Pakistan border.
¾ Trade and Economic Ties:
¾ Mandate: The agreement mandates both countries Trade Barriers: Restrictive trade policies and high
to inform each other about any nuclear installations tariffs imposed by both countries hinder cross-
and facilities to be covered under the agreement on border trade and economic connectivity.
the 1st of January of every calendar year, providing z In August 2019, Pakistan halted trade with India
a confidence-building security measure environment. in response to constitutional amendments
According to the agreement, the term ‘nuclear made in the Jammu and Kashmir region.
installation or facility’ includes nuclear power z India imposed a 200% tariff on Pakistani
and research reactors, fuel fabrication, uranium imports in 2019, when Pakistan’s Most Favored
enrichment, iso-topes separation, and Nation (MFN) designation was removed in the
reprocessing facilities as well as any other aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist incident.
installations with fresh or irradiated nuclear fuel Limited Cross-border Investment: Political
and materials in any form and establishments tensions and security concerns discourage
storing significant quantities of radioactive investment and joint ventures between
materials. businesses in both countries.
Dependence on Third-party Trade Routes:
What are the Major Areas
Reliance on trade routes outside the region
of Dispute Between India and Pakistan? increases costs and reduces efficiency for both
¾ Kashmir Dispute: economies.
Line of Control Violations: Frequent ceasefire ¾ Regional Geopolitics:
violations along the LoC, resulting in casualties China’s Role in Pakistan: Increased Chinese
and escalating tensions. investment and presence in Pakistan, including
Note:
projects like the China-Pakistan Economic

Corridor, create concerns for India about strategic Issue of Indians Jailed Abroad
alliances and balance of power.
Why in News?
How can India and Pakistan
With India being the highest diaspora of citizens the
Move Towards Dispute Resolution?
world over, more than 9,500 Indians are currently in Jails
¾ Building Confidence Measures: abroad.
Strengthening Communication: Establishing ¾ Three in every five are lodged in jails in the Middle
direct, secure communication channels at various East, and the third-largest population of prison
levels for open dialogue and crisis management. inmates in the region is in Qatar.
De-escalation at the LoC: Implementing and NOTE: According to the Ministry of External Affairs
strengthening ceasefire agreements, reducing (MEA), more than 1.3 crore Non-Resident Indians
troop deployments, and establishing joint (NRIs), over 1.8 crore Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs),
mechanisms for investigating violations. and as many as 3.2 crore Overseas Indians stay in 210
People-to-People Initiatives: Promoting cultural countries.
and academic exchanges, sports events, and joint
Where are Most Indian Prisoners Lodged?
initiatives addressing common challenges like
climate change and healthcare. ¾ Total Indians Jailed Abroad:
As many as 9,521 Indians are lodged in jails in 89
¾ Addressing Core Issues:
of the 210 countries where diaspora from the
Kashmir Dispute Resolution: Seeking a just and
country is based.
lasting solution to the Kashmir issue through
¾ Middle East:
dialogue, considering the aspirations of the
More than 62% are lodged in the Middle East,
Kashmiri people and respecting international legal
frameworks. followed by Asia.
The highest number of Indian prisoners — 2,200
Combating Terrorism: Intensifying joint efforts to
dismantle terrorist networks, addressing — are lodged in Saudi Arabia, followed by the
financing and ideological sources, and ensuring United Arab Emirates.
accountability for past acts. Qatar has 752 Indian prisoners followed by
Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.
Water Cooperation: Implementing the Indus
Water Treaty effectively, sharing data and ¾ Asia:
information transparently, and exploring joint In Asia, a little over 23% of the total 1,227
water management projects for mutual benefit. prisoners are in Nepal followed by Malaysia,
¾ Regional and International Cooperation: Pakistan, China, Singapore, Bhutan and
Bangladesh.
Encouraging Mediation: Facilitating talks through
¾ Europe:
regional forums like SAARC, seeking solutions
In Europe, the majority of Indian prisoners are
acceptable to both parties.
lodged in the United Kingdom (278) followed by
Balancing External Influences: Both countries
Italy, Germany, France and Spain.
need to navigate their relationships with external
powers like China and the US to avoid jeopardizing What Happens When an
bilateral progress. Indian is Imprisoned Abroad?
¾ Fostering Public Understanding and Support: ¾ Monitor:
Media Responsibility: Promoting responsible Indian Missions and Posts abroad closely monitor
media coverage, avoiding negative stereotyping, incidents of Indian nationals being jailed for
and emphasizing positive stories of cooperation alleged violation of local laws, according to the
and shared history. MEA’s Standard Operating Procedure.
Note:
As soon as information about the detention or
India has signed Agreement(s) on TSP with 31
arrest of an Indian national is received by the countries under which Indian prisoners lodged in
Mission or Post, it gets in touch with the local foreign countries can be transferred to India to
Foreign Office and other local authorities to get serve the remainder of their sentence and vice-
consular access to such individuals. versa.
¾ Ensure Welfare and Consular Assistance: z These include Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh,
MEA officials then ascertain the facts of the case, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria,
confirm Indian nationality, and ensure the welfare Cambodia, Egypt, Estonia, France, Hong Kong,
of such individuals in various ways, such as Iran, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kuwait,
extending all possible consular assistance, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Qatar, Russia,
assistance in providing legal aid wherever needed, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka,
and approaching local law enforcement agencies Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates (UAE),
to complete judicial proceedings at the earliest United Kingdom and Vietnam.
possible. India has also signed two multilateral conventions
on transfer of sentenced persons — the Inter-
What are the Government Steps to American Convention on Serving Criminal
Provide Assistance to the Prisoners Abroad? Sentences Abroad and Council of Europe
¾ Legal Assistance: Convention on Transfer of Sentenced Persons —
Indian Missions and Posts maintain a local panel under which sentenced persons of member states
of lawyers in countries where the Indian and other countries which have acceded to these
community is based in sizable numbers. can seek transfer of prisoners.
No fee is charged for the facilities extended by From 2006 till January 2022, 86 prisoners were
the Embassy. transferred under the TSP; these included 75
imprisoned Indians transferred to India and 11
The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is
foreign prisoners transferred to their respective
set up at Missions and Posts abroad to assist
countries.
overseas Indian nationals in distress situations
in deserving cases.
The support extended under ICWF includes Global Geopolitical Intricacies
financial assistance for legal aid as well as travel
documents and air tickets during repatriation.
and Opportunities for India
¾ Repatriation of Indian Nationals: Why in News?
The government follows up the issue of release
Despite India’s emphasis on that, “this is not the era
and repatriation of Indian nationals in foreign
of war”, the Year 2023 became a year of wars: Russia-
prisons during consular and other consultations
Ukraine conflict and the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip
with countries.
are now among the most destructive conflicts of recent
¾ Pardon and Reduction in Prison Sentences: decades.
Some countries grant pardon or reduction of
¾ These conflicts, alongside China’s assertive behavior,
sentence to inmates of various nationalities from pose significant challenges and disrupt diplomatic
time to time but do not share the data with the efforts, causing worry not only in the West but also
countries concerned. in India.
z Since 2014, 4,597 Indian nationals have
received pardon or reduction of their sentences What is the Overview of 2023 Global
by foreign governments due to efforts by the Geopolitical Trends and Challenges for India?
Indian Government through various channels. ¾ Crisis in the Middle East:
¾ Agreement(s) on Transfer of Sentenced Persons Two years of sustained effort to normalize ties
(TSP): between Israel and the Arab world was disrupted
Note:
by the Hamas attack in which more than 1,200 ¾ China’s Behaviour:

civilians and military personnel were killed, and China continues to be India’s biggest worry and
more than 230 taken hostage. strategic challenge. The Border Standoff is in its
Israel’s angry and disproportionate response has fourth year, with the force posture being
so far killed more than 20,000 Palestinians in maintained to rival the Chinese military presence.
Gaza — which has attracted criticism from even The dependence of Moscow, India’s strategic
the US. The Israeli-Arab reconciliation process has defence partner, on Beijing for economic survival,
been derailed for now, and the future of Gaza is and the Maldives getting closer to China in the
unknown. Indian Ocean have added to the concern.
z India backed a two-state solution to resolve
¾ G-20 and Global South:
the decades-old Israel-Palestine conflict and
India’s success in negotiating a joint declaration
bring lasting peace to the troubled region.
at the G20 summit came as a surprise for many
¾ Stress in India-US Ties:
in the international community.
After successful visits by the Indian and President
A big takeaway from the G20 process was New
Joe Biden to each other’s capitals, bilateral ties
Delhi’s mobilisation of developing and less
are facing headwinds over allegations of an
Indian official link to an assassination plot against developed countries under the umbrella of the
a Khalistani separatist in the US. Global South.
The idea of leading the Global South is seen as
India’s response has been different from the way
it reacted to Canada when it suggested an Indian taking forward the legacy of India’s Non-Alignment
government link to the murder of another leadership, only adapted to the 21st century.
Khalistani in that country. ¾ Engagement with Taliban:
India has expressed India’s “commitment to the There has been a change of guard in the
rule of law”, and promised to “look into” the role Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi, with the
of Indian citizens in the alleged US plot if incumbent ambassador leaving and that country’s
information is provided. diplomats in Mumbai and Hyderabad stepping in
¾ Russia-Ukraine War: to take charge.
As the war drags on, the West is facing funding To India’s relief, they have assured they won’t fly
challenges. Ukraine hopes to get Euro 18.5 billion the Taliban flag or have Taliban nomenclature in
from the European Union and more than USD 8 their official correspondence.
billion from a US package that also contains vital
military assistance. What are the Upcoming
But the assistance has been blocked — by Challenges for India in 2024?
Republicans in the US Congress and by Hungary ¾ US & Canada Relations:
in the EU — so far. Resolving the US ‘assassination plot’ issue is a
Meanwhile, Putin’s re-election as Russia’s challenge. The US President’s absence at Republic
President is a foregone conclusion. The Russian Day caused irritation, delaying the Quad summit.
economy has been resilient despite sanctions, and
Canada’s allegations also strain ties, but public
proximity between Moscow and Beijing worries
support backs India’s response. Different
the West.
approaches are needed for US and Canada issues,
¾ India’s Maldives Challenges:
as both countries hold distinct importance for
The government of President Mohamed Muizzu,
India.
who rode an “India Out” campaign to power, has
¾ Pakistan Relations:
asked India to withdraw military personnel
stationed in the Maldives, and conveyed its Since 2019, when the Indian government was re-
intention to terminate a water survey pact. The elected and the constitutional changes in Jammu
Muizzu establishment is considered close to and Kashmir were affected, ties with Pakistan
China. have been at a low.
Note:
The change of guard in Islamabad and Rawalpindi bolstering people-to-people ties between India
did not make much difference, and India kept to and Italy.
its doctrine of indifference towards Pakistan. It facilitates mobility for various segments,
z Elections are now due in Pakistan, and there i n c l u d i n g s t u d e n t s , s k i l l e d w o r ke r s ,
could be a new government there after businesspersons, and young professionals,
February 2024. fostering exchange and collaboration.
¾ Bangladesh Elections: ¾ Key Provisions:
Bilateral ties have gained positive momentum in Temporary Residence for Indian Students:
the last 15 years of the Sheikh Hasina government, Graduates seeking professional exposure in Italy
and Indian will be keen to see her return to power post-academic or vocational training can secure
in the elections due early in the new year. temporary residency for up to 12 months.
Security imperatives guide India’s choice in Dhaka;
Reserved Quotas for Workers: The agreement
the Bangladesh opposition is viewed with
outlines quotas for non-seasonal and seasonal
suspicion and animosity, going by the track record
Indian workers, with a reserved quota range over
of the Khaleda Zia government in the early 2000s.
the years 2023-2025 under the existing Flows
¾ China Border Standoff:
Decree.
The border standoff is ongoing since 2020, and
z The Italian government’s annual “Flow Decree”
any fresh escalation will impact both the security
(Decreto Flussi) sets the maximum number of
environment and India’s domestic political
non-EU citizens who can enter Italy for work
atmosphere.
and self-employment
India will be extra careful in its response to a
challenge from its biggest adversary. That ¾ Implementation:
imperative will frame India’s diplomacy towards The agreement will remain in force for 5 years,
China in the next few months, and even later. with automatic renewal unless terminated.
¾ West Asia Dynamics: A Joint Working Group (JWG) will oversee its
India’s evolving stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict implementation, convening periodically to

and the nuanced diplomatic positioning in the evaluate progress and propose supportive
region present complex challenges. measures for effective execution.
¾ Balancing Interests between Russia and US: Key Facts About Italy
Balancing interests between imports of Russian ¾ About:
oil and pressure from the US amid the ongoing
Italy is a boot-shaped peninsula that juts out of
war shapes India’s foreign policy strategy.
southern Europe into the Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenian
Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and other waters.
India-Italy Migration ¾ Bordering Countries:
and Mobility Agreement Italy has international borders with Austria,
France, the Holy See (Vatican City), San Marino,
Why in News? Slovenia, and Switzerland.
Recently, the Union Cabinet granted ex-post facto Italy also shares maritime borders with
approval to the Migration and Mobility Agreement Albania, Algeria, Croatia, Greece, Libya, Malta,
between India and Italy. Montenegro, Spain, and Tunisia.
¾ Form of Government: Republic
What is Migration and Mobility
¾ Capital: Rome
Agreement between India and Italy?
¾ Money: Euro
¾ About:
¾ Major Mountains: Alps, Apennines
The agreement is set to strengthen cooperation
on issues related to irregular migration while ¾ Major Rivers: Po, Adige, Arno, Tiber
Note:
¾ Security:
The India-Italy Military Cooperation Group
(MCG) is a forum established to boost defense
cooperation between the both countries.
¾ Other Initiatives Involving India and Italy:
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
Global Biofuel Alliance
Blue-Raman project
Red Sea and Panama Canal

Why in News?
Recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea trade route
and the ongoing drought problem at the Panama Canal
have raised worries about global trade disruptions.
What are the Key Issues in the
What are the Other Areas of
Red Sea and Panama Canal Presently?
Cooperation Between India and Italy?
¾ Red Sea:
¾ Historical Ties:
Issue: Chemical tanker MV Chem Pluto was struck
India and Italy are ancient civilizations but young by a drone attack, approximately 200 nautical
states. Italian port cities were important trading miles off Gujarat’s coast.
posts on the spice route.
z MV Chem Pluto is a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-
The Venetian merchant Marco Polo, during his owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical
travels to the east, also traveled to India in the tanker. It had started its journey carrying crude
13th century and wrote about his experiences. from Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia and was expected
¾ Political: to arrive in New Mangalore, India.
Political relations between India and Italy were Alleged Involved Entity: It is believed to have been
established in 1947. carried out by Houthi rebels based in Yemen,
citing protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
In March 2023, India and Italy elevated their
relationship to a Strategic Partnership. z Houthi rebels are also engaged in a decade-
long civil conflict with Yemen’s government.
¾ Economic:
Impact on India: Concerns arise for Indian oil
The bilateral trade between the two countries was
importers and exporters of key commodities like
valued at USD 14.25 billion in 2022-23. basmati and tea due to disruptions in this critical
z Italy is among India’s top 5 trading partners in trade route.
the European Union. z Disruption in the Red Sea route could increase
Main items of Indian exports to Italy are ready- Indian agricultural product prices by 10-20%
made garments, leather, iron ore, motor vehicles, as shipments reroute through the Cape of
textiles, chemicals, gems & jewelry. Good Hope.
z The main items of import from Italy are general NOTE: Global oil and petroleum flows have declined
and special purpose machinery, machine due to major shipping companies avoiding the Red Sea.
tools, metallurgical products, and engineering However, India’s oil imports from Russia remain
items. unaffected.
Note:
Issue: Due to drought conditions, shipping
through the 51-mile stretch of the Panama Canal
has decreased by over 50%.
z A naturally occurring El Nino climate pattern
associated with warmer-than-usual water in
the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean
is contributing to Panama’s drought.
Impact: This shortage of water is compelling
vessels traveling from Asia to the US to opt for
the Suez Canal, adding six extra days compared
to the Panama Canal route.
z While the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait that leads to
the Suez Canal in the Red Sea region connects
¾ India’s reliance on Russian oil, perceived as Iran’s Asia to Europe, the 100-year-old Panama Canal
ally, has remained stable amid the conflict in the Red connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Sea. Both these routes are among the busiest
¾ Panama Canal: in the world.
What is the Significance of As of 2019, the total value of the annual world
Maritime Transport in Global Trade? shipping trade had reached more than 14 trillion
US Dollars.
¾ Unrivaled Volume and Value Carrier: Maritime
¾ Environmental Considerations: While shipping does
transport shoulders a colossal 80% of global trade
contribute to around 3% of global greenhouse gas
by volume and over 70% by value, far surpassing emissions, it is relatively more fuel-efficient and
other modes of transportation as per the United emits less per ton of cargo transported compared to
Nations Conference on Trade and Development. other modes of transportation like air freight.
Note:
¾ Energy Transportation: The majority of the world’s Key Facts About Italy
energy resources, such as oil and natural gas, are
¾ Alternate Trade Routes Under Consideration
transported by sea. Tankers carry these resources
from production areas to consuming regions, playing ¾ Recently, there has been renewed interest in the Ben
a critical role in meeting global energy demands. Gurion Canal Project, a proposed 160-mile-long sea-
level canal that would connect the Mediterranean
What Measures India can Adopt Sea with the Gulf of Aqaba, bypassing the Suez Canal.
to Reduce Vulnerability to These Issues?
¾ Joint Maritime Security Initiative: Propose a
collaborative security framework with key Red Sea
stakeholders (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Yemen)
involving intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols,
and joint exercises.
¾ Deploy Advanced Surveillance Systems: Install
integrated radar and drone surveillance systems
along India’s western coastline to enhance early
threat detection and response capabilities.
¾ Negotiate Preferential Access: Engage with Panama
Canal authorities to explore preferential passage
for Indian vessels or potential toll discounts for
specific routes.
nnn
Note:
Social Issues
Highlights
z Vaccine Drive to Fight Cervical Cancer z Caste Based Discrimination in Indian Prisons
z Global Risks Report 2024: WEF z Sickle Cell Disease
z Rise of Child Marriages in West Bengal z Prioritizing the Poor, Youth, Women, and Farmers
z Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 67 z Huntington’s Disease
Note:
and treating precancerous lesions) will prevent

Vaccine Drive to Fight most cervical cancer cases.
Cervical Cancer When diagnosed, cervical cancer is one of the
most successfully treatable forms of cancer, as
Why In News? long as it is detected early and managed effectively.
The Indian Government intends to initiate a three- India accounts for about a fifth of the global burden
phase vaccination drive against human papillomavirus for cervical cancer, recording about 1.25 lakh cases
(HPV) for girls aged 9-14, aiming to mitigate the risk of and about 75,000 deaths each year.
cervical cancer. ¾ Types of Strain:
¾ The vaccine also offers protection against the HPV
z Persistent infections with certain high-risk HPV
strains that cause cancer of the anus, vagina and
strains lead to nearly 85% of all cervical cancers.
oropharynx. Additionally, it also protects against the
HPV strains that are responsible for genital warts. z At least 14 HPV types have been identified as
oncogenic (potential to cause cancer).
NOTE: The Serum Institute of India in 2023 launched
an indigenous HPV vaccine known as CERVAVAC. Among these, HPV types 16 and 18, considered
to be the most oncogenic, have been found to be
What is Cervical Cancer? responsible for about 70% of all cervical cancer
¾ About: cases globally.
Cervical cancer develops in a woman’s cervix. It
is the 4th most common type of cancer among
women, globally and 2nd most common among Global Risks Report 2024:
women in India. WEF
z India contributes the largest share of the global
cervical cancer burden; nearly 1 in every 4 Why in News?
deaths globally due to cervical cancer (as per
The Lancet study). Recently, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has
Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked
released the Global Risk Report 2024, highlighting some
to infection with high-risk Human Papillomavirus of the most severe risks we may face over the next decade,
(HPV) , an extremely common virus transmitted against a backdrop of rapid technological change,
through sexual contact. economic uncertainty, a warming planet and conflict.
z Effective primary (HPV vaccination) and ¾ The report is based on a survey of nearly 1,500 experts,
secondary prevention approaches (screening for industry leaders and policymakers.
Note:
What are the Key Highlights of the Global Risk potential digital isolation and worsening societal
Report 2024? and environmental impacts.
¾ Deteriorating Global Outlook: ¾ Security Risks and Technological Advances:

Various global events in 2023, including lethal Interstate armed conflict is identified as a new
conflicts, Extreme Weather Conditions, and societal entrant into the top risk rankings over the next
discontent, have contributed to a predominantly two years.
negative outlook. Technological advances, especially in artificial
¾ AI Powered Misinformation and Disinformation: intelligence, pose security risks as they enable non-
state actors to access disruptive tools, potentially
Misinformation and disinformation are listed as
leading to increased conflict and crime.
the most severe risks over the next two years,
highlighting how rapid advances in technology ¾ Geopolitical Shifts and Governance Challenges:
also are creating new problems or making existing A deeper divide between global powers, especially
ones worse. between the Global North and South, may lead to
It is concerning that the boom in Generative challenges in international governance.
AI chatbots like ChatGPT means that creating The growing influence of states in the Global
sophisticated synthetic content that can be used South, combined with geopolitical tensions, could
to manipulate groups of people won’t be limited reshape security dynamics and impact global risks.
any longer to those with specialized skills.
What are the Recommendations?
AI-powered misinformation and disinformation
is emerging as a risk just as billions of people in ¾ Localized strategies leveraging investment and
a slew of countries, including large economies regulation can reduce the impact of those inevitable
like the United States, Britain, Indonesia, India, risks that we can prepare for, and both the public and
Mexico, and Pakistan, are set to head to the polls private sector can play a key role to extend these
in 2024 and next. benefits to all.
¾ Structural Forces Shaping Global Risks: ¾ Single breakthrough endeavors, grown through efforts
to prioritize the future and focus on research and
There are four structural forces shaping global risks
development, can similarly help make the world a
over the next decade: Climate change, Demographic
safer place.
Bifurcation, Technological Acceleration, and
Geostrategic shifts. ¾ The collective actions of individual citizens, companies
and countries may seem insignificant on their own,
These forces represent longer-term shifts in
but at critical mass they can move the needle on
the global landscape, and their interactions will
contribute to uncertainty and volatility. global risk reduction.
¾ Environmental Risks at the Forefront: ¾ Even in a world that is increasingly fragmented, cross-
border collaboration at scale remains critical for risks
Environmental risks, particularly extreme weather,
that are decisive for human security and prosperity.
dominate the risk landscape over all time frames.
Concerns about climate change, biodiversity loss, What is Global Risk?
and critical changes to Earth systems are evident, ¾ Global risk is defined as the possibility of the
with potential irreversible consequences. occurrence of an event or condition which, if it occurs,
¾ Economic Strains and Inequality: would negatively impact a significant proportion of
The cost-of-living crisis and economic risks such as global gross domestic product, population or natural
Inflation and economic downturn are significant resources.
concerns for 2024. ¾ The Global Risks Report is an annual study published
Economic uncertainty will disproportionately affect by the World Economic Forum ahead of the Forum’s
low- and middle-income countries, leading to Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Note:
What is the World Economic Forum? Has Policy Intervention in West Bengal
¾ About: Effectively Curbed Child Marriage?
The WEF is a Swiss nonprofit foundation ¾ Policy Interventions to Stop CHild Marriage in West
established in 1971, based in Geneva, Switzerland. Bengal:
Recognized by the Swiss authorities as the The Kanyashree Prakalpa Scheme:
international institution for public-private z Launched in 2013, Kanyashree Prakalpa
cooperation. incentivizes the schooling of teenage girls aged
¾ Mission: 13 to 18 while simultaneously discouraging
Committed to improving the state of the world child marriage. The scheme has covered 81
by engaging business, political, academic, and lakh girls, according to the West Bengal Budget
other leaders of society to shape global, regional, for 2023-24.
and industry agendas. The scheme received international
¾ Founder and Executive Chairman: Klaus Schwab. recognition with the United Nations Public
¾ Some major reports published by WEF are: Service Award in 2017.
Energy Transition Index. z While the school enrolment of girls has increased
Global Competitiveness Report. in the State, questions are being posed based
Global IT Report
on National Family Health Survey data and
the Lancet study of whether the scheme has
z WEF along with INSEAD, and Cornell University
achieved its promise of arresting child marriage.
publishes this report.
Rupashree Prakalpa:
Global Gender Gap Report.
z In addition to Kanyashree, the state government
Global Travel and Tourism Report.
runs the Rupashree Prakalpa, providing cash
incentives for girls’ marriages.
Rise of Child Marriages in Some families utilize benefits from both
West Bengal schemes, organizing marriages shortly

after cashing in on the school scheme.
Why in News? ¾ Educational Stride and Child Marriage Rates:
A recent Lancet study on child marriage in India Despite girl’s enrolment in schools has “significantly
highlighted an overall decrease in child marriage across increased over the past few years and yet the
the country. However, it emphasized that certain states, incidence of child marriage remains high in West
specifically Bihar (16.7%), West Bengal (15.2%), Uttar Bengal”.
Pradesh (12.5%), and Maharashtra (8.2%), collectively z The All-India Survey of Higher Education for 2020-
contributed to over half of the total headcount burden 21 puts the number of estimated enrolment
of child marriages in girls. of girls in West Bengal at 9.29 lakh, which is
¾ Despite the implementation of multiple policy higher than the boys enrolment which stood
interventions in West Bengal aimed at curbing child at 8.63 lakh.
marriage, the region has experienced a substantial As per NFHS- 5, the Purba Medinipur district with
surge of 32.3% in the incidence of child marriages.
over 88% literacy rate has the highest incidence
This increase corresponds to over 500,000 additional
of child marriage of more than 57.6%.
girls getting married as children.
Experts noted migration in West Bengal fuels
NOTE: child marriage as families fear leaving unmarried
¾ National Family Health Survey-5 ( 2019-21): daughters behind, driven by societal norms and
The National Family Health Survey-5 indicates economic factors.
that the prevalence of women aged 20-24 years z This perpetuates a cycle where cultural
married before 18 remains high in West Bengal at expectations prioritize early marriages for wives
41.6%, compared to the national figure of 23.3%. to bear children while men work.
Note:
¾ Challenges in Law Implementation: z Each year, some 12 million more girls will marry
Beyond social issues, challenges in law before reaching age 18 and of those, 4 million
implementation contribute to the persistence are under age 15.
of child marriage. z Save the Children’s Global Girlhood Report
z As West Bengal’s 105 cases under The Prohibition estimates that an additional 2.5 million girls are
of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006 in 2021 at risk of child marriage globally between 2020
raise concerns. Because comparatively, states and 2025, as a result of reported increases in
with smaller populations reported more cases. all types of gender-based violence due to the
The Ministry introduced the Prohibition of Child Covid-19 pandemic.
Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021, proposing raising ¾ Maternal and Child Health Implications:
the age of marriage for women to 21, currently
The adverse impact of child marriage extends to
under Parliamentary review.
maternal and child health.
z The data suggests gaps in law enforcement and
z Child brides often become pregnant during
highlights the need for comprehensive strategies.
adolescence, when the risk of complications
What are the Impacts of Child Marriage? during pregnancy and childbirth increases. The
¾ Ending Childhood: practice can also isolate girls from family and
Child marriage is a global problem and is friends, taking a heavy toll on their mental health.
compounded by poverty. It abruptly ends a boy’s/ Child brides are also more susceptible to contracting
girl’s childhood, pushing them into adulthood Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
before they are physically and mentally prepared.
What are the Initiatives to Tackle Child
z Arranged marriages often involve girls marrying
significantly older men, intensifying the Marriage?
challenges they face. ¾ Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA)
z Early marriage significantly decreases the ¾ BetiBachaoBetiPadhao (BBBP) scheme.
likelihood of girls staying in school, leading to ¾ National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
lifelong economic repercussions. (NCPCR).
z Child marriage leads childhood grooms to drop
¾ Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012.
out of school and often settle for low-paying
¾ CHILDLINE.
jobs to provide for their families.
z Child brides and grooms often experience
isolation and have their freedom curtailed, Immoral Traffic (Prevention)
limiting their social interactions and personal
autonomy. Act, 1956
¾ Human Rights Violation:
Why in News?
Child marriage is considered a human rights
violation and a recognised form of sexual and Recently, the Kerala High Court has widened the
gender-based violence, the adverse impact of definition of the word ‘procure’ in Section 5 of the
child marriage is manifested across maternal and Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, to include
child health in the State. customers seeking the services of prostitutes.
Child brides are frequently denied their fundamental
What is the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act of
rights, including access to health, education, safety,
1956?
and the opportunity for active participation.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) categorizes ¾ About:
child marriage as a human rights violation due to The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITP), 1956,
its adverse impacts on the development of both aims to prevent the commercialisation of vices
girls and boys. and the trafficking of females.
Note:
It delineates the legal framework surrounding sex ¾ Implications of the Ruling:
work. While the act itself does not declare sex work The Kerala High Court ruling expands the meaning
illegal, it prohibits running brothels. Engaging in of “procure” in Section 5, asserting that customers,
prostitution is legally recognized, but soliciting in addition to pimps and brothel-keepers, can be
people and luring them into sexual activities are held liable for procuring persons for prostitution.
considered illegal.
The ruling does not declare the petitioner guilty
¾ Definition of Brothel: under Section 5; rather, it allows charges to be
Section 2 defines a brothel as any place used filed, necessitating a trial.
for sexual exploitation or abuse for the gain of z Notably, the petitioner was discharged of offences
another person or for the mutual gain of two or under Sections 3, 4, and 7 by the High Court.
more prostitutes.
¾ Differing High Court Opinions:
¾ Definition of Prostitution:
Mathew vs the State of Kerala(2022):
Prostitution, as per the act, is the sexual exploitation
z The Kerala HC ruled that a customer caught in
or abuse of persons for commercial purposes.
a brothel can be prosecuted under the ITP Act.
¾ Offenses Under the Act:
“Section 7(1) of the Act penalizes two types
The section 5 of the act penalizes those who of persons for indulging in prostitution within
procure, induce, or take individuals for prostitution the areas specified.
purposes. The punishment includes rigorous
Those persons are (i) the person who
imprisonment for 3–7 years and a fine of Rs 2,000.
carries on prostitution and (ii) the person
z For offenses against a person’s will or a child,
with whom such prostitution is carried
the maximum sentence can extend to fourteen on,” the HC said, adding that the act of
years or life. immoral traffic cannot be perpetrated or
Child means a person who has not carried on without a ‘customer’.
completed the age of sixteen years. Goenka Sajan Kumar vs The State Of AP (2014)
What did the Kerala High Court Rule? and Sri Sanaulla vs State Of Karnataka (2017):
¾ The current case: z The Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka HCs ruled
against prosecuting brothel customers under
The petitioner was arrested for being a customer
sections 3-7 of the ITP Act.
in a brothel. Accused of offenses under the ITP
Act’s Sections 3 (keeping a brothel or allowing What is the Legality of Sex Work?
premises to be used as one), 4 (living on prostitution
¾ Sex Work as a Profession:
earnings), 5 (procuring, inducing, or taking persons
for prostitution), 7 (punishing prostitution in or The Supreme Court has recognised sex work as a
around public places), “profession” and observed that its practitioners
are entitled to equal protection of the law and
z The accused filed a plea seeking discharge,
criminal law must apply equally in all cases, on
arguing that as a customer, he should not be
the basis of ‘age’ and ‘consent’.
implicated under the ITP Act.
z The Court held that Voluntary sex is not a crime.
¾ Ruling:
The Kerala High Court, while recognizing that the
¾ Equality in Business:
term “procure” in section 5 is not explicitly defined Courts have held that individuals, regardless of
in the 1956 Act, interpreted it in the context of the their chosen profession, have an equal right to
act’s objective of suppressing immoral trafficking carry on any business.
and preventing prostitution. The Supreme Court of India in Budhadev Karmaskar
z The court ruled that the term includes customers, v. State of West Bengal (2011), secured the rights
and therefore, a customer can be charged of sex workers and emphasized the protection
under Section 5. afforded by Article 21.
Note:
¾ Fundamental and Human Rights: z Sex workers often face social isolation due to
In the case of Gaurav Jain vs Union Of India And the stigma attached to their profession.
Ors(1989) the Supreme Court recognized the ¾ Gender Dynamics:
fundamental and human rights of sex workers, Many see prostitution as a degrading and abusive
asserting their right to dignity and protection
profession, particularly targeting women.
under the law.
z The profession is often associated with
z The Court found that the children of the sex
exploitation and harm.
workers have the right to equality of opportunity,
dignity, care, protection and rehabilitation and z Sex workers encounter derogatory terms, physical
to be part of the “mainstream of social life” violence, and discrimination, exacerbating their
without any attached “pre-stigma”. vulnerability.
What Initiatives Have Been Taken to Address ¾ Advocacy for Autonomy:
Sex Workers? On the flip side, proponents argue that women
should have the agency to decide how they use
¾ Ujjawala:
their bodies.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development
z Some view prostitution as a profession where
is implementing “Ujjawala” – a Comprehensive
Scheme for the Prevention of Trafficking and Rescue, women can exercise their freedom of choice.
Rehabilitation, Re-integration and Repatriation
of Victims of Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Caste Based Discrimination
Exploitation.
¾ National Commission for Women: in Indian Prisons
The establishment of the National Commission for
Women reflects the government’s commitment Why in News?
to ensuring the rights of women and girls involved The Supreme Court (SC) of India recently issued
in prostitution are protected. notice to the Centre and 11 states on a public interest
¾ National Human Rights Commission: litigation (PIL) that alleged caste-based discrimination
NHRC recognised sex workers as informal workers. and segregation of prisoners in jails and sought a direction
¾ Awareness Campaigns: to repeal provisions that mandate such practices under
The Supreme Court urged the government in 2018 the state prison manuals.
to take action against the exploitation of women What are the Instances of Caste Based
in the sex industry and consider legalization in
specific locations with rigorous regulation. Discrimination Highlighted by the PIL?
z In response to the court’s directive, the ¾ Instances of Discrimination:
government initiated widespread awareness The PIL exposes instances from Madhya Pradesh,
campaigns to educate the public about the Delhi, and Tamil Nadu jails where cooking is
risks associated with the commercial sex trade. allocated to dominant castes, while “specific
What are the Societal Perceptions Regarding lower castes” are assigned menial jobs such as
the Sex Work? sweeping and cleaning toilets.
z The Prison system in India is alleged to perpetuate
¾ Cultural Stigma:
discriminatory practices, including the division
While legal in certain contexts, prostitution is
of labour based on caste hierarchy and the
often viewed as unethical and a breach of cultural
caste-based segregation of barracks.
values. Some cultures perceive it as a threat to the
sanctity of marriage and family. Caste-based labour distribution is deemed a relic
z Women in Sex Work (WSW) have been identified
of colonial India and is considered humiliating
as one of the most discriminated and vulnerable and unhealthy, violating the prisoners’ right to
populations in India. life with dignity.
Note:
¾ State Prison Manual Sanctions: ¾ Caste-based discrimination, segregation, and treatment

The petition claims that prison manuals in various of denotified tribes as “habitual offenders” within
states sanction caste-based discrimination and prisons are deemed a “very important issue” by the SC.
forced labour within the prison system. SC emphasized the need for prompt and
z Rajasthan Prison Rules 1951:

comprehensive addressing of alleged discriminatory
practices.
Assignment of Mehtars to latrines and
¾ The SC sent a notice and asked for a response from
Brahmins to kitchens based on caste.
the States and the Union within four weeks on the
z Palayamkottai Central Jail in Tamil Nadu: petition.
The petition highlights the caste-based
segregation of inmates in Palayamkottai
How do the Laws Allow Caste Discrimination
Central Jail in Tamil Nadu, pointing to the Inside Indian Jails?
separation of Thevars, Nadars, and Pallars ¾ Legacy of Colonial Policies:
into different sections. India’s criminal justice system, rooted in colonial
z West Bengal Jail Code: legacy, primarily focuses on punishment rather

than reformation or rehabilitation.
Directs menial tasks like sweeping to
The ‘Prisons Act of 1894,’ dating back almost 130
prisoners from the Mether or Hari caste,
Chandal, and other castes. years, underscores the outdated nature of the
legal framework.
¾ 2003 Model Prison Manual Guidelines:
z The Act lacks provisions for the reform and
The petition refers to the 2003 Model Prison
rehabilitation of prisoners.
Manual, emphasizing guidelines for classification
Recognizing the deficiencies in existing laws, the
based on security, discipline, and institutionalized Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reviewed ‘The
programs. Prisons Act, 1894,’ ‘The Prisoners Act, 1900,’ and
z It argues against any classification based on ‘The Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950.’
socio-economic status, caste, or class. z This review led to the assimilation of relevant
¾ Fundamental Rights: provisions into the forward-looking ‘Model
The petition argues that a person does not lose Prisons Act, 2023.’
fundamental rights or the equality code merely The effective implementation of the Model
for being a prisoner, citing the Supreme Court’s Prisons Act, 2023 which was finalized
judgment in the Sunil Batra v. Delhi Administration by the MHA in May 2023, is expected
(1978) case on the fundamental rights of prisoners. to improve the prison conditions and
administration and protect the human
¾ Call for Repeal of Discriminatory Provisions:
rights and dignity of the prisoners.
The petition emphasises the need to repeal
¾ Prison Manuals:
discriminatory provisions in state prison manuals,
State-level prison manuals, largely unchanged since
advocating for the protection of prisoners’
the establishment of the modern prison system,
fundamental rights and equality within the prison reflect both colonial and caste mentalities.
system.
Existing prison manuals enforce the central premise
What are the Supreme Court’s Observations on of the caste system, emphasizing notions of purity
Caste Discrimination in Prisons? and impurity.
z State prison manuals mandate that duties like
¾ Three-judge Bench, headed by the Chief Justice of
cleaning and sweeping must be performed
India, finds that prison manuals in over 10 states by members of specific castes, perpetuating
support caste-based discrimination and forced labour. caste-based discrimination.
States include Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Prison manuals, such as the one in West
Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Bengal under Section 741, safeguard the
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Punjab, and monopoly of “savarna Hindus” on cooking
Tamil Nadu. and carrying food for all prisoners.
Note:
Despite constitutional and legal provisions against
It can also be treated by bone marrow or stem

untouchability, caste-based rules persist in prison cell transplantation.
administration. ¾ Government Initiatives to Tackle SCD:
¾ The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers The government released technical operational
and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act, 2013): guidelines for the prevention and control of sickle
Despite the outlawing of manual scavenging by cell anaemia in 2016.
the 2013 Act, it does not explicitly cover prison
The State Haemoglobinopathy Mission has been
administration, and hence, the prison manuals that
established in Madhya Pradesh to address the
allow caste discrimination and manual scavenging
in jails are not in violation of the Act. challenges in screening and management of the
disease.
z Manual scavenging refers to the practice of
manually cleaning, handling and disposing of Anaemin Mukt Bharat Strategy.
human excreta and other waste materials from

dry latrines, open drains, and sewers.
Prioritizing the Poor, Youth,
Sickle Cell Disease Women, and Farmers
Why in News?
Why in News?
The Prime Minister of India has underscored the
More than 1 crore people have been screened for
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) under the National Sickle Cell imperative of prioritizing the well-being of four groups:
Anaemia Elimination Mission. the poor, youth, women, and farmers.
¾ The National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission ¾ This emphasis reflects a commitment to ensuring
launched in 2023, aims to eliminate sickle cell anemia dignity and respect for the deprived.
from India by 2047. What are the Socioeconomic Dynamics of the
What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)? Highlighted Groups in India?
¾ About: ¾ Poor:
SCD is a group of inherited red blood cell (RBC) Multidimensional Poverty Index:
disorders. RBCs contain hemoglobin, a protein z India has more than 230 million poor people.
that carries oxygen and healthy RBCs are round.
z According to the 2023 Global Multidimensional
In SCD, the hemoglobin is abnormal, which causes
the RBCs to become hard and sticky and look like Poverty Index, published by the United Nations
a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle. Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford
¾ Symptoms:
Poverty and Human Development Initiative,
some 415 million Indians escaped poverty
Symptoms of sickle cell disease can vary, but some
between 2005-06 and 2019-21.
common symptoms include:
z Approximately 18.7% of the population falls
z Chronic Anaemia: leading to fatigue, weakness,
and paleness. into the category of being ‘vulnerable’ to
multidimensional poverty, as defined by the
z Painful episodes (also known as sickle cell crisis):
these can cause sudden and intense pain in the UNDP.
bones, chest, back, arms, and legs. This refers to individuals who, while not
z Delayed growth and puberty classified as poor, but have experienced

¾ Treatment: deprivations in 20-33.3% of all weighted
indicators.
Blood Transfusions: These can help relieve anemia
and reduce the risk of pain crises. Cooking fuel, housing, and nutrition are
Hydroxyurea: This is a medication that can help

major areas of deprivation. Approximately
reduce the frequency of painful episodes and 13.9%, 13.6%, and 11.8% of the population
prevent some of the long-term complications of were classified as deprived in these
the disease. respective metrics.
Note:
Unemployment:
z Majority of crimes were related to cruelty by
z India’s unemployment rate rose to the highest husbands or relatives, kidnapping, assault,
level in over two years in October 2023, with rural and rape.
areas experiencing an increase in joblessness. z 12 states and Union territories recorded crime
z The National Sample Survey Office’s Periodic rates higher than the national average.
Labour Force Survey for 2022-23 revealed a The Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 also known as
decrease in unemployment from 5.3% to 2.4% the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,was passed to
in rural areas and from 7.7% to 5.4% in urban reserve one-third of seats in legislative assemblies
areas compared to 2017-18. and Lok Sabha for women.
z The proportion of self-employed individuals in
the total employed population increased from
52% in 2018-19 to 57% in 2022-23.
Self-employment covers various activities
such as running a tea stall, farming, assisting
in household enterprises, practising
medicine, and undertaking unpaid work
within one’s economic activities.
A high level of self-employment levels
indicates a lack of alternatives, with
individuals often adhering to these less
rewarding jobs.
Typically, countries with lower per capita
income tend to have higher proportions
of self-employed populations.
¾ Women:
India ranked 127 out of 146 countries in the Global
Gender Gap Report 2023 released by the World
Economic Forum showing an improvement of ¾ Farmers:
1.4% points and eight positions from 135 in 2022. Farmers lost standing crops to excess and untimely
According to the National Crime Records Bureau rain, leading to a significant blow to their incomes.
(NCRB) reports Crimes against women rose by 4% z Southwest monsoon was below normal and
in 2022 compared to 2021, with over 4.45 lakh erratic, impacting Kharif crop yields in many
crimes registered. parts of the country.
Note:
States like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and
z ¾ Women:
Jharkhand are facing drought and drought-like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme
conditions. Ujjawala Yojna
Recurring losses due to the pink bollworm pest
Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme
on the BT cotton crop in north India added to
One Stop Centre
farmers’ distress.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
NCRB data revealed an increase in deaths by suicide
among those involved in farming. (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences
z At least one farmer died by suicide every hour
in India, with 11,290 suicide cases reported (POCSO), 2012
in 2022. NARI SHAKTI PURASKAR
z Deaths by the suicide of agricultural labourers Mahila police Volunteers

were higher than farmers/cultivators, with 53% Mahila Shakti Kendras (MSK)
of the suicide cases being agricultural labourers. ¾ Farmers:
The dependence of an average agricultural
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-
household for income has been increasing on
KISAN)
wages from farming rather than crop production.
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
¾ Youth:
Kisan Credit Cards (KCC)
According to the World Bank the youth
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
unemployment rate in India was at 23.2%, higher
than its neighbours Pakistan (11.3%), Bangladesh Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
(12.9%), and Bhutan (14.4%), in 2022. ¾ Youth:

z The unemployment rate in China stood at 13.2%, YUVA: Prime Minister’s Scheme For Mentoring
South Korea 6.9% and Singapore 6.1%. Young Authors
z Although the youth unemployment rate in National Youth Policy-2014
India dropped from 23.9% in 2021, it is still National Skill Development Corporation
marginally higher than the 22.9% recorded in
Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram Scheme
the Pre-Covid year of 2019.
The youth unemployment rate refers to those in
the workforce who are aged 15 to 24 years and Huntington’s Disease
without a job, but actively seeking one.
The State of Working India 2023 study found that Why in News?
unemployment among graduates under the age of Recently, a study by researchers from the University
25 was at 42.3% in 2021-2022, while the overall of Szeged in Hungary published in Scientific Reports has
joblessness rate was 8.7%. uncovered new insights into Huntington’s disease using
What are the Related Initiatives Aimed at fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) as a model organism.
Addressing these Specific Groups? ¾ This innovative approach has provided promising
revelations about disease progression and potential
¾ Poor:
therapeutic targets.
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment What is Huntington’s Disease?

Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005 ¾ About:
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Huntington’s disease is a severe neurodegenerative
Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) disorder affecting the central nervous system.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
It is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, producing
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana a faulty huntingtin (Htt) protein.
Note:
z Mutant Htt proteins are cleaved into toxic ¾ Treatment:

fragments, disrupting various cellular processes. There is currently no cure for Huntington’s disease,
¾ HTT Gene and Polyglutamine Tract: and available treatments only alleviate symptoms.
The HTT gene codes for the huntingtin protein What are the Key Highlights of the Study?
crucial for nerve cell functioning. ¾ Researchers engineered fruit flies to express the
z Mutations in the HTT gene result in an expanded polyglutamine tract of a mutated human HTT gene
polyglutamine tract in the Htt protein, leading in their nervous system.
to misfolding and dysfunction. ¾ They used a gene called Gal4 from baker ’s
yeast(Saccharomyces cerevisiae), which activates the
z The severity of Huntington’s disease correlates
expression of genes when bound to a DNA sequence
with the length of the expanded polyglutamine called the upstream activating sequence (UAS).
tract. ¾ The Gal4/UAS system works in the fruit fly genome,
Huntington’s disease is inherited in an autosomal allowing the expression of proteins specifically in
dominant manner, which means that a person neurons.
only needs to inherit one copy of the mutated ¾ Fruit flies with the mutated HTT gene displayed
gene from either parent to develop the condition. neuronal degeneration, impaired climbing ability,
and lower viability and longevity.
z Each child of a parent with Huntington’s disease
has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation. ¾ A ‘control’ group of fruit flies with a normal range
of glutamine units in the HTT protein showed little
¾ Symptoms: to no effect.
Initial symptoms include forgetfulness, loss of ¾ The study found that expressing a longer glutamine
balance, and clumsiness in daily tasks. tract produced symptoms resembling Huntington’s
Symptoms worsen over time, affecting mood, disease in humans, while the shorter tract did not.
and reasoning, and leading to uncontrollable ¾ Researchers found that overexpression of one gene
movements. Patients face difficulties in speaking, (out of 32 investigated genes in flies) called Yod1 gene
in flies effectively eliminated disease-like effects
swallowing, and walking as the disease advances.
associated with Huntington’s disease, including
Symptoms typically emerge between ages 30-50. neurodegeneration and motor impairments.
nnn
Note:
Science & Technology
Highlights
z Heat-Tolerant Covid-19 Vaccine by IISc z India to Join SKAO as a Full Member
z ISRO Tests Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell z Space Missions in 2024
z Counter-Drone Technology and UAV Development z Efficacy of Liquid Nano Urea
z Antimicrobial Resistance z Lithium-Deal with Argentina
z Peregrine Mission One z Pegasus Spyware
z GSAT-20 (GSAT-N2) Aboard SpaceX’s Falcon-9 z X-ray Polarimeter Satellite: ISRO
The S2 subunit is highly conserved. It mutates

Heat-Tolerant Covid-19 much less than the S1 subunit, which is the target
of most current vaccines and the RBD can provoke
Vaccine by IISc a robust immune response.
Why in News? A hybrid protein, RS2, was created by combining
the selected components.
A heat-tolerant vaccine developed by the Indian
Institute of Science (IISc) researchers is said to be effective The researchers then tested the effects of the
against all current strains of SARS-CoV-2 besides having the protein in both mice and hamster models. They
potential to be quickly adapted for future variants as well. found that the hybrid protein triggered a strong
immune response.
NOTE: A receptor-binding domain is a key part of a
virus located on its ‘spike’ domain that allows it to dock
to body receptors to gain entry into cells and lead to
infection.
¾ The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2, which plays a key
role in the receptor recognition and cell membrane
fusion process, is composed of two subunits, S1 and S2.
What are the Key Points Related to the Vaccine

Developed by IISc?
¾ Background: According to IISc, while current vaccines
are proven to be effective against most SARS-CoV-2
¾ Characteristics of RS2 Antigen:
strains, their efficacy has declined due to rapid
mutation by the virus. Adaptability to Variants: The RS2 antigen can be
¾ Antigen Selection: After analyzing various proteins

customized to incorporate the RBD region of any
found in the virus, the researchers selected two parts new SARS-CoV-2 variant including XBB.1.5 and
of SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein, the S2 subunit and the JN.1 variants.
Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) for designing their z This adaptability addresses concerns related
vaccine candidate. to the virus’s rapid mutation.
Note:
Storage and Distribution: RS2 antigen can be z The water produced by the PEMFC can be used
stored at room temperature for a month without for onboard consumption or for electrolysis to
requiring cold storage. generate additional oxygen.
Economic Advantage: Reduced production and ¾ Test Platform: The PEMFC was tested In orbital
distribution costs make it economically viable. platform, POEM3, launched aboard PSLV-C58 on 1st
January, 2024.
POEM3 serves as a platform for testing new
technologies in space under real-world conditions.
¾ Implications for Future Missions: The successful
test of the PEMFC paves the way for several exciting
possibilities for future space missions:
Powering the Indian Space Station: The high
efficiency and water production capabilities
of PEMFCs make them ideal for powering the
proposed Indian space station.
Deep Space Exploration: PEMFCs can provide
a reliable and sustainable source of power for
long-duration missions to deep space destinations
like Mars.
NOTE: ISRO also noted that it has qualified 10 Ah Silicon–
Graphite anode based high energy density Li-ion cells
as a low weight and low cost alternative to present
ISRO Tests Polymer Electrolyte cells being used.
Membrane Fuel Cell What is a Fuel Cell?
¾ About: A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that
Why in News? converts the chemical energy of a fuel (like hydrogen)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and an oxidant (like oxygen) directly into electricity.
successfully tested a 100 W class Polymer Electrolyte Unlike batteries, which store chemical energy
Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) based Power System aboard that gets converted to electrical energy, fuel cells
the orbital platform, POEM3. continuously produce electricity as long as they
are supplied with fuel and oxidant.
What are the Major Takaways from the Recent
¾ Major Types of Fuel Cells:
PEMFC Test?
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells: They use
¾ Technology Tested: ISRO tested a 100-watt class
a thin, solid polymer membrane as the electrolyte
PEMFC, which converts hydrogen and oxygen into and are well-suited for portable applications.
electricity, water, and heat. This technology offers
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs): SOFCs use a ceramic
several advantages over traditional power sources
electrolyte that can operate at high temperatures.
in space, including:
They are highly efficient but are more expensive
High Efficiency: PEMFCs convert fuel directly into and complex than PEMFCs.
electricity, resulting in significantly higher efficiency Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFCs): AFCs use a liquid
compared to batteries. electrolyte made of potassium hydroxide (KOH).
Clean Operation: PEMFCs produce only water as They are less efficient than PEMFCs and SOFCs
a byproduct, eliminating the need for complex but are less expensive and can be more tolerant
waste management systems. of impurities in the fuel.
Note:
DRDO has developed a comprehensive anti-drone

system encompassing detection, identification,
and neutralization of drones.
z The technology is capable of countering attacks,
soft kill and hard kill of all types of drones,
including micro drones.
Also, the technology has been transferred to
private companies like BEL, L&T, and Icom for
mass production
¾ UAV Development:
Tapas MALE UAV: The Tapas Medium Altitude
Long Endurance (MALE) UAV developed for
Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition,
and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) applications is in an
advanced stage of developmental trials.
z Lithium Ion-based battery with indigenous
battery management system has been developed
by the DRDO in association with a private vendor
and is being used on Tapas UAV.
¾ Applications of Fuel Cells:
Archer UAV: Short-range armed UAV Archer is under
Transportation: Fuel cells can be used to power development for reconnaissance, surveillance, and
electric vehicles, boats, and even airplanes. low-intensity conflict scenarios, with developmental
z Fuel cells can also power space missions, flight trials in progress.
providing electrical power for spacecraft, and
a dependable energy source for long-duration
missions.
z Highly efficient with zero emissions, making
them ideal for space missions
Portable Power: Fuel cells can be used to power
laptop computers, cell phones, and other portable
devices.
Stationary Power: Fuel cells can be used to power
homes, businesses, and even entire cities.
Counter-Drone Technology
and UAV Development
Why in News?
The Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) has made substantial strides in developing a
comprehensive counter-drone system, as well as focusing
on the advancement of high-endurance Unmanned Aerial
Vehicles (UAVs).
What is the Defence Research and
What are the Recent Developments in Counter- Development Organization?
Drone Technology and UAV Development? ¾ About: DRDO is the R&D wing of the Ministry of
¾ Counter-Drone Technology Development: Defence, Govt of India, with a vision to empower
Note:
India with cutting-edge defense technologies and a A significant proportion (86.5%) of the prescribed
mission to achieve self-reliance in critical defense antibiotics were administered through the parenteral
technologies. route (not orally).
Core Principle: “Balasya Mulam Vigyanam” (Science ¾ Drivers of AMR:
is the source of strength) The NCDC survey notes, that one of the main drivers
¾ Foundation: Established in 1958 by amalgamating for the development of antibiotic resistance is the
existing establishments from the Indian Army and excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics.
Directorate of Technical Development & Production. What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
¾ Significant Contributions: Developed strategic systems
¾ About:
and platforms like Agni and Prithvi series of missiles,
Antimicrobial resistance is the resistance acquired
Tejas (Light Combat Aircraft), Pinaka (Multi-barrel
by any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi,
Rocket Launcher), Akash (Air Defence System), radars,
parasites, etc.) against antimicrobial drugs (such
and electronic warfare systems.
as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials,
and anthelmintics) that are used to treat infections.
Antimicrobial Resistance z As a result, standard treatments become
ineffective, infections persist, and may spread
Why in News? to others.
It is a natural phenomenon as bacteria evolve,
Recently, a survey conducted by the National Centre
for Disease Control (NCDC) highlighted several key making drugs used to treat infections less effective.
findings regarding the prescription and use of antibiotics Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial
in hospitals amidst growing concerns about Antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”.
Resistance (AMR). z The World Health Organization (WHO) has
identified AMR as one of the top ten threats
What are the Key Findings of the Survey? to global health.
¾ Preventative Use of Antibiotics:
Over half of the surveyed patients (55%) were
prescribed antibiotics for prophylactic indications,
meant to prevent infections, rather than for
therapeutic purposes (45%) to treat infections.
¾ Antibiotic Prescription Patterns:
Only a small fraction (6%) of patients were
prescribed antibiotics after a confirmed diagnosis
of the specific bacteria causing their illness
(definitive therapy), while the majority (94%)
were on empirical therapy, based on the doctor’s
What are the Reasons for the Spread of AMR?
clinical assessment of the likely cause of the illness.
¾ Lack of Specific Diagnosis:
¾ High Prevalence of Communicable Diseases: High
burden of communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis,
94% of patients received antibiotics before a
diarrhoea, respiratory infections, etc. that require
definitive medical diagnosis was confirmed, antimicrobial treatment.
highlighting the prevalent use of antibiotics without
¾ Overburdened Public Health System: This limits the
precise knowledge of the infection’s cause.
laboratory capacity for etiology-based diagnosis and
¾ Variation Among Hospitals: appropriately targeted treatment.
There were wide variations in antibiotic prescription ¾ Poor infection Control Practices: Hygiene lapses in
rates among the hospitals, ranging from 37% to hospitals and clinics facilitate the spread of resistant
100% of patients being prescribed antibiotics. bacteria.
Note:
¾ Injudicious use: Overprescribing by doctors under Surveillance Network has been strengthened by
pressure from patients (often self-medication), establishing labs in State Medical College.
incomplete antibiotic courses, and broad-spectrum National Action Plan on AMR: It focuses on One
antibiotics used unnecessarily create selective pressure Health approach and was launched in April 2017 to
for resistant bacteria. involve various stakeholder ministries/departments.
Easy Access: Unregulated over-the-counter
AMR Surveillance and Research Network (AMRSN):
availability and affordability of antibiotics fuel It was launched in 2013, to generate evidence
self-medication and inappropriate use. and capture trends and patterns of drug resistant
¾ Lack of Awareness: Low public understanding of infections in the country.
AMR and proper antibiotic use encourages misuse. AMR Research & International Collaboration:
¾ Limited Surveillance: Lack of adequate monitoring Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has
systems makes it difficult to track and understand taken initiatives to develop new drugs /medicines
the scope of AMR. through international collaborations to strengthen
What are the Implications of the Spread of medical research in AMR.
Antimicrobial Resistance? z ICMR along with the Research Council of
Norway (RCN) initiated a joint call for research
¾ Healthcare Impact:
in antimicrobial resistance in 2017.
AMR can render previously effective antibiotics
z ICMR along with the Federal Ministry of Education
ineffective against bacterial infections. This
and Research (BMBF), Germany has a joint Indo-
complicates the treatment of common illnesses
German collaboration for research on AMR.
like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin
infections, leading to prolonged illnesses, more Antibiotic Stewardship Program: ICMR has initiated
severe symptoms, and increased mortality rates. an antibiotic stewardship program (AMSP) on a
¾ Increased Healthcare Costs:
pilot project across India to control the misuse and
overuse of antibiotics in hospital wards and ICUs.
Treating resistant infections often requires more
z DCGI has banned 40 Fixed Dose Combinations
expensive and prolonged therapies, increased
hospital stays, and sometimes more invasive (FDCs) which were found inappropriate.
procedures. This leads to higher healthcare costs for ¾ Global Measures:
individuals, healthcare systems, and governments. World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW):
¾ Challenges in Medical Procedures: Held annually since 2015, WAAW is a global

AMR makes certain medical procedures riskier. campaign that aims to raise awareness of AMR
Surgeries, cancer chemotherapy, and organ worldwide and encourage best practices among the
transplants become more hazardous due to the general public, health workers and policymakers
increased risk of infections that are resistant to to slow the development and spread of drug-
standard antibiotics. resistant infections.
¾ Limitations in Treatment Options: The Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use
As resistance grows, the available arsenal of

Surveillance System (GLASS): WHO launched the
effective antibiotics diminishes. This limitation GLASS in 2015 to continue filling knowledge gaps
in treatment options may lead to a scenario and to inform strategies at all levels.
where previously manageable infections become z GLASS has been conceived to progressively
untreatable, reverting medicine to a pre-antibiotic incorporate data from surveillance of AMR in
era where common infections could be fatal. humans, surveillance of the use of antimicrobial
medicines, AMR in the food chain, and the
What are the Measures Taken to Address
environment.
AMR?
Global Point Prevalence Survey Methodology: To
¾ Indian: deal with the challenge of limited information on
National Programme on AMR containment: how antibiotics are prescribed and used at the
Launched in 2012. Under this programme, AMR patient level, WHO has introduced the global point
Note:
prevalence survey methodology to understand the Artemis is NASA’s ambitious initiative named after
prescribing patterns in hospitals, with repeated the moon goddess in Greek mythology. With a
surveys showing the changes in antibiotic use mission to land humans on the Moon by 2024,
over time. including the first woman and person of colour
on the lunar surface.
z Few studies have been conducted in India using
this methodology. The program envisions an Artemis Base Camp
on the lunar surface and a strategic Gateway in
lunar orbit.
Peregrine Mission One NOTE: Until now, a soft landing on the Moon has only
been accomplished by a handful of national space
Why in News? agencies: the Soviet Union was first, in 1966, followed
The United States embarked on the Peregrine Mission by the United States, which is still the only country to
One, its first attempt to land on the Moon in over 50 put people on the Moon. China has successfully landed
years. However, the landing attempt was seemingly three times over the past decade, while India with
doomed after the spacecraft developed a “critical” fuel Chandrayaan-3 is the most recent to achieve the feat
leak just hours after launch. on its second attempt, in 2023.
¾ The mission is spearheaded by private space
enterprises, Astrobotic Technology and United GSAT-20 (GSAT-N2) Aboard
Launch Alliance, this collaborative mission, signals
a shift towards leveraging private sector capabilities SpaceX’s Falcon-9
for space exploration.
Why in News?
What are the Key Highlights of Peregrine The commercial arm of the Indian Space Research
Mission One? Organisation (ISRO), NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is
¾ The Peregrine Lander is expected to be one of the set to launch GSAT-20 (GSAT-N2), aboard SpaceX’s
Falcon-9 in 2024.
first American spacecraft to land on the Moon since
the Apollo program. ¾ Falcon 9 is thb v e world’s first orbital class reusable,
two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by
The Peregrine Lunar Lander, also known as Peregrine
SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of people
Mission One, is a lunar lander built by Astrobotic and payloads into Earth orbit and beyond.
Technology.
¾ It is part of the National Aeronautics and Space
What is GSAT-20?
Administration (NASA)’s Commercial Lunar Payload ¾ GSAT-20 is a high throughput Ka-band satellite that
Services (CLPS) programme, which aims to stimulate provides high-speed broadband internet connectivity,
a broader lunar economy. digital video transmission, and audio transmission.
It is being launched to address the growing
NASA is partnering with diverse American companies
broadband communication needs of India.It is
under the CLPS initiative to transport science and
designed to provide comprehensive coverage across
technology payloads to the lunar surface. India, including remote regions like Andaman and
The CLPS contracts aim to facilitate lunar exploration, Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands.
experimentation, and technology demonstrations ¾ This satellite offers an impressive HTS (High Throughput
in preparation for upcoming human missions. Satellite) capacity of nearly 48Gbps. Notably, it
¾ It is expected to touch down on a mid-latitude region comprises 32 beams specifically designed to meet
of the Moon called Sinus Viscositatis, or Bay of the demanding service needs of underserved areas,
Stickiness. aiming to bridge the connectivity gap.
¾ This mission will also help prepare for Artemis, the NOTE: The Ka-band refers to radio frequencies ranging
NASA-led programme to return astronauts to the from 27 to 40 GHz. It allows high-speed satellite data
Moon later this decade, in preparation for missions transfers with wide coverage through focused spot
to Mars. beams.
Note:
What is NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)? What is the SKAO?
¾ NSIL, incorporated on 6 March 2019 (under the
th
¾ About: SKAO is an intergovernmental organization
Companies Act, 2013), is a wholly owned Government that aims to build and operate cutting-edge radio
of India company, under the administrative control telescopes. Its global headquarters is located in the
of Department of Space (DOS). Jodrell Bank Observatory, United Kingdom.
Its primary responsibility is enabling Indian The project will not have a single telescope but an
industries to take up high technology space array of thousands of antennas, to be installed

related activities and is also responsible for in remote radio-quiet locations in South Africa
promotion and commercial exploitation of the and Australia, that will operate as one large unit
products and services emanating from the Indian meant to observe and study celestial phenomena.
space programme. z SKAO objectives also include study of gravitational
¾ The Major Business Areas of NSIL include:

waves.
Some of the countries taking part in building
Production of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
the SKA include the UK, Australia, South Africa,
(PSLV) and Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
Canada, China, France, India, Italy and Germany.
through industry
¾ India’s Role in SKAO:
Production and marketing of space-based services,
India, through the Pune-based National Centre for
including launch services and space-based
applications like transponder leasing, remote Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) and other institutions,
has played a key role in the development of the
sensing and mission support services;
ambitious SKAO project since its inception in the
Building of Satellites (both Communication and
1990s.
Earth Observation) as per user requirements.
India’s primary contribution to SKAO lies in the
Transfer of technology developed by ISRO centres/
development and operation of the Telescope
units and constituent institutions of Dept. of Space; Manager element, essentially the “neural network”
Marketing spin off technologies and products/ or software that controls the entire telescope’s
services emanating out of ISRO activities operation.
Consultancy services NOTE: NCRA is a research institution in India that
¾ In June 2022, NSIL successfully completed its first specializes in radio astronomy. It is located on the Pune
demand-driven satellite mission, GSAT-24, which was University Campus and is part of the Tata Institute of
fully secured by Tata Play, a satellite television service. Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai.
Currently, NSIL manages and operates 11
What is a Radio Telescope?
communication satellites in orbit.
¾ About: A radio telescope is a specialized type of
https://youtu.be/gYeYWpuozKw
antenna and receiver system used to detect and
collect radio waves emitted by celestial objects.
India to Join SKAO as Radio waves are EM (Electromagnetic) waves that
have wavelengths between 1 millimeter and 100
a Full Member kilometers.
Unlike optical telescopes, radio telescopes can be
Why in News?
used in the daytime as well as at night.
India will also be part of the world’s largest radio ¾ Applications: Radio telescopes are used to study a
telescope project called the Square Kilometre Array wide range of astronomical phenomena, including:
Observatory (SKAO).
The formation and evolution of stars and galaxies
¾ Countries have to sign, and ratify, the SKAO convention
Black holes and other active galactic nuclei
to formally become members. The Government of
The interstellar medium
India’s approval for joining the project, with a financial
Planets and moons in our solar system
sanction of Rs 1,250 crore, is the first step towards
the ratification. The search for extraterrestrial life
Note:
¾ Major Radio Telescopes: z Europa is slightly smaller than the earth’s

Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (India) moon, with a surface made of ice. Beneath
z In June 2023, GMRT (near Pune) played a crucial its icy shell, Europa likely harbours a saltwater
role in the first-ever detection of nano-hertz ocean, which scientists expect contains over
gravitational waves, showcasing its vital role twice as much water as all the oceans here
in cutting-edge astronomical research. on Earth combined.
SARAS 3 (India) With Europa Clipper, scientists want to investigate
Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array whether Europa’s ocean could be a suitable habitat
(ALMA) (Atacama Desert, Chile) for extraterrestrial life.
Five-hundred-metre Aperture Spherical Telescope z The mission plans to do this by flying past Europa
(FAST) (China) nearly 50 times to study the moon’s icy shell,

its surface’s geology and its subsurface ocean.
What are Gravitational Waves?
The mission will also look for active geysers spewing
¾ About: Gravitational waves are ripples or vibrations
out from Europa.
in the very fabric of spacetime. For instance, when
a pebble is dropped in a pond, the resulting ripples ¾ Artemis II launch:
are analogous to gravitational waves, but instead of Artemis II, part of NASA’s Artemis program, is
water, they propagate through the fundamental a crewed lunar mission set to orbit the Moon,
structure of the universe. marking humanity’s return since 1972.
In 1916, Albert Einstein forecasted the presence z The Artemis programme is named after Apollo’s
of gravitational waves within his theory of general twin sister in Greek mythology.
relativity. z Planned for a 10-day journey, it aims to validate
¾ Prominence: Gravitational wave research, as systems for sustained lunar presence.
evidenced by the 2017 Nobel Prize awarded for This pivotal mission, including the first woman
the first detection using Laser Interferometer and person of color, follows Artemis I’s success,
Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO), holds
testing an uncrewed lunar capsule in late 2022.
immense potential for scientific breakthroughs.
z Artemis II underscores NASA’s commitment
Recently, India gave its go-ahead to construct
to lunar exploration, preparing for extended
the third node of the LIGO in Hingoli district of
space habitation, and laying the groundwork
Maharashtra.
for future missions to Mars.
¾ VIPER to Search for Water on the Moon:
Space Missions in 2024 VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration
Rover), is a robot the size of a golf cart that NASA
Why in News? will use to explore the moon’s south pole in late
The year 2023 proved to be an important one for 2024.
space missions, with NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission returning This robotic mission is designed to search for
a sample from an asteroid and India’s Chandrayaan-3 volatiles, which are molecules that easily vaporize,
mission, and 2024 is shaping up to be another exciting
like water and carbon dioxide, at lunar temperatures.
year for space exploration.
z These materials could provide resources for
¾ Several new missions under NASA’s Artemis plan
future human exploration on the moon.
and Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative
The VIPER robot will rely on batteries, heat pipes
will target the moon.
and radiators throughout its 100-day mission,
What are the Space Missions Planned for 2024? as it navigates everything from the extreme heat
¾ Europa Clipper: of lunar daylight – when temperatures can reach
NASA will launch Europa Clipper, which will explore 224 ℉ (107 ℉) – to the moon’s frigid shadowed
one of Jupiter’s largest moons, Europa. regions that can reach as low as -240 ℉.
Note:
¾ Lunar Trailblazer and PRIME-1 Missions: z DART hit Dimorphos with such force that it
NASA has recently invested in a class of small, actually changed its orbit.
low-cost planetary missions called SIMPLEx, The kinetic impact technique smashes something
which stands for Small, Innovative Missions for into an object in order to alter its path. This could
Planetary Exploration. prove useful if humanity ever finds a potentially
z These missions save costs by tagging along on hazardous object on a collision course with Earth
other launches as what is called a rideshare, and needs to redirect it.
or secondary payload. Hera will launch in October 2024, making its way
One example is the Lunar Trailblazer. Like VIPER,
in late 2026 to Didymos and Dimorphos, where it
Lunar Trailblazer will look for water on the moon. will study the physical properties of the asteroids.
z But while VIPER will land on the moon’s surface,
studying a specific area near the south pole What are ISRO’s Space Missions set for 2024?
in detail. ¾ PSLV-C58 with XPoSat:
z Lunar Trailblazer will orbit the moon, measuring XPoSat, India’s first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite,
the temperature of the surface and mapping was launched in January 2023 aboard the Polar
out the locations of water molecules across Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C58).
the globe.
This mission aims to investigate the polarization
Lunar Trailblazer’s launch timing depends on the
of intense X-ray sources in the universe, focusing
primary payload’s launch readiness.
on pulsars, black hole X-ray binaries, and other
z The PRIME-1 mission, scheduled for a mid-2024
celestial objects.
launch, is Lunar Trailblazer’s ride. PRIME-1 will
drill into the moon – it’s a test run for the kind ¾ NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR):
of drill that VIPER will use. The NISAR, a collaborative mission between NASA
¾ JAXA’s Martian Moon eXploration Mission: and ISRO, is a dual-frequency synthetic aperture
The JAXA MMX mission concept to study Mars’
radar satellite designed for remote sensing, providing
moons - Phobos and Deimos. insights into various Earth systems including
ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation biomass, and
The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, or
JAXA, has a robotic mission in development called natural hazards.
the Martian Moon eXploration, or MMX, planned ¾ Gaganyaan 1:
for launch around September 2024. The Gaganyaan 1 mission is a critical step in India’s
z The mission’s main science objective is to Human Spaceflight Programme.
determine the origin of Mars’ moons. This test flight, involving three crew members, is a
Scientists aren’t sure whether Phobos and Deimos collaborative effort between ISRO and Hindustan
are former asteroids that Mars captured into orbit Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to pave the way for Manned
with its gravity or if they formed out of debris that Space Exploration.
was already in orbit around Mars.
¾ Mangalyaan-2 (MOM 2): .
The spacecraft will spend three years around Mars
Mangalyaan-2, or Mars Orbiter Mission 2 (MOM
conducting science operations to observe Phobos
2), is ISRO’s ambitious sequel to its successful
and Deimos. MMX will also land on Phobos’ surface
Mars mission.
and collect a sample before returning to Earth.
¾ ESA’s Hera Mission:
This mission, aimed at studying the surface,
atmosphere, and climatic conditions of Mars,
It is a mission by the European Space Agency to
will equip the orbiter spacecraft with advanced
return to the Didymos-Dimorphos asteroid system
that NASA’s DART mission visited in 2022. scientific instruments, including a hyperspectral
camera, magnetometer, and radar.
z But DART didn’t just visit these asteroids, it
collided with one of them to test a planetary MOM 2 is a testament to India’s expanding prowess
defence technique called “kinetic impact”. in planetary exploration.
Note:
¾ Shukrayaan-1: ¾ Crop Biomass and Root Volume:

Under the Venus Orbiter Mission, ISRO plans to The application of nano urea led to a reduction
launch Shukrayaan-1, a spacecraft destined to in above-ground biomass and root volume. This
orbit Venus for five years. decrease in root volume resulted in decreased
It aims to study the atmosphere of Venus, marking
root-surface area, impacting nutrient uptake
India’s first foray into exploring the mysteries of processes by the roots.
the second planet from the Sun. What is Liquid Nano Urea?
¾ About:
Efficacy of Liquid Nano Urea It is urea in the form of a nanoparticle. It is a
nutrient (liquid) to provide nitrogen to plants
Why in News? as an alternative to the conventional urea.
z Urea is a chemical nitrogen fertilizer, white in
A two-year field experiment on the efficacy of Liquid
colour, which artificially provides nitrogen, a
Nano Urea by scientists from Punjab Agricultural major nutrient required by plants.
University (PAU) has found a substantial decrease in
It is developed to replace conventional urea
rice and wheat yields when compared to conventional
and it can curtail the requirement of the same
nitrogen (N) fertiliser application.
by at least 50%.
¾ The findings emphasize the necessity for further
z It contains 40,000 mg/L of nitrogen in a 500
long-term field evaluations spanning 5-7 years to ml bottle which is equivalent to the impact
ascertain nano urea’s equivalence to conventional of nitrogen nutrient provided by one bag of
urea and its sustainability in maintaining crop yields. conventional urea.
What are the Key Findings about the Efficacy of Nano liquid urea was launched in June 2021 by
Liquid Nano Urea? the Indian Farmers and Fertiliser Cooperative

(IFFCO).
¾ Yield Reduction:
¾ Developed At:
There is a significant decrease in crop yields when
It has been indigenously developed at IFFCO-
nano urea was used compared to conventional Nano Biotechnology Research Centre, Kalol,
nitrogen fertilizers. Gujrat in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat and
Specifically, there was a 21.6% decrease in wheat Atmanirbhar Krishi.
yield and a 13% decrease in rice yield. z India is dependent on imports to meet its
¾ Grain Nitrogen Content: urea requirements.
The application of nano urea resulted in a decline ¾ Application:
in grain nitrogen content in both rice and wheat This fertiliser is a foliar spray, meaning it should
crops. only be used once leaves arrive on the crops.
There is a 17 and 11.5% decrease in grain N content
of rice and wheat, respectively. Lithium-Deal with Argentina
The lowered grain nitrogen content implies reduced
protein levels in the harvested crops. Why in News?
z This is a concern in a country like India, where
The Ministry of Mines, Government of India through
rice and wheat are staple foods providing the state-owned Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), has
protein and carbohydrates. Low protein content entered into a draft exploration and development
could impact the population’s protein energy agreement with Argentinan miner CAMYEN for possible
requirements. acquisition and development of five-odd lithium blocks.
¾ Cost Considerations: ¾ The company has also entered into a non-disclosure
The cost of nano urea formulation was 10 times agreement with Chilean miner ENAMI for
higher than that of granular urea and will add to “possible exploration, extraction, processing and
the cost of cultivation for farmers. commercialisation” of the mineral.
Note:
What is Lithium? z It is extracted from these minerals and refined
into lithium metal or its compounds.
¾ About:
The top producers of lithium are Australia, Chile,
Lithium is an alkali mineral, also called ‘white gold’.
China, and Argentina.
It is soft, silvery-white metal, the lightest metal of
z In 2022, Australia was the world leader in terms
the periodic table.
of lithium mine production. Chile and China
¾ Major Properties: ranked second and third.
High Reactivity Recently, a massive lithium deposit beneath
Low Density California’s Salton Sea (US), holding an estimated
Excellent Electrochemical Properties 18 million tons of lithium, was discovered.
¾ Occurrence and Top Producers: NOTE: Lithium triangle made up of Argentina, Chile,
Lithium is found naturally in various minerals, and Bolivia—contain roughly half the world’s known
including spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite. lithium.
Note:
¾ Applications: z Massive reserves unearthed in Salal-Haimna

Batteries: Lithium is a crucial component of areas of Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir
rechargeable batteries used in smartphones, (estimated 5.9 million tonnes).
laptops, electric vehicles, and other electronics.
z Additional reserves identified in Koderma and
Glass and Ceramics: Lithium compounds are used
Giridih regions of Jharkhand.
to strengthen glass and ceramics, making them
more durable and heat-resistant. However, India has put up lithium blocks for auction:
Medicine: Lithium is used as a mood stabilizer in one in J&K and another in Chhattisgarh, with most
the treatment of bipolar disorder. of its domestic requirements, across categories
Lubricants: Lithium greases are used in high- like EVs, lithium-ion battery making, and other
pressure and high-temperature applications. energy storage solutions, being met completely
¾ Lithium in India: through imports. Import bill is pegged at around
2023 saw a surge in lithium discoveries: ₹24,000 crore.
Note:
Pegasus is a spyware that can exploit zero-day
Pegasus Spyware vulnerabilities to deploy spyware on Apple products.
z A zero-day vulnerability is an undiscovered flaw
Why in News?
or bug in an operating system that the mobile
The Pegasus spyware has once again ignited a debate phone’s manufacturer does not yet know about
on privacy and security. Recent reports by Amnesty and so has not been able to fix.
International point to its utilization in targeting the phones
¾ Targets:
of two prominent Indian journalists, prompting inquiries
into potential government involvement. Several investigations and reports have revealed
¾ Amnesty International is a global movement of more
that Pegasus spyware has been used to spy on
than 10 million people who are committed to creating journalists, human rights activists, lawyers,
a future where human rights are enjoyed by everyone. opposition leaders, and heads of state.
Some of the countries that have been accused of
What is Pegasus Spyware?
using Pegasus spyware to target their critics and
¾ About: enemies include Saudi Arabia, Mexico, India,
Pegasus spyware is a highly invasive mobile Morocco, Hungary, Azerbaijan, and Rwanda.
surveillance tool that can secretly infiltrate ¾ Implications:
and monitor smartphones, collecting data and
information from various apps and sources. Pegasus spyware threatens privacy and security
for individuals and groups exposing corruption,
It was developed by the Israeli cyber-intelligence
defending human rights, and advocating democracy.
firm NSO Group, which claims to sell it only
to government agencies for fighting crime and It undermines press freedom by exposing
terrorism. journalists’ sources, methods, and materials,
z NSO emphasizes mechanisms in place to avoid compromising their independence.
targeting journalists, lawyers, and human rights The spyware poses a risk to the sovereignty and
defenders not involved in terror or serious crimes. stability of nations, enabling foreign interference
¾ Operating Procedure: and espionage in internal affairs and decision-
Pegasus uses “zero-click” methods to infect devices; making processes.
it is a malicious software that allows spyware to be ¾ Challenges:
installed on a device without the device owner’s Pegasus spyware is difficult to detect and remove,
consent. as it can hide its presence and activity on the
z The spyware doesn’t necessitate any user actions
device, and can self-destruct if it senses that it is
for installation, distinguishing it from regular being discovered or analyzed.
apps that require explicit user confirmation.
Pegasus spyware is difficult to regulate and control
z It can exploit vulnerabilities in apps such as
due to its operation in legal grey areas.
WhatsApp, iMessage, or FaceTime, and send a
message or a call that triggers the installation z NSO Group and its clients commonly deny or
of the spyware, even if the user does not open evade responsibility for the misuse and abuse
or answer it. of spyware.
Note:
Major Types of Cyber Threats What are the Related Cybersecurity Initiatives?
¾ India:
Information Technology Act, 2000.
National Cyber Security Strategy.
Cyber Surakshit Bharat.
Computer Emergency Response Team - India

(CERT-In).
Critical Information Infrastructure.
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
¾ International Mechanisms:
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Budapest Convention on Cybercrime
X-ray Polarimeter
Satellite: ISRO
Why in News?
Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) has launched its first X-ray Polarimeter Satellite
(XpoSat) to study X-ray polarisation and its cosmic
sources, like Black holes, Neutron stars, and Magnetars.
¾ The mission is propelled by the PSLV-C58 rocket in
Low Earth Orbit.v
What is an X-ray Polarimeter Satellite
(XpoSat)?
¾ Purpose:
XPoSat is designed to study X-ray polarization in the
medium X-ray band, offering insights into celestial
sources’ radiation mechanisms and geometry.
This study is crucial for understanding the physics
behind these celestial bodies.
¾ Payloads:
The satellite carries two main payloads, POLIX
(Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) and XSPECT
(X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing).
POLIX will observe about 40 bright astronomical
sources, while XSPECT will study the electromagnetic
spectrum generated by different matter.
¾ Development:
Entirely built by two Bengaluru-based institutes—
ISRO’s UR Rao Satellite Centre and Raman Research
Institute—XPoSat’s development began in 2008,
with a formal agreement signed with ISRO in 2015.
Note:
¾ Global Context: Electromagnetic radiation is characterised by
XPoSat is only the world’s second mission dedicated an electric field and a magnetic field vibrating
to X-ray polarization in the medium X-ray band. perpendicular to each other.
NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), z The polarisation of electromagnetic radiation
launched in 2021, was the first such mission by a refers to the orientation of these two fields as
space agency. the radiation moves through space.
¾ National Contribution:
¾ X-rays can be polarised when they get scattered.
XPoSat will be India’s third space-based observatory,
Polarised X-rays are also produced when the path of
following the recently launched solar mission
a fast-moving charged particle is bent by a magnetic
Aditya-L1 and AstroSat, which was launched in
field.
2015. Its launch is seen as a significant stride for
Indian astronomy and space research. ¾ Measuring the polarization of X-rays using instruments
like POLIX enables astronomers to understand the
What is X Ray and How will it Study the orientation and strength of magnetic fields in celestial
Celestial Objects? objects. This, in turn, provides crucial insights into the
¾ X-rays are electromagnetic radiation whose nature and behavior of pulsars, regions around black
wavelength is 0.01-10 nanometres. holes, and other cosmic phenomena emitting X-rays.
nnn
Note:
Environment and Ecology

Highlights
z Project Tiger z Wetland City Accreditation
z Natural Pathogenic Fungi to Save Eucalyptus Forests z Buxa Tiger Reserve
z Darjeeling Zoo’s Conservation Breeding Programme for Snow z Biodiversity Credits
Leopards z Captive-bred Wolves into the Wild in Gujarat
z Varied Progress in Clean Air Target z Pelagic Birds
z Northeast African Cheetah z Balancing Climate Goals and Biodiversity Protection
z Sustainable Agriculture
¾ Tiger Reserves in Similipal, Odisha, the Critical Tiger

Project Tiger Habitats (CTHs) lacked a Buffer Area.
It was only in 2012 that they were included following
Why in News?
a directive from the Supreme Court, which gave
Over time, the tiger conservation initiative has the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
evolved, establishing Tiger Reserves (55) and implementing a three-month ultimatum.
crucial wildlife protection laws. ¾ The Tiger Task Force found the approach of using
¾ However, conflicts in Tiger Reserves between the forest guns, guards, and fences wasn’t protecting tigers,
bureaucracy and forest dwellers have intensified due and that the increasing conflict between the forest/
to violations of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, wildlife bureaucracy and those who coexist with the
and the Forest Rights Act, 2006. tigers was a recipe for disaster.
¾ The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change announced the merger of the two flagship
What are Initiatives Taken for Tiger
programmes Project Tiger (PT) and Project Elephant Conservation?
as Project Tiger and Elephant (PTE). Project Tiger:
What are the Shortcomings in Tiger ¾ About:
Conservation? Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation initiative

in India that was launched in 1973.
¾ The Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2006
The primary objective of Project Tiger is to ensure
didn’t prohibit the diversion of a “tiger’s forest” for
the survival and maintenance of the tiger population
development projects and allowed wildlife to be
killed as a last resort if they threatened human lives. in their natural habitats by creating dedicated
Tiger Reserves.
¾ The government planned to notify the FRA Rules in
Starting with only nine reserves covering 9,115
2009 and operationalise the Act.
sq. km, the project marked a paradigm shift in
But in November 2007, the National Tiger
wildlife conservation efforts.
Conservation Authority (NTCA) passed an order
¾ Method of Tiger Census:
that gave the Chief Wildlife Wardens 13 days’
time to submit a proposal to delineate Critical The unreliable pug-mark method of the first
Tiger Habitats (CTHs), each with an area of 800- tiger census in 1972 gave way to more accurate
1,000 sq. km. techniques like the camera-trap method.
As a result, the government ended up notifying ¾ Growth Rate in Tiger Population:
26 Tiger Reserves in 12 States Section 38 (V) of The first tiger census, in 1972, used the unreliable
WLPA, and without complying with its provisions. pug-mark method to count 1,827 tigers.
Note:
As of 2022, the tiger population is estimated at ¾ The Wildlife (Protection) Act (WLPA), 1972 laid the
3,167-3,925, showcasing a growth rate of 6.1% groundwork for tiger conservation. It established
per year. National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, segregating
rights in favour of State governments and introducing
India is now home to three-quarters of the world’s
the concept of Critical Tiger Habitats (CTH).
tigers.
¾ The amendment to WLPA in 2006 led to the creation
¾ Tiger Reserve: of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
In 1973, Project Tiger began with nine reserves and a comprehensive tiger conservation plan.
covering 9,115 sq. km. By 2018, it had grown to 55 ¾ This marked a departure from the earlier fortress
reserves in different states, totalling 78,135.956 conservation approach, acknowledging the inseparable
sq. km or 2.38% of India’s land area. link between tiger protection, forest conservation,
and the well-being of local communities.
Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972:
Tiger Task Force:
¾ The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides a legal
¾ In 2005, the formation of the Tiger Task Force,
framework for the protection of various species of wild
prompted by concerns about tiger conservation,
animals and plants, management of their habitats, emphasized the necessity for a reassessment. The task
regulation, and control of trade in wild animals, plants, force pointed out flaws in the existing strategy that
and products made from them. heavily depended on weapons, guards, and fences.
Note:
What is the Recognition of Forest Rights Act,

2006? Natural Pathogenic Fungi to
¾ The enactment of the Scheduled Tribes and Other
Save Eucalyptus Forests
Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest
Why in News?
Rights) Act, 2006 recognized the customary and Recently, scientists have found a natural remedy to
traditional forest rights in communities. protect eucalyptus forest plantations from a pest,
¾ This empowered Gram Sabhas to democratically eucalyptus snout beetle, which is known to cause serious
manage forest resources and biodiversity within damage to eucalypts.
¾ The researchers have managed to collect a naturally
their boundaries.
occurring pathogenic fungi and characterized it
¾ Critical Wildlife Habitat (CWH): to turn it into a biopesticide for controlling beetle
The Forest Rights Act (FRA) introduced a ‘Critical populations.
Wildlife Habitat’ (CWH), similar to the Critical ¾ Eucalyptus (evergreen tree) wood is a crucial material
for paper pulp production.
Tiger Habitat (CTH) under the Wildlife Protection
Act (WLPA). What is Eucalyptus Snout Beetle?
¾ Eucalyptus snout beetle (Gonipterus platensis) is
However, a key difference was that once a CWH was
a leaf-feeding beetle that is a major defoliator of
notified, it couldn’t be redirected for non-forestry eucalypts, according to the Food and Agriculture
purposes. This particular clause was insisted upon by Organization of the United Nations.
Adivasi movements during negotiations. The pest is indigenous to Australia but occurs
Critical Tiger Habitats (CTH) cover 42,913.37 sq. in many countries throughout the world where
eucalypts are grown.
km, or 26% of the area under National Parks and
¾ It can cause damage over vast areas as it has a great
Wildlife Sanctuaries.
flight capability and gets transferred with transport
¾ The Gram Sabhas were given the authority to of forest products.
safeguard, preserve, and oversee the forest, wildlife, ¾ The beetle feeds on leaves, buds and shoots, resulting in
and biodiversity within their customary boundaries. stunted growth and deflation and causing heavy losses.
Note:
How can Fungi Control the Eucalyptus Snout ¾ The membership consists of nearly 400 leading
Beetle? institutions and organisations around the world,
¾ In the recent research, the scientists collected the and this number continues to grow.
fungi from naturally infected beetles in eucalyptus
forest plantations and characterized them to develop What are the Conservation Efforts of Snow
a bio-pesticide for controlling the beetle. Leopards in the Darjeeling Zoo?
¾ The fungi belong to the genera Beauveria and
¾ About:
Metarhizium, which are known to infect and kill
insects. Darjeeling Zoo has the only conservative breeding
Beauveria pseudobassiana and Metarhizium programme for snow leopards in India.
brunneum were the most virulent fungi. Apart from snow leopards, it has conservative
B bassiana was highly effective both by contact breeding programmes for red pandas, mountain
and ingestion, with a mortality rate of 100%. orals and pheasants.
¾ The fungi could be used to develop a bio-pesticide for
Darjeeling zoo is the largest high altitude zoo in
sustainable forestry using integrated pest management.
India.
¾ The fungi is developed by treating insecticidal activity,
UV-B radiation tolerance among other parameters ¾ Conservation Breeding Programme:
to ensure that recovered fungi are suitable to The first ex-situ conservation breeding program
produce bio-insecticide and mass production and started in 1986 as a Snow Leopard conservation
commercialisation.
breeding project.
The CBC at Darjeeling Zoo recorded the first birth
Darjeeling Zoo’s Conservation of a snow leopard in 1989. Since then, 77 snow
Breeding Programme for leopards have been born at the zoo, marking a
Snow Leopards remarkable achievement in wildlife conservation.
The zoo’s success in breeding snow leopards can
Why in News? be attributed to careful pairing of male and female
The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park snow leopards, creating a natural environment
(PNHZP), West Bengal also commonly known as Darjeeling within the enclosures, and using a wide genetic
zoo has achieved international recognition from the World pool to avoid inbreeding.
Association for Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) for its
successful conservation breeding programme (CBC) for z Before pairing, the snow leopards are kept in
snow leopards. adjoining enclosures to develop courtship.
¾ This recognition is a testament to the zoo’s dedication Once their compatibility is observed, they are
to wildlife conservation and the preservation of paired and kept in the same enclosure.
endangered species. z Pregnant female leopards are separated and
What is the World Association for Zoos and kept under 24X7 CCTV surveillance, with regular
Aquariums (WAZA)? blood tests and monitoring of body weight.
¾ WAZA is the global alliance of regional associations, The zoo practices the highest biosecurity protocols
national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated for all captive animals, including regular screening
to the care and conservation of animals and their for parasites, deworming, and advanced veterinary
habitats around the world. facilities.
Note:
Note:
concentrations, hosting around 18 of the top 20
Varied Progress in Clean Air most polluted cities for PM2.5.
Target z Only Guwahati and Rourkela, outside the IGP,
were among the 20 most polluted cities for
Why in News? PM 2.5.
¾ Monitoring Challenges:
Recently, the Climate Trends and Respirer Living
The availability and distribution of continuous
Sciences have conducted a study, revealing that the
majority of cities are far from the clean air targets of the ambient air quality monitors significantly influence
India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). annual pollutant concentrations.
However, many Indian cities lack an adequate
NOTE: Climate Trends and Respirer Living Sciences are
number of such monitoring stations.
both involved in the NCAP Tracker, an online hub for
While cities such as Mumbai and Delhi have
updates on India’s clean air policy.
several such stations, most Indian cities have
¾ Climate Trends is a research-based consulting
only a handful.
and capacity building initiative that focuses on
z Only four of the 92 cities have more than 10
environment, climate change, and sustainable
development. such stations.
¾ Respirer Living Sciences is a climate-tech startup ¾ Factors Impacting Pollution:
partner to the Government of India. It supported Variations in pollution levels can be attributed to
the Centre of Excellence ATMAN on Clean Air geographical locations, diverse emission sources,
Technologies which was established at IIT Kanpur. meteorological influences, and the interplay
between emissions and Meteorology, requiring
What are the Key Highlights of the Study? further investigation.
¾ PM2.5 Reduction Disparities:
What is the National Clean Air Programme?
Among 49 cities with consistent PM2.5 data over
five years, only 27 cities showed a decline in PM2.5 ¾ It was launched by the Ministry of Environment,
Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in January 2019.
levels, while merely four cities met or surpassed
the targeted decline as per National Clean Air ¾ It is the first-ever effort in the country to frame a
Campaign (NCAP) Goals. national framework for air quality management
with a time-bound reduction target.
z The NCAP’s goal is to reduce average particulate
matter (PM) concentrations by 40% by 2026 ¾ The NCAP’s goal is to reduce average particulate
in 131 cities. matter (PM) concentrations by 40% by 2026 in 131
cities. Initially aimed for a 20-40% reduction by 2024,
z Initially aimed for a 20-40% reduction by 2024,
the target was later extended to 2026
the target was later extended to 2026.
¾ It covers 131 non-attainment cities which were
¾ Mixed Progress Across Cities:
identified by the Central Pollution Control Board
While some cities like Varanasi, Agra, and Jodhpur (CPCB).
exhibited significant reductions in PM2.5 levels,
Non-attainment cities are those that have fallen
others, including Delhi, reported marginal declines short of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(only 5.9%) or even increased pollution loads. (NAAQS) for over five years.
z Varanasi showed the most substantial reduction
z NAAQs are the standards for ambient air quality
with a 72% average decrease in PM2.5 levels with reference to various identified pollutant
and a 69% reduction in PM10 levels from 2019 notified by the CPCB under the Air (Prevention
to 2023. and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
¾ Regional Vulnerabilities: z List of pollutants under NAAQS: PM10, PM2.5,
The Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) remains highly SO2, NO2, CO, NH3, Ozone, Lead, Benzene,
vulnerable to elevated particulate matter Benzo-Pyrene, Arsenic and Nickel.
Note:
¾ PRANA ( Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in What are the Key Facts About Northeast
Non-Attainment cities), is a portal for monitoring of African Cheetahs?
implementation of NCAP.
¾ Scientific Name: Acinonyx jubatus soemmeringii
What are the Initiatives Taken for Controlling Air ¾ About:
Pollution?
It is a Cheetah subspecies and was first described
¾ System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting under the scientific name Cynailurus soemmeringii
and Research (SAFAR) Portal. by the Austrian zoologist Leopold Fitzinger in 1855
¾ Air Quality Index: AQI has been developed for on the basis of a specimen from Sudan’s Bayuda
eight pollutants viz. PM2.5, PM10, Ammonia, Lead, Desert brought to the Tiergarten Schönbrunn in
nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, ozone, and carbon Vienna.
monoxide. It is also known as the Sudan cheetah. This
¾ Graded Response Action Plan (for Delhi). subspecies is more closely related to the Southern
¾ For Reducing Vehicular Pollution: African cheetah than to Saharan cheetah
populations.
BS-VI Vehicles,
¾ Distribution:
Push for Electric Vehicles (EVs),
They are found in Northeast Africa, Ethiopia and
Odd-Even Policy as an emergency measure
In South Sudan.
(for Delhi).
They live in wide open lands, grasslands, semi-
¾ New Commission for Air Quality Management
arid areas, and other open habitats where prey is
¾ Subsidy to farmers for buying Turbo Happy Seeder abundant such as in the East Sudanian Savanna.
(THS) Machine for reducing stubble burning. ¾ Habitat:
¾ National Air Quality Monitoring Programme Their habitats typically encompassed a range of
(NAMP): Under NAMP, four air pollutants viz. SO2, environments such as savannas, grasslands, and
NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 have been identified for semi-arid areas, often with sparse vegetation that
regular monitoring at all locations. allowed for their hunting strategy of high-speed
pursuits.
Northeast African Cheetah ¾ Threat:
They are being heavily trafficked across the Red
Why in News? Sea to Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, the United
Northeast African Cheetah is facing decline in genetic Arab Emirates and Yemen.
diversity due to illegal trade in cubs to Arab countries. Due to habitat loss, human encroachment, and
hunting, their numbers have significantly dwindled,
with only a few scattered populations remaining,
primarily in protected areas.
¾ Conservation Status:
IUCN Red List: Endangered.
Sustainable Agriculture
Why in News?
Recently, the Indigenous Seed Festival in West Bengal
showcased a remarkable effort by farmers to conserve
native seed varieties and exchange traditional knowledge,
exemplifying a significant shift towards Sustainable
Agriculture Practices.
Note:
¾ The festival is a part of ActionAid’s climate justice It encompasses various practices and principles
campaign, facilitating discourse between farmers such as Crop Switching, Organic Farming,
on climate change, organic farming, and indigenous Community Supporting Agriculture etc, that
seed access. focus on environmental stewardship, economic
¾ ActionAid’s focus on climate resilience and sustainable profitability, and social equity.
farming across 22 Indian states. The NGOs aim to ¾ Benefits:
establish grassroots-level seed banks across West
Environmental Conservation: Practices that
Bengal.
minimize the impact on ecosystems, soil, water,
What is Sustainable Agriculture? and biodiversity. This involves using methods that
¾ About: reduce soil erosion, conserve water, and avoid
Sustainable agriculture refers to a holistic approach
or minimize the use of synthetic fertilizers and
to farming and food production that aims to meet pesticides.
the current needs for food and fiber while ensuring z Techniques like crop rotation, cover cropping,
the long-term viability of agricultural systems and and agroforestry are employed to maintain soil
preserving natural resources for future generations. fertility and health.
Economic Viability: Ensuring that agricultural Social Equity: Fostering fair and equitable
practices are economically feasible for farmers, relationships among farmers, consumers, and
enabling them to earn a fair income while sustaining other stakeholders in the food system.
their livelihoods. z This includes ensuring fair wages and working
z This involves strategies that enhance productivity, conditions for agricultural laborers, supporting
reduce production costs, and open up markets rural communities, and promoting access to
for sustainably produced goods. healthy and nutritious food for all.
Note:
Resilience to Climate Change: Building agricultural ¾ Storage and Marketing Challenges: Sustainable
systems that are resilient to climate variability agriculture may face storage and marketing challenges
and change. Sustainable agriculture practices aim in India, as it produces perishable and heterogeneous
to adapt to changing climatic conditions, mitigate products that require proper handling and packaging.
greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to overall This can increase post-harvest losses and reduce
climate resilience. the marketability of the produce, especially in the
Biodiversity Preservation: Supporting diverse absence of adequate certification and labeling
ecosystems and genetic diversity within crops systems that ensure quality and traceability.
and livestock. Maintaining biodiversity is critical What are the Recent Government Initiatives
for resilience against pests, diseases, and Related to Sustainable Agriculture?
environmental changes. This involves preserving
heirloom and indigenous crop varieties, as well as ¾ National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
promoting diverse landscapes that support wildlife ¾ Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
and pollinators. ¾ Sub-mission on AgroForestry (SMAF)
¾ Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
What are the Limitations of Sustainable
¾ Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North
Agriculture in India?
Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)
¾ High Labor Demand: Sustainable agriculture often
requires more manual labor than conventional
agriculture, as it involves practices such as Crop Wetland City Accreditation
Rotation, Intercropping, Organic Fertilization, and
pest management. Why in News?
This can increase the cost of production and reduce The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
the profitability of farmers. Change (MoEF&CC) has recently submitted three
nominations from India for the Wetland City Accreditation
¾ Time Consumption: Sustainable agriculture also
(WCA).
takes more time to implement and show results
than conventional agriculture, as it relies on natural ¾ The nominated cities include Indore (Madhya Pradesh),
processes and gradual improvements. Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), and Udaipur (Rajasthan).
¾ The ongoing Amrit Dharohar initiative by MoEF&CC
This can discourage farmers who need immediate
aligns with WCA goals, promoting the conservation
returns and face uncertainties such as weather,
values of Ramsar Sites.
market, and policy changes.
¾ Limited Production Potential: Sustainable agriculture NOTE: Amrit Dharohar, part of the 2023-24 budget
may not be able to meet the growing demand for announcement, promotes the unique conservation
food in India, as it tends to have lower yields than values of the Ramsar Sites in the country while
conventional agriculture, especially in the short term. generating employment opportunities and supporting
local livelihoods.
This can pose a challenge to Food Security and
Poverty Alleviation, especially in a country with What is Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)?
a large and increasing population. ¾ About:
The recent Sri Lankan crisis was triggered by the
The WCA is a voluntary accreditation system
policy of shifting to Organic farming. established by the Ramsar Convention during the
z Rice, Sri Lanka’s dietary staple, saw average Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) 12,
yields slashed by some 30%. 2015 to recognize cities that have taken exceptional
¾ High Capital Cost: Sustainable agriculture may require steps to safeguard their urban wetlands.
high initial investment in infrastructure, equipment, The scheme aims to promote the conservation
and inputs, such as Irrigation systems, micro-irrigation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands,
devices, organic fertilizers, and seeds. as well as sustainable socio-economic benefits for
This can be a barrier for small and marginal farmers local populations.
who lack access to credit and Subsidies. z The WCA is valid for 6 years.
Note:
¾ Significance: What are the Key Facts About Buxa Tiger
Encourages cities to develop positive relationships Reserve?
with valuable ecosystems like Wetlands of ¾ About:
International Importance. Buxa Tiger Reserve and National Park covers 760
Aims to gain international recognition for cities square kilometers and is located in North Bengal’s
valuing their natural or human-made wetlands. Alipurduar district.
Buxa is a “low density” reserve and part of a larger
What are the Key Highlights of the Cities tiger territory that stretches to Bhutan.
Nominated for WCA? The rivers Sankosh, Raidak, Jayanti, Churnia, Turturi,
¾ Indore: Phashkhawa, Dima, and Nonani flow through Buxa

National Park.
Founded by Holkars, Indore is the cleanest city
¾ Corridor Connectivity:
in India and was awarded India’s Smart City 2023
According to the National Tiger Conservation
for sanitation and urban environment.
Authority (NTCA), the Reserve has corridor
z Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar Site in the city, has been connectivity across the border with the forests of
recognised as an important site for water bird Bhutan in the North; linkages with the Kochugaon
congregation and is being developed as a Bird forests (Assam) and Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam)
Sanctuary. in the East; and with the Jaldapara National Park
z Over 200 wetland mitras actively engage in bird
in the West.
z The reserve’s connectivity serves as a vital link
conservation and raising awareness to protect
in promoting the migration and genetic diversity
the Sarus Crane.
of Bengal tigers.
¾ Bhopal:
¾ Flora:
One of the cleanest cities in India that has proposed Prominent tree species include Sal, Champ, Gamar,
conservation zones around the wetlands in its draft Simul, and Chikrasi, contributing to the reserve’s
City Development Plan 2031. diverse and vibrant ecosystem.
Bhoj Wetland, Ramsar Site is the city’s lifeline, ¾ Fauna:
equipped with the world-class wetlands The primary wildlife species include the Asian
interpretation centre, Jal Tarang. Elephant, Tiger, gaur (Indian bison), Wild boar,
Sambar, and Wild dog (Dhole).
Additionally, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation
Endangered species in Buxa Tiger Reserve
has a dedicated Lake Conservation Cell.
encompass the Leopard cat, Bengal florican, Regal
¾ Udaipur: python, Chinese Pangolin, Hispid hare, and Hog deer.
The city is surrounded by five major wetlands, ¾ Conservation Initiatives:
namely, Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Introduced chitals (spotted deer) to enhance the
Sagar, and Doodh Talai. tiger’s prey base, fostering favorable conditions
z These wetlands are an integral part of the for their return, and showcasing successful
city’s culture and identity, help maintain the conservation efforts.
Proactive measures have been taken to expand
city’s microclimate, and provide a buffer from
the grassland, creating an ideal habitat for tigers
extreme events.
and other wildlife.
Initiatives focus on reducing human interference,
Buxa Tiger Reserve curbing infiltration, and controlling trespassing to
create a harmonious coexistence between humans
Why in News? and wildlife.
Tiger Augmentation Project was launched in 2018,
Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) in West Bengal witnessed this collaborative project involves the state forest
the return of a tiger for the second time in two years department, the Wildlife Institute of India, and
after a 23-year absence, sparking hope for a flourishing the NTCA, focusing on monitoring and enhancing
ecosystem and a potential resurgence of tiger populations. the tiger population.
Note:
Note:
Other Protected Areas in West Bengal governmental bodies, non-profits, and private
enterprises.
¾ Gorumara National Park
¾ Implementation and Initiatives:
¾ Sundarbans National Park
Ocean Conservation Commitments (OCCs):
¾ Neora Valley National Park
Launched in September 2023, OCCs are tied to
¾ Singalila National Park Niue’s Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area,
¾ Jaldapara National Park covering 127,000 square kilometers.
¾ Sundarban Tiger Reserve z OCCs are available for purchase by interested
¾ Mayurjharna Elephant Reserve buyers, each representing a commitment to
¾ Eastern Dooars Elephant Reserve support conservation efforts for 20 years.
z Priced at USD 148 per OCC, these commitments
have attracted investments from non-
Biodiversity Credits governmental organizations like the Blue
Nature Alliance, Conservation International,
Why in News? and private donors.
Biodiversity Credits or biocredits are increasingly Wallacea Trust: This UK-based organization focused
being pushed as a means for financing work on the various on biodiversity and climate research has made
targets set under the Kunming-Montreal Global substantial financial commitments, amounting to
Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). 5 million biodiversity credits. Their engagement
¾ The KMGBF, established at the 15th Conference of signals a significant interest from research-oriented
Parties (CoP15) of the Convention on Biological entities in utilizing biodiversity credits to support
Diversity (CBD), sets forth ambitious targets for conservation efforts.
biodiversity conservation, sustainable utilization, and ¾ Challenges and Uncertainties:
equitable benefit sharing. Despite their potential, the success of biodiversity
What is Biodiversity Credit? credits remains uncertain. Challenges encompass

regulatory frameworks, pricing structures that
¾ About:
ensure fairness for both buyers and sellers, and
Biodiversity credits are a financial instrument
ensuring that these mechanisms genuinely serve
designed to generate funding for the conservation, biodiversity conservation rather than corporate
restoration, and sustainable use of biodiversity- interests.
rich areas.
They operate on a concept similar to Carbon
What are the Initiatives Related to Biodiversity
Credits but with a distinct focus on biodiversity Conservation?
preservation rather than offsetting negative impacts. ¾ India:
The core purpose of biodiversity credits is to attract India Business & Biodiversity Initiative (IBBI)
private investments toward initiatives aligned with Wetland (Conservation and Management)
the goals of conserving and restoring biodiversity, Rules 2010
as outlined by international agreements such as National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic
the KMGBF under the CBD. Ecosystem
¾ Biodiversity Credit Alliance: Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
To promote Bio credits, the Biodiversity Credit Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Alliance was launched at CoP15 of CBD.
¾ Global:
Through 2023, efforts were made to promote them
Nagoya Protocol
at different fora. They were discussed at CoP28 of
Convention on International Trade in Endangered
the UNFCCC in Dubai in December 2023.
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Its aim is to mobilize support and generate
World Wide Fund for Nature
awareness among various stakeholders, including
Note:
¾ Protection Status:
Captive-bred Wolves into the Grey Wolf:
Wild in Gujarat z IUCN Red List: Least Concern
z Wildlife Protection Act (India): Schedule I
Why in News? z CITES Appendix: I
Gujarat’s ambitious project to reintroduce wolves Himalayan Wolf
bred in captivity to the wild shows early signs of success. z IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
¾ This initiative is the first of its kind outside the United
States, aiming to restock wolf populations and they
can perform their role as biocontrol agents that keep
Pelagic Birds
the population of wild herbivores, like nilgai (blue
Why in News?
bulls) and wild boars under control.
Bird enthusiasts were able to document rare ‘pelagic’
What are the Major Points Related to Wolves? birds throughout 2023 just off the Karnataka coast.
¾ About: ¾ Besides pelagic birds, Karnataka has drawn attention
Wolves are the largest members of the dog family to land-based species, with the New Mangalore
(Canidae), known for their majestic physique, thick Port (NMP) transforming into a green port, fostering
fur, sharp eyes, strong jaws, pointed ears, and a avian diversity.
long bushy tail add to their formidable presence.
¾ Ecology and Behavior:
Social Animals: They live in packs typically consisting
of a breeding pair and their offspring, working
together to hunt and raise pups.
Apex Predators: Primarily hunting large ungulates
like deer, elk and moose, they play a crucial role
in maintaining ecosystem balance.
Communicative Masters: Their famous howls are
not just eerie calls, they serve to strengthen pack
bonds, defend territory, and communicate with
other packs.
¾ Subspecies Found in India:
India boasts two wolf subspecies: the grey wolf
(Canis lupus pallipes) in the peninsular region
and the Himalayan or Tibetian wolf (Canis lupus
chanco) in the north. What are the Key Facts About Pelagic Birds?
¾ Distribution Range in India: ¾ About:
The range of grey wolf stretches across several Pelagic birds are birds that spend a large portion
states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, of their lives on the open ocean.
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra among others. z They can be found thousands of miles offshore
The Himalayan wolf is primarily found in the but can get blown onto land during high winds
Ladakh region and the Lahaul and Spiti region of and storms. The only other time they come
northeastern Himachal Pradesh among others. inland is to breed.
Note:
¾ Features:
These birds vary greatly in size and description Balancing Climate Goals and
from each other, but they all live on open water, Biodiversity Protection
dive for food, and are excellent swimmers.
Why in News?
Pelagic birds possess remarkably long, slender
wings enabling extended flights without rest. Recently, a study has been published titled-Balancing
climate goals and biodiversity protection: legal
z Some can stay airborne for days or weeks, even implications of the 30x30 target for land-based carbon
sleeping during flight. removal, highlighting the conflicts between land-based
These birds feature a unique salt gland that extracts Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Strategies and the
establishment of protected areas, focusing on international
salt from seawater, preventing its accumulation
environmental law.
to toxic levels.
What are the Key Highlights of the Study?
They feed on planktonic crustaceans (related to
shrimp and crabs), and squid and hunt fish far ¾ Limited Land Availability:
The Limitations in land availability is a critical
from land.
challenge in implementing both biodiversity targets
¾ Examples: and land-based climate mitigation strategies.
One of the better-known pelagic birds is the Laysan With countries pledging significant portions of
Albatross, which breeds almost exclusively on land for CDR activities, this poses a challenge
the Hawaiian islands but roams the nutrient-rich to establishing protected areas due to limited
available land.
waters of the Pacific to feed.
¾ Global Targets and Current Status:
z Pelagic birds also include Sooty Shearwater, Nations have committed to the “30x30” biodiversity
Brown Skua, Brown Booby, Streaked Shearwater target to safeguard 30% of the world’s terrestrial
and Masked Booby, Pomarine Skua, Arctic skua, and marine areas by 2030. However, as of 2023,
Long-tailed skua, Swinhoes storm-petrel, Wilson’s protected areas cover only around 16% of terrestrial
areas and 8% of marine areas, falling short of the
storm-petrel, and other oceanic wanderers.
30x30 goal.
¾ Threats: z The 30×30 target implies protection of at least
Human activities pose threats to birds, including 30 % of the world’s land and ocean by 2030.
those in remote open oceans. z The 30×30 target is a global target that aims
to halt the accelerating loss of species and
Seabirds, globally, face significant threats, with
protect vital ecosystems that are the source
issues arising both from terrestrial nesting grounds of our economic security.
and oceanic factors. ¾ Land Use and Conflict:
z Oil spills, climate change-induced alterations Certain land-based mitigation strategies conflict
to prey availability, and fishing nets contribute with the need to establish more protected areas
to the challenges. due to land use constraints.
Large-scale deployment of CDR could result in
The decrease in pelagic bird density is attributed further biodiversity loss and competition for land
to a decline in fish populations, possibly influenced used in food crop production.
by factors such as sea rains pushing fish to deeper ¾ Insufficiency of Targets:
waters. Despite the ambitious nature of the 30x30 target,
Plastic pollution is a major concern for pelagic researchers estimate that a minimum of 44% of
global land should be under protected areas to
birds, as plastics persist in oceans, breaking into
effectively conserve biodiversity.
smaller pieces.
Moreover, CDR activities alone may not fulfill the
z Birds often mistake plastic fragments for prey, goals outlined in the Paris Agreement to limit
leading to ingestion and associated health risks. global warming to 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius.
Note:
¾ Challenges in Implementation: ¾ Recommendations:

Questions arise regarding how countries will There is a need to focus on CDR policies that
allocate additional land for protected areas and effectively absorb greenhouse gases while also
restoration while expanding food production and protecting biodiversity. They emphasize the urgent
implementing CDR strategies. need to mitigate climate change, stating that the
Balancing these objectives poses a significant
threat it poses to biodiversity far outweighs other
challenge. concerns.
¾ Legal Perspectives: What is Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)?
While some land-based CDR approaches could benefit ¾ About:
biodiversity, current international environmental CDR refers to technologies, practices, and
law does not prevent the implementation of CDR approaches that remove and durably store carbon
techniques alongside protected areas on the same dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
land parcels. ¾ Methods:
nnn
Note:
Security
Highlights
z Peace Pact with ULFA
z ULFA to:
Peace Pact with ULFA Renounce violence and disband their
organization.
Why in News? Join the democratic process.
¾ The pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front Surrender weapons and camps.
of Assam (ULFA) signed a tripartite peace deal with z Government to:
the Centre and the Assam government recently.
Address ULFA’s concerns regarding
What are the Major Provisions of Peace Pact Assamese identity, culture, and land rights.
with ULFA? A ₹1.5 lakh crore investment for Assam’s
¾ Context and History: holistic development

Following the principles applied for the
Background: From the 19th century, Assam’s rich
culture faced challenges due to an influx of migrants 2023 delimitation exercise for future
drawn by its thriving tea, coal, and oil industries. delimitation exercises in Assam
z This influx, compounded by Partition and
Legislative Safeguards: The pact aims to restrict
then refugees from East Pakistan, heightened non-indigenous communities’ representation in
insecurity among the indigenous population. the Assam Assembly and seeks exemptions from
specific sections of the Citizenship Act of 1955.
z Resource competition sparked a six-year mass
movement, culminating in the 1985 Assam What Should be the Additional Considerations
Accord aiming to address the issue of foreigners to Enhance the Recent Peace Pact?
in the state.
¾ Transparency and Accountability: Establishing
Origin of ULFA: ULFA was formed in 1979, advocating
mechanisms for transparent implementation of the
for an independent Assam through armed struggle pact’s provisions and holding responsible parties
against the Indian state. accountable for their commitments.
z Over a decade, ULFA recruited and trained
¾ Engagement with Anti-Talks Faction: Strategically
members in Myanmar, China, and Pakistan, engaging with the ULFA’s anti-talks faction to work
resorting to abductions and executions to towards a unified resolution and wider acceptance
establish a sovereign Assam. of the peace pact.
z In 1990, the government’s Operation Bajrang
¾ Legal Safeguards: Ensuring that legislative changes or
resulted in the capture of a large number of reforms align with constitutional principles and protect
ULFA rebels. Assam was labeled a ‘disturbed the rights of all residents, ensuring no discrimination
area,’ prompting the imposition of President’s based on ethnicity or origin.
rule and invoking the Armed Forces Special
¾ International Cooperation: Collaboration with
Powers Act (AFSPA).
neighboring countries to prevent cross-border
z Protracted Peace Talks: Negotiations between
insurgencies and maintain regional stability.
ULFA, the Indian government, and the Assam
¾ Long-Term Development Plans: Creating sustainable
state government began in 2011.
and detailed developmental strategies beyond
¾ The Recent Peace Pact: immediate investments to foster holistic growth in
Key Terms: the region.
nnn
Note:
Art and Culture
Highlights
z GI Tags for Over 17 Products
The art form belongs to the Lanjia Saura

GI Tags for Over 17 Products community, a PVTG largely residing in the
Rayagada district.
Why in News?
These paintings are in the form of exterior murals
Recently, over 17 products from Odisha, Arunachal
Pradesh, West Bengal, and J&K have received the painted on the mud walls of homes. White paintings
Geographical Indication (GI) tag. figure over a crimson-maroon background.
What Products have Received the GI Tags from ¾ Koraput Kala Jeera Rice:
Odisha? The black-coloured rice variety, also known as the
¾ Kapdaganda Shawl: ‘Prince of Rice’, is famous for its aroma, taste,
Woven and embroidered by the women of the texture and nutritional value.
Dongria Kondh tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal farmers of the Koraput region have preserved
Tribal Group (PVTG) in the Niyamgiri hills in the rice variety for around 1,000 years.
Odisha’s Rayagada and Kalahandi districts, the
shawl reflects the rich tribal heritage of the ¾ Similipal Kai Chutney:
Dongria Kondhs. The chutney made with red weaver ants is a
traditional delicacy of the tribals in Odisha’s
Mayurbhanj district. These ants are found in the
forests of Mayurbhanj, including in the Similipal
forests.
¾ Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal:
This Brinjal is known for its prickly thorns on
the stems and the whole plant. The plants are
resistant to major insects and can be grown with
¾ Lanjia Saura Painting: minimal pesticide.
¾ Odisha Khajuri Guda:
Odisha’s “Khajuri Guda” or jaggery is a natural
sweetener extracted from date palm trees and
has its origin in the Gajapati district.
¾ Dhenkanal Magji:
It is a type of sweet made from cheese from
buffalo milk, with distinct characteristics in terms
of appearance, taste, flavour, shape, and size.
Note:
What are the other Products Which Received GI Tag?
State Product Name Brief Explanation
Ethnic wood craft integral to Wancho tribes, used for decoration
Wancho Wooden
and gifting, historically used in various aspects of their community
Arunachal Pradesh Craft
life.
Adi Kekir Ginger variety from Arunachal Pradesh.
Tangail Saree Saree style originating from Bengal with distinct weaving patterns.
Saree, known for its unique texture and appearance, is a traditional
Garad Saree
attire from Bengal.
West Bengal Saree variety is recognized for its weaving style and traditional
Korial Saree
significance in Bengal.
Kalo Nunia Rice Rice variety from West Bengal.
Sundarban Honey Honey sourced from the Sundarbans area of West Bengal.
Product of date palm harvested at Khalal (fresh stage), which are
Gujarat Kachchhi Kharek
bold, crisp and sweet.
Ramban Anardana, locally referred to as Dhruni, is an important
Jammu Kashmir Ramban Anardana fruit tree growing wild in hilly
tracts and forests of J&K.
What is a Geographical Indication (GI) tag Tag?

¾ About:
A GI tag is a name or sign used on certain products that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.
The GI tag ensures that only the authorised users or those residing in the geographical territory are allowed
to use the popular product name.
z It also protects the product from being copied or imitated by others.
A registered GI is valid for 10 years.
GI registration is overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the
Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
¾ Legal Framework and Obligations:
The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the
registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
It is governed and directed by the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIPS).
z Furthermore, the significance of protecting industrial property and geographical indications as integral
components of intellectual property is acknowledged and emphasised in Articles 1(2) and 10 of the Paris
Convention.
nnn
Note:
Geography
Highlights
z 150 Years of India Meteorological Department z Rock Glaciers
How has the IMD Evolved Over The Years?

150 Years of India ¾ Historical Background:
Meteorological Department In 1864, two devastating cyclones hit Kolkata and
the Andhra coast, causing significant loss of life.
Why in News? The severity of these calamities highlighted the
India Meteorological Department (IMD) with the absence of a system to monitor atmospheric
mandate of providing public weather services will parameters, leading to the establishment of the
complete 150 years of presence on 15th January, 2025. India Meteorological Department (IMD) in 1875.
¾ To mark this milestone, IMD plans a nationwide ¾ Evolution of IMD:
celebration in all sub-offices from January 15, 2024, The IMD commenced its official operations
to January 15, 2025. with the appointment of just one individual, HF

Blanford, an Englishman recognized as the Imperial
What is India Meteorological Department Meteorological Reporter.
(IMD)? Under the leadership of Gilbert Walker, appointed
¾ About: as the head of IMD in 1903, significant progress
It is the National Meteorological Service of the

was made in understanding monsoons.
country and the principal government agency in z Walker identified large-scale oscillations in
all matters relating to meteorology and allied atmospheric circulations, laying the foundation
subjects. for modern comprehension of the El Niño
phenomenon.
It is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences,
Over 150 years, IMD has grown into a massive
Government of India.
organization with permanent observatories and
¾ Objectives: automatic weather stations across the country.
To take meteorological observations and to provide
¾ Advancements in Cyclone Forecasting:
current and forecast meteorological information for
The IMD experienced a pivotal moment in 1999
optimum operation of weather-sensitive activities during the Odisha super cyclone, prompting
like agriculture, irrigation, shipping, aviation, significant investments in technology and manpower.
offshore oil explorations, etc. Since then, cyclone-related casualties have notably
To warn against severe weather phenomena like decreased, attributed to IMD’s effective forecasts.
tropical cyclones, norwesters, duststorms, heavy IMD’s cyclone forecasts now serve not just India
rains and snow, cold and heat waves, etc., which but the entire neighbourhood, with as many as
cause destruction of life and property. 13 countries in the region operating their cyclone
To provide meteorological statistics required for management systems using these forecasts.
agriculture, water resource management, industries, ¾ Diversified Roles :
oil exploration and other nation-building activities. Initially focused on weather forecasting, IMD now
To conduct and promote research in meteorology provides specialized services for elections, sporting
and allied disciplines. events, space launches, and various sectors.
Note:
¾ Global Role and Recognition : not. Active rock glaciers are more dynamic and
IMD’s enhanced capabilities have led to its hazardous, while relict rock glaciers are more
recognition as the Regional Climate Centre for stable and inert.
South Asia. ¾ Importance:
IMD has partnered to contribute to the United Rock glaciers are important indicators of mountain
Nations’ ‘Early Warning for All’ programme, for permafrost, which is the permanently frozen
which 30 countries have been identified. ground that underlies many high-altitude regions.
Rock glaciers also store significant amounts of
What are the Major Initiatives Related to
water in their frozen cores, which could be a
Meteorology in India?
valuable resource in the face of water scarcity
¾ National Monsoon Mission (NMM) and glacial retreat.
¾ Mausam App
What are the Potential Impacts of the Active
¾ Doppler Weather Radars
Rock Glaciers on the Region?
Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs):
Rock Glaciers ¾
These are sudden and catastrophic floods that
Why in News? occur when a glacial lake bursts its natural or

artificial dam, releasing large volumes of water
A recent study has shed light on the presence of over and debris downstream.
100 active permafrost structures in the Jhelum basin of
z The active rock glaciers could increase the risk
the Kashmir Himalayas. These structures, known as rock
of GLOFs by destabilizing the slopes or the dams
glaciers, have significant implications for the region’s
of glacial lakes.
hydrology and pose potential risks as the climate warms.
Rock glaciers near glacial lakes, such as Chirsar
What are Rock Glaciers? Lake and Bramsar Lake, increase the risk of GLOFs.
¾ About: ¾ Landslides:
Rock glaciers are a type of landform that consists These are the rapid movements of soil, rock, or
of a mixture of rock fragments and ice. snow down a slope, often triggered by earthquakes,
Rock glaciers typically form in mountainous regions rainfall, or human activities.
where there is a combination of permafrost, rock z The active rock glaciers could cause landslides
debris, and ice. by weakening the slope stability or by melting
z Permafrost is a permanently frozen layer on or and releasing water that could lubricate the
under Earth’s surface. It consists of soil, gravel, sliding mass.
and sand, usually bound together by ice. The melting permafrost makes these areas unstable,
z One common scenario involves a pre-existing posing risks to nearby settlements and critical
glacier that accumulates debris and rocks as infrastructure.
it moves. Over time, if the glacier recedes or z For example, the Nunavik area in Quebec
thaws, the debris-covered ice can transform was mostly built on permafrost ground many
into a rock glacier. years ago. In the last decades, the ice in the
These rock glaciers occur in highly elevated regions underlying layers began to melt due to global
with steep slopes. warming, increasing the frequency of mudslides
To the naked eye, the rock glaciers look like regular and other dangers.
ground, they require a geomorphological view for ¾ Thermokarst:
proper identification. This is a type of terrain that is characterized by
¾ Classification: irregular surfaces of marshy hollows and small
They are classified as active or relict, depending hummocks (ridges), formed by the thawing of
on whether they have ice and movement or ice-rich permafrost.
Note:
z The active rock glaciers could lead to the Jhelum Basin of the Kashmir Himalayas
formation of thermokarst features, such as
¾ The Jhelum basin is drained by the upper Jhelum
ponds or lakes, that could alter the hydrology,
River, which originates from a deep spring at Vernag
ecology, and carbon cycle of the region.
at Anantnag, situated at the base of the Pir Panjal
The presence of water bodies near Kulgam town,
range in the Kashmir Valley, the river passes through
Jammu and Kashmir suggests the existence of
Srinagar and Wular Lake before entering Pakistan.
permafrost underground, resembling ‘thermokarst
lakes’, which can pose further risks. ¾ As a tributary of the Indus River, the Jhelum con-
tributes to the larger river system in the Indian
z The melting of ice underneath the earth’s surface
subcontinent.
is a high risk of collapse. The collapse leads to
formation of a landscape whose features are The river flows through Jammu and Kashmir and
sinkholes, hummocks, caverns, and tunnels. into Pakistan, where it joins the Chenab River.
z The Batagaika crater is an example of ¾ The primary tributary is the Kishenganga (Neelum)
thermokarst, it is the biggest permafrost River. The Kunhar River, another significant tributary,
crater in the world, it belongs to the Sakha connects Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan
Republic, Russia. via the Kohala Bridge in the Kanghan Valley.
nnn
Note:
Ethics
Highlights
z Decoding Psychoanalysis
What are the Ethical Aspects Involved in

Decoding Psychoanalysis Psychoanalysis?
Why in News? ¾ Informed Consent: The patient must be fully informed
about the nature of psychoanalysis, its potential
Recently, the Delhi Police revealed that six individuals
benefits, risks and alternatives before beginning
accused in the Parliament breach incident underwent
treatment.
psychoanalysis to decipher their motives.
This is crucial because the process often involves
What is Psychoanalysis? delving into personal and sensitive topics.
¾ About: Psychoanalysis is a set of theories and Furthermore, obtaining informed consent also
therapeutic techniques that treat mental disorders. safeguards against potential violations of Article
It aims to treat a range of mental health issues 21, as highlighted in the Selvi vs State of Karnataka
by investigating the relationship between & Anr Case (2010).
the unconscious and conscious elements of ¾ Confidentiality: Maintaining patient confidentiality is
psychological experience. paramount in therapy. However, in some situations,
It was pioneered by Sigmund Freud, a Viennese therapists may face ethical dilemmas, such as when
psychiatrist, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries a patient poses a danger to themselves or others.
¾ Key Aspects Related to Psychoanalysis: Balancing confidentiality with the duty to warn or
Unconscious Mind: Freud proposed that much protect can be challenging.
of human behavior is influenced by unconscious ¾ Transference and Countertransference: Both the
desires, fears, memories, and conflicts, often patient and therapist can experience strong feelings or
stemming from early childhood experiences. reactions toward each other due to past experiences
z Psychoanalysis delves into the unconscious mind, or unresolved issues.
exploring how it shapes thoughts, behaviors, Managing these emotions ethically to ensure they
emotions, and personality. don’t interfere with treatment or professional
Id, Ego, Superego: Freud introduced a structural boundaries is important.
model of mind comprising the id (driven by ¾ Cultural Sensitivity: Therapists need to be culturally
instincts and pleasure), ego (mediates between competent and aware of their biases to ensure
id and reality), and superego (internalizes societal
they provide appropriate care and respect diverse
norms and values).
perspectives.
z This model helps understand conflicts within
the mind. How Psychoanalysis can Help in Criminal
Psychoanalytic Therapy: It involves verbal exchanges Rehabilitation?
between the patient and therapist, aimed at ¾ Developing Empathy: Psychoanalysis can foster
exploring unconscious conflicts and gaining insight empathy by helping individuals understand the impact
into one’s emotions and behaviors. of their actions on others.
Note:
Through self-reflection and insight gained in therapy, By exploring deep-seated emotions and unresolved
offenders can develop a greater understanding conflicts, individuals can learn to better regulate
of the consequences of their behavior, leading to their emotions and impulses, reducing the likelihood
of reoffending.
increased empathy.
¾ Preventing Recidivism: By addressing the core
¾ Impulse Control: For individuals with a history of motivations, individuals are better equipped to break
violent or impulsive behavior, psychoanalysis can free from destructive patterns and reintegrate into
assist in understanding and managing these tendencies. society in a meaningful way.
nnn
Note:
Miscellaneous
Highlights
z Atal Setu Nhava Sheva Sea Link z India as a MICE Destination
z President of India Presents Sports and Adventure Awards 2023 z Expansion of Litchi Cultivation Across India
z US Religious Freedom Designations z PMLA Notice to Offshore Crypto Firms
z Proposed Hypotheses on the Parting of the Red Sea
Atal Setu Nhava Sheva Sea

Link
Why in News?
The Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Mumbai
Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) officially known as Atal Setu
Nhava Sheva Sea Link, a monumental 22 km sea bridge.
¾ This mega-infrastructure project aims to revolutionize ¾ Technologies Incorporated:
travel between Sewri and Chirle, promising a significant MTHL incorporates various innovative technologies,
reduction in travel time. such as Reverse Circulation Drilling (RCD) piling,
Orthotropic Steel Deck (OSD) bridge girders, and
What are the Key Highlights of MTHL? Open Road Tolling (ORT) system.
¾ About: z RCD is used for the first time in India, an innovative
Atal Setu is the longest bridge in India and also technology employed for pile foundation laying,
the longest sea bridge in the country. it minimizes noise disturbances compared to
the traditional vertical drilling method.
z The bridge is about 21.8 km long six-lane bridge
z OSD is a construction method that combines
having about 16.5 km length over sea and about
strength and flexibility. This technology allows
5.5 km on the land. the bridge’s steel deck to withstand heavy
The bridge has been named after former prime loads, such as vehicles, while maintaining a
minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. lightweight structure.
The bridge originates from Sewri in Mumbai and z MTHL became the country’s first project to
ends at Nhava Sheva in Uran taluka in Raigad adopt the ORT method of collecting tolls without
district. requiring vehicles to stop or slow down.
¾ Benefits:
The project is financed by the Japan International
According to a study conducted by Mumbai
Cooperation Agency (JICA), covering 80% of the
Metropolitan Region Development Authority
total project cost, while the remaining portion is
(MMRDA) and JICA, the MTHL will bring down
shared between the state and central governments.
the average travel time between Sewri and Chirle
NOTE: Earlier Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Bridge was the from 61 minutes currently to less than 16 minutes.
longest bridge in India, over the River Brahmaputra, Close to 40,000 vehicles are expected to use the
in Assam. The 9.15 Km long river bridge. link every day in the opening year (2024).
Note:
The project is expected to facilitate greater ¾ Dronacharya Award:

economic integration of Navi Mumbai with India’s highest sports honor for coaches, instituted
Mumbai, with benefits extending to Panvel, in 1985.
Alibaug, Pune, and Goa. Named after Dronacharya, Arjuna’s coach in
The bridge also reduces the distance between Mahabharata.
Mumbai and Pune Expressway. Awardees receive a bronze statue of Dronacharya,
a certificate, and a cash prize.
President of India Presents First woman awardee: Athletics coach Renu Kohli
in 2002.
Sports and Adventure Given for both recent accomplishments and lifetime
Awards 2023 contributions.

¾ 2023:
Why in News? Regular Category: Lalit Kumar (wrestling), RB
Recently, the President of India presided over a Ramesh (chess) among others.
ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan to bestow the prestigious Lifetime Category:Jaskirat Singh Grewal (golf),
National Sports and Adventure Awards 2023. Bhaskaran E (kabaddi) among others.
¾ The awards are administered by the Ministry of Youth ¾ Major Dhyan Chand Award:
Affairs & Sports, Government of India. Instituted in 2002, honors lifetime achievements
in sports.
What Awards Were Included in the Ceremony? Recognizes contributions to the promotion of
¾ Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: sports in an individual capacity.
India’s highest sporting honor established in First awardees include Olympian boxer Shahuraj
1991-92. Birajdar and hockey player Ashok Diwan.
Named after hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. z 2023: Manjusha Kanwar (badminton), Vineet
Given for outstanding performances over 4 years.

Kumar Sharma (hockey), Kavitha Selvaraj
(kabaddi).
Notable awardees include MC Mary Kom, PV
Sindhu, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli. ¾ Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy (MAKA):
Oldest National Sports Award in India, instituted
z 2023: Chirag Shetty and Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy
in 1956–1957.
(badminton).
Given to an institution or university for top
¾ Arjuna Award:
performance in inter-university tournaments.
Instituted in 1961, it was India’s highest sporting
Award comprises a rolling MAKA Trophy and a
honor before the Khel Ratna came into being.
cash prize.
Named after the Mahabharata character Arjuna.
First awarded to Bombay University in 1956-57.
Awarded for consistent good performance over
z 2023: Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
4 years. (overall winner university); Lovely Professional
Winners receive a statuette of Arjuna, a certificate, University, Punjab (first runner -up); Kurukshetra
and a cash prize. University, Kurukshetra (second runner-up).
First awarded to football Olympian PK Banerjee ¾ Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar:
in 1961. Instituted in 2009.
First woman awardee: Hockey player Anna Awarded to organizations and individuals for sports
Lumsden. promotion and development.
z 2023: Aditi Gopichand Swami (archery), Categories include talent identification, corporate
Mohammed Shami (cricket), Aishwary Pratap social responsibility, employment of sportspersons,
Singh Tomar (shooting), among others. and sports for development.
Note:
z 2023: JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University), Odisha What are the US Religious Freedom
Mining Corporation Limited. Designations?
¾ Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award: ¾ About:
It has been presented since 1993-1994 and is The United States Commission on International
named after Tenzing Norgay, one of the first two Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommends countries
individuals to reach the summit of Mount Everest to the Secretary of State for designation as CPCs.
along with Edmund Hillary in 1953.
z The US acknowledges ongoing religious freedom
The recipients are honored for their “outstanding violations in countries not officially designated.
achievement in the field of adventure activities Governments are urged to halt abuses such
on land, sea and air” over the last three years. as attacks on religious minorities, communal
The status of this award is considered to be violence, prolonged imprisonments for peaceful
equivalent to the Arjuna Award conferred in the expression, transnational repression, and calls
field of sport. to violence against religious communities.
z 2022: Late Ms. Savita Kanswal (land), Shri Tulsi NOTE:
Chaitanya Mothukuri(water), Shri Anshu Kumar ¾ Earlier, the USCIRF in its 2023 report, designated
Tiwari (air). India as a CPC, citing severe violations of religious
freedom against various religious minorities,
especially Muslims, Christians, and Dalits.
The report also criticized some of the laws and
policies of the Indian government, such as the
Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, the National
Register of Citizens (NRC), as well as the alleged
harassment, violence, and discrimination faced
by religious dissenters and activists.
¾ The Indian government rejected the report as ‘biased
and motivated’. The government also defended its
commitment to protect and promote the rights and
freedoms of all its citizens, regardless of their faith.
¾ Criteria for the Designation:
The US emphasizes that promoting the freedom
of religion or belief has been a fundamental goal
of US foreign policy since the enactment of the
International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) in 1998.
Criteria for Designation of Countries in Different
Categories
US Religious Freedom
z CPCs: When the governments of the countries
Designations engage in or tolerate “systematic, ongoing, and
egregious violations” of the right to freedom
Why in News? of religion or belief under IRFA 1998.
The United States Secretary of State recently declared z SWL: It is based on the governments’ perpetration
a list of countries designated as “Countries of Particular or toleration of severe religious freedom
Concern(CPCs)”, ‘Special Watch List (SWL)’ countries and violations.
‘Entities of Particular Concern(EPCs)’ due to violations z EPCs: For systematic, ongoing, and egregious
of religious freedom. religious freedom violations.
Note:
¾ Countries Designated for Religious Freedom Violations

in 2024: Proposed Hypotheses on the
Countries of Particular Concern: Parting of the Red Sea
z The designated countries include China, North
Korea, Pakistan, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Why in News?
Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, The story of parting the Red Sea for the Hebrews to
and Myanmar. escape from Egypt is seen as a miracle in the Book of
Special Watch List Countries: Exodus. But now, some researchers have looked at this
z Algeria, Azerbaijan, the Central African Republic, story in a different way, explaining it using some
Comoros, and Vietnam are labeled as “Special meteorological phenomenons.
Watch List countries”. What are the Recent Meteorological
Entities of Particular Concern: Hypotheses Related to Parting of the Red Sea?
z Terrorist organizations such as al-Shabab, Boko
Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis, ISIS-
Sahel, ISIS-West Africa, al-Qa’ida affiliate Jamaat
Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin, and the Taliban are
designated as “Entities of Particular Concern.”
State of Freedom of Religion
¾ India:
The Indian Constitution’s Articles 25-28 guarantee
freedom of religion as a fundamental right. The
Constitution also states that India is a secular
state and does not declare any religion as the
country’s official religion.
z Article 25 (Freedom of conscience and free
profession, practice and propagation of
religion).
z Article 26 (Freedom to manage religious affairs). ¾ The researchers proposes 4 potential meteorological
z Article 27 (Freedom as to payment of taxes phenomena that could have temporarily parted the
for promotion of any religion). waters of the Red Sea:
z Article 28 (Freedom as to attendance at ¾ Medicane: These hurricane-like storms in the
religious instruction or religious worship in Mediterranean can cause extreme negative storm
certain educational institutions). surges, pushing coastal waters back and exposing
landmasses.
Further, Article 29 and 30 of the Constitution
The researchers note Hurricane Irma’s effect on
deal with the protection of interests of minorities.
Florida’s coastline as a similar example.
¾ Globally:
¾ Wind Setdown: Sustained high-speed winds could
Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human temporarily expose raised reefs in the Gulf of Suez,
Rights affirms that, “Everyone has the right to facilitating a passage.
freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this The Bible mentions an “east wind” during the
right includes freedom to change his religion or Exodus, which aligns with this phenomenon.
belief, and freedom, either alone or in community
¾ Tidal Resonance: When external forces like strong
with others and in public or private, to manifest winds coincide with a location’s natural tidal patterns,
his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship it can result in unusually low tides and expose large
and observance.” areas of seabed.
Note:
The Bay of Fundy on the US-Canada border in The main purpose is to create a networking
the North Atlantic is a prominent example of this platform for business, industry, government and
phenomenon. Academic Community and engage in meaningful
¾ Rossby Waves: These large-scale waves in oceans
conversations.
and atmosphere, caused by Earth’s rotation, can ¾ Scope in India:
shift water masses. Core MICE infrastructure amenities are at par with
most developed countries.
Their occurrence in the Red Sea could have
India has consistently improved its rank in World
temporarily created a shallow or dry pathway for
Bank Ease of Doing Business and WEF Travel and
the Israelites.
Tourism Competitiveness Rank (54th in 2021).
Napoleon Bonaparte’s historical account during
Growing Economic Strength of India.
his Egyptian campaign also mentioned crossing
India has progressed rapidly in the areas like
the Red Sea amidst tidal changes.
Information Technology, and Scientific Research.
¾ However, the study’s conclusions are limited by the
¾ Global Scenario and India:
uncertainties of ancient geography and climate, as well
The International Congress and Convention
as the inherent challenges of modeling complex natural
Association (ICCA) brings out the ranking of
phenomena. Further research and archaeological work
countries and cities based on the international
are needed to strengthen the evidence. association meetings tracked by ICCA.
z As per ICCA Country and City Rankings 2019,
India as a MICE Destination USA remained as number 1 country with 934

meetings out of a total 13,254 meetings followed
Why in News? by Germany, France.
India:
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry is promoting
z Indian MICE has less than 1% share in the
India as a global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences,
estimated global MICE business despite the
and Exhibitions) destination.
natural & cultural advantages of India and being
¾ The objective is to showcase India’s MSME sector, one of the highest growing economies.
traditional handicrafts, artisanal offerings, weavers,
z India is ranked 28th with 158 meetings in the
and manufacturing prowess internationally. 2019 ICCA ranking of countries.
¾ The Ministry also unveils India’s ambitious Mega ¾ Major Strategy:
Events line-up for the coming months; Aatmanirbhar
“Meet in India” Brand for promoting MICE Industry.
Bharat Utsav, Indus Food, Bharat Mobility Global
Providing Infrastructure status for financing of
Expo 2024 and Bharat Tex.
MICE infrastructure.
What is MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Skill development for the MICE industry.
Conferences and Exhibitions)?

¾ About: Expansion of Litchi
MICE is a term used in the tourism and events
Cultivation Across India
industry to categorize and represent a segment
related to business and corporate tourism. Why in News?
z MICE tourism involves organizing and hosting
The cultivation of Litchi, traditionally restricted to
events, meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and Muzaffarpur Bihar, has witnessed a significant expansion
incentives for companies and groups. across 19 Indian states, highlighting the Horticulture
z These activities aim to facilitate networking, boost in India.
knowledge exchange, business collaborations, ¾ This development stems from the efforts of the
and the showcasing of products and services National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL) based in
within a professional or business context. Muzaffarpur, Bihar.
Note:
What are the Key Facts about Litchi? ¾ Global Production: India ranks as the second largest
producer of litchi globally, following China. Other
¾ Botanical Classification: Litchi belongs to the
significant litchi-producing countries include Thailand,
Sapindaceae family and is known for its delicious,
Australia, South Africa, Madagascar, and the United
juicy, translucent aril or edible flesh.
States.
Climatic Requirements: Litchi thrives in sub-tropical
climates and prefers moist conditions. It grows best in What is Horticulture?
regions with low elevation, up to an altitude of around ¾ About:
800 meters. Horticulture refers to the science, art, and
practice of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers,
ornamental plants, and other crops.
It encompasses a broad spectrum of activities
related to plant cultivation, management,
propagation, and improvement for human use
and enjoyment.
¾ Initiatives for Horticulture:
Mission for Integrated Development of
Horticulture (MIDH):
z MIDH is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for
the holistic growth of the horticulture sector
covering fruits, vegetables and other areas.
z Under MIDH, Government of India contributes
60% of the total outlay for developmental
programmes in all the states (except North
Eastern and Himalayan states where GOI
contributes 90%) & 40% is contributed by
¾ Soil Preference: The ideal soil for litchi cultivation is State governments.
deep, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter. Horticulture Cluster Development Programme:
¾ Temperature Sensitivity: Litchi is sensitive to extreme z It is a central sector programme aimed at

temperatures. It does not tolerate temperatures growing and developing identified horticulture
above 40.5 degrees Celsius in summer or freezing clusters to make them globally competitive.
temperatures in winter. z Horticulture cluster is a regional/geographical
¾ Rainfall Impact: Prolonged rain, especially during concentration of targeted horticulture crops.
flowering, can interfere with pollination and affect
the crop adversely.
PMLA Notice to Offshore
¾ Geographical Cultivation: In India, the commercial
cultivation was traditionally restricted to the north Crypto Firms
in the foot hills of Himalayas from Tripura to Jammu
& Kashmir and plains of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Why in News?
Pradesh. The Financial Intelligence Unit India (FIU-IND) has
But due to increased demand and viability, issued show cause notices to 9 offshore cryptocurrency
cultivation has expanded to states like Bihar, and virtual digital assets service providers (VDA SPs)
Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. including Binance
Bihar alone accounts for nearly 40% of India’s ¾ Kucoin, Huobi for not being compliant with the
litchi production. Bihar is followed by West Bengal requisite provisions of the Prevention of Money
(12%) and Jharkhand (10%). Laundering Act (PMLA).
Note:
What is the Prevention of Money Laundering Act What are PMLA Compliance Obligations for
(PMLA), 2002? VDA SPs?
¾ About: ¾ Registration Requirement: VDA SPs engaged in activities
PMLA is an Indian law enacted in 2002 to prevent involving virtual digital assets and fiat currencies,
money laundering and related offenses. transfers, safekeeping, or control over digital assets
z Money laundering involves making illegally
must register with FIU-IND as reporting entities.
obtained funds appear legitimate or “clean”
¾ Activity-Based Compliance: Compliance obligations
by integrating them into the financial system.
under PMLA are not contingent on physical presence
It was enacted in a 2002 response to India’s global
commitment (including the Vienna Convention) but are activity-based, encompassing reporting,
to combat the menace of money laundering. record-keeping, and other specified obligations.
¾ Regulating Authorities: ¾ Regulatory Framework Expansion and Enforcement:
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is the The regulatory ambit expanded in March 2023, bringing
primary authority responsible for investigating VDA SPs under the Anti Money Laundering (AML)
and prosecuting money laundering. and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) framework
z It functions under the Department of Revenue within the PMLA.
of the Ministry of Finance.
Under the anti-money laundering law, reporting
z Recently, the Supreme Court has ruled that the
entities are obligated to maintain Know Your
ED cannot arrest someone under the PMLA
Customer (KYC) details, client identity records,
simply for not responding to their queries
and summons. beneficial owner information, account files, and
FIU-IND is the national agency responsible for
business correspondence related to clients.
receiving, processing, analyzing and disseminating Furthermore, reporting entities are required to
information relating to suspect financial file Statements of Financial Transactions (SFT)
transactions to enforcement agencies and containing details of specific financial transactions
foreign FIUs. or reportable accounts maintained during the year
z The agency works under the Finance Ministry. under the Income Tax Act.
nnn
Note:
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
Highlights
z India Celebrates 76th Army Day and 8th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day z Panspermia
z Indian Air Force AN-32 (K-2743) z Term of Trade
z Argentina’s Inflation Surges Past 200% z Roche’s Breakthrough Antibiotic
z Spacetime: Geometry of Universe z MeitY Launches ERNET India’s Web Portal
z Gangireddu Melam z Qatari Court Decision on Indian Naval Personnel
z Indian Army Eyes Upgraded ‘Pup Tents’ for Icy Heights Along LAC z Reverse Flipping
z Indian of the Year Award 2023 z Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2023
z ICD 11 TM Module 2 Launch: Global Integration of Ayush Medicine z Aditya-L1 into L1 orbit
z National Youth Day 2024
z Warlis’ Lesson: Peaceful Leopard Coexistence in Maharashtra
z Startups for Railways
z Cyber Kidnapping
z Sisal Leaves: A Green Revolution in Menstrual Hygiene
z World Braille Day
z Impact of Wind Turbines on Forest Bats
z Reviving Ancient Water Bodies in Coastal Karnataka Towns
z Privileges Committee to Seek Responses from Suspended Rajya
Sabha MPs z Savitribai Phule Birth Anniversary
z World Hindi Day z Rani Velu Nachiyar Birth Anniversary
z Nanoplastic Contamination in Bottled Water z IREDA’s 2024 Roadmap
z High Court Nod: Yakshagana Mela Reinstates All-Night Shows z Family Pension Guidelines for Government Servants/Pensioners
z Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2023 z Snow Leopard
z India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime Likely to End z Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund
z Floods in Telangana Reveal Paleolithic Tools z K-SMART App
z Warmest Year on Record 2023 z India-UAE Joint Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’
z Pravasi Bharatiya Divas z No Tsunami Threat to India
z World Typing Day z Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School
z National Birds Day z Ayodhya’s Transformational Projects
z BIS: 77 Years of Shaping Standards z Constitution of the Sixteenth Finance Commission
z Martian Plasma Waves z Trial Essential to Define ‘Religious Character of Place of Worship’:
z Moradabad’s Brassware Industry Allahabad HC
that the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army

India Celebrates 76th Army Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who led the forces to victory
in the 1947 war, formally retired from the Service.
Day and 8th Armed Forces
Read More: Indian Army Enhancing Operational
Veterans’ Day Preparedness
¾ Army Day: Every year, 15th January is commemorated
as “Army Day” to remember the occasion when Field Indian Air Force AN-32
Marshal KM Cariappa took over the command of
the Indian Army from the last British Commander-
(K-2743)
in-Chief in 1949. The debris from the Indian Air Force An-32 K-2743
¾ The Armed Forces Veterans’ Day: It is celebrated on aircraft was found near the Chennai coast, after it went
14th January every year as it was on this day in 1953 missing over the Bay of Bengal in 2016.
Note:
¾ The National Institute of Ocean Technology which
functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Earth Argentina’s Inflation Surges
Sciences, had recently deployed an Autonomous Past 200%
Underwater Vehicle (AUV) with deep sea exploration Argentina’s annual inflation rate sped past 211% in
capability at the last known location of the missing December,2023 as per official data released recently,
An-32. hitting the highest level since the early 1990s, when the
country was emerging from a period of hyperinflation,
This search was conducted at a depth of 3400 m
with food prices climbing particularly fast.
using multiple payloads, including a multi-beam ¾ Argentina’s monthly inflation rate also hit 25.5% in
Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR), synthetic the month, slightly below forecasts, after a sharp
aperture SONAR and high resolution photography. devaluation of the peso currency to get inflation
The search images were scrutinised and found to under control.
¾ The inflation reading took Argentina past regional
be conforming with an An-32 aircraft.
peer Venezuela,, where inflation cooled to an
¾ The AN-32 is a Soviet-origin military transport aircraft estimated 193% in 2023, following years of painful,
that has been in service with Indian Air Force since out-of-control price rises.
1984. ¾ Hyperinflation is an extreme and rapid increase in
the general price level of goods and services within
Read More: Deep Ocean Mission, Indian Fighter Jets an economy, often exceeding 50% per month.
Read More: Depreciation of Rupee, IMF Bailouts
Note:
Spacetime: Geometry of But at the largest scale, our spacetime may actually
occupy a spherical space.
Universe
If you shine a powerful laser in front of you and
Spacetime is a mathematical model that combines wait for an incredibly long time, light from the
the three dimensions of space and the dimension of time laser could technically circle back to you.
into a single entity.
¾ Albert Einstein’s special theory of relativity posited
¾ The universe at the largest scale looked different from
the scale of human experience due to the universe’s that if there are two observers A and B, each with
geometry. a clock, such that A is moving (but not accelerating)
At the human scale, spacetime appears to be flat: a faster than B, A’s clock will measure less time as having
beam of light from a laser will travel in a straight line. passed than B’s clock.
Read more: Einstein Was Right: Astronomers Confirm incorporates elements of local folklore and storytelling,
Key Theory of Relativity, Time Dilation in Early Universe showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
¾ The harvest festival of ‘Sankranti’ is celebrated in
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for three days as
Gangireddu Melam Bhogi, Sankranti, and Kanuma.
Gangireddu Melam, a traditional folk performance Sankranti marks the first day of the sun’s transit
associated with the Sankranti harvest festival in Telangana into the Makara, marking the end of the winter
and Andhra Pradesh. solstice and the start of longer days.
¾ The bulls, adorned with colorful flowers and garments Sankranti is celebrated in various parts of the
is the central motif of the dance. The performance also country with different names:
Note:
Read more: Winter Solstice, Sankranti
Note:
¾ The remarkable growth of the private space sector

Indian Army Eyes Upgraded was also highlighted in the event, with 190 startups
‘Pup Tents’ for Icy Heights and over Rs. 1,000 crore invested in the current
financial year 2023-24.
Along LAC
Read more: India’s Space Endeavors
Army Plans insulated ‘Pup Tents’ for Troops on Icy
Line of Actual Control (LAC) Heights at -50°C.
¾ The pup tents are meant for soldiers deployed in
ICD 11 TM Module 2 Launch:
extreme cold weather conditions, such as in eastern Global Integration of Ayush
Ladakh, Sikkim and Siachen glacier.
¾ The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the border that
Medicine
divides the territories of India and Aksai Chin(China The World Health Organisation(WHO) has officially
occupied Indian Territory).
unveiled the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
It is divided into three sectors: the eastern sector
11, Traditional Medicine Module 2, marking the
which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim
commencement of its implementation phase.
(1346 km), the middle sector in Uttarakhand and
Himachal Pradesh (545 km), and the western ¾ This module incorporates data and terminology from
sector in Ladakh (1597 km). Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani Medicine into the
WHO ICD-11 classification, indexing the terminology
as codes.
The Ministry of AYUSH, in collaboration with the
WHO, has classified diseases from Ayurveda, Siddha,
and Unani systems under the TM-2 module.
¾ WHO stated that including traditional medical
terminologies in ICD-11 establishes a vital link between
traditional medicine and global standards.
Read More: India-China Conflict
Indian of the Year Award

2023
Recently, the Union Minister of State for Science &
Technology presented the “Indian of the Year Award”
for 2023 to Team Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) in the category of ‘Outstanding Achievement.’
¾ The award recognized ISRO’s contribution to space
exploration, particularly highlighting the historic soft
landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon’s uncharted Read more: International Classification of Diseases,
South Polar region. Global Center for Traditional Medicine
Note:
¾ Under the policy, the Startup/MSME/Innovator/
National Youth Day 2024 Entrepreneur will have exclusive ownership of
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) created in the project.
¾ India celebrates the National Youth Day, on 12th January
Read more: Indian Railway Innovation Policy
every year on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s
birth anniversary.
Since 1984, the nation has marked the day by urging Sisal Leaves: A Green
the youth to live up to the values, principles and Revolution in Menstrual
beliefs that Vivekananda embraced.
¾ As a part of National Youth Day celebrations, India
Hygiene
organizes an annual National Youth Festival from Recently, scientists at Stanford University have
January 12 to 16. devised an innovative method utilizing sisal leaves to
The theme of this year’s festival is “Viksit Bharat@ create a highly absorbent material, potentially replacing
2047: Yuva ke liye, yuva ke dwara”. cotton, wood pulp, and chemical absorbents in sanitary
¾ Swami Vivekananda is considered one of the great napkins.
Indian monks who enlightened the Western world ¾ This environmentally-friendly approach boasts higher
about Hinduism. absorption capacity than commercial alternatives,
As a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, he
while the cultivation of sisal requires significantly
pushed for national integration in colonial India and less water compared to cotton.
is credited with reviving Hinduism in the nation. ¾ Sisal is a xerophytic, semi-perennial leaf fiber
producing plant. Leaves are thick, fleshy and often
covered with a waxy layer.
Read More: Swami Vivekananda
Startups for Railways

Recently, Indian Railways has taken an important
initiative in the field of innovation through participation
of start-ups and other entities.
¾ “Startups for Railways” initiative was launched by the
Ministry of Railways and Indian Railways Innovation
Portal is a part of this initiative.
Its objective is to leverage innovative technologies
developed by Indian Startups/MSMEs/Innovators/
Entrepreneurs to improve operational efficiency
and safety on Indian Railways.
¾ The Ministry of Railways aims to address quality,
reliability and maintainability related issues of the Read more: Addressing the Menstrual Health &
Indian Railways. Hygiene
Note:
suspended on charges of breach of privilege during the

Impact of Wind Turbines on recently concluded Winter Session of Parliament.
Forest Bats ¾ The procedure for dealing with questions of privilege
in Rajya Sabha is laid down in Rules 187 to 203 of the
A recent study conducted by scientists from Germany, Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the
has revealed the impact of wind turbines on the activity Council of States.
of forest bats.
A question of privilege may be raised in the House
¾ Three foraging groups of bat species were studied:
only after obtaining the consent of the Chairman.
narrow-space, open-space(hunt in open areas with
few obstacles), and edge-space(specialized on hunting ¾ Parliament and its Committees, along with their
prey close to background objects), within a radius of members, possess rights, privileges, and immunities
80 to 450 meters under variable wind conditions. necessary for efficient functioning. However, these
¾ Narrow-space foraging bats, which are particularly rights are limited to what is essential for parliamentary
reliant on forest habitat, showed a a 77% decline function, not exempting members from general
in activity as wind speed increased in operational societal obligations.
wind turbines. ¾ The Privilege Committee is a Standing Committee.
The avoidance behavior was not observed in edge- It examines the cases of breach of the privileges
space and open-space foraging bats, indicating a of the House and its members and recommends
habitat-specific response. appropriate action.
The noise emitted by wind turbine rotors was The Lok Sabha committee has 15 members, while
identified as a significant cause of the avoidance the Rajya Sabha committee has 10 members.
behavior.
Read more: Privilege Motion
¾ Wind turbines, a key element in national climate
strategies, are increasingly erected in forest sites
worldwide, posing potential challenges to bat World Hindi Day
populations.
World Hindi Day, observed annually on January 10,
¾ The study, initially focusing on short-term impacts,
suggests potential long-term effects on bat activity honors the vast contributions of Hindi speakers and the
near operational wind turbines, particularly if noise language’s global significance.
emissions are the cause. ¾ Hindi was first spoken at the United Nations General
Assembly in 1949. The inaugural World Hindi Diwas
took place in 2006 under the leadership of Dr.
Manmohan Singh. Since then, January 10 has been
observed as World Hindi Day everywhere.
¾ According to Article 343 of the Indian Constitution,
Hindi written in Devanagari script is the official
language of the union.
Hindi, along with English, are the official languages
of India.
Hindi is one of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth
Read more: Bamboo-Dwelling Bat Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

¾ Hindi belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-
European language group.
Privileges Committee to Seek ¾ The World Hindi Secretariat building was inaugurated
Responses from Suspended in Port Louis, Mauritius in 2018.
Rajya Sabha MPs ¾ The National Hindi Day is celebrated every year in
India on September 14 to mark the day of adoption
Recently, the Privileges Committee of the Rajya of Hindi as the official language by the Constituent
Sabha, decided to seek responses from 11 members Assembly of India in 1949.
Note:
¾ After Mandarin and English, it is observed that Hindi Musical instruments like Chande, Harmonium,
is the third-most spoken language in the world. Maddale, Taala, and flute accompany these
Read more: Vishwa Hindi Diwas performances.
¾ Various renowned troupes such as Saligrama Mela,
Nanoplastic Contamination Dharmasthala Mela, and Mandarthi Mela showcase
Yakshagana throughout the year.
in Bottled Water
The latest United States study reveals an alarming
reality about bottled water, uncovering the presence of
hundreds of thousands of nanoplastic particles
underscoring potential health risks.
¾ Each liter of bottled water contains 110,000 to 370,000
nanoplastic particles. About 90% of these particles
are nanosized, posing a higher risk to human health.
¾ Nanoplastics are even smaller than microplastics,
ranging below 1 micrometer in size.
Unlike microplastics (ranging between 5 millimeters
and 1 micrometer), nanoplastics can move from the
intestines and lungs directly into the bloodstream
before reaching the heart and brain.
¾ The study found that common plastics in bottled water
such as polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene,
Awards for Excellence in
polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Public Administration 2023
could play a significant role in micro-nano plastics
exposure from bottled waters. The Scheme and Web-portal for Prime Minister’s
PET used in disposable beverage bottles could
Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2023 was
leach into water when exposed to heat or squeezed. launched recently by the Department of Administrative
Read more: Impact of Microplastics on Gut Reforms & Public Grievances.
Microbiomes ¾ The Award Scheme has been redesigned to spotlight
the District Collector’s performance by targeting
individual beneficiaries and employing a saturation
High Court Nod: Yakshagana approach in implementation.
Mela Reinstates All-Night ¾ It aims to honor civil servants’ contributions under two
Shows categories: 10 awards for the Holistic Development of
Districts across 12 priority sectors and 6 awards for
The over-a-century old Yakshagana mela, the Kateel Innovations spanning Central Ministries/Departments
Durgaparameshwari Prasadita Yakshagana Mandali, in and various States and Districts.
Dakshina Kannada will revert to all-night shows from
¾ The scheme’s goal is to foster healthy competition,
14th January, 2024 after the High Court of Karnataka gave
the go-ahead, subject to adherence to Noise Pollution innovation, replication, and the establishment of
(Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. best practices.
¾ Yakshagana is a dance-drama performance unique to ¾ It prioritizes good governance, qualitative
Karnataka. It traditionally featured men portraying accomplishments, and enhancing last-mile connectivity
all roles. But, women are now part of these troupes. over solely achieving quantitative targets.
¾ Key elements include episodic stories from Hindu Read more: Need to Restructure the District
epics like Ramayana or Mahabharata. Collector’s Role
Note:
¾ The Free Movement Regime (FMR), implemented

India-Myanmar Free in 2018, allows people residing on either side of the
India-Myanmar border to venture 16 km into each
Movement Regime Likely to other’s territory without visa.
End They can cross over, on production of a border
pass with one-year validity and can stay up to
The Government of India is planning to end the Free two weeks.
Movement Regime along the international border with ¾ The border between India and Myanmar runs for 1,643
Myanmar and initiate a comprehensive smart fencing km in the 4 states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland,
system throughout the entire stretch. and Arunachal Pradesh.
Read more: India-Myanmar Relations The tools or hand axes were found in the sand bed of a
stream that dried up after the flood.
¾ The hand axes were found in the stream between
Floods in Telangana Reveal Gurrevula and Bhupatipuram villages in Mulugu
Paleolithic Tools district.
According to paleontologists, the stone axe belongs
The recent floods in the Mulugu district of Telangana to the Lower Paleolithic period and is about 30
has led to a fresh discovery of paleolithic quartzite tools. lakh years old.
Note:
● The Paleolithic Age dates back to ap- ¾ Also, in 1863, East India Company’s Geological Survey
proximately 33 lakh years BC, spanning team discovered a paleolithic site at Attirampakkam
10,000 years. Paleolithic hunter gather- near Madras (present-day Chennai).
ers used heavy quartzite and large tools Since then, Paleolithic culture has been labeled
for woodcutting and hunting animals for as Madras Hand-Axe Industry or Madrasian
sustenance. Culture.
Warmest Year on Record Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

2023 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) has been celebrated
on 9th January every year since 2003 to honor the Indian
2023 emerges as the warmest year on record, diaspora and the contribution of the overseas Indian
surpassing the 2016 record, with significant implications community to the country’s development.
for global climate patterns and extreme weather events. ¾ January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this
¾ 2023 was 1.48°C warmer than the average of the occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma
1850-1900 pre-industrial level. Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from
South Africa, and led India’s freedom struggle.
Approximately 50% of days were more than 1.5°C
¾ Since 2015, its format has been revised to celebrate
warmer than the same baseline.
the PBD once every two years and to hold theme-
¾ Record temperatures in 2023 led to widespread based PBD Conferences during the intervening period
heatwaves, floods, droughts, and wildfires. Read more: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Marine heatwaves were observed in various
regions, including the Mediterranean, Gulf of
Mexico, Indian Ocean, North Pacific, and much
World Typing Day
of the North Atlantic. 8th January is observed as World Typing Day to
¾ The onset of El Niño in 2023 played a role in encourage people to express themselves via written
communication.
exacerbating temperature extremes.
¾ Celebration of the day started in Malaysia in 2011.
El Niño is a natural weather phenomenon that warms
It commemorates the 2011 Malaysian Speed Typing
the surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean, Contest, which broke records for the fastest typist
which contributes to higher global temperatures. and largest participation.
Read more: The 1.5°C Warming Target and Climate ¾ The day holds special significance as it celebrates the
Projections ability to type and communicate with one another.
Note:
National Birds Day Martian Plasma Waves

National Bird Day, which has American origins, is Scientists from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism
celebrated annually on 5th of January, to raise awareness studied high-frequency plasma waves in Mars’ upper
about the value of birds in the ecosystem. atmosphere using data from NASA’s MAVEN spacecraft.
¾ The day also aims to raise awareness for the ¾ The study found two types of waves in Mars’ magnetic
conservation of avian species affected by habitat environment—some below and some above the
destruction, reducing food choices, and climate electron plasma frequency. These waves are important
change. because they help us understand how electrons
¾ India’s Union Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest behave around Mars.
and Climate Change, called for saving the wetlands ¾ NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile
to preserve bird populations in the country. Evolution) was launched in November 2013 with the
Wetlands become home to various species of birds mission to gain insights of the planet’s atmospheric
in India and sustain ecosystems vital to feed local conditions.
avian populations. ¾ Plasma waves are oscillations or disturbances in the
¾ National Bird Day is different from occasions such as electric and magnetic fields that propagate through
International Migratory National Bird Day, World plasma, which is a state of matter consisting of charged
Migratory National Bird Day (May 13) , and several particles like ions and electrons.
other National Bird Days. These waves play a significant role in various
plasma phenomena, influencing energy transfer,
BIS: 77 Years of Shaping particle acceleration, and the behavior of charged
particles within plasmas found in space.
Standards Read more: NASA’s MAVEN spacecraft
Recently, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), a
body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Moradabad’s Brassware
Public Distribution, Government of India, celebrated its
77th Foundation Day on 6th January 2024. Industry
¾ BIS is the National Standard Body of India established
The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya,
under the BIS Act 2016 for the harmonious development
Uttar Pradesh has sparked a revival in Moradabad’s
of the activities of standardization, marking and quality
brassware industry, as a surge in demand for religious
certification of goods. BIS has its headquarters at
idols, particularly those of Lord Ram.
New Delhi.
¾ Moradabad was established in 1600 by Murad, the
It operates various schemes like Product Certification
son of the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, as a result,
(ISI mark), Hallmarking of Gold and Silver Jeweller,
the city came to be known as Moradabad.
ECO Mark Scheme (for labeling of environment
friendly products). ¾ Moradabad is renowned for brass work and has
¾ The BIS Act, 2016, has been implemented since

carved a niche for itself in the handicraft industry
October 2017. The major highlights of the act are: throughout the world.
The brassware is exported to countries like the
Enables the government to authorize any agency
apart from BIS to certify and enforce conformity US, Britain, Canada, Germany, the Middle East and
to a standard. Asia. Therefore Moradabad is also called “Brass
City” or Peetal Nagri.
Provides consumer protection measures like recall
of non-conforming standard marked products, Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, holds historical
compensation to the consumer and more stringent and enduring significance due to its remarkable
penal provisions. hardness and workability.
Read more: Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) Act ¾ In the 1980s, the industry diversified with the
2016 introduction of various metal wares such as brass,
Note:
iron, and aluminium. This expansion brought new A TOT ratio below one indicates unfavorable
technologies like Electroplating, lacquering, and conditions of exchange.
powder coating to Moradabad’s art industry. ¾ The increase in procurement prices has led to a rise
¾ Moradabad Metal Craft (Word Mark) has a geographical in food subsidy bills, contributing to fiscal deficit and
indication (GI) tag. macroeconomic management issues.
Panspermia Roche’s Breakthrough

The theory of panspermia, which posits that life could Antibiotic
travel between planets, has been the subject of Roche, a Swiss healthcare giant, has discovered a
speculation and scientific inquiry for centuries. groundbreaking antibiotic, Zosurabalpin, targeting the
¾ Panspermia, first proposed by the Greek philosopher notorious gram-negative bacteria.
Anaxagoras, suggests that life has the potential to ¾ It has shown promising efficacy against drug-resistant
travel as ‘seeds’ between planets. Acinetobacter strains, particularly Carbapenem-
¾ Scientific advances have demonstrated that resistant A baumannii (CRAB) that is listed as a critical
microorganisms can endure the extreme conditions pathogen by the WHO.
of interplanetary travel and survive the impact of ¾ Zosurabalpin’s action disrupts the bacteria’s outer
reaching a new world. membrane construction, specifically targeting the
19 th -century researchers, including Svante transport mechanism of lipopolysaccharide, a crucial
Arrhenius, suggested mechanisms, such as barrier in gram-negative bacteria.
radiation pressure from the Sun, that could propel ¾ Bacteria are classified into two groups: Gram-positive
microorganisms through space. or Gram-negative, depending on whether they retain
¾ Modern panspermia theory involves three stages: a specific stain color. Gram-positive bacteria retain
escape from a planet, transit through interplanetary a violet-colored stain, while Gram-negative bacteria
space, and landing on another planet. appear pinkish or red.
¾ Panspermia, doesn’t explain the origin of life itself Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan
and is considered a fringe theory due to the difficulty layer in the cell wall, which is sandwiched between
of proving its validity. two lipid membranes, giving them a complex
structure.
z This outer membrane acts as a barrier, making
Term of Trade them more resistant to antibiotics.
Over the last decade and a half, Terms of Trade (ToT) Read more: Increasing Efficacy of Antibiotics
for Indian agriculture has shown significant improvement
based on national income statistics.
MeitY Launches ERNET
¾ The ToT improvement in agriculture is attributed to
the global agri-commodity price boom and policy India’s Web Portal
interventions, especially minimum support price
The Ministry of Electronics & IT has recently unveiled
(MSP) hikes.
ERNET, India’s new integrated web portal for educational
¾ ToT for Indian agriculture refers to the movement institutes, offering domain registration, DNS (Domain
in prices of farm commodities relative to non-farm Name System), and value-added services.
goods and services.
¾ The portal includes Website as a Service (WaaS) and
Terms of trade refers to the ratio of agricultural
Learning Management as a Service (LMaaS), allowing
prices to industrial prices, measured as price indices. users to create customized websites and Learning
¾ A rise in the terms of trade implies better purchasing Management Systems using various templates.
power for the agricultural sector in terms of industrial ¾ The ERNET India is a not-for-profit scientific society
goods. under MeitY. It is the exclusive domain registrar for
A ratio above one (or 100%) implies favorable all the education & research institutes having ‘ac.in’,
pricing power, in terms of what farmers sell versus ‘edu.in’ & ‘res.in’ as domain name.
what they buy. Read more: DNS Server
Note:
¾ RKPP introduced by the government in 2009 is given

Qatari Court Decision on to corporate entities (both private and public sector),
Indian Naval Personnel Sports Control Boards, NGOs, including sports bodies
at the State and National level, who have played a
Qatar has commuted the death sentence for eight visible role in the area of sports promotion and
Indian Navy veterans and turned that into a “varying development.
quantum” of jail terms. The jailed former Indian Navy ¾ The Other five core awards that constitute India’s
personnel in Qatar have been given 60 days to appeal National Sports Awards are the Major Dhyan Chand
against the varying prison terms. Khel Ratna Award, the Arjuna Award, the Dronacharya
¾ Commutation of a death sentence refers to the Award, the Major Dhyan Chand Award, and the
reduction or change of a death penalty to a less Maulana Abul Kalam Azad(MAKA) Trophy.
severe punishment.
Read more: National Sports and Adventure Awards
The eight Indians, whose death sentences are
2022
commuted, now qualify for repatriation to India.
This falls under the 2015 Bilateral Agreement with
Qatar, permitting prisoners to serve their terms Aditya-L1 into L1 orbit
in their home country.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is
¾ Qatar, a strong regional player, is a key supplier of
set to perform a crucial manoeuvre to bind Aditya-L1,
energy to India and at least seven lakh Indians form
aiming to place it into orbit around the Lagrangian point
a part of the foreign workforce in the Gulf nation.
(L1), located approximately 1.5 million km from Earth.
Read more: Former Navy Personnel Case in Qatar
¾ Aditya-L1, the first Indian space-based observatory
dedicated to studying the Sun, was launched in
Reverse Flipping September 2023, using a PSLV-C57 rocket from the
Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Reverse flipping has become a trend among Indian
¾ Placing a satellite in the halo orbit around the L1 point
startups, especially in the fintech sector, as they plan for
Initial Public Offers (IPOs) or seek long-term benefits in allows continuous observation of the Sun without
the home market. occultation or eclipse, providing an advantage in
monitoring solar activities.
¾ Reverse flipping is the process of shifting the domicile
of an Indian company back to India after it had moved L1 is about 1.5 million km from the Earth and the
its headquarters overseas, usually for tax or regulatory distance of L1 from Earth is approximately 1% of
reasons. It is also known as ‘re-domiciling’. the Earth-Sun distance.
¾ This strategic move is fuelled by India’s flourishing Lagrange points are positions in space where the
economy, a huge market, promising venture capital, gravitational forces of two large masses balance
favorable tax structures, robust intellectual property the centripetal force for a smaller object to stay
protection, young and educated population and in place.
supportive government policies. z Spacecraft leverage these points to minimize fuel
consumption and allow spacecraft to maintain
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan their position efficiently.
¾ Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads to observe the
Puruskar 2023 photosphere(the visible surface of the Sun),
Recently, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports chromosphere(the second layer between the
announced Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar((RKPP) photosphere and the corona) and the corona(outermost
2023. Odisha Mining Corporate Limited has been awarded layers of the Sun).
in the category of Encouragement to Sports through These payloads aim to provide crucial information
Corporate Social Responsibility. Jain Deemed to be on coronal heating, coronal mass ejection,
University, Bengaluru has been awarded for identifying space weather dynamics, and particle and field
and nurturing budding and young talent. propagation.
Note:
Read more: Aditya-L1 Mission, India’s Space ¾ The Warli Tribes perform Tarpa Dance along with
Endeavors Tarpa music instruments.
Read More: International Leopard Day 2023
Warlis’ Lesson: Peaceful

Cyber Kidnapping
Leopard Coexistence in
Recently, a Chinese student who had been a victim
Maharashtra of ‘cyber kidnapping,’ was discovered unharmed in rural
Utah. Traced by the authorities, it was revealed that his
Maharashtra’s indigenous Warlis teach a lesson about parents from China had already paid a high ransom before
peaceful coexistence with leopards. his location being determined.
¾ Warlis living near Sanjay Gandhi National Park, ¾ Cyber kidnapping refers to a crime where the
worship leopards as their deity, showing respect ‘kidnappers’ convince their victim to hide, and then
instead of fear. contact their loved ones for ransom.
¾ Dahisar river flows through the national park and ¾ In this type of scam, the victim is not kidnapped, but
they are tricked into believing that they are in danger.
becomes a recreational center during monsoons.
The ‘kidnappers’, though not physically present,
¾ Warli tribals have a long history of encounters with
monitor the victim online through video-call
leopards, viewing them as coexisting peacefully. platforms.
¾ The Warli culture is centered on the concept of Mother They may threaten the victim or their family with
Nature, and natural elements are frequently depicted violence, or they may create fake evidence of a
as focal points in Warli painting. kidnapping, such as photos or videos.
Note:
Read more: Cyber Crime ¾ The citizens have taken up the initiative to restore
these water bodies by petitioning the authorities,
raising funds, and engaging in community work.
World Braille Day ¾ Moodbidri town is known as ‘Jain Kashi’ (Benares of
World Braille Day, celebrated annually on 4th the Jains). It is home to Jain temples (Basadis and
January, since 2019, is observed to raise awareness of Nishidis) as well as monasteries.
the importance of Braille as a means of communication Moodbidri draws Jain pilgrims from across the
in the full realization of the human rights for blind and world and has also grown into an educational hub.
partially sighted people. ¾ The revival of these water bodies has multiple benefits
¾ Braille is a tactile representation of alphabetic and such as improving groundwater recharge, enhancing
numerical symbols using six dots to represent each biodiversity, providing drinking water, and preserving
cultural heritage.
letter and number, and even musical, mathematical
and scientific symbols.
Braille (named after its inventor in 19th century Savitribai Phule Birth
France, Louis Braille) is used by blind and partially Anniversary
sighted people to read the same books and
periodicals as those printed in a visual font. Recently, the Prime Minister of India paid tributes
¾ Braille is essential in the context of education, freedom to Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary(3rd January
1831).
of expression and opinion, as well as social inclusion,
as reflected in Article 2 of the Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Read more: Person with Disabilities in India
Reviving Ancient Water

Bodies in Coastal Karnataka
Towns
Recently, the two coastal towns Moodbidri and
Karkala in Karnataka, are reviving their ancient water
bodies that date back to thousands of years ago.
¾ These water bodies are part of the natural heritage
and cultural identity of the towns, which are also
known for their Jain temples and monasteries. Read more: Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule
Note:
signifying the organization’s strategic expansion into new
Rani Velu Nachiyar Birth sectors and regions.
Anniversary ¾ IREDA is a Mini Ratna (Category – I) Government of
India Enterprise under the administrative control of
The Prime Minister of India has paid tributes to Rani the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Velu Nachiyar (3rd Jan 1730 – 25th Dec 1796) on her birth
¾ It is a Public Limited Government Company established
anniversary.
as a Non-Banking Financial Institution in 1987 engaged
¾ Rani Velu Nachiyar, also known as Veeramangai, was the
in promoting, developing and extending financial
princess of the Ramnad Kingdom of Ramanathapuram,
Tamil Nadu. assistance for setting up projects relating to new and
¾ She is revered as the first queen to fight against the
renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency.
British colonial power in India. Read more: IREDA
She was a scholar in languages like French, English,
and Urdu.
¾ Nachiyar became queen of the Sivaganga estate
Family Pension Guidelines for
(present-day Tamil Nadu) in 1780 after her husband Government Servants/
Muthuvaduganathaperiya Udaiyathevar’s death. She
ruled until 1790. Pensioners
She went on to produce the first human bomb as
The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare,
well as establish the first army of trained women
soldiers in the late 1700s. in accordance with the Central Civil Service (Pension)
Rules, 2021, has delineated comprehensive provisions
for the disbursement of family pension in cases involving
a deceased Government servant or pensioner survived
by a spouse and children.
¾ As per the provisions of sub-rule (8) and sub-rule (9)
of Rule 50 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, the family
pension is initially granted to the spouse, while other
eligible family members become eligible subsequently,
following the spouse’s ineligibility or demise.
¾ According to a recent development, in scenarios
where a female Government servant or pensioner
is involved in divorce proceedings or has filed cases
under specific laws against her spouse, provisions
have been outlined to enable the nomination of her
eligible child/children for family pension, supplanting
the spouse.
Read more: Old Pension Scheme
Snow Leopard
Kyrgyzstan has officially declared the Snow
Leopard(Panthera uncia) as its national symbol, signifying
its commitment to conservation and ecological balance.
¾ The snow leopard holds historical importance in
IREDA’s 2024 Roadmap Kyrgyz culture, featuring in the story of Manas, a
2024 has been designated as the ‘Year of Human Kyrgyz folk hero, revered as a symbol of greatness,
Resource Development and Discipline’ for Indian courage, and resilience. It has come to be known as
Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), the ‘ghost of the mountains’.
Note:
¾ Snow leopards are vital for ecological balance, Snow leopards face threats from poaching, habitat
inhabiting 1/3 of the global territory. A decline in their loss, and declining prey. Human-wildlife conflict
population poses risks to various species. and warming in the high Himalayas.
¾ The Government of India has identified the snow
Adapted to high-altitude terrains, their unique
leopard as a flagship species for the high-altitude
physique ensures agility in steep, rugged Himalayas. It has developed a Project Snow Leopard
environments. to conserve the species and habitats.
Read more: Snow Leopard
Note:
¾ The exercise aims to enhance interoperability by
Prime Minister’s National learning & sharing best practices in Urban Operations.
Relief Fund ¾ It is also expected to not only strengthen the defense
ties between India and the UAE but also contribute
An acid attack survivor has approached the Delhi to the broader goal of fostering regional peace and
High Court seeking additional compensation from the
security.
Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF),
highlighting delays and challenges in accessing the grant. ¾ India has also been a regular participant at the biennial
¾ PMNRF was instituted in 1948 by then Prime Minister
International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi.
Jawaharlal Nehru, to assist displaced persons from
Pakistan. The fund is currently used to provide support
to people affected by natural and man-made disasters.
This includes natural disasters like floods, cyclones,
and earthquakes, and man-made disasters like
major accidents, acid attacks, and riots.
¾ The fund consists entirely of public contributions and
does not get any budgetary support.
¾ The corpus of the fund is invested with banks in fixed
deposits. Disbursements are made with the approval
of the Prime Minister.
¾ All donations towards the PMNRF are notified for
100% deduction from taxable income under Section
80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Read more: India-UAE Relations
Read more: PM - CARES Fund
No Tsunami Threat to India
K-SMART App The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC),
Recently, Kerala Government has launched K-SMART part of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information
(Kerala Solutions for Managing Administrative Services (INCOIS) in Hyderabad, confirmed that India
Reformation and Transformation) application, which will faces no tsunami threat despite a 7.5 magnitude
bring all services of the three-tier local self-government earthquake near Honshu, Japan.
institutions on a unified digital platform. ¾ The Pacific Ocean Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC)
¾ It aims to bridge the digital divide and particularly and Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a
benefit expatriates by eliminating the need for physical tsunami bulletin for Japan.
visits to government offices.
¾ ITEWC monitors sea level changes near the epicentral
¾ Notably, K-SMART’s technological framework
region and reports in case of a tsunami threat.
encompasses an array of cutting-edge disciplines such
as blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, GIS, chatbots, Epicentre is a point on the Earth’s surface directly
machine learning, and IoT. above the hypocenter (or focus) of an earthquake.
Read more: e-Governance It is the location on the surface of the Earth that
is directly above the earthquake’s point of origin
within the Earth’s crust.
India-UAE Joint Exercise
¾ INCOIS is an autonomous body under the Ministry of
‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ Earth Sciences, tasked with delivering optimal ocean
India and UAE will hold ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ joint information and advisory services to society, industry,
military exercise in Rajasthan from 2nd January to 15th government agencies, and the scientific community.
January, 2024. Read more: Tsunami Early Warning System in India
Note:
¾ Specific terms of reference have been outlined,

Samvid Gurukulam Girls including the distribution of tax proceeds between
Sainik School the Union and States, principles governing grants-
in-aid to States, and measures to bolster State funds
Recently, the Defence Minister of India, inaugurated for local bodies like Panchayats and Municipalities.
Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School in Vrindavan, Uttar ¾ The Commission has also been tasked with reviewing
Pradesh. This significant step reflects the government’s
disaster management financing arrangements under
commitment to providing equal opportunities for girls in
the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and making
the field of defence.
recommendations for improvements.
¾ The school is strategically positioned to play a pivotal
¾ The Commission has been requested to make its
role in furthering the government’s initiative to
establish 100 new Sainik Schools across all states and report available by 31st October, 2025.
union territories, aligning with the objectives outlined Read more: Sixteenth Finance Commission
in the National Education Policy 2020.
¾ The initiative aims to provide quality education, better
career opportunities, and encourage girls to join the
Trial Essential to Define
Armed Forces. ‘Religious Character of Place
Read more: Representation of Women in Armed
Forces
of Worship’: Allahabad HC
The Allahabad High Court’s recent stance in the
Ayodhya’s Transformational Gyanvapi case suggests that the Places of Worship Act,
1991 does not clarify “religious character of any place
Projects of worship” and can only be determined in a trial, based
Recently, the Indian Prime Minister inaugurated the on documentary and oral evidence, on a case-to-case
newly constructed Maharishi Valmiki International basis.
Airport in Ayodhya. ¾ The Places of Worship Act,1991 bars the conversion
¾ Pioneering sustainability features including LED lighting, of religious sites into places of worship for a different
rainwater harvesting, solar power, and a sewage religion or sect.
treatment plant ensure a GRIHA - 5 star rating for the It also mandates preserving the religious identity
terminal, promoting environmental consciousness. of any place of worship as it stood on 15th August,
¾ Maharishi Valmiki, also known as Adi Kavi (the first 1947.
poet), is revered as the author of the ancient Indian
¾ The Gyanvapi case is a legal battle concerning the
epic, the Ramayana. He is celebrated as a revered
ownership and religious identity of Varanasi’s Gyanvapi
sage and a significant figure in Hindu mythology
and literature. complex, housing both a mosque and a temple.
Hindu plaintiffs argue that the entire area, including
the mosque site, was originally a temple dedicated
Constitution of the Sixteenth to Swayambhu Lord Adi Vishweshwar.
Finance Commission They claim that this temple, once on the Gyanvapi
plot, was demolished by Emperor Aurangzeb in
The Government of India, in adherence to Article
1669.
280(1) of the Constitution, has established the Sixteenth
Finance Commission, appointing Dr. Arvind Panagariya, ¾ Neither the government nor the Supreme Court has
former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog and Professor at presented a clear stance on this issue to date.
Columbia University, as its Chairman. Read more: Places of Worship Act, 1991
nnn
Note:
Current
Affairs
(CONSOLIDaTION)
JANUARY 2024
(Part – II)
Drishti, 641, First Floor, Dr. Mukharjee Nagar, Delhi-110009
Inquiry (English): 8010440440, Inquiry (Hindi): 8750187501
Email: help@groupdrishti.in
Contents
Polity and Governance.........................................................................................................1
z Aadhaar is Not a Proof of Citizenship...................................................................................................................... 2
z Prohibition on Sapinda Marriage............................................................................................................................. 3
z ASI Survey Report on Gyanvapi Mosque................................................................................................................. 5
z Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana.......................................................................................................................... 7
z Sub-Categorisation of Scheduled Castes................................................................................................................. 8
z VAIBHAV Fellowship................................................................................................................................................ 9
z Cancellation of FCRA Registration of NGOs........................................................................................................... 11
z Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar................................................................................................................. 12
z Social Audit Advisory Body.................................................................................................................................... 12
z Recommendations of Vijay Raghavan Panel......................................................................................................... 14
z In-Flight Unruly Behaviour of Passengers.............................................................................................................. 15
z Annual Status of Education Report 2023............................................................................................................... 17
z Govt Jobs for Acquitted Individuals in Criminal Cases........................................................................................... 19
z Prior Approval for Investigation Against Government Officials............................................................................. 20
z NHAI Introduces ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ Initiative.......................................................................................... 21
z All India Conference of Director Generals of Police ............................................................................................. 22
z Dispute Over Minority Status of AMU................................................................................................................... 24
z Assam’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan............................................................................................. 26
z Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023......................................................................................................................... 27
Economic Scenario.............................................................................................................29
z FPI Disclosure Norms............................................................................................................................................. 29
z India’s Geographical Indication Landscape........................................................................................................... 31
z Funding Winter Impact on Start-ups..................................................................................................................... 33
z States’ Startup Ranking 2022................................................................................................................................ 34
z Market Monopoly and Laws in India..................................................................................................................... 37
z Investment Under PLI Schemes ............................................................................................................................ 39
z Infrastructure Push in Kerala................................................................................................................................. 40
z World Economic Forum......................................................................................................................................... 43
z Shifts in Foreign Portfolio Investments In India..................................................................................................... 44
z What is Foreign Portfolio Investment? ................................................................................................................. 44
International Relations.......................................................................................................46
z India-France Relations........................................................................................................................................... 46
z Third South Summit............................................................................................................................................... 48
z India-Bangladesh Relations................................................................................................................................... 51
z 19th NAM Summit and India-Uganda Relations.................................................................................................... 52
z Iran, Pakistan, and the Baloch Militancy............................................................................................................... 54
z India-Nepal Power Pact......................................................................................................................................... 56
Social Issues.......................................................................................................................59
z Delhi High Court Reverses Abortion Approval Order............................................................................................ 59
z Idate Commission Report...................................................................................................................................... 60
z Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality.......................................................................................... 62
z Multiple Sclerosis.................................................................................................................................................. 63
z Global Surgery....................................................................................................................................................... 64
z Cabo Verde Declared A Malaria-Free Country...................................................................................................... 66
z Concerns Related to Anganwadi Workers............................................................................................................. 67
z Status of Adivasi Livelihoods (SAL) Report, 2022.................................................................................................. 68
z Multidimensional Poverty Index: NITI Ayog.......................................................................................................... 70
Science & Technology.........................................................................................................73

z Mosquitofish ......................................................................................................................................................... 73
z Weather Monitoring by IMD ............................................................................................................................... 74
z Pulsar Glitches....................................................................................................................................................... 76
z Demand for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems................................................................................................ 78
z Growing Concern of Childhood Cancers in India................................................................................................... 80
z Distress Alert Transmitter For Fishermen.............................................................................................................. 81
z Finalising Implementation Strategy of NQM......................................................................................................... 83
z Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Cerebellum........................................................................................ 84
Environment and Ecology...................................................................................................86

z Genetically Modified Mustard............................................................................................................................... 87
z Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme........................................................................................................... 88
z Kairali AI Chip........................................................................................................................................................ 89
z Golden Tiger in Kaziranga National Park............................................................................................................... 90
z Forest Fires in the Himalayas................................................................................................................................. 92
z Marginal Rise in Saltwater Crocodile Population in Bhitarkanika......................................................................... 94
z IUCN Assessment of the Himalayan Wolf ............................................................................................................. 95
z Green Hydrogen: Enabling Measures Roadmap for Adoption in India................................................................. 97
Security............................................................................................................................101
z Extension of BSF Jurisdiction............................................................................................................................... 102
z Challenges to India’s Cyber Security.................................................................................................................... 105
Art and Culture..............................................................................................................107

z Sri Sri Auniati Satra Vaishnavite Monastery........................................................................................................ 107
z Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace................................................................................................................. 108
z Madhika Language on Brink of Extinction........................................................................................................... 109
z Ram Temple......................................................................................................................................................... 110
z Bangla for Classical Language, Gangasagar Mela for National Status................................................................. 114
z Shankaracharyas.................................................................................................................................................. 115
z Harvest Festivals.................................................................................................................................................. 116
z Vadnagar: India’s Oldest Living City.................................................................................................................... 117
History.............................................................................................................................118
z Republic Day 2024............................................................................................................................................... 118
z Parakram Diwas 2024.......................................................................................................................................... 121
Geography.......................................................................................................................123
z Implications of No Snowfall In Kashmir............................................................................................................... 123
Ethics...............................................................................................................................124
z Ethical Use of Generative AI in Healthcare.......................................................................................................... 124
Miscellaneous..................................................................................................................126
z 6th Edition of Khelo India Youth Games.............................................................................................................. 126
z Investment Forum for Advancing Climate Resilient Agrifood Systems in India.................................................. 127
z Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur......................................................................................................................... 128
Rapid Fire Current Affairs.............................................................................................130

z Philippines and Vietnam Cooperation in South China Sea.................................................................................. 130
z UNRWA Funding Freeze Amid Gaza Conflict....................................................................................................... 131
z Ancient Lake on Mars.......................................................................................................................................... 131
z Voluntary Carbon Market Framework for Agriculture Sector............................................................................. 132
z Martyrs’ Day........................................................................................................................................................ 133
z SADA TANSEEQ.................................................................................................................................................... 134
z National Conference on Technical Textiles ........................................................................................................ 134
z 100 years of S N Bose’s Colossal Work................................................................................................................ 134
z Maratha Reservation Progress............................................................................................................................ 135
z Aditya-L1: Deployment of Magnetometer Boom in Sun’s Orbit......................................................................... 135
z US Supreme Court Case Roe v Wade................................................................................................................... 135
z Gallantry Awards................................................................................................................................................. 136
z Wandering Albatross........................................................................................................................................... 136
z 14th National Voters’ Day .................................................................................................................................. 137
z Arambai Tenggol................................................................................................................................................. 137
z Exercise Desert Knight......................................................................................................................................... 138
z Rabbit r1.............................................................................................................................................................. 138
z Indian Stock Market is Fourth-largest Globally................................................................................................... 138
z India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise CYCLONE ........................................................................................... 138
z India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR.................................................................................... 139
z BHISHM Cube...................................................................................................................................................... 139
z Mpemba Effect.................................................................................................................................................... 139
z Mesolithic Gum Unveils Ancient Scandinavian Diet ........................................................................................... 139
z Vemana Jayanti................................................................................................................................................... 140
z Study Material in Indian Languages.................................................................................................................... 140
z SCOPE’s Commendation Certificate to NHPC ..................................................................................................... 140
z Operation Sarvashakti: Intensive Anti-Terror Drive in J&K.................................................................................. 141
z India’s Signs MoU/MoI with Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Netherlands .................................................... 141
z India-Argentina Agreement for Lithium Blocks................................................................................................... 142
z Operation AMRITH.............................................................................................................................................. 142
z Sumit Nagal Defeated Seeded Player at Australian Open .................................................................................. 143
z Stamp Book on Ramayana .................................................................................................................................. 143
z PFRDA notifies Point of Presence (PoP) Regulations .......................................................................................... 143
z Jallikattu .............................................................................................................................................................. 143
z Navy to Have Mixed Marching Contingent at Republic Day Parade................................................................... 144
z ANUBHAV Awards Scheme 2024......................................................................................................................... 144
z Tubeless Conundrum........................................................................................................................................... 144
z Invasive Species and Food Crisis in Karnataka’s Western Ghats ........................................................................ 144
z Thiruvalluvar Day................................................................................................................................................. 144
z Rhododendron .................................................................................................................................................... 145
z DRDO Launches Indigenous Assault Rifle ‘Ugram’.............................................................................................. 145
z Ex-Ayutthaya and The 36th edition of Indo-Thai CORPAT................................................................................... 145
z National Startup Day 2024.................................................................................................................................. 146
z Foraging Traditions of Soliga and Yerava Tribes.................................................................................................. 146
w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS JANUARY, PART-II 2024 1
Polity and Governance
Highlights
z Aadhaar is Not a Proof of Citizenship z In-Flight Unruly Behaviour of Passengers
z Prohibition on Sapinda Marriage z Annual Status of Education Report 2023
z ASI Survey Report on Gyanvapi Mosque z Govt Jobs for Acquitted Individuals in Criminal Cases
z Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana
z Prior Approval for Investigation Against Government Officials
z Sub-Categorisation of Scheduled Castes
z NHAI Introduces ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ Initiative
z VAIBHAV Fellowship
z All India Conference of Director Generals of Police
z Cancellation of FCRA Registration of NGOs
z Dispute Over Minority Status of AMU
z Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
z Social Audit Advisory Body z Assam’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan
z Recommendations of Vijay Raghavan Panel z Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023
Note:
2 CURRENT AFFAIRS JANUARY, PART-II 2024 www.d rish t i I A S. c o m
Aadhaar
Aadhaar is Not a Proof of ¾ Aadhaar is a 12 digit individual identification number
Citizenship issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India
(UIDAI) on behalf of the Government of India. The
Why in News? number serves as a proof of identity and address,
The Indian government has recently emphasized that anywhere in India.
Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship or date of birth (D.O.B). ¾ Aadhaar card, which is a biometric document,
¾ The new Aadhaar cards and PDF versions of the identity stores an individual’s personal information on a
document have started including a more explicit government database.
and prominent disclaimer that they are “a proof of ¾ An Aadhaar card can be issued to any person
identity, not of citizenship or date of birth,” signalling residing in the country for more than six months
to government departments and other organizations continuously, provided he/she submits one of the
to not use it for those purposes. 18 listed identity cards and an address proof.
Foreign nationals are eligible to obtain one if
What are the Legal Clarifications on the Use of they have been living in India for half a year.
Aadhaar as an Identity Document? ¾ Aadhaar number will help the residents to avail
¾ Bombay High Court: various services provided by banking, mobile phone
Bombay High Court in State of Maharashtra vs connections and other Govt and Non-Govt services
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in due course.
Case, 2022 clarified the scope and limitations
What are the Concerns Regarding the
of Aadhaar as an identity document. The Court
stated that Aadhaar is only a proof of identity Aadhaar?
and residence, not of citizenship or date of birth. ¾ Usage of Aadhaar as Proof of Citizenship or D.O.B:
¾ Supreme Court of India: The Election Commission of India explicitly accepts
The Supreme Court of India in the case of Justice Aadhaar as proof of date of birth for enrolling
K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) and Anr. vs Union Of people to vote.
India, 2018 has upheld the constitutional validity z These new clarifications on Aadhaar usage,
of Aadhaar. prominently printed in the identity document,
z The Court also clarified that Section 9 of the may challenge such allowances.
Aadhaar Act, 2016 states that “The Aadhaar ¾ Privacy and Security:
number or the authentication thereof shall Aadhaar involves the collection and storage of
not, by itself, confer any right of, or be proof sensitive personal information, such as fingerprints,
of, citizenship or domicile in respect of an
iris scans, and face photos, which raises the risk
Aadhaar number holder”.
of data breaches, identity theft, and surveillance.
¾ Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
¾ Biometric Authentication:
(MeitY):
Aadhaar relies on biometric verification for
MeitY clarified in a 2018 memorandum that Aadhaar
accessing services, which poses challenges such
is “per se … not a proof of date of birth,” as the
as the reliability and accuracy of the technology,
date of birth is based on a different document
the availability and quality of the infrastructure,
given by Aadhaar applicants.
and the exclusion and denial of services due to
¾ Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO):
biometric failures.
The EPFO which administers the mandatory
retirement fund for salaried employees in India. Citizenship
z The EPFO issued a circular in January 2024
¾ Citizenship is the legal status and relationship
deleting Aadhaar from the list of documents between an individual and a state that entails
acceptable as a proof of date of birth. specific rights and duties.
Note:
¾ The Citizenship Act of 1955 prescribes five ways of z The petitioner also argued that if the marriage
acquiring citizenship, viz, birth, descent, registration, had received the consent of both families, which
naturalization and incorporation of territory. proved the legitimacy of the marriage.
The Act also deals with renunciation of citizenship ¾ Delhi Court’s Order:
by way of termination, deprivation and Voluntary The Delhi High Court found no merit in her
Renunciation. arguments, holding that the petitioner did not
¾ The Indian Constitution defines citizenship in Part provide “stringent proof” of an established
II, which includes Articles 5 to 11. custom, which is necessary to justify a sapinda
¾ Citizenship is listed in the Union List under the marriage.
Constitution and thus is under the exclusive The court held that the choice of a partner in a
jurisdiction of Parliament. marriage can be subject to regulation. With this
¾ A birth certificate in India can serve as proof of in mind, the court held that the petitioner did not
identity, age, and Indian citizenship. present any “cogent legal ground” to show that
According to the Registration of Births and the prohibition against sapinda marriages was
Deaths Act, 1969, births must be registered violative of the right to equality.
within 21 days.
What is a Sapinda Marriage?
About:
Prohibition on Sapinda ¾
A sapinda marriage is one between individuals
Marriage

who are related to each other within a certain
degree of closeness.
Why in News?
Sapinda marriages are defined under Section 3 of
Recently, the Delhi High Court in the case of Neetu the HMA, as two persons are said to be “sapindas”
Grover v. Union of India & Ors, 2024 has rejected a
of each other if one is a lineal ascendant of the
challenge to the constitutionality of Section 5(v) of the
other in the limits of sapinda relationship, or if they
Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (HMA), which prohibits
have a common lineal ascendant who is within
marriage between two Hindus if they are “Sapindas” of
each other. the limits of sapinda relationship with reference
to each of them.
¾ A sapinda marriage involves individuals who share
a specific degree of familial closeness. ¾ Lineal Ascendant:
Under the provisions of the HMA, on the mother’s
Why Was the Law Challenged, and What Was
side, a Hindu individual cannot marry anyone who
the Court’s Ruling?
is within three generations of them in the “line
¾ Arguments of Petitioner: of ascent”. On the father’s side, this prohibition
In 2007, the petitioner’s marriage was declared applies to anyone within five generations of the
void after her husband successfully proved that individual.
they had entered into a sapinda marriage, and
z In practice, this means that on their mother’s
that the woman was not from a community where
side, an individual cannot marry their sibling (first
such marriages could be considered a custom.
generation), their parents (second generation),
The petitioner challenged the constitutional validity
their grandparents (third generation), or an
of the prohibition on sapinda marriages, arguing
that sapinda marriages are prevalent even when individual who shares this ancestry within
there is no proof of custom. three generations.
Hence, Section 5(v) which prohibits sapinda z On their father’s side, this prohibition would
marriages unless there is an established custom, extend up to their grandparents’ grandparents,
violates the right to equality under Article 14 of and anyone who shares this ancestry within
the Constitution. five generations.
Note:
¾ In other words, if there is an established custom within

the community, tribe, group, or family that allows
sapinda marriages, and if this custom is continuously
and uniformly observed for a long time, it can be
considered a valid exception to the prohibition.
The definition of “custom” is provided in Section
3(a) of the HMA, stating that a custom must be
continuously and uniformly observed for a long
time and should have gained enough legitimacy
among Hindus in a local area, tribe, group, or
family, such that it has obtained “the force of law.”
¾ However, certain conditions must be met for a custom
¾ Section 5(v) of HMA 1955: to be considered valid. The rule in question must be
If a marriage is found to violate Section 5(v)
“certain and not unreasonable or opposed to public
for being a sapinda marriage, and there is no policy,” and in the case of a rule applicable only to
established custom that allows such a practice, a family, it should not have been “discontinued by
it will be declared void. the family.”
This would mean that the marriage was invalid If these conditions are satisfied, and there is a
from the very beginning, and will be treated as valid custom permitting sapinda marriages, the
though it never took place. marriage would not be declared void under Section
5(v) of the HMA.
Legal Provisions Related to Marriage
¾ The Constitution of India guarantees the right to Are Marriages Similar to Sapinda Marriages
life and personal liberty under Article 21, which Allowed in Other Countries?
includes the right to marry a person of one’s choice. ¾ France and Belgium:
¾ The Special Marriage Act of 1954 allows any person In France and Belgium, the crime of incest was
to register and solemnize their marriage with a abolished under the Penal Code of 1810, allowing
person of their choice. marriages between consenting adults.
¾ The Supreme Court of India has dealt with several z Incest is the crime of sexual relations or marriage
cases involving the marriage of person of his/her taking place between a male and female who
choice. Like: are closely linked by blood.
Lata Singh v. State of U.P., 2006: The Court held Belgium maintained this legal stance even after
that the right to marry a person of one’s choice introducing a new Penal Code in 1867.
is a fundamental right under Article 21, and that
¾ Portugal:
no one, including the parents or the community,
Portuguese law does not criminalise incest, implying
can interfere with or object to such marriages.
that marriages between close relatives may not
Shakti Vahini v. Union of India, 2018: The
be prohibited.
Supreme Court held that consensually choosing
life partners is a manifestation of their freedom ¾ Republic of Ireland:
of choice guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21 While the Republic of Ireland recognised same-
of the Constitution. sex marriages in 2015, the law on incest has not
What are the Exceptions to the Prohibitions been updated to explicitly include individuals in
Against Sapinda Marriages? same-sex relationships.
¾ Italy:
¾ The exception is mentioned in Section 5(v) of the Hindu
Marriage Act, 1955 and it states that if the customs of In Italy, incest is considered a crime only if it
the individuals involved permit sapinda marriages, causes a “public scandal,” suggesting that the legal
then such marriages would not be declared void. framework takes into account certain circumstances.
Note:
¾ United States: ¾ Indian Inscription:
In the United States, incestuous marriages are 32 inscriptions written in the Devanagari, Grantha,
generally banned in all 50 states. However, there are Telugu and Kannada scripts.
variations in laws related to incestuous relationships These are in fact inscriptions on the stone of a
between consenting adults. preexisting Hindu temple which have been reused
z For example, New Jersey and Rhode Island allow during the construction, repair of the existing
such relationships under certain conditions. structure.
The reuse of earlier inscriptions in the structure
ASI Survey Report on suggests that the earlier structures were destroyed
and their parts were reused in the construction
Gyanvapi Mosque and repair of the existing structure.
¾ Swastik and Trident Marks:
Why in News? There were marks found on the structure, including
Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) the swastika and the trident.
surveyed the Gyanvapi mosque complex, where a total z Swastika is known to be one the most ancient
of 55 stone sculptures were found, including the idols of symbols in the world, and has been used in all
Hindu Deities. old civilisations.
¾ The ASI report suggests that a temple “appears to z Trishula (trident -- the distinct weapon of Lord
have been destroyed in the 17th century, during the Shiva), symbol is commonly used as one of the
reign of Aurangzeb, and part of it was modified and principal symbols by Hindus, particularly by
reused in the existing structure.” Shaivites and also Shaktas.
What are the Key Highlights of the ASI Report? ¾ Coins and Sandstone Slab with Persian Inscription:
Objects such as coins, a sandstone slab inscribed
¾ Discovery of Broken Idols:
in Persian, and other artifacts were unearthed
The survey uncovered fragments of what appear
during the survey.
to be statues of Hindu Deities, including those
Inscriptions in Persian on stone slabs were found,
of Hanuman, Ganesha, and Nandi, within the
mosque complex. providing an account of the demolition of the temple
during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb
Various sculptures and statues were found in
in the 17th century.
varying states of damage, including those of Shiva
linga, Vishnu, Ganesha, Krishna, and Hanuman.
¾ Yonipattas and Shiv Linga:
Several yonipattas, the base of a shivling, were
discovered during the survey.
A shiv linga with its bottom part missing was also
found.
What is the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)?

¾ ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier
organisation for the archaeological research and
protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites
and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 governs the
functioning of ASI.
Note:
¾ It administers more than 3650 ancient monuments, ¾ Carbon Dating:

archaeological sites and remains of national Method used to establish the age of organic
importance. materials based on the radioactive decay of

¾ Its activities include carrying out surveys of Carbon-14 (C-14).
antiquarian remains, exploration and excavation of What is the Gyanvapi Mosque Dispute?
archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance
¾ Demolition of Temple:
of protected monuments etc.
It is a popular belief that the Gyanvapi Mosque
¾ It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham-
was built in 1669 by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb
the first Director-General of ASI. Alexander
by demolishing the ancient Vishweshwar temple.
Cunningham is also known as the “Father of Indian
Archaeology”. z Saqi Mustaid Khan’s Maasir-i-Alamgiri, a
Persian-language chronicle (written shortly
What Method was Used in the Survey at after Aurangzeb’s death in 1707) also
Gyanvapi Mosque? mentioned that Aurangzeb had demolished
¾ The ASI has conducted a detailed non-invasive survey the temple in 1669 by ordering Governor
of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi to determine if Abul Hassan.
the mosque was built atop a temple. The ASI report stated that the Arabic-Persian
¾ Non-invasive methods are used when investigations inscription found inside a room in the mosque
are undertaken inside a built structure and no mentions that the mosque was built in the 20th
excavation is permitted. regal year of Aurangzeb (1676-77 CE).
z Historian Audrey Truschke wrote that Aurangzeb
¾ Types of Methods:
brought the bulk of Benares’s Vishvanatha Temple
Active Methods: Inject energy into the ground and
(Vishweshwar) down in 1669. The temple had
measure the response. The methods provide an
been built during Akbar’s reign by Raja Man
estimate of the ground’s material properties, such
Singh, whose great-grandson, Jai Singh, many
as density, electrical resistance, and wave velocity. believed helped Shivaji flee from the Mughal
z Seismic Techniques: Use shock waves to study court in 1666.
subsurface structures. ¾ Legal Battle:
z E l e c t ro m a g n et i c M et h o d s : M e a s u re
¾ The case of Gyanvapi mosque has been in court since
electromagnetic responses after energy injection. 1991, when three persons, including a descendant
¾ Passive Methods: Measure existing physical properties. of the priests of the Kashi Vishwanath temple, filed a
Magnetometry: Detect magnetic anomalies caused suit in the court of the civil judge of Varanasi claiming
by buried structures. that Aurangzeb had demolished the temple of Lord
Gravity Surveying: Measure gravitational force Vishweshwar and built a mosque on it so that the
variations due to subsurface features. land should be returned to them.
¾ Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR): ¾ On 18th August 2021, in the same court in Varanasi,
five women filed a petition demanding to worship
ASI used GPR to produce a 3-D model of buried
in the temple of Mata Shringar Gauri, accepting
archaeological features.
which the court constituted a commission to know
GPR operates by introducing a short radar impulse
the present status of the Mata Shringar Gauri Temple.
from a surface antenna and records time and
Varanasi court had asked the Commission to give
magnitude of return signals from the subsoil.
the survey report by videographing the idol of
Radar beam spreads like a cone, causing reflections
Mata Shringar Gauri and the Gyanvapi complex.
before the antenna passes over the object.
¾ The Hindu side has presented a comprehensive map
z Radar beams spread out in a cone, leading to
of the Gyanvapi complex as evidence in court. This
reflections that may not directly correspond map identifies Hindu deity temples located around
to physical dimensions, creating false images. the mosque entrance, along with landmarks such as
Note:
the Vishweshwar temple, Gyankoop (Mukti Mandap),
the prominent Nandi statue, and the Vyas family Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya
basement.
Yojana
¾ The Muslim side argued that no decision can be given
on the dispute under the The Places of Worship Act, Why in News?
1991.
Recently, the Indian Prime Minister launched the
Under Section 3 of the Places of Worship (Special
‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana,’ a pioneering
Provisions) Act, 1991, it is prohibited to convert
government initiative aimed at installing rooftop solar
a place of worship into a place of worship of a
power systems in one crore households across the nation.
different religious denomination or a different
class of the same religious denomination. What are Rooftop Solar Panels?
¾ Gyanvapi Case is still pending before judiciary. ¾ About: Rooftop solar panels are photovoltaic panels
What are the Provisions of the the Places of installed on the roof of a building that is connected
Worship Act 1991? to the main power supply unit.
¾ Prohibition of Conversion (Section 3): ¾ Benefit: It reduces the consumption of grid-connected
Prevents the conversion of a place of worship, electricity and saves electricity costs for the consumer.
whether in full or part, from one religious Surplus solar power units generated from the
denomination to another or within the same rooftop solar plant can be exported to the grid as
denomination. per the metering provisions.
¾ Maintenance of Religious Character (Section 4(1)): The consumer can receive monetary benefits for
Ensures that the religious identity of a place of the surplus exported power as per the prevailing
worship remains the same as it was on 15th August 1947. regulations
¾ Abatement of Pending Cases (Section 4(2)): ¾ Related Government Initiatives: In 2014, the
Declares that any ongoing legal proceedings government launched the Rooftop Solar Programme
that aimed to achieve a cumulative installed capacity
concerning the conversion of a place of worship’s
of 40,000 megawatts (MW) or 40 gigawatts (GW)
religious character before15th August 1947, will
by 2022.
be terminated, and no new cases can be initiated.
However, this target could not be achieved. As
¾ Exceptions to the Act (Section 5):
a result, the government extended the deadline
The Act does not apply to ancient and historical
from 2022 to 2026.
monuments, archaeological sites, and remains
According to some reports, the Pradhan Mantri
covered by the Ancient Monuments and
Suryodaya Yojana seems to be an attempt to help
Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
reach the target of 40 GW rooftop solar capacity.
It also excludes cases that have already been
settled or resolved and disputes that have been What is the Current Solar Capacity in India?
resolved by mutual agreement or conversions ¾ India’s Current Solar Capacity:
that occurred before the Act came into effect. Rooftop Solar Capacity: Total rooftop solar installed
The Act does not extend to the specific place capacity is around 11.08 GW as of December 2023.
of worship known as Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri z Gujarat tops the list with 2.8 GW, followed by
Masjid in Ayodhya, including any legal proceedings Maharashtra by 1.7 GW.
associated with it.
z According to a recent report by Council on
¾ Penalties (Section 6): Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), only
Specifies penalties, including a maximum 20% of rooftop solar capacity installations are
imprisonment term of three years and fines, in the residential sector, with the majority in
for violating the Act. commercial and industrial sectors.
Note:
The report suggests that India’s 25 crore

issue of dominant Scheduled Caste (SC) communities
households could deploy 637 GW of solar receiving more benefits than the most backward ones.
energy on rooftops, and just one-third of this This development comes particularly in response to
could meet the entire residential electricity the Madiga community’s demands in Telangana.
demand in the country.
What is the Mandate of the Newly Formed
¾ Total Installed Capacity: According to the Ministry of
Committee?
New and Renewable Energy solar power installed
capacity in India has reached around 73.31 GW as ¾ The committee’s primary objective is to explore
of December 2023. alternative methods for addressing grievances faced
by various SC communities across the country.
In terms of total solar capacity, Rajasthan is at
While initiated in response to the Madiga
the top with 18.7 GW. Gujarat is at the second
position with 10.5 GW. community’s concerns, the committee’s scope
extends beyond one community or state.
When it comes to rooftop solar capacity, Gujarat
¾ It aims to evaluate and work out a method for the
tops the list with 2.8 GW, followed by Maharashtra
equitable distribution of benefits, schemes and
by 1.7 GW.
initiatives to the most backward communities amongst
India’s Surging Energy Demand the over 1,200 Scheduled Castes across the country,
¾ India is projected to experience the highest energy that have been crowded out by relatively forward
demand growth globally over the next three decades, and dominant ones.
as per the International Energy Agency. What are the Major Aspects Related to
Despite an increase in coal production, India is Subcategorisation of SC in India?
committed to achieving 500 GW of renewable
¾ About: Subcategorisation refers to the division or
energy capacity by 2030.
classification of a larger category into smaller, more
¾ Also, the country aims for 50% of electricity specific subcategories based on certain criteria or
generation from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, characteristics.
having already reached 43%, with renewables In the context of SC in India, subcategorisation
contributing 30% to the total installed capacity. may involve further classification within the SC
Rapid growth in renewable capacity, especially group based on factors such as socioeconomic
in solar energy, is essential to meet the surging status or historical disadvantages.
electricity demand. ¾ Madiga Community’s Struggle: The Madiga community,
What are the Other Government Initiatives to constituting 50% of SCs in Telangana, has faced
challenges in accessing government benefits intended
Harness Solar Energy? for SCs due to dominance by the Mala community.
¾ National Solar Mission Despite their substantial population, the Madiga
¾ Solar Park Scheme community argued that it has been excluded from
¾ Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan SC-related initiatives.
(PM-KUSUM) They have been struggling since 1994 for the
¾ Suryamitra Skill Development Programme sub-categorisation of SCs and it was this demand
that first led to the formation of the Justice P.
¾ International Solar Alliance
Ramachandra Raju Commission in 1996 and later
a National Commission in 2007.
Sub-Categorisation of ¾ Similar Issue Across States: SC communities in various
states have reported similar challenges, leading to the
Scheduled Castes formation of commissions by both State and Union
governments.
Why in News?
States like Punjab, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu attempted
The Indian government has set up a high-level sub-categorisation at the state level, but these
committee, led by the Cabinet Secretary, to address the efforts are currently tied up in legal battles.
Note:
¾ Constitutional Stance: ¾ 2014: Supreme Court refers the matter to a five-judge
Articles 341 and 342: It grants powers to the constitution bench, questioning the correctness of
President to notify SC and ST lists and to Parliament the 2004 E.V. Chinnaiah decision.
to create these lists. ¾ 2020: The Constitution bench holds that the 2004
z However, there is no explicit prohibition against decision needs reconsideration, rejecting the idea of
sub-categorisation. SCs being a homogeneous group and acknowledging
¾ Previous Standpoint of Union Government: The Union the existence of “unequal” within the list.
government had in 2005 considered legal options for The concept of the “creamy layer” was also
sub-categorisation of SCs. recommended by the Supreme Court for SC and ST.
At the time, the erstwhile Attorney General of ¾ Present: A larger seven-judge bench is hearing
India had opined that this could be possible but the issue as only its judgment can prevail over the
only if there was “unimpeachable evidence to decision of a smaller bench.
indicate a necessity”. Sub-classification will impact various communities
Also, both the National Commissions for Scheduled across states, including Balmikis and Mazhabi
Castes and Scheduled Tribes opposed amending Sikhs in Punjab, Madiga in Andhra Pradesh,
the Constitution at that time. Paswans in Bihar,Jatavs in UP, and Arundhatiyars
z They argued that creating a sub-quota within in TamilNadu.
the existing quota is not enough, emphasising
the immediate need to prioritise the allocation Benefits of Challenges of
of existing schemes and benefits to these Subcategorisation Subcategorisation
communities.
Targeted Policies: Granular Social divisions: Risk
What is the Legal Tussle over the Subcategorisation available data for targeted of exacerbating
of SC (Case of Punjab)? policies and programs. existing social
¾ 1975: The Punjab government issues a notification tensions.
dividing its 25% SC reservation into two categories. It Fair Representation: Identification &
was one of the first instances of existing reservations Increased political Verification:
being ‘sub-classified’ by a state. participation from different Complexities in
While the notification remained in force for sub-groups. accurate identification
nearly 30 years, it ran into legal hurdles in 2004. and documentation.
¾ 2004: Supreme Court strikes down Andhra Pradesh Empowerment & Politicisation:
Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Recognition: Spotlighting Potential for
Act, 2000, citing violation of the right to equality in the cultural heritage of manipulation by
the E.V. Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh case. sub-groups, fostering a different groups.
Emphasises that the SC list should be treated sense of identity and
as a single, homogeneous group. belonging.
The President has the power to create the SC
list (Article 341), and states cannot interfere or
disturb it, including through sub-classification.
Later, the Punjab & Haryana High Court, in Dr. VAIBHAV Fellowship
Kishan Pal v. State of Punjab, struck down the
1975 notification, supporting the E.V. Chinnaiah Why in News?
decision. The Department of Science and Technology (DST)
¾ 2006: The Punjab government attempts to reintroduce recently unveiled the first cohort of fellows under the
sub-categorisation through the Punjab Scheduled Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) scheme, a
Caste and Backward Classes (Reservation in Services) strategic initiative aimed at fostering short-term
Act, 2006, but it was struck down in 2010. collaborations with Indian-origin scientists based abroad.
Note:
¾ Vaibhav scheme finds similarities with the Visiting overseas scientists and academicians with emphasis
Advanced Joint Research Faculty (Vajra) scheme on NRI and PIO/OCI to work as adjunct / visiting
initiated in 2018. faculty for a specific period of time in Indian Public
funded academic and research institutions.
What is VAIBHAV Scheme?
z The Scheme recognizes the value of collaborative
¾ About: research as a crucial element for information
The Government has launched VAIBHAV fellowships
sharing among researchers for updating and
programme in 2023 to connect the Indian STEMM acquiring knowledge and skills, and also to draw
(Science, technology, engineering, mathematics, different perspectives to solve a shared problem.
and medicine) diaspora with Indian academic
and R&D institutions for collaborative research The area of research undertaken by the Faculty
work leading to sharing of knowledge, wisdom, should be of interest to India including translation
and best practices in the frontier areas of science of science to practice.
& technology. z Faculty can also teach/mentor during the
The VAIBHAV Fellow would identify an Indian period of stay.
Institution for collaboration and may spend up z The Faculty will work for a minimum of 1
to two months there in a year for a maximum month and a maximum of 3 months a year in
of 3 years. an institution in India.
z The VAIBHAV fellows are expected to collaborate
The Indian host institution may engage him/
with their Indian counterparts and help initiate her for a longer duration even after the
research activities in the host institution in the
completion of the assignment.
cutting-edge areas of Science and Technology.
The part-time position for faculty will be
¾ Incentives Offered:
initially offered for 1 year and can be
Fellowship would include fellowship grant (INR
renewed every year.
4,00,000 per month), international and domestic
travel, accommodation and contingencies. ¾ Incentives Offered:
Host institutions receive research grants to support The VAJRA Faculty will be provided an amount
the collaboration. of USD 15000 in the first month of engagement
¾ Significance of Vaibhav Scheme: in a year and USD 10000 per month in the other
Strengthens global collaboration in scientific
two months to cover their travel and honorarium.
research. z While no separate support is provided for e.g.
Fosters knowledge exchange and expertise infusion accommodation, medical/personal insurance
in Indian academic and research institutions. etc., the host institute may consider providing
¾ Implementation: additional support.
The VAIBHAV fellowships programme to be z The payment to the faculty will be made in
implemented by the DST, Ministry of Science and Indian Rupees.
Technology, would be awarded to outstanding ¾ Implementation:
scientist/technologists of Indian origin [Non- VAJRA Faculty Scheme is implemented by the
resident Indians (NRI) / Persons of Indian Origin
Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).
(PIO) / Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)] who are
engaged in research activities in their respective z The SERB is a statutory body of the Department
countries. of Science and Technology. It was established
in 2008 through an Act of Parliament (Science
What is the Visiting Advanced Joint Research and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008).
Faculty Scheme? z The SERB’s objectives include promoting basic
¾ About: research in science and engineering, and
VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research) Faculty providing financial assistance to researchers,
Scheme is a dedicated program exclusively for academic institutions, and other agencies.
Note:
2020 Amendment:

Cancellation of FCRA z Providing Aadhaar numbers of all key
functionaries of NGOs, receipt of foreign
Registration of NGOs contribution only through designated FCRA bank
accounts with the State Bank of India
Why in News?
z Complete ban on domestic transfer of foreign
The cancellation of Foreign Contribution Regulation funds
Act, 2010 (FCRA) registrations for two prominent non- z Reduction of administrative expense limit from
governmental organisations (NGOs) - the Centre for 50% to 20%
Policy Research (CPR) and World Vision India (WVI) - has ¾ Applicability: FCRA mandates registration for all
sparked discussions about the regulatory landscape associations, groups, and NGOs intending to receive
governing foreign contributions in India. foreign donations.
What led to the Cancellation of the Initially valid for 5 years with the possibility of
renewal upon compliance with prescribed norms.
Registrations of CPR and WVI?
¾ Purposes of Foreign Contributions: Registered
¾ The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) accused CPR associations can receive foreign contributions for
of redirecting foreign donations to support protests social, educational, religious, economic, and cultural
and legal challenges against development projects, purposes.
claiming misuse of funds to impact India’s economic ¾ Monitoring Authority: Ministry of Home Affairs
interests. In 2015, the MHA mandated NGOs to operate
The allegation includes the violation of FCRA norms accounts in banks with core banking facilities for
through the production of current affairs programs, real-time security access.
citing CPR’s report on air pollution as an example. In 2023, the MHA amended rules for FCRA-registered
z The MHA asserts that publishing such programs NGOs, now necessitating the disclosure of assets
with foreign funds contravenes Section 3 of created using foreign funds in their annual returns.
the FCRA. How NGOs are Regulated in India?
¾ Additionally, the registration of World Vision India ¾ About:
was revoked for alleged FCRA violations spanning As defined by the World Bank, NGOs refers to
from 2012-13 to 2020-21. not-for-profit organisations that pursue activities
WVI is the recipient of the highest amount of to relieve suffering, promote the interests of
foreign donations among all NGOs registered the poor, protect the environment, provide
under the Act in 1986. basic social services, or undertake community
development.
What is the FCRA?
z However, the term NGO in India denotes a wide
¾ About: The FCRA was enacted in 1976 during the spectrum of organisations which may be non-
Emergency period due to concerns about foreign governmental, quasi or semi governmental,
interference in India’s affairs through financial support voluntary or non-voluntary etc.
to independent organisations. ¾ Registration and Regulation: Majorly, NGOs can
It was designed to regulate foreign donations to register as either trusts, societies, or companies
prevent any adverse impact on internal security, under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. Each
ensuring alignment with the principles of a sovereign form has its own set of rules and regulations for
democratic republic. registration and governance.
¾ Evolution of FCRA: Trusts: Governed by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882,
2010 Amendment: Enacted to streamline or equivalent state laws, requiring registration

regulations governing the acceptance and use with the Charity Commissioner’s office.
of foreign contributions by specific individuals or Societies: Registered under the Societies
associations, and to forbid such contributions for Registration Act, 1860, or its state-specific
activities harmful to national interests. variations, with the Registrar of Societies.
Note:
Section 8 Companies: Registered similar to z These awards were given in the following
commercial companies but with non-profit categories:
National Child Award for Exceptional
objectives.
Achievements - since 1996.
¾ NGO-DARPAN Platform: It provides space for
National Child Welfare Award (Individual)
interface between NGOs and Central Ministries /
- since 1979.
Departments / Government Bodies.
National Child Welfare Award (Institution)
This is a free facility offered by the NITI Aayog
- since 1979.
in association with National Informatics Centre
Rajiv Gandhi Manav Sewa Award - since 1994.
to bring about greater partnership between
Since 2017-18, these Awards were given under
government & voluntary sector and foster better
transparency, efficiency and accountability. the following categories:
z Bal Shakti Puraskar (Earlier known as National
Child Award).
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal z Bal Kalyan Puraskar [Individual & Institution]
Puraskar (Earlier known as National Child Welfare Award).

From the year 2022 onwards, Bal Kalyan Puraskar
Why in News? (both Individual and Institution) has been closed

and Bal Shakti Puraskar has been subsumed under
The President of India, recently honoured 19 children Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.
with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) ¾ Eligibility:
in various categories, acknowledging their outstanding A child who is an Indian Citizen and is a resident
contributions in Bravery, Science & Technology, Innovation, of India.
Social Service, Sports, and Art and Culture.
A Child above the age of 5 years and not exceeding
What is Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 18 years (as on 31st July of respective year).
(PMRBP)? The act/incident/achievement should have
been within 2 years of the last date of receipt of
¾ About: application/nomination for the year of consideration.
The PMRBP is organized to celebrate the energy,
¾ Number of Awardees:
determination, ability, zeal and enthusiasm of 25, however, any relaxation to this maximum
children. number may be permitted at the discretion of the
The awards are conferred upon the children for National Selection Committee.
their excellence in seven categories, viz. Art &
Culture, Bravery, Environment, Innovation, Science
& Technology, Social Service and Sports, which
Social Audit Advisory Body
deserve national recognition.
Why in News?
Each awardee of PMRBP is given a medal, cash
¾ Recently, the inaugural meeting of the Social Audit
prize of Rs. 1 Lakh, a Certificate and a Citation.
Advisory Body (SAAB) took place at the Dr. Ambedkar
The selection of awardees was made by a Selection
International Centre in New Delhi.
Committee under the chairpersonship of the Union This pioneering advisory body aims to guide the
Minister for Women and Child Development. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in
z The Awards are given by the President of India the institutionalisation of social audits across its
in the week preceding Republic Day every year. diverse schemes.
¾ Background: What is a Social Audit?
The Government of India has been conferring awards
¾ About:
to children for their exceptional achievements.
A social audit is a systematic, independent
The awards for child welfare were also conferred,
assessment of an organization’s or program’s
to individuals as well as institutions. social impact and ethical performance.
Note:
It evaluates how well their actions and policies align
Framework for Social Audit on Implementation of
with their stated values and goals, particularly BOCW Act: The Ministry of Labour & Employment
regarding their impact on communities, employees, has issued a framework for conducting social audits
and the environment. under the Building and Other Construction Workers
z Howard Bowen proposed the term “social (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of
audit” in his 1953 book Social Responsibilities Service) Act, 2013.
of the Businessman. Right to Information Act, 2005: It has played a
¾ Key Features of Social Audit: significant role in supporting the Social Audit system
Fact finding not fault finding. in India. It enhances transparency and access to
Creating the space and platform for dialogue information, which underpins the effectiveness
among various levels of stakeholders. of social audits by providing access to relevant
Timely grievance redressal. documents and data.
Strengthening the democratic process and National Resource Cell for Social Audit (NRCSA):
institutions. The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment
Building people’s pressure for better implementation has established the NRCSA. This entity ensures
of programmes. social audits through dedicated Social Audit Units
¾ Types of Social Audits: at the state level.
Organisational: Assessing a company’s overall ¾ Challenges Related to Social Audit In India:
social responsibility efforts. Lack of Standardization: The absence of standardised
Program-Specific: Focusing on a particular program’s procedures for social audits lead to variations in
impact and effectiveness. methodologies and reporting. A lack of uniformity
Financial: Reviewing the social and environmental makes it difficult to compare results across different
implications of financial decisions. projects and regions.
Stakeholder-Driven: Involving various stakeholders Lack of Awareness and Capacity: Limited awareness
in the auditing process. and understanding of social audit processes among
Note: In India, Tata Iron and Steel Company Limited stakeholders, including local communities, can
(TISCO), Jamshedpur, was the first company to perform hinder effective implementation.
social audits in 1979 for measuring its social performance. z Limited participation from marginalized or
Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) started the vulnerable groups in the social audit process
concept of social audit while fighting corruption in the lead to incomplete or biased assessments.
public works in the early 1990s.
Political Interference: Social audits face political
¾ Framework Associated with Social Audit in India: interference, influencing the independence and
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
objectivity of the audit process. Pressure from
Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005: Section 17 of the local authorities or political figures can compromise
Act stipulates that the gram sabha is responsible the integrity of the findings.
for monitoring work execution.
Resource Constraints: Social audits require
z Independent social audit units in each state
resources, both financial and human. Many local
are mandated to operate independently
bodies lack the necessary funds and expertise
from implementing authorities, emphasising
community-driven verification of program to conduct comprehensive social audits, limiting
implementation. their effectiveness.
The Meghalaya Community Participation and
Limited Capacity and Training: The social audit
Public Services Social Audit Act, 2017: This state- units, which are meant to detect any cases of
level legislation stands as the first of its kind in malpractice, are suffering because of lack of funds
India, making social audits a mandatory practice. and trained professionals.
Note:
Creation of a Dedicated Department: Proposed

Recommendations of Vijay the establishment of the Department of Defence
Raghavan Panel Science, Technology, and Innovation under the
Ministry of Defence.
Why in News? z Recommended that the proposed department
The nine-member Vijay Raghavan panel, established should act as the secretariat for the Defence
by the government, has recently submitted a Technology Council.
comprehensive report addressing concerns about the
Note: DRDO is the R&D wing of the Ministry of Defence,
functioning of the Defence Research and Development
Govt of India, with a vision to empower India with
Organisation (DRDO).
cutting-edge defense technologies and a mission to
What are the Major Recommendations of the achieve self-reliance in critical defense technologies.
VijayRaghavan Committee? It was established in 1958 by amalgamating existing
establishments from the Indian Army and Directorate
¾ Background:
of Technical Development & Production.
A recent Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC)
on Defence’s Report expressed concerns about 23 What are the Major Issues Related to DRDO?
out of 55 mission mode projects of DRDO facing ¾ Project Timelines and Cost Overruns: DRDO projects
significant delays.
are notorious for exceeding estimated timelines and
CAG Report (December 2022) indicated that 67%
budgets by significant margins.
(119 out of 178) of the projects examined failed
to adhere to proposed timelines. This leads to delays in crucial defense capabilities
z Multiple extensions were cited, primarily due
and raises concerns about efficiency and resource
to design alterations, user trial delays, and allocation.
supply order issues. Examples include the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas,
¾ Major Recommendations of VijayRaghavan which took over 30 years to develop.
Committee: ¾ Lack of Synergy with Armed Forces: DRDO’s internal
Refocusing on Research and Development (R&D): decision-making processes hinder innovation and
Suggested that DRDO should return to its original adaptation.
goal of focusing on research and development
Additionally, reported lack of smooth collaboration
for defense.
with the Armed Forces in terms of defining
z Advised against involving itself in productization,
production cycles, and product management, requirements and incorporating feedback, results in
tasks deemed more suitable for the private sector. technologies not fully meeting operational needs.
Narrowing Focus and Expertise: Emphasized that ¾ Technology Transfer and Private Sector Integration:
DRDO should identify specific areas of expertise Efficient transfer of developed technologies from
rather than engaging in diverse technologies. DRDO to private industries for mass production still
z Questioned the necessity for DRDO’s involvement remains a challenge.
in drone development, proposing a need to This hinders faster deployment and
recognize expertise both domestically and
commercialization of indigenous defence
internationally.
technology, leading to dependence on foreign
Role of Defence Technology Council (DTC):
imports.
Advocated a pivotal role of the Defence Technology
Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, in identifying ¾ Transparency and Public Perception: Limited public
suitable players for specific defense technologies. awareness and transparency regarding DRDO’s activities
z DTC should be instrumental in steering the and achievements lead to negative perception and
direction of defense technology development. criticism.
Note:
¾ Procedure After the Incident:
In-Flight Unruly Behaviour of The airline must refer the complaint of unruly
behaviour to an internal committee, including a
Passengers retired district and sessions judge, a representative
of a different airline, and a representative of a
Why in News? passengers’ association.
Recently, IndiGo, an Indian airline, has started the The internal committee must decide on the matter
procedure to add a passenger to the no-fly list. The within 30 days, categorize the incident into one of
individual assaulted a pilot due to unruly behaviour after three defined levels, and determine the duration
the flight faced significant delays amid heavy fog in Delhi. of the ban on the unruly passenger.
¾ The airline declared the passenger “Unruly”, and further ¾ Penalties for Unruly Behaviour:
action will be guided by the Civil Aviation Requirements The airline can impose an immediate ban of up
(CAR) on “Handling of unruly passengers” issued by to 30 days.

the aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil A No-Fly List is maintained by the DGCA based
Aviation (DGCA). on data shared by airlines.
Other carriers can also ban passengers based on
What is Unruly Behaviour? the offence level, with varying durations.
¾ About:
Unruly behaviour includes, but is not limited to,
consuming alcohol or drugs resulting in disruptive
behavior, smoking, not obeying pilot instructions,
using threatening or abusive language, physically
threatening or abusive behavior, intentional
interference with crew duties, and endangering
aircraft safety.
¾ Levels of Disruptive/Unruly Behavior:
Level 1: Verbal harassment, Physical gestures,
Unruly inebriation.
Level 2: Physically abusive behaviour, including
pushing, kicking, hitting, inappropriate touching,
or sexual harassment.
Level 3: Life-threatening behaviour, such as
damaging aircraft systems, physical violence, or
attempting to breach the flight crew compartment.
How do Airlines Respond to Unruly Behaviour?
What is the Size of India’s Civil Aviation Market?
¾ Response to Unruly Behaviour:
¾ Passenger Traffic Growth:
The airline should inform passengers that unruly
India is the third-largest aviation market globally,
behaviour could lead to arrest according to
trailing behind the United States and China.
guidelines.
India’s domestic air passenger traffic hit a record
In cases where the cabin crew cannot control an
high in 2023 (15.2 crore passengers), surpassing
unruly passenger in-flight, the pilot must assess pre-pandemic levels (14.4 crore passengers in 2019).
the situation and, if necessary, land at the nearest ¾ Potential for Growth:
available airport.
India’s civil aviation market has significant growth
Upon landing, an FIR (First Information Report) potential, given the large population that remains
should be lodged with the concerned security untapped. As more people join the middle class
agency, and the unruly passenger handed over and air travel becomes more accessible, the
to them. demand for flights is expected to rise further.
Note:
¾ Government Initiatives: Tokyo Convention:

z The Tokyo Convention (Convention on Offences
The Indian government has also taken steps to
and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board
promote the aviation sector, such as the UDAN
Aircraft) was adopted in 1963.
(Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims
z It is an international treaty that addresses
to enhance regional connectivity by making air
travel affordable and accessible to a broader unlawful acts on board civil aircraft.
population. z The convention grants certain powers to
the aircraft commander and other relevant
¾ Forecasted Growth:
authorities to deal with offenses committed
According to the Directorate General of Civil
on board, especially during flight.
Aviation (DGCA), the outlook for 2024 suggests
continued growth, with estimates ranging from What Needs to Be Done to Contain Unruly
a 5% to 15% increase in domestic air traffic Behaviour?
compared to 2023. ¾ Montreal Protocol, 2014, and Tokyo Convention:
Prioritize the ratification of international
What are the Rules Governing the Unruly
conventions such as the Montreal Protocol of
Behaviour? 2014, which amends the Tokyo Convention of 1963.
¾ The Aircraft Rules, 1937: Ratification establishes a clear legal framework for
The Aircraft Rules, 1937 were formed in pursuance dealing with offenses and unruly behavior on board
of the Aircraft Act, 1934. The unruly passengers aircraft, ensuring uniformity in legal responses.
were governed under this Act conjointly read with ¾ Operationalization of CAT III-Enabled Runways:
the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Expedite the operationalization of (Category-III)
This legislation lays down the ideal behaviour CAT III-enabled runways at airports to enhance
which is expected from the passengers. the capability to handle low visibility conditions.
Ensure that relevant infrastructure and equipment
¾ Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA):
are in place to support CAT III operations.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is the
¾ Issuance of SOP by DGCA:
principal regulatory body that primarily governs civil
Direct the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
aviation in India. It is responsible for dealing with
to issue a comprehensive Standard Operating
safety issues, regulation of air transport services, Procedure (SOP) for better communication and
enforcement of civil air rules and regulations and facilitation of passengers during adverse weather
other such tasks. conditions.
z It also coordinates its functioning with the The SOP should focus on minimising passenger
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). discomfort in the event of flight cancellations
One of the main tasks of this body is to ensure and delays, providing clear guidelines for airlines,
air safety and airworthiness standards. airports, and ground handling agencies.
¾ Montreal Protocol, 2014: ¾ Improved Communication Protocols:
Establish robust communication protocols between
The Montreal Protocol of 2014 is an amendment
airlines, airports, and passengers to provide timely
to the Tokyo Convention of 1963. It specifically
and accurate information about flight status and
addresses the issue of unruly behaviour on board
delays.
aircraft.
Utilise modern communication channels, including
The protocol enhances the legal framework for mobile apps, SMS, and social media, to keep
dealing with offenses and other acts committed passengers informed.
on board aircraft. ¾ Crew Training on Handling Unruly Passengers:
It provides for the jurisdiction of the state in which Conduct specialised training programs for airline
the aircraft is registered and gives that state the crews to handle unruly passengers effectively and
authority to take legal action against the offenders. de-escalate potential conflicts.
Note:
Enhance crew awareness of legal frameworks and z Most youth are taking short duration courses
procedures for reporting and managing unruly of six months or less.
behavior. ¾ Basic Abilities:
About 25% of the youth cannot read a Class II level
Annual Status of Education text fluently in their regional language.

Over half struggle with division problems (3-digit
Report 2023 by 1-digit), with only 43.3% of 14-18-year-olds
able to solve such problems correctly.
Why in News?
¾ Language and Arithmetic Skills:
Recently, the 18th Annual Status of Education Report
While females (76%) outperform males (70.9%)
(ASER) 2023 titled ‘Beyond Basics’ was released by NGO
in reading a Standard II level text in their regional
Pratham, discussing the activities students are engaged
language, males excel in arithmetic and English
in, their basic and applied reading and maths abilities
and digital awareness and skills. reading.
Only 57.3% can read sentences in English, and
What is the Annual Status of Education Report of those, almost three-quarters understand their
(ASER)? meanings.
¾ The ASER, is an annual, citizen-led household survey ¾ Digital Awareness and Skills:
that aims to understand whether children in rural India Close to 90% of all youth have a smartphone in
are enrolled in school and whether they are learning. the household, and 43.7% of males have their
¾ ASER has been conducted every year since 2005 in own smartphone compared to 19.8% of females.
all rural districts of India. It is the largest citizen-led Males generally outperform females in digital
survey in India. tasks, and performance on digital tasks improves
¾ ASER surveys provided representative estimates of with education level and basic reading proficiency.
the enrolment status of children aged 3-16 and the ¾ Foundational Numeracy Skills:
basic reading and arithmetic levels of children aged
Over 50% of students in the 14-18 age group face
5-16 at the national, state and district level.
difficulties with elementary division problems, and
What are the Key Highlights of the ASER 2023? around 45% struggle with tasks such as calculating
¾ Enrollment Rates: the number of hours a child slept based on bedtime
and wake-up time.
Overall, 86.8% of 14-18-year-olds are enrolled in
z Inadequate foundational numeracy skills hinder
an educational institution.
youth proficiency in everyday calculations,
However, there are notable differences visible
including budget management, applying
by age, with 3.9% of 14-year-olds and 32.6% of
discounts, and calculating interest rates or loan
18-year-olds not enrolled.
repayments.
z Most students in the 14-18 age group are
enrolled in the Arts/Humanities streams, with ¾ Recommendations:
more than half (55.7%) in Class XI or higher Government efforts are needed to bridge the gap
studying in this stream. in foundational literacy and numeracy skills, with

z There are gender differences, with fewer females
a focus on initiatives for the 14-18 age group.
(28.1%) enrolled in the Science, Technology, z The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) stream recognizes the need for ‘catch-up’ programs for
compared to males (36.3%). students who have fallen behind academically.
¾ Vocational Training: There is a need for initiatives aimed at improving
Only 5.6% are taking vocational training or related foundational literacy and numeracy skills among
courses. Vocational training is more prevalent youth, not only for academic performance but also
among college-level students (16.2%). to meet their everyday requirements.
Note:
¾ Digital Education: in schools. While 95% of schools have drinking

High Smartphone Penetration: water and toilets, over 10% lack electricity.
z Almost 90% of Indian youth have access to Additionally, there is a lack of digitization, with
a smartphone in their household and know more than 60% of schools lacking computers,
how to use it. This indicates widespread digital and 90% not having access to internet facilities.
connectivity among this demographic. ¾ Shift Towards Private Schools:
Gender Gaps in Digital Literacy:
Over the years, there has been a shift in momentum
z There is a significant gender disparity in digital
towards private schools. Government data indicates
literacy. Girls are reported to be less likely to a decrease in the share of government schools
know how to use a smartphone or computer
in the elementary category from 87% in 2006 to
compared to boys.
62% in March 2020.
Males (43.7%) were more than twice as
¾ Teacher Shortage and Quality:
likely as girls (19.8%) to own their own
smartphone. There is a shortage of teachers in schools, and
There is a notable gender gap in smartphone the student-teacher ratio is high. The reliance
ownership, with males being more than twice as on contractual teachers is noted, and there is
likely as females to own their own smartphone. widespread teacher absenteeism.
z Boys outperformed girls across various digital The quality of education varies, with a visible
tasks. divide between well-funded, formal schools and
Online Safety Awareness: under-resourced, informal schools.
z Boys are more familiar with online safety ¾ Social Divides:
settings compared to girls. This suggests a need There is the existence of social divides, including
for targeted efforts to educate and empower caste-class, rural-urban, religious, and gender
girls in online safety practices.
divides, impacting the quality of education provided.
Smartphone Usage for Education:
z About two-thirds used smartphones for How Can India Enhance Basic Education?
educational purposes, such as watching online ¾ Increased Funding and Resource Allocation:
videos related to studies, solving doubts, or The government should allocate more funds to
exchanging notes.
education, moving towards the recommended
Limited Connectivity for Assessment:
6% of GDP, as outlined in the National Education
z While the survey aimed to assess digital skills Policy (NEP) 2020.
using smartphones, not all youth could bring
Prioritise funding for infrastructure development,
a smartphone with good connectivity. Boys
were more likely to bring smartphones for teacher training, and the provision of necessary
the assessment compared to girls, indicating amenities in schools.
discrepancies in access. ¾ Teacher Recruitment and Training:
Educational Activities Among Non-Enrolled Youth: Recruit and train a sufficient number of qualified
z A quarter of non-enrolled youth reported teachers to reduce the high student-teacher ratio.
engaging in educational activities on their Implement programs for continuous professional
smartphones, emphasizing the role of digital development to enhance the quality of teaching.
devices in supporting learning outside formal
¾ Addressing Dropout Rates:
educational settings.
Identify and address the root causes of student
What are the Issues Faced by Elementary dropouts, including socio-economic factors, lack
Education in India? of infrastructure, and quality of education.
¾ School Infrastructure and Amenities: Implement targeted interventions, such as
Despite improvements in retention rates, there are scholarship programs and mentorship initiatives,
concerns about the availability of basic amenities to encourage student retention.
Note:
¾ Infrastructure Development: person from Haryana as a constable in the Indo-Tibetan
Invest in the development of school infrastructure, Border Police (ITBP), given his acquittal in 2019 case under
ensuring that all schools have basic amenities such the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO)
as electricity, clean drinking water, and proper Act, 2012.
sanitation facilities. ¾ Order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Promote the integration of technology in education cancelled the person’s appointment on grounds of
by providing schools with computers and internet moral turpitude.
access.
What is the Moral Turpitude?
¾ Focus on Quality of Education:
¾ The term “moral turpitude,” as noted by the Supreme
Emphasise the importance of quality education
Court in the case of P. Mohanasundaram vs. the
over rote memorization.
President, 2013, lacks a specific definition.
Implement child-centered teaching methods and
assessment strategies that encourage critical ¾ It encompasses actions contrary to justice, honesty,
thinking and problem-solving skills. modesty, or good morals, suggesting a depraved
and wicked character or disposition of the individual
¾ Monitoring and Evaluation:
accused of such conduct.
Establish robust monitoring and evaluation
mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of education What is the Concerning Case?
policies and interventions.
¾ The constable, appointed on compassionate grounds
Use data-driven insights to identify areas for
in 2022, faced the revocation of his appointment
improvement and adjust strategies accordingly.
after revealing his acquittal in a 2018 criminal case
What are the Government Initiatives Related under Section 4 of the POCSO Act, 2012, concerning
to Education? penetrative sexual assault.
¾ National Programme on Technology Enhanced ¾ In addition to this, he faced charges under several
Learning. sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, including
¾ Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan offences related to causing harm by poison, kidnapping,
¾ PRAGYATA and criminal intimidation, among others.
¾ Mid Day Meal Scheme ¾ Despite being acquitted of all charges by a Kaithal
¾ Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Court (Haryana) in 2019, he faced the cancellation
¾ PM SHRI Schools of his appointment.
¾ National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: This action was taken according to a policy issued
The NEP 2020 introduces changes to the education by the Ministry of Home Affairs for appointments
system, including the use of mother tongue or local in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), for
language up to class 5, comprehensive education individuals with criminal cases registered, under
frameworks, and the introduction of exams at trial, or under inquiry.
various levels. However, challenges persist in the Individuals faced serious charges or moral turpitude
implementation of these policies.
in a criminal case, even if acquitted later due
The NEP 2020 emphasises the need for increased
to benefit of doubt or witness intimidation, are
public investment in education, recommending
generally deemed unsuitable for appointment
a target of 6% of GDP.
in the CAPF.
Govt Jobs for Acquitted What Mandates has the Court Set for
Appointing Individuals with Criminal Cases in
Individuals in Criminal Cases Public Jobs?
Why in News? ¾ A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court in
Recently, The Punjab and Haryana High Court Avtar Singh vs. Union of India, 2016 dealt with the
directed the Centre to reconsider the appointment of a appointment of a candidate involved in a criminal case.
Note:
It ruled that information given to the employer This is in line with the principle that all
about a candidate’s conviction, acquittal, arrest, children have the right to protection from
or pendency of a criminal case must be true and sexual abuse and exploitation and that laws
without suppression or false information. should not discriminate based on gender.
For conviction in cases that aren’t trivial, the Ease in Reporting Cases:
employer may cancel the employee’s candidature z There is sufficient general awareness now to
or terminate his services. report cases of sexual exploitation of children
¾ If an acquittal has occurred in a case involving moral not only by individuals but also by institutions
turpitude or a serious offence on technical grounds, as non-reporting has been made a specific
and it’s not a clear acquittal or based on reasonable offence under the POCSO Act. This has made it
doubt, the employer can assess all pertinent information comparatively difficult to hide offences against
regarding the individual’s background and make a children.
suitable decision regarding the employee’s continuation. What is the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBPF)?
¾ Supreme Court in Satish Chandra Yadav vs. Union ¾ Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBPF) is a Central
of India, 2023 case “acquittal in a criminal case Armed Police Force functioning under the Ministry
would not automatically entitle a candidate for of Home Affairs, Government of India.
appointment to the post” and it would be still open
The ITBP was raised on 24th October 1962
to the employer to consider their antecedents and
during the India-China War and is a border
examine their suitability as a candidate.
guarding police force specialising in high-altitude
What is the Protection of Children From Sexual operations.
Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012? Presently, ITBP is deployed on border guarding
duties from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep
¾ About:
La in Arunachal Pradesh covering 3488 km of
The POCSO Act came into effect on 14th November
the Indo-China Border.
2012 which was enacted in consequence to India’s
The Force is also deployed for Anti-Naxal
ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights
Operations and other internal security duties.
of the Child in 1992.
The aim of this special law is to address offences
of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children, Prior Approval for
which were either not specifically defined or
adequately penalised.
Investigation Against
The Act defines a child as any person below the Government Officials
age of 18 years. The Act provides punishment as
per the gravity of the offence. Why in the News?
z The Act was further reviewed and amended in Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has delivered a
2019 to Introduce more stringent punishment split verdict in former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s
including the death penalty for Committing plea to quash an FIR (First Investigation Report) in the
sexual crimes on children, with a view to deter alleged Skill Development Scam case.
the perpetrators & prevent such crimes against ¾ The disagreement between Judges revolves around
children. whether the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation
z The Government of India has also notified the Department (CID) was required to seek ‘Prior Approval’
POCSO Rules, 2020. from the state government before conducting an
¾ Features:
inquiry against public officials accused of corruption.
Gender-Neutral Nature: What Was the Verdict of the Supreme Court?
z The Act recognises that both girls and boys can ¾ The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the
be victims of sexual abuse and that such abuse interpretation and applicability of Section 17A of the
is a crime regardless of the gender of the victim. Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Note:
¾ One Judge stated that prior approval for conducting Originally, the requirement was introduced in
a probe for alleged offenses under the PC Act against 2003, stipulating that approval from the central
the former CM was necessary. However, he refused government was necessary before investigating
to quash the remand order and granted liberty to offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act if
the state to seek such approval. the accused held a rank higher than joint secretary.
However, the SC struck down this requirement in
¾ Wherever another Judge held that Section 17A would
not apply retrospectively and upheld the high court 2014. Subsequently, in 2018, a similar provision
order refusing to quash the FIR. (Section 17A) was reintroduced through an
amendment to the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The Justice also stated that the impugned order
z According to this provision, approval from the
of remand and the high court judgment did not
central or state government or a competent
suffer from any illegality. authority is required before initiating an inquiry
¾ Due to the divergent opinions, the matter has or investigation if a public servant is accused
been referred to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) for of committing an offense under the Act while
appropriate directions. discharging their official duties.
¾ Rationale:
What was Skill Development Scam In Andhra
The rationale behind the ‘prior approval’ requirement
Pradesh?
is to balance the need for investigating corruption
¾ The skill development scam in Andhra Pradesh involves cases involving public officials with the protection
allegations against former Chief Minister Chandrababu of officials from potentially baseless or politically
Naidu and the misappropriation of funds earmarked motivated inquiries.
for a skill development program. It is seen as a procedural safeguard to ensure
¾ In 2021, the skill development project, worth Rs 3,356 that investigations are conducted judiciously and
crores, came under scrutiny with appropriate oversight, preventing misuse of
¾ An FIR was filed against Chandrababu Naidu in
investigative powers.
December 2021. The Crime Investigation Department What are the Challenges to the Provision of
(CID) alleged that around Rs 241 crores allocated for Prior Approval?
the project were diverted to five shell companies.
¾ Requiring ‘prior approval’ makes it extremely difficult
What is Prior Approval For Investigation to determine if an offense was committed by a public
Against Government Officials? official while they were discharging their duties.
¾ Without the ability to conduct an initial investigation, it
¾ About: becomes challenging to gather evidence and establish
Prior Approval refers to the requirement for whether there is a valid case against the official.
investigators, particularly agencies like the Crime ¾ Placing the burden of obtaining ‘prior approval’ on
Investigation Department (CID) or the Central police officers and investigating agencies may hinder
Bureau of Investigation (CBI), to obtain approval their ability to promptly and effectively address
from the government or a competent authority corruption allegations.
before initiating an inquiry or investigation into ¾ This burden could slow down the investigative process,
allegations of corruption against public officials. potentially allowing corrupt officials to evade scrutiny
This approval is necessary before any formal or continue their activities.
action, such as lodging an FIR (First Information
Report) or conducting a detailed investigation,
can take place.
NHAI Introduces ‘One
¾ Legal Provisions: Vehicle, One FASTag’
The need for ‘Prior Approval’ is rooted in legal
Initiative
provisions introduced through amendments to
the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946,
Why in News?
and later incorporated into the Prevention of
Corruption Act, 1988. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has
Note:
launched the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative that Note: Radio Frequency Identification is a technology
aims to discourage user behavior of using single FASTag that uses radio waves to passively identify a tagged
for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a object. The system has two basic parts: tags and readers.
particular vehicle.
¾ The reader gives off radio waves and gets signals back
¾ NHAI is also encouraging FASTag users to complete
from the RFID tag, while the tag uses radio waves
the ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) process of their
to communicate its identity and other information.
latest FASTag by updating KYC as per RBI guidelines.
¾ FASTags with valid balance but with incomplete What is the National Highways Authority of
KYC will get deactivated/blacklisted by banks post India?
31st January 2024.
¾ NHAI was constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1988
What is FASTag? under the administrative control of the Ministry of
¾ About: FASTag is a device that employs Radio Road Transport and Highways as a Central Authority
Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making to develop, maintain and manage the National
toll payments directly while the vehicle is in motion. Highways entrusted to it by the Government of India.
NHAI launched two mobile Apps–MyFASTag and The authority, however, became operational in
FASTag Partner to facilitate the availability of February, 1995.

FASTags. ¾ The Authority consists of a full time Chairman, and
The tag is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance not more than five full time Members and four part
and comes in seven different colour codes. time Members who are appointed by the Central
Government.
What is the National Electronic Toll Collection
Programme?
¾ The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
has created the National Electronic Toll Collection
(NETC) program to fulfill India’s electronic tolling
needs.
This program provides a nationwide, interoperable
toll payment solution, covering clearing house
services for settlement and dispute resolution.
¾ In the context of NETC, interoperability means
¾ Benefits of FASTag: a standardized set of processes and technical
specifications, allowing FASTag users to use their
For Road Users
tags for payment at any toll plaza, regardless of
z Near non-stop motion through toll plazas
the plaza’s operator.
z Convenience for cashless payment of toll fee
z Less traffic congestion and reduced commute

times All India Conference of
For Toll Operator Director Generals of Police
z Lower operating costs
z Better audit control through centralized user Why in News?

accounts ¾ Recently, the Prime Minister of India attended the 58th
z Improved capacity without being required to All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector
build more infrastructure Generals of Police in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
For Government It was a three-day being held in hybrid mode with
z Savings on fuel and reduction of emissions from DGPs (Director general of police), IGPs (Inspector-
idling and repeated stops at toll plazas. General of Police) and Chiefs of Central Police
z Improves transparency of toll transactions Organisations.
Note:
A wide range of policing and internal security z According to the National Crime Records Bureau
issues including Cyber Crime, Technology in (NCRB), while the number of such custodial
Policing, Counter Terrorism challenges, Left Wing deaths had declined over three successive years
Extremism, and Prison Reforms were discussed at from 146 in 2017-18 to 100 in 2020-21, they
the conference. had recorded a sharp rise to 175 in 2021-22.
Another key agenda of the conference is deliberations ¾ Excessive Use of Force:
on the road map for implementation of the new
Instances of excessive force by the police have
Criminal Laws.
been reported, leading to injuries and fatalities.
What are the Key Highlights of the PM’s Lack of proper training and oversight contributes
Address? to the misuse of force in some cases.
¾ Paradigm Shift in Criminal Justice: z A police officer is a public servant and hence is
The PM emphasized the significant shift brought expected to treat its citizens in a lawful manner.
about by the enactment of new criminal laws, ¾ Corruption:
advocating for a justice system focused on citizen Corruption within the police force, including
dignity, rights, and justice first, moving away from bribery, and other forms of misconduct, undermines
punitive measures to data-driven approaches. public trust.
He highlighted the importance of sensitizing
High-ranking police officials have occasionally
women and girls about their rights under the new
been exposed as engaging in corrupt practices,
laws, urging the police to ensure their safety and
and lower-ranking police officers have also been
freedom to work fearlessly anytime, anywhere.
exposed as accepting bribes.
¾ Positive Image of Police:
z Ex: Prohibition law enforcement.
He stressed the need to enhance the positive
perception of the police among citizens, suggesting The laws create a fertile ground for police
the use of social media at the grassroots level to corruption by boosting demand for banned
disseminate positive information and messages. substances, such as alcohol.
Additionally, proposed leveraging social media for The combination of increased profitability and
disaster alerts and relief efforts. law enforcement discretion tempts officers
¾ Citizen-Police Connect: to engage in corrupt practices.
He advocated for organizing sports events as a ¾ Trust Issues:
means to strengthen the bond between citizens There is a significant trust deficit between the
and the police force. police and the community, affecting cooperation
He also encouraged government officials to stay and information sharing.
in border villages to establish better connections High-profile cases of police misconduct contribute
with the local populace. to public skepticism and mistrust.
¾ Transformation of Police Force: ¾ Extrajudicial Killing By Police:
He encouraged the Indian police to evolve into
There have been many instances of Extrajudicial
a modern, world-class force in alignment with killings by the police in the name of self-defence,
India’s rising global profile, aiming to contribute
which is commonly known as ‘encounter.’
to the vision of a developed India by 2047.
There are no enigmatic provisions or statute in
What are the Issues Associated with the Police Indian law that legalizes encounter killing. In
Forces? various judgments of the Supreme Court, it had
¾ Custodial Deaths: limited the use of policy excesses.
Custodial deaths refer to fatalities that occur while z During 2020-2021, 82 people were killed in
a person is in the custody of the police or other the name of encounter which increased to
law enforcement agencies. 151 during 2021-2022.
Note:
What are the Recommendations for Police

Reforms? Dispute Over Minority Status
¾ Police Complaint Authority: of AMU
In the case Prakash Singh v/s Union of India, 2006,
the Supreme Court directed to establish the Police
Why in News?
Complaint Authority in all the states of India. Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has observed on
z The Police Complaint Authority is authorized
the Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU) minority status
to investigate matters relating to any kind of that an educational institution does not lose its minority
status merely on the ground that its administration is
misconduct by police of, above, below the
regulated by a statute.
rank of Superintendent of Police.
¾ The Centre before the SC had said minority educational
z SC also directed separation of investigation
institutions are not required to implement the
and law and order functions to better improve
reservation policy under Section 3 of the Central
policing, setting up of State Security Commissions Educational Institute (Reservation in Admission)
(SSC) that would have members from civil society Act, 2006 (as amended in 2012).
and forming a National Security Commission.
¾ National Police Commission Recommendations: When did the University’s Minority Character
The National Police Commission (1977-1981) in
Come Under Dispute?
India made recommendations for police reforms, ¾ History of AMU:
emphasizing the need for functional autonomy The roots of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
and accountability. can indeed be traced back to the Muhammadan
¾ Shri Ribero Committee: Anglo-Oriental (MOA) College, established by Sir
Syed Ahmad Khan in 1875.
Shri Ribero committee was constituted in 1998,
The primary aim was to address the educational
on the directions of the Supreme Court, to review
action taken on police reforms, and to suggest backwardness among Muslims in India during
that period.
ways ot implementing recommendations of the
In 1920, the institution gained University status
Commission.
through an Act of the Indian Legislative Council.
The Rebeiro Committee endorsed major
This transition elevated the MOA College to become
recommendations of National Police Commission
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
(1978-82) with certain modifications.
The university inherited all the assets and functions
¾ Malimath Committee on Reforms in the Criminal of the MOA College. The official title of the AMU
Justice System: Act was “An Act to incorporate a teaching and
The Malimath Committee on Reforms in the residential Muslim University at Aligarh.”
Criminal Justice System set up in 2000, headed by ¾ Origin of Dispute:
V.S. Malimath made 158 recommendations including Legal Challenges to the AMU Act 1920: The dispute
that of setting up a central law enforcement agency. over the minority character of Aligarh Muslim
¾ Model Police Act: University (AMU) emerged prominently in 1967,
In accordance with the Model Police Act, 2006, stemming from legal challenges to amendments
each state must establish an authority made up of made in 1951 and 1965 to the AMU Act of 1920.
retired High Court judges, civil society members, z Key changes included replacing the position of
retired police officers, and public administrators the ‘Lord Rector’ with a ‘Visitor,’ who would
from another state. be the President of India.
z It focused on the functional autonomy of the Allowed Non-Muslims to be Part of University
police agency, encouraged professionalism Court: Provisions restricting membership in the

and made accountability paramount for both University Court solely to Muslims were removed,
performance and conduct. allowing non-Muslims to participate.
Note:
z Furthermore, these amendments reduced ¾ In 2005, AMU reserved 50% of postgraduate medical
the authority of the University Court while course seats for Muslim candidates. However, the
enhancing the powers of the Executive Council, Allahabad High Court overturned this reservation,
essentially making the Court a body appointed nullifying the 1981 Act.
by the ‘Visitor.’ The court reasoned that as per the SC’s S. Azeez
z The legal challenge in the Supreme Court was

Basha vs Union of India, case AMU didn’t qualify
primarily based on the assertion that Muslims as a minority institution.
had established AMU and thus had the right ¾ In 2006, eight petitions, including one from the Union
to manage it. government, contested the decision of Allahabad
High Court before the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court’s Ruling: In 1967 the SC held
In 2016, the Union government withdrew its appeal,
that while Muslims might have initiated the
stating that establishing a minority institution
establishment of a university in 1920, this wouldn’t
contradicted a secular state’s principles.
have guaranteed official recognition of its degrees
¾ In 2019, a three-judge Bench presided by the then
by the Indian government.
CJI Ranjan Gogoi referred the matter to a seven-
z A five-judge constitution bench of the top
judge Bench.
court in the S Azeez Basha versus Union of
India case, 1967 held that since AMU was a What are the Observations of the Supreme
central university, it could not be considered Court in the Ongoing AMU Case?
a minority institution. ¾ Doesn’t Lose Minority Status if Regulated by Statute:
z The crucial point in the court’s ruling was that The court highlighted that the regulation by statute
AMU was established through a central Act to doesn’t diminish an institution’s minority status,
ensure government recognition of its degrees, emphasising that Article 30 of the Constitution
indicating that the Act itself wasn’t solely the doesn’t mandate exclusive administration by the
product of the Muslim minority’s efforts. minority community.
z The court emphasised that while the Act might ¾ Can have Secular Administration:
have been a result of the Muslim minority’s A minority institution need not exclusively
endeavours, it didn’t imply that the university, offer religious courses and can have a secular
under the 1920 Act, was established by the administration, admitting students from diverse
Muslim minority. communities.
z One of the questions before the Constitution
Minority Character: This legal challenge and
subsequent SC’s ruling in 1967 brought into question Bench is whether an institution could be regarded
as a minority educational institution for the
the perception of AMU’s minority character, arguing
reason that it was “established by a person(s)
that its establishment and administration weren’t
belonging to a religious or linguistic minority.
solely rooted in the efforts of the Muslim minority
¾ Majority community in Administration does not
as initially argued.
affect the Minority Status:
z The AMU had been accorded the status of
The presence of office-bearers from a majority
“institution of national importance” by the community in some administrative wings of
Union government of India through the AMU educational institutions does not necessarily dilute
Act of 1981. their minority character.
Why Does the Dispute Persist? What are Different Cases of the Supreme Court
¾ The SC’s ruling led to nationwide protests from Related to Minority Community?
Muslims, prompting a 1981 amendment affirming ¾ TMA Pai Case:
AMU’s minority status. The SC had said that for the purposes of Article
In response, the Union government introduced an 30 that deals with the rights of minorities to
amendment to the AMU Act in 1981 and explicitly establish and administer educational institutions,
affirmed its minority status by adding Section 2(l) religious and linguistic minorities have to be
and Subsection 5(2)(c) of the AMU Act. considered state-wise.
Note:
¾ Bal Patil Case: it) the right to establish and maintain institutions
for religious and charitable purposes.
In 2005, the SC in its judgement in ‘Bal Patil’
referred to the TMA Pai ruling. ¾ Article 27:
It sets freedom as to payment of taxes for the
The legal position clarifies that henceforth the
unit for determining status of both linguistic promotion of any particular religion.
and religious minorities would be ‘state’. ¾ Article 28:
¾ Inamdar Case: It gives freedom as to attendance at religious
The SC judgement in the Inamdar case, 2005

instruction or religious worship in certain
ruled that the state cannot impose its reservation educational institutions.
policy on minority and non-minority unaided ¾ National Commission for Minorities (NcM):
private colleges, including professional colleges. The NCM is an autonomous body established by
z The court declared that reservation in the Indian government in 1992 under the National
private, unaided educational institutions was Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
unconstitutional. z The setting up of the Commission was envisaged
in the Ministry of Home Affairs Resolution of
What are Constitutional and Statutory 1978 for the enforcement and implementation
Provisions Regarding Minority Communities? of all the safeguards provided for the Minorities
¾ Article 29: in the Constitution.
It provides that any section of the citizens residing It is responsible for advising the central and state
in any part of India having a distinct language, governments on matters related to the welfare and
script or culture of its own, shall have the right development of minority communities in India.
to conserve the same. Initially five religious communities, viz., Muslims,
It grants protection to both religious minorities Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians
as well as linguistic minorities. (Parsis) were notified as minority communities by
z However, the SC held that the scope of this
the Union Government. In 2014, Jains were also
article is not necessarily restricted to minorities notified as another minority community.
only, as the use of the word ‘section of citizens’
in the Article includes minorities as well as Assam’s Mukhyamantri
the majority.
¾ Article 30 (1) of the Constitution empowers all religious
Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan
and linguistic minorities to establish and administer
Why in News?
educational institutions.
The SC stated that Article 30 of the Constitution
Recently, the Assam government introduced the
is not to “ghettoise the minority”. Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA), a
financial support scheme aimed at empowering rural
This provision reinforces the Union government’s
women entrepreneurs.
commitment to foster growth and development
¾ This initiative carries unique conditions, particularly
of minority communities by guaranteeing that it
will not discriminate in giving aid on the basis of focusing on the number of children women can have
their status of Minority Institutions. to qualify for the benefits.
¾ Article 25: What are the Major Points Related to the
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution protects MMUA Scheme?
freedom of conscience and free profession, ¾ Objectives of MMUA Scheme: The MMUA scheme is
practice and propagation of religion. designed to foster the development of rural women
¾ Article 26: who are part of self-help groups, transforming them
The Article 26 of the Indian Constitution provides into “rural micro-entrepreneurs” with a target annual
every religious denomination (or any section of income of Rs 1 lakh per member.
Note:
¾ Child Limitations: Awards 2023 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi hosted
General and OBC women: Limited to three children by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
to qualify for the scheme. ¾ Indore and Surat were jointly awarded the cleanest
STs and SCs: Allowed up to four children to avail city title. Maharashtra secured the top position
benefits. among states in the annual cleanliness rankings for
Moran, Motok, and ‘Tea Tribes’: Subject to a
urban areas.
four-child cap.
¾ Additional Conditions for Beneficiaries: In addition
to child limitations, beneficiaries must fulfil two other
conditions:
Education of Girl Children: If beneficiaries have
girl children, they must be enrolled in school.
z For non-school-going age girls, a signed
undertaking for future enrollment is required.
Tree Plantation Drive: Beneficiaries must ensure
that trees planted under the government’s tree
plantation drive, Amrit Brikshya Andolan, are
surviving.
Note: Approximately 5 lakh women from the 39 lakh
involved in rural self-help groups may be excluded due
to child limitations.
What are the Indian Government Initiatives

Related to Women Entrepreneurship?
¾ Women Entrepreneurship Platform: It is a first-of-
its-kind, unified access portal which brings together
women from different parts of India to realize their
entrepreneurial aspirations. It is an initiative of
NITI Aayog.
¾ Mudra Yojana: This scheme provides microloans
What are the Major Highlights of Swachh
to women entrepreneurs for starting or expanding
Survekshan Awards 2023?
their businesses
¾ Stand up India Scheme: It aims at promoting
¾ About: Swachh Survekshan, conducted by the MoHUA
entrepreneurship among women and scheduled since 2016, is the world’s largest urban sanitation
castes and tribes. and cleanliness survey.
It has been instrumental in fostering a spirit of
¾ Mahila Coir Yojana: It is being implemented by the Coir
Board for the empowerment of women artisans in healthy competition among towns and cities to
the coir sector with an aim to provide self-employment improve their service delivery to citizens and
towards creating cleaner cities.
opportunities to rural women artisans.
It has evolved, covering an increasing number of
cities each year. The 2023 round encompassed
Swachh Survekshan Awards 4,416 urban local bodies, 61 cantonments, and
2023 88 Ganga towns.
¾ Ranking of Cities: Indore has retained its cleanest city
Why in News? title for the 7th consecutive year. Surat, consistently
second behind Indore in recent years, claimed the
The President of India conferred Swachh Survekshan top spot for the first time.
Note:
This year marked the first instance of two cities ¾ Cleanest State Award: Maharashtra claimed the
sharing the top prize in the annual awards since cleanest state award with 89.24% door-to-door waste
2016. collection and 67.76% source segregation.
Both cities achieved 100% door-to-door waste Madhya Pradesh secured the second position in
collection, 98% source segregation, and 100% state cleanliness rankings.
remediation of dumpsites. Bottom Five States: Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram,
z Navi Mumbai secured the third cleanest city Rajasthan, Nagaland, and Tripura were ranked as
position. the bottom five states in cleanliness.
¾ Key Parameters in Evaluation: The Swachh Survekshan ¾ Other Specialized Awards: Chandigarh received the
2023 rankings considered various factors, including: Safaimitra Surakshit Shehar award for the city with
Door-to-door waste collection the best safety standards for sanitation workers.
Source segregation Varanasi was recognized as the cleanest Ganga
Cleanliness of public areas

town.
Sasvad in Maharashtra earned the cleanest city
Clean water bodies
title among those with a population below 1 lakh.
Citizens’ feedback on city cleanliness
Mhow Cantonment was declared the cleanest
cantonment in the country.
nnn
Note:
Economic Scenario
Highlights
z FPI Disclosure Norms z Investment Under PLI Schemes
z India’s Geographical Indication Landscape z Infrastructure Push in Kerala
z Funding Winter Impact on Start-ups z World Economic Forum
z States’ Startup Ranking 2022 z Shifts in Foreign Portfolio Investments In India
z Market Monopoly and Laws in India z What is Foreign Portfolio Investment?
FPI Disclosure Norms ¾ Exempted Categories:

Certain categories of FPIs are exempted from
Why in News? making additional disclosures.

Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India z These include Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs),
(SEBI) has extended more months to provide additional listed companies on certain global exchanges,
disclosures by the Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs). public retail funds, and other regulated pooled
¾ In May 2023, SEBI estimated that FPI Assets Under
investment vehicles with diversified global
Management (AUM) of around Rs 2.6 lakh crore may holdings.
potentially be identified as High-Risk FPIs requiring Why has SEBI Asked FPIs to Provide Additional
additional disclosures based on data as of 31st March 2023. Disclosures?
¾ High-risk FPI that own more than 50% or more of
¾ Risk of Market Disruption: SEBI is concerned that FPIs
their equity (AUM) in a single corporate entity.
with concentrated equity portfolios in a single investee
What are SEBI’s FPI Disclosure Norms? company or corporate group may pose a risk to the
¾ Requirement for Additional Disclosures: orderly functioning of Indian securities markets.
There is a worry that such entities, especially those
FPIs holding more than 50% of their Indian equity
Assets Under Management (AUM) in a single Indian with significant holdings, could potentially disrupt
corporate group or holding over Rs 25,000 crore the market by misusing the FPI route.
of equity AUM in the Indian markets are required ¾ Potential Regulatory Circumvention: The regulator
to provide additional details. is wary of the possibility that promoters of investee
¾ Timeline for Compliance: companies or other investors acting in concert might use
Existing FPIs that are in breach of the investment
the FPI route to circumvent regulatory requirements.
limits as of October 2023, are required to bring This includes avoiding disclosures mandated by the
down their exposure within 90 calendar days Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers
unless they fall under any exempted categories. Regulations, 2011 (SAST Regulations) or failing to
If FPIs do not meet the January-end deadline for
meet the Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS)
disclosing data about their investors, they will requirements in the listed company.
reportedly get an additional seven months to ¾ Alignment with Regulatory Objectives: SEBI aims to
liquidate their holdings. ensure the integrity, transparency, and stability of the
z Liquidation of holding refers to the act of Indian securities markets.
exiting a securities position, usually by selling By obtaining detailed information from FPIs, the
the position for cash. For example, an investor regulator seeks to align FPI activities with regulatory
can decide to sell some or all of the shares held objectives, preventing misuse and maintaining
for cash in their portfolio. market integrity.
Note:
¾ PN3 Exclusion: While Press Note 3 (PN3) issued by the Union government in April 2020 does not specifically apply
to FPI investments, SEBI is still concerned about the potential misuse of the FPI route.
SEBI believes that obtaining additional disclosures from FPIs is necessary to address these concerns and protect
the interests of the Indian securities markets.
What is Press Note 3?
¾ During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Union government amended the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy
through a Press Note 3 (2020).
The amendments were said to have been made to check opportunistic takeovers/acquisitions of stressed
Indian companies at a cheaper valuation.
¾ The new regulations required an entity of a country, sharing a land border with India or where the beneficial
owner of an investment into India is situated or is a citizen of any such country, to invest only under the
Government route.
Note:
There are two routes of Investment for foreign investors, the Government Route and the Automatic Route.
The government route refers to obtaining official approval from regulatory bodies for foreign investments,
whereas the Automatic Route allows investments without prior approval, common in sectors where foreign
participation is encouraged.
¾ Also, in the event of the transfer of ownership of any existing or future FDI in an entity in India, directly or
indirectly, resulting in the beneficial ownership falling within the restriction/purview of the said policy amendment,
such subsequent change in beneficial ownership will also require government approval.
Press Note 3 (2020) was enforced through Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments)
Amendment Rules 2020.
z Press Note 3 is still enforceable as of January 2024.
What are Foreign Portfolio Investors? The intricate nature of FPI structures presents
challenges in determining beneficial owners,
¾ Foreign portfolio investment (FPI) consists of securities
raising concerns about potential fund misuse
and other financial assets passively held by foreign
and tax evasion.
investors. It does not provide the investor with direct
ownership of financial assets and is relatively liquid Regulatory risks, shifts in global economic
depending on the volatility of the market. conditions, and reliance on foreign investment
trends contribute to additional challenges in the
Examples of FPIs include stocks, bonds, mutual
FPI landscape.
funds, exchange-traded funds, American Depositary
Receipts (ADRs), and Global Depositary Receipts
(GDRs). India’s Geographical
¾ FPI is part of a country’s capital account and is shown
on its Balance of Payments (BOP).
Indication Landscape
The BOP measures the amount of money flowing
Why in News?
from one country to other countries over one
monetary year. ¾ India’s Geographical Indication (GI) tags journey
of over two decades faces challenges, with limited
¾ The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
outcomes indicating the need for reforms in the
brought new FPI Regulations, 2019, replacing the
registration processes.
erstwhile FPI Regulations of 2014.
¾ FPI is often referred to as “hot money” because of What is the Geographical Indication (GI)?
its tendency to flee at the first signs of trouble in an ¾ About:
economy. FPI is more liquid, volatile and therefore A geographical indication (GI) is a designation
riskier than FDI. applied to products originating from a specific
What are the Advantages and Concerns geographical area, indicating that the qualities or
Related to FPI? reputation of the products are inherently linked
to that particular origin.
¾ Advantages:
Article 22 (1) of Trade-Related Aspects of
FPI brings key advantages to India, including
Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) defines GIs as
increased liquidity, higher stock market valuations “indications which identify a good as originating
and global market integration. in the territory of a member, or a region or locality
The influx of foreign capital contributes to economic in that territory, where a given quality, reputation
growth and competitiveness, particularly in or other characteristic of the good is essentially
technology-oriented sectors. attributable to its geographic origin”.
¾ Concerns: z In many EU nations, GI is classified in two basic
FPI entails risks, with market volatility influenced categories Protected GI (PGI) and Protected
by global economic factors potentially causing Destination of Origin (PDO). India only has
instability and currency fluctuations. the PGI category.
Note:
This certification is also extended to non-agricultural Ambiguity in Producers’ Definition:

products, such as handicrafts based on human z The lack of clarity in defining “producers” in
skills, materials and resources available in certain the GI Act of 1999 leads to the involvement of
areas that make the product unique. intermediaries.
GI is a powerful tool for protecting traditional Intermediaries benefit from GIs, diluting the
knowledge, culture and can boost socio-economic intended advantages for genuine producers.
development. Disputes at the International Level:
¾ Legal Framework and Governance: z Disputes, especially regarding products like
GI is governed under the Agreement on TRIPS at Darjeeling tea and Basmati rice, indicate that
the World Trade Organisation (WTO). GIs receive less attention compared to patents,
The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration trademarks, and copyrights.
and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the Academic Attention:
registration and better protection of geographical z Limited academic focus on GIs is evident, with
indications relating to goods in India. only seven publications from India.
Paris Convention emphasises protecting industrial A recent surge in publications indicates
property and geographical indications in Articles growing academic interest, with 35 articles
1(2) and 10. published in 2021.
¾ Status of GI Tags Registration: z European nations, such as Italy, Spain, and
Compared to other nations, India lags in GI France, lead in GI-related academic publications.
registration. Till December 2023, Intellectual What Can be Done to Realise the Potential of
Property India received just 1,167 applications, of
GI-based Products?
which only 547 products have been registered,
as per the GI Registry. ¾ Government initiatives should incentivize producers
Germany leads in GI registrations, with 15,566
at the grassroots level to boost GI numbers.
registered products, followed by China (7,247), Laws should exclude “non-producers” from
as per 2020 data with the World Intellectual benefiting, ensuring direct benefits to genuine
Property Organization. producers.
Globally, wines and spirits comprise 51.8% of ¾ Technology, skill-building, and digital literacy among
registered GIs, followed by agricultural products GI stakeholders are crucial for modernization.
and foodstuffs at 29.9%. ¾ Government agencies should collaborate with trade
z In India, handicraft (about 45%) and agriculture
associations to organize exhibitions and promote
(about 30%) comprise the majority of the GI GI-based products through various media.
products. ¾ Indian embassies should actively promote GI-based
¾ Concerns Regarding the GI Tags in India: products to encourage growth in the foreign market.
Favourable international tariff regimes and special
Concerns with GI Act and Registration Process:
attention to GI products at WTO can boost global
z The GI Act, 1999 framed over two decades
presence.
ago, requires timely amendments to address
¾ Integrating GIs with the One District One Product
current challenges.
scheme can enhance promotion and market reach.
z Registration forms and application processing
Developing market outlet schemes, especially
times need simplification for easier compliance.
rural markets (gramin haats), can boost GI product
The current application acceptance ratio is
visibility.
only about 46% in India.
¾ Establishing testing laboratories at marketplaces is
z Lack of suitable institutional development
essential to ensure consumer faith in the quality of
hampers effective implementation of GI GI products.
protection mechanisms.
¾ Aligning startups with GIs and linking their performance
z Producers often struggle post-GI registration with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can
due to a lack of guidance and support. contribute to social development.
Note:
The resulting uncertainty in the global supply
Funding Winter Impact on chain and trade outlook contributed to a bleak
investment scenario for start-ups.
Start-ups
The general slowdown in global economies had
Why in News? a cascading effect on investor confidence and
capital flow.
Bengaluru, often hailed as the Silicon Valley of India,
has faced a significant setback in its vibrant start-up ¾ Return on Investments (ROI) Focus:
ecosystem due to a funding crunch triggered by global Investors began scrutinizing the sustainability and
events. The aftermath of the funding winter has left many profitability of start-ups, leading to a correction
regional start-ups grappling with challenges ranging from in the market.
layoffs to cautious investor sentiment. Investors exhibit decreased confidence in unicorns
and late-stage start-ups that prioritise growth
What is Funding Winter?
over profitability.
¾ About:
Investor interest and activity have shifted towards
Funding winter is a term used to describe a period early-stage start-ups, emphasising caution and a
of reduced capital inflows to startups. focus on revenue models.
During a funding winter, investors and lenders The absence of mergers and acquisitions, coupled
become more cautious and selective in providing with poor performances of listed start-ups, left
financial support, leading to a decrease in the investors without viable exit options.
overall funding available in the market.
z The dearth of exit strategies contributed to a
Funding winters can significantly impact businesses challenging environment for both investors and
and entrepreneurs, particularly those in the early late-stage start-ups.
stages of development or those seeking to expand
¾ Absence of Domestic Capital:
their operations.
Lack of domestic capital in the Indian start-up
¾ Reasons for Funding Winter in India:
ecosystem worsens the funding crisis.
Fluctuations in Indian Start-up Funding:
Domestic Pension Funds are not investing in
z In 2021, Indian start-up funding surged to a
technology, venture, and start-ups, which is a
record USD 42 billion, creating 42 new unicorns.
missed opportunity for the country.
However, 2022 witnessed a 40% funding drop,
marking a shift from pandemic-driven optimism. The Union Ministry of Finance and regulatory
system are hostile to the tax issues of start-ups.
z The initial boom was fueled by massive
investments in digital ventures during the z The latest regulations by the Reserve Bank of
Covid-19 pandemic. India restrict banks and Non-Banking Financial
Company (NBFC) from investing in Alternate
z There was an assumption that the digital trend
Investment Funds (AIF), which is seen as
would continue at the same pace, but as the
authoritarian.
world returned to normalcy, a reassessment of
investments occurred. Macro and Microeconomic Challenges:
As per data, tech companies in India saw z Both macroeconomic conditions and the
funding to the tune of USD 8.3 billion in failure of some start-up founders to adhere to
2023, a 67% drop from 2022. fundamental business principles compounded
¾ Global Macroeconomic Factors: the crisis.
Global events, including the Russia-Ukraine and z The crisis was not only a result of external factors
Israel-Palestine conflicts, played a crucial role in but also internal decisions and strategies within
triggering the funding winter. the start-up ecosystem.
Note:
What is the Impact on Start-ups and ¾ Indian Startup Ecosystem has seen exponential
Employees? growth in past few years (2015-2022):
¾ Mass Layoffs: 15 times increase in the total funding of startups.
A major repercussion of the funding winter has 9 times increase in the number of investors.
been mass layoffs. According to data from the 7 times increase in the number of incubators.
international layoffs.fyi (tracks tech startup layoffs),
¾ As of October 2023, India is home to 111 unicorns
tech companies gave the pink slip to around 17,000
with a total valuation of USD 349.67 billion. Out
people in India from 2023 to January 2024.
of the total number of unicorns, 45 unicorns with
¾ Silent Layoffs:
a total valuation of USD 102.30 billion were born
Companies resort to ‘silent layoffs’ by giving lower
in 2021 and 22 unicorns with a total valuation of
ratings, nudging employees to leave, rather than USD 29.20 billion were born in 2022.
explicit layoffs.
2023 saw the emergence of Zepto as the latest
¾ Attrition Rates:
and only unicorn in the year.
Between September 2022 and July 2023, 111 Indian
unicorns experienced an attrition rate (rate at What are the Indian Government’s Initiatives
which employees depart an organisation) of 4.72%, for Startups?
with 41,208 employees exiting in Bengaluru alone.
¾ Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.
Startup Ecosystem in India ¾ Stand-Up India Scheme.
¾ India has emerged as the 3rd largest ecosystem for ¾ Atal New India Challenge 2.0.
startups globally with over 1 Lakh Department for ¾ National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)- Innovations (NIDHI).
recognized startups across 763 districts of the
¾ Startup India Action Plan (SIAP).
country as of 3rd October 2023.
¾ Ranking of States on Support to Startup Ecosystems
¾ India ranks 2nd in innovation quality with top
(RSSSE).
positions in the quality of scientific publications
and the quality of its universities among middle-
income economies. States’ Startup Ranking 2022
The innovation in India is not just limited to
certain sectors it spans in 56 diverse industrial Why in News?
sectors with 13% from IT services, 9% healthcare The results of the 4th edition of Ranking of States on
and life sciences, 7% education, 5% agriculture Support to Startup Ecosystems were released by the
and 5% food & beverages. Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Note:
¾ This edition’s ranking exercise saw the highest-ever
participation with 33 States and UTs participating.
A ‘National Report’ encompassing the full exercise,
along with a ‘Compendium of Best Practices’
and individual ‘State Report’ for all participating
states was also launched, celebrating the spirit of
entrepreneurship in India with a total of 31 States/
UTs having formulated State Startup Policies.
What is States’ Startup Ranking?
¾ About:
The Start-up India initiative of the Government of
India envisages to build a robust Start-up ecosystem
in the country for nurturing innovation and providing
opportunities to budding entrepreneurs.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of ¾ 7 broad Reform Areas:
Commerce and Industry has been conducting The participants were evaluated across 7 broad
the States’ Start-up Ranking Exercise since 2018.
Reform Areas consisting of 25 Action Points such as:
z The exercise plays a crucial role in easing the
z Institutional Support
business environment for start-ups in the
country. z Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship
¾ Objectives: z Access to Market
Help bring to the fore progress made by the z Incubation and Mentorship support
States/ UTs for promoting the Startup ecosystem. z Funding Support
Foster competitiveness & propel the States/ UTs z Capacity building of enablers
to work proactively.
z Roadmap to a sustainable future.
Facilitate States/ UTs to identify, learn and replicate
15% of the total scores were awarded based on
good practices.
10,000+ survey responses collected in 9 languages
¾ Classification: States and Union Territories are classified
(telephonic and web-based).
into 5 Categories:
Best Performers
Top Performers
Leaders
Aspiring Leaders
Emerging Start-up Ecosystems.
z Note: The ‘Beginner list’ was part of earlier
rankings but has been discontinued since 2019.
What are the Findings of States’ Startup
Ranking 2022?
States and UTs were divided into two categories:
¾ Category A (Population> 1 crore) and Category B
(Population< 1 crore)
Note:
Status of Indian Startup Ecosystem: investors, incubators, funding entities, banks,

policymakers, and other national/international
¾ The number of recognized Startups has grown at
stakeholders to celebrate entrepreneurship and
120% (CAGR) over the last 7 years and stands at
promote innovation.
over one lakh Startups as of October 2023.
Handholding support under National Startup
¾ The coverage of Startups has increased sixfold in
Awards (NSA):
the last seven years with presence in close to 670+
z It is an initiative undertaken by Startup India to
districts across the country.
recognize and reward Startups and ecosystem
¾ Close to 50% of the recognized Startups are based
enablers who are building innovative products
out of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
and scalable enterprises, with high potential of
What are the Initiatives Taken to Promote employment generation or wealth creation,
Startup? demonstrating measurable social impact.
MAARG Portal:
¾ Funds of Funds (FoF) Scheme:
z MAARG Portal by Startup India is a one-stop
The FoF for Startups Scheme, established in June
2016 with a corpus of Rs. 10,000 Cr, aims to boost the mentorship platform to facilitate mentorship
Indian Startup ecosystem by spreading contributions for startups across diverse sectors, functions,
over the 14th and 15th Finance Commission cycles stages, geographies, and backgrounds.
based on implementation progress, facilitating ¾ Other Related Initiatives for Startups:
access to domestic capital. Open Network for Digital Commerce
¾ Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISF): Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge
SISF, approved for a four-year period from 2021- Start Up India Fund
22 with a corpus of Rs. 945 Cr, provides financial Policy Reforms for Startups
aid to Startups for proof of concept, prototype Start-up Cells
development, product trials, market entry, and
National Startup Advisory Council
commercialisation.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-Atal New India
¾ Startup India Investor Connect:
Challenge
Startup India Investor Connect facilitates AI-based
AIM-iCREST
matchmaking to connect startups with investors,
National Startup Day 2024
streamlining the process for entrepreneurs to
pitch their ideas to multiple investors through a What are the National Startup Awards 2023?
single application.
The National Startup Awards 2023 is one of the
¾ Startup India’s Multilateral Engagements: Startup20: flagship initiatives undertaken by Startup India to
Startup20, established during G20 India Presidency recognize and reward outstanding startups and enablers
2023, is a dedicated global platform for startups, that demonstrate exceptional capabilities.
mirroring B20 for large enterprises. India’s Consideration is also given to champion sectors
Startup20, now the third-largest ecosystem globally, identified by the Government with a focus on
boosts its standing as a startup hub. improving India’s manufacturing capabilities
As a dialogue forum, it engages with G20 leaders towards the mission of an “Atma Nirbhar Bharat”.
on macroeconomic issues, supported by G20 India ¾ Key Facts:
Sherpa and the Startup20 secretariat.
The fourth edition of the National Startup Awards
¾ Other Intervention Under the Startup India Initiative: has received over 2,000 applications, testifying to
Startup India Innovation Week: the increasing acceptance of the initiative among
z DPIIT organises Startup India Innovation week startup ecosystem stakeholders across the board.
around the National Startup Day, i.e., 16th NSA 2023 has actively engaged across diverse
January, with the primary goal to bring together sectors of the economy and showcased a remarkable
the country’s key Startups, entrepreneurs, commitment to inclusivity.
Note:
A large number of startup applications for NSA ¾ Features of Market Monopoly:
2023 have women in the leadership positions of Single Seller or Producer:
their enterprises. z In a monopoly, there is only one entity that
Additionally, many applications have also nominated dominates the entire market. This company is
themselves as sustainability champions, focused on the exclusive provider of a particular product
climate change, sustainability, waste management, or service.
High Barriers to Entry:
renewables, or allied sectors.
z Monopolies often arise when there are
significant barriers preventing new competitors
Market Monopoly and Laws from entering the market. Barriers may include
high startup costs, exclusive access to resources,
in India government regulations, or strong brand loyalty.
No Substitutes:
Why in News? z Consumers have limited or no alternative
Recently, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) options for the product or service offered by
has dismissed a complaint against PVR, a leading multiplex the monopolistic company. There are no close
chain, for allegedly abusing its Dominant Market Position, substitutes available in the market.
raising the Concern of Market Monopoly. Market Power and Pricing Control:
z The monopoly has considerable market power,

What were the Allegations and CCI’s Verdict? allowing it to control prices without significant
¾ It was alleged that PVR abused its dominance by fear of competition. This can lead to higher prices
giving special treatment to films of powerful and for consumers and potentially reduced output.
monetarily affluent production houses, thus creating Influence Over Supply:
entry barriers to films by independent filmmakers. z The monopoly has control over the supply of
the product or service. It can determine the
PVR refuted the allegations, asserting they lacked
quantity produced and adjust supply to impact
supporting evidence, arguing that the complaint market conditions.
aimed to pressurise the exhibition of his film Lack of Competition:
without any legal obligation.
z Due to the absence of competitors, monopolies
¾ CCI found no discernible competition concerns. It operate in an environment where there is no
emphasised that unless harm to competition was direct competition for their specific product or
evident, regulatory intervention could lead to service. This lack of competition can result in
undesirable consequences, preserving exhibitors’ reduced incentives for innovation and efficiency.
autonomy. Key Terms Related to Anti-Competitive Practices
What is Market Monopoly? ¾ Predatory Pricing:
Predatory pricing occurs when a company
¾ About:
intentionally sets its prices below cost in
Market monopoly refers to a situation in which a order to drive competitors out of the market.
single company or a group of companies dominates Once competitors are eliminated, the company
and controls a significant share of a particular can raise prices to recoup losses and enjoy a
market or industry. monopolistic position.
In a monopoly, there is only one seller or producer ¾ Cartels:
that provides a specific product or service, and there Cartels are associations of independent
are no close substitutes available to consumers. businesses or countries formed to regulate
This gives the monopolistic entity substantial production, pricing, and marketing of goods or
market power, allowing it to influence the market services.
Cartels are typically illegal and are known for
conditions, set prices, and control the supply of
goods or services. fostering anti-competitive behaviour.
Note:
¾ Collusion: The CCI investigates and takes actions against

anti-competitive practices, abuse of dominant
Collusion is an agreement between two or more
position, and anti-competitive agreements.
parties to limit competition by misleading,
¾ Competition Appellate Tribunal and NCLAT:
deceiving, or defrauding others. It often involves
secret cooperation to gain an unfair advantage. The Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT)
¾ Mergers:
was initially responsible for hearing appeals against
CCI decisions.
Mergers involve the combination of two or more
However, in 2017, the government replaced COMPAT
companies into a single entity. While not all
mergers are anti-competitive, some may reduce with the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal
competition in a particular market, leading to (NCLAT), which now handles appeals related to
competition matters.
regulatory scrutiny.
¾ Price Discrimination: What are the International Initiatives to Curb
Price discrimination occurs when a seller charges Anti-Competitive Practices?
different prices to different customers for the ¾ OECD Competition Committee:
same product or service. While not always The OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation
illegal, it can be considered anti-competitive if and Development) addresses anti-competitive
it harms competition. practices through various initiatives, including the
¾ Price Fixing Agreements: OECD Competition Committee, which facilitates
Price fixing involves an agreement between discussions and cooperation among member
competitors to set a specific price for their countries on competition-related issues.
products or services. This eliminates competition ¾ United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
and artificially inflates prices, violating antitrust (UNCTAD):
laws. UNCTAD works to promote international trade and
How does India Deal with the Practices of development. It provides guidance on competition
Market Monopoly? policy and law through its Intergovernmental
Group of Experts on Competition Law and Policy,
¾ Competition Act, 2002:
supporting countries in implementing effective
The Competition Act, 2002, is the primary legislation
competition frameworks.
in India addressing antitrust issues. It was enacted
z It also deals with the polices to Protect consumers
to promote and sustain competition in markets,
prevent anti-competitive practices, and protect from abuse and Curb regulations that stifle
the interests of consumers. competition.
z The Act prohibits anti-competitive agreements, ¾ International Competition Network (ICN):
abuse of dominant position by enterprises, The ICN is a network of competition authorities
and regulates combinations that may have from around the world. It facilitates communication
an appreciable adverse effect on competition and cooperation among member jurisdictions to
within India. address global competition challenges. The ICN
Competition Amendment Bill, 2022: provides a platform for sharing best practices
z The proposed amendment aims to further and developing guidelines on various aspects of
strengthen the regulatory framework, competition law.
address emerging challenges, and enhance the ¾ World Trade Organization (WTO):
effectiveness of competition law enforcement.
While primarily focused on trade issues, the WTO
¾ Competition Commission of India (CCI):
addresses competition policy through its Working
CCI is the regulator of competition under the
Group on the Interaction between Trade and
Competition Act, 2002 in the Indian market, it is Competition Policy.
responsible for enforcing the provisions of the
z The aim is to ensure that competition policies
Competition Act 2002. It consists of a Chairperson
and Members appointed by the Central Government. do not create unnecessary barriers to trade.
Note:
What are the Judgements Related to Market ¾ Incentive amount of around Rs. 4,415 crore disbursed
Monopoly in India? under PLI Schemes for 8 Sectors viz. Large-Scale
Electronics Manufacturing (LSEM), IT Hardware, Bulk
¾ Competition Commission of India v. Steel Authority
Drugs, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Telecom &
of India Ltd (SAIL), 2010:
Networking Products, Food Processing and Drones
The SC upheld the CCI’s order to investigate SAIL & Drone Components.
for anti-competitive practices in supplying rails to ¾ Due to the PLI Scheme, there has been a significant
Indian Railways. reduction in imports of raw materials in the Pharma
SC ruled that SAIL was not exempt from the sector.
Competition Act and that its order was not Unique intermediate materials and bulk drugs are
appealable at the initial stage. being manufactured in India including Penicillin-G.
The Court also said that the CCI was a necessary
Production of 39 Medical Devices have commenced
or proper party in any appeal before the COMPAT. such as CT-Scan, Linear Accelerator (LINAC),
¾ Competition Commission of India v. Google LLC & Rotational Cobalt Machine, C-Arm, MRI, Cath Lab,
Ors, 2021: Ultrasonography, Dialysis Machine, Heart Valves,
CCI appealed against Karnataka HC’s order, Stents, etc.
investigating alleged anti-competitive practices ¾ Import substitution of 60% has been achieved in the
by Google in India’s smart TV and Android app Telecom sector and sales of Telecom & Networking
store markets. Products by PLI beneficiary companies in FY 2023-24.
The HC quashed CCI’s order due to lack of jurisdiction Significant impact on investment in the Drone
and the absence of Google’s opportunity to present industry with a Compounded Annual Growth
its case. Rate (CAGR) of 90.74%.
The SC stayed CCI’s investigation and issued notices ¾ The PLI Scheme for Food Processing, sourcing of raw
to all parties involved. materials from India has significantly increased which
has positively impacted income of Indian farmers
and MSMEs.
Investment Under PLI Sales of Organic Products increased and Indian
Schemes brand visibility enhanced in the international
market through Branding & Marketing abroad.
Why in News? The Scheme has also led to increased Millet
Recently, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes procurement – from 668 MT (FY 20-21) to 3,703
witnessed over Rs. 1.03 lakh crore of investment till MT (FY 22-23).
November 2023. ¾ The PLI Scheme across these key specific sectors
It has led to production of Rs. 8.61 lakh crore has started to make Indian manufacturers globally
and employment generation of over 6.78 lakhs. competitive, attract investment in the areas of core
competency and cutting-edge technology and make
What are the Key Achievements of PLI Scheme? India an integral part of the global value chain.
¾ PLI Schemes have witnessed exports surpassing Rs. It has transformed India’s export basket from
3.20 lakh crore, with significant contributions from traditional commodities to high-value-added
sectors such as Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing, products such as electronics & telecommunication
Pharmaceuticals, Food Processing, and Telecom & goods, processed food products etc.
Networking products. ¾ Production of mobile phones increased by more
¾ 176 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) than 125% and export of Mobile Phones increased
are among the PLI beneficiaries in sectors such as ~4 times since FY 2020-21.
Bulk Drugs, Medical Devices, Pharma, Telecom, ¾ Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) increased by ~254%
White Goods, Food Processing, Textiles & Drones. since the inception of the PLI scheme for LSEM.
Note:
What is the Production Linked Incentive ¾ Implementation and Coordination Issues: The
Scheme (PLI)? scheme involves multiple ministries and departments,
which may create confusion and inconsistency in
¾ About:
the implementation and monitoring of the scheme.
The PLI scheme was conceived to scale up domestic
manufacturing capability, accompanied by higher
import substitution and employment generation. Infrastructure Push in Kerala
Launched in March 2020, the scheme initially
targeted three industries: Why in News?
z Mobile and allied Component Manufacturing Recently, the Prime Minister (PM) inaugurated three
z Electrical Component Manufacturing and projects in Kochi, Kerala which include the New Dry Dock
z Medical Devices.
(NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the International
Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) of CSL, and the LPG Import
The scheme is currently active in 14 key sectors:
Terminal of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
mobile manufacturing, manufacturing of medical
¾ These major infrastructure projects are in line with
devices, automobiles and auto components,
pharmaceuticals, drugs, specialty steel, telecom the Prime Minister’s vision to transform India’s ports,
& networking products, electronic products, shipping, and waterways sector, and build capacity
white goods (ACs and LEDs), food products, textile and self-sufficiency in it.
products, solar PV modules, advanced chemistry cell What are the three Different Projects
(ACC) battery, and drones and drone components. Inaugurated in Kerala?
Under PLI scheme, Domestic and Foreign companies
¾ New Dry Dock:
receive financial rewards for manufacturing in
The NDD, with a length of 310 meters, is built at
India, based on a percentage of their revenue
over up to five years. par with international standards.
This national pride is an engineering marvel which
What are the Concerns Regarding the PLI is capable of handling aircraft carriers twice the
Scheme? displacement of INS Vikrant or other larger ships.
¾ Competition and Market Dynamics: The scheme may It is a flagship project reflecting India’s engineering
create price wars or market distortions among the prowess and project management capabilities, the
participating companies, affecting their profitability NDD is one of the largest marine infrastructures
and sustainability. in the region.
¾ Compliance and Reporting Burden: The scheme It has incorporated the latest technology and
requires companies to submit various documents and innovations to ensure efficiency, safety, and
reports to claim the incentives, which may increase environmental sustainability.
their administrative costs and delays. ¾ International Ship Repair Facility:
¾ Assembly vs. Value Addition: The scheme does The ISRF is India’s first fully developed pure ship
not differentiate between the value added by repair ecosystem which will add 25% capacity of
manufacturing in India and the value added by ship repair industry in the country.
importing components and assembling them in India.
Built at an investment of ₹970 crores, it will also
This may result in low value addition and innovation
provide rapid turnaround for India’s Naval and
in the domestic industry.
Coast Guard ships during emergencies as planned
¾ Production of Low-value Goods: Low-value goods refits.
production is more prevalent than that of high-
The ISRF will modernise and expand the existing
value goods. The United States and the European
ship repair capabilities of CSL and to transform it
Union primarily engage in transactions involving
as a global ship repair hub.
high-value goods.
¾ LPG Import Terminal for IOCL:
¾ Research and Development: Insufficient attention
is dedicated to Research and Development in the An LPG Import Terminal for IOCL was also
formulation of export-oriented policies. inaugurated at Kochi with a state-of-the-art
Note:
infrastructure connected with Multi-User Liquid ¾ Alignment With Global Vision:
Terminal Jetty through a 3.5 km Cross Country Throwing light on the agreements made during
Pipeline. India’s G20 Presidency regarding the Middle
The terminal aims at achieving a turnover of 1.2 East-Europe Economic Corridor (MEEEC), PM
million metric tons per annum (MMTPA). It will underlined that the MEEEC will further strengthen
ensure LPG distribution through road and pipeline the creation of Viksit Bharat by giving a boost to
transfers, which will directly benefit bottling plants the coastal economy of India.
in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. ¾ Future Plans for Maritime Infrastructure:
It will also significantly enhance India’s energy The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
infrastructure by ensuring a steady supply of LPG, outlines future plans on the basis of these projects
benefiting millions of households and businesses which includes:
in and around the region. z Establishment of a Centre of Excellence in
This project will further strengthen India’s efforts Shipbuilding & Repair.
towards ensuring accessible & affordable energy z Creation of ship repair clusters in strategic
for all. locations.
What is the Significance of These Projects? z Relaxation of trade conditions to propel the
¾ Strategic Vision for Maritime Development: Ship Repair Sector.

z Discussions for a Ship Repair facility at Vadinar
Prime Minister emphasises the global benchmark
set by the projects aligned with ‘Sabka Saath, are underway.
Sabka Vikaas’ vision. Major and Minor Ports
The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 outlines ¾ Number of Major Ports:
ambitious goals to elevate Kochi into a prominent There are 12 major ports and 200 non-major
Maritime Cluster and a Global Hub for Green ports (minor ports) in the country.
Ship, reflecting a commitment to excellence and Major ports include Deendayal (erstwhile Kandla),
innovation. Mumbai, JNPT, Marmugao, New Mangalore,
¾ Investment and Employment in Maritime Sector: Cochin, Chennai, Kamarajar (earlier Ennore), V
The initiatives launched aim to bring significant O Chidambaranar, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and
investment of Rs 45,000 Crores and generate Kolkata (including Haldia).
employment of over 50,000 people in the maritime ¾ Major Ports vs Minor Ports:
sector. Ports in India are classified as Major and Minor
Efforts focus on increasing India’s tonnage, becoming Ports according to the jurisdiction of the Central
Atmanirbhar, and minimizing dependency on and State government as defined under the
foreign ships. Indian Ports Act, 1908.
¾ Role of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL): All the 12 Major Ports are governed under the
CSL, recognized globally for delivering autonomous

Major Port Trusts act, 1963 and are owned and
electric barges to Norway, plays a pivotal role in managed by the Central Government.
India’s resurgence as a major maritime player. All the Minor Ports are governed under the Indian
Port Act, 1908 and are owned and managed by
The shipyard’s strong product portfolio, including
the State Governments.
Next-Generation Green Technology ships, positions
it as a key contributor to India’s maritime industry. ¾ Recent Developments:
Indian ports achieved double-digit annual
¾ National Pride and Environmental Impact:
growth in the last 10 years.
The projects in Kochi, symbolising national pride,
India has surpassed many developed nations
showcase India’s engineering prowess. They are
when it comes to their turnaround time.
expected to lead to significant logistic savings and
Timely changes to laws related to Indian seafarers
reduce CO2 emissions, emphasizing environmental
responsibility. have led to an increase in their numbers by 140%.
Note:
What Measures Can be Taken to Strengthen ¾ Reasonable User Charges:

the Infrastructure Sector? It is necessary for augmenting infrastructure
¾ Ensuring Consistency in Policy/Regulatory Framework: financing, financial viability of infrastructure service
There is a need for a better regulatory environment providers, and for environmental and resource
and consistency in the tendering process. Lack of use sustainability.
consistency and policy coherence across different User charges are crucial because in many areas
government departments should be addressed across the country, partly because of zero or very
as a priority.
low user charges, there is over-use and wastage
Between the government and the RBI, there
of the precious resources.
needs to be a holistic way to deal with the issue
of stressed assets. Besides the environmental sustainability and
z A dedicated policy needs to be formed across
resource use efficiency that would emanate from
sectors for non-performing assets and revamp reasonable user prices, this policy priority has
of PSUs. immense resource generation potential.
Note:
¾ Autonomous Regulation of Infrastructure: What are the Major Points Related to the
As India and the world opens up more sectors to World Economic Forum (WEF)?
private participation, the private sector would
essentially demand autonomous infrastructure ¾ About: WEF is the International Organization for
regulation. Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages
The world-wide trend is towards multi-sectoral
the foremost political, business, cultural and other
regulators as the regulatory role is common across leaders of society to shape global, regional and
infrastructure sectors, and such institutions build industry agendas.
regulatory capacity, conserve resources and prevent It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
regulatory capture. ¾ Foundation: Klaus Schwab, a German professor with
¾ Asset Recycling (AR) and BAM: a background in mechanical engineering and a Master
The basic idea of BAM (Brownfield Asset of Public Administration from Harvard, founded
Monetisation) is to augment infrastructure WEF in 1971, originally known as the European
resources through brownfield AR for accelerated Management Forum.
greenfield investment by freeing up funds tied up
He introduced the concept of “stakeholder
in de-risked brownfield public sector assets.
capitalism.”
These assets can be transferred to a trust (
Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs)) or a According to Schwab, “It is a form of capitalism in
corporate structure (Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) which companies do not only optimize short-term
model), which receive investment from institutional profits for shareholders, but seek long term value
investors against a capital consideration (which creation, by taking into account the needs of all
captures value of future cash flows from these their stakeholders, and society at large.”
underlying assets).
Note: The European Management Forum was the first
India has a large stock of brownfield assets across
non-governmental institution to initiate a partnership
infrastructure sectors.
with China’s economic development commissions,
¾ Utilising Domestic Funds:
spurring economic reform policies in China.
Domestic sources such as India Pension Funds
which have been lying dormant could give a big ¾ Evolution: Events in 1973, namely the collapse of
boost to the sector if utilised efficiently. the Bretton Woods fixed exchange rate mechanism
India can emulate the practices in Canada, the
and the Arab-Israeli War, saw the Annual Meeting
Netherlands, Australia and the likes on efficient expand its focus from management to economic and
usage of domestic funds to push infrastructure social issues.
development. Two years later, the organization introduced a
What are the Different Government Initiatives system of membership for ‘the 1,000 leading
companies of the world.
Related to Infrastructure?
In 1987, the European Management Forum formally
¾ PM Gati Shakti Scheme
became the World Economic Forum and sought to
¾ National Infrastructure Pipeline
broaden its vision to include providing a platform
¾ Urban Infrastructure Development Fund for dialogue
¾ National Logistics Policy
In 2015, the Forum was formally recognised as an
¾ Dedicated Freight Corridors international organization.
¾ Sagarmala Projects
¾ Funding: Primarily supported by partnering
corporations, typically with annual turnovers exceeding
World Economic Forum USD 5 billion.
¾ Annual Meeting in Davos: Davos brings together
Why in News? around 3,000 participants (including paying members
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is holding its and select invitees): investors, business leaders,
Annual Meeting from 15th January to 19th January, 2024 political leaders, economists, celebrities, and others
in Davos, Switzerland. to discuss global issues across 500 sessions
Note:
¾ Key Diplomatic Moments at WEF: zLuxembourg hosts over 1,400 FPI accounts out
Korean Diplomacy: North and South Korea held of 3,000 in Europe (excluding the UK).
first ministerial-level meetings in Davos. z Collaborations, notably with GIFT City, have
German Reunification (1989): East German Prime further strengthened financial ties between
Minister and German Chancellor met at WEF to India and Luxembourg.
discuss reunification. ¾ France’s Notable Gains:
South African Milestone (1992): South African France has entered the top ten FPIs with a
President de Klerk, Nelson Mandela, and Zulu remarkable 74% growth in AUC, reaching ₹1.88
prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi made their inaugural lakh crore.
joint appearance outside South Africa, marking This ascent is fueled by the favourable tax provisions
a significant milestone in the country’s political under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement
transition. (DTAA) between India and France.
G20 Genesis(1998): WEF emphasized the need ¾ Other Players in the Reshuffled Landscape:
to involve major developing countries. Therefore, Ireland and Norway have climbed one position each,
the concept of G20 emerged, initially limited to now ranking 5th and 7th among FPI jurisdictions.
finance ministers. z Ireland’s attractiveness stems from its tax
z G20, born from WEF discussions, evolved into efficiencies and global reach, offering regulated
a summit. funds exemption from Irish tax on income and
¾ Major Reports: WEF regularly publishes globally gains.
recognized reports, including the Global Also, despite a 19% year-on-year growth in AUC,
Competitiveness Report and the Global Gender Canada dropped one place in the rankings. The
Gap Report, Energy Transition Index, Global Risk impact of the diplomatic tensions between India
Report, Global Travel and Tourism Report. and Canada on investments remains uncertain.
Shifts in Foreign Portfolio What is Foreign Portfolio

Investments In India Investment?
¾ About:
Why in News?
FPI refers to investments made by foreign individuals,
Foreign portfolio investments (FPIs) into India have corporations, and institutions in the financial assets
witnessed a significant reshuffling in the pecking order of India, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
among regions.
z These investments are mainly for the purpose of
This transformation is attributed to various factors,
short-term gains and portfolio diversification,
including regulatory changes, geopolitical events, unlike Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) which
and strategic alliances. involves long-term ownership of assets.
What are the Significant Changes in India’s FPI ¾ Benefits:
Landscape? Capital Inflow: FPI results in the inflow of foreign
capital into the Indian financial markets, which
¾ Luxembourg’s Ascendancy:
contributes to increased liquidity and capital
Luxembourg has become the third-largest region
availability.
for FPIs in India, surpassing Mauritius, with its
Boost to Stock Market: Increased FPI can positively
Assets Under Custody (AUC) growing by 30% to
impact the stock market, leading to higher
₹4.85 lakh crore.
valuations and increased investor confidence.
z Globally, its equity assets are now second only
Technology Transfer: FPI often involves investments
to the United States.
in technology-oriented sectors, leading to induced
The surge is linked to strengthened India-Europe technology transfer and advancements in various
ties, resulting in three financial agreements. industries.
Note:
Global Integration: FPI promotes global integration
of complex FPI structures can be challenging for
of financial markets, allowing Indian markets to align regulators, raising concerns about potential misuse
with global trends and attract foreign investors. of funds and tax evasion.
¾ Risk: ¾ Assets Under Custody: AUC refers to the total value
Market Volatility and Capital Flight: FPI flows of financial assets that a custodian manages for
can be volatile, driven by global economic and their clients. It can also refer to the closing market
geopolitical factors. value of all equities held by FPIs.
z Sudden inflows or outflows can lead to market ¾ Pecking Order: The pecking order in the context of
instability and currency fluctuations, harming FPIs refers to the ranking or hierarchy of regions or
both domestic investors and the economy. countries from which foreign investors channel their
Transparency and Identification of Beneficial investments into a target country, in this case, India.
Owners: Identifying the ultimate beneficiaries
nnn
Note:
International Relations
Highlights
z India-France Relations z 19th NAM Summit and India-Uganda Relations
z Third South Summit z Iran, Pakistan, and the Baloch Militancy
z India-Bangladesh Relations z India-Nepal Power Pact
India-France Relations The leaders discussed joint tri-services exercises

and increasing capacities, particularly in the
Why in News? maritime domain.
Recently, the President of France visited India on the ¾ Trilateral Cooperation:
Occasion of Republic Day (26th January), where India and Both countries committed to revitalising trilateral
France discussed Bilateral cooperation, expressing cooperation with Australia, deepening cooperation
satisfaction with the increasing “complexity and with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and exploring
interoperability” of India-France joint defence exercises. new trilateral partnerships in the region.
z In June 2023, the first edition of India, France and
What are the Key Highlights of the India-
UAE Maritime Partnership Exercise commenced
France Bilateral Meeting?
in the Gulf of Oman.
¾ Intensification of Cooperation in Southwest Indian ¾ Economic Development and Connectivity:
Ocean:
Both countries acknowledged the importance of
Both countries agreed to intensify cooperation
joint and multilateral initiatives for supporting
in the Southwest Indian Ocean, building on joint
sustainable economic development, human welfare,
surveillance missions carried out from the French
environmental sustainability, resilient infrastructure,
island territory of La Reunion in 2020 and 2022.
innovation, and connectivity in the region.
This cooperation contributes positively to
They called for the early launching of the Indo-
the securitisation of strategic sea lanes of
communication. Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation Fund
to facilitate the scaling up of green technologies.
¾ Indo-Pacific Partnership:
¾ India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC):
Both sides emphasized the significance of the
The leaders recalled the launch of the India-
Indo-Pacific Region for their sovereign and strategic
interests. Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), considering
it of great strategic importance for enhancing the
They committed to deepening the long-standing
partnership in the Indo-Pacific, based on their potential and resilience of commerce and energy
common vision, and expressed satisfaction with flow between India, the Middle East, and Europe.
the expanding nature of their engagement in ¾ Multilateralism and UN Reform:
the region. Both countries called for reformed and effective
¾ Defence and Security Partnership: multilateralism, stressing the urgent need for the
The defence and security partnership between reform of the United Nations Security Council
India and France in the Indo-Pacific region was (UNSC).
highlighted as a cornerstone of their collaboration. z France reiterated its support for India’s
This partnership includes a comprehensive range of permanent membership in the UNSC.

bilateral, multinational, regional, and institutional Both Sides highlighted the need for the reform of
initiatives, especially in the Indian Ocean Region. Multilateral Development Banks and welcomed
Note:
the report submitted by the Independent Expert
Group for providing concrete suggestions in this
regard.
They acknowledged enhanced cooperation
between the Paris Club and India in official debt
restructuring cases.
¾ Defence Industrial Cooperation:
Both sides reiterated their commitment to
deepening integration between the two countries’
defense industrial sectors. They discussed co-design,
co-development, and co-production opportunities
for defence supplies, not only for India but also What are the Major Areas of Cooperation
for other friendly countries. between India and France?
z Tata Group and Airbus Agreement: ¾ Pillars of Relationship:
Tata Group and Airbus signed an agreement India and France share long-standing cultural,
for the development and manufacturing of trade and economic linkages. The India-France
civilian helicopters. strategic partnership, signed in 1998, has gathered
Tata and Airbus are already cooperating significant momentum over time and has today
to make the C-295 Transport Aircraft in evolved into an even closer multifaceted relationship
Gujarat. that spans diverse areas of cooperation.
z The industrial partnership aims to produce H125 Both countries have held on to three pillars in
helicopters with a significant indigenous and the relationship:
localization component. z Mutual respect for non-interference in internal
z Shakti Jet Engine Deal: matters.
Ongoing discussions between India and Safran z A firm commitment to strategic autonomy and
regarding the Shakti jet engine deal were non-alignment.
highlighted. The focus of these discussions z A shared stance of refraining from involving
is on achieving specifications aligned with each other in respective coalitions and alliances.
India’s future fighter jet requirements, ¾ Defence Partnerships:
involving aspects beyond just the transfer
At the core of the Indo-French relationship is the
of manufacturing technology.
defence partnership; France comes across as a far
z CFM International and Akasa Air:
more willing and generous partner when compared
French jet engine maker CFM International to other western countries.
also announced an agreement with India’s Starting with the Rafale deal to the acquisition of
Akasa Air to buy more than 300 of its LEAP- 26 Marine versions of Aircraft, the French have
1B engines to power 150 Boeing open new been willing to give the Indians some of their best
tab 737 MAX aircraft. defence systems.
¾ Space Cooperation: The technology transfers by France have already
The countries launched the Strategic Space helped India construct six Scorpene-class
Dialogue, signed a Letter of Intent on Defence submarines with another three now being procured
Space Cooperation, and an MoU between ISRO’s to boost the navy’s falling numbers.
New Space India Limited (NSIL) and Arianespace z Joint Exercises: Exercise Shakti (Army), Exercise
of France for satellite launch missions. Varuna (Navy), Exercise Garuda (Air Force).
The leaders expressed dedication to expanding ¾ Similarity in Stand on NATO+ (Plus):
space cooperation, including co-development, France announced publicly that it disapproves
manufacture, and launch of satellites. of a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)-
Note:
plus (NATO+) partnership plans, that would see French businesses operating within India. This
the Trans-Atlantic alliance build direct ties with presents a challenge to fostering a conducive
Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and environment for bilateral trade.
even India. ¾ Trade Imbalance and Dominance of Defense Products:
India has also rejected the plan saying that NATO
Although France is India’s 11th trade partner, there
“is not a template that applies to India”. is a notable trade imbalance.
¾ Economic Cooperation: The dominance of defence products in the trade
Bilateral trade between the two countries reached relationship poses challenges for diversification
a new peak at USD 13.4 billion in 2022-23, with and achieving a more balanced economic exchange.
exports from India crossing USD 7 billion. ¾ Barriers to Indian Products in France:
France is the 11th largest foreign investor in India,
India has faced challenges in exporting its products
with a cumulative investment of USD 10.49 billion to France, particularly in the context of Sanitary
from April 2000 to December 2022. and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures. This can act
¾ Cooperation at International Forum: as a discouragement to Indian products entering
France supports India’s bid for permanent the French market.
membership of the United Nations Security Council ¾ Student Mobility:
as well as its entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group. While the French President announced plans to
¾ Climate Cooperation: welcome 30,000 Indian students to France, issues
Both countries are concerned about climate related to student mobility, including visa processes
change, and India has supported France in the Paris and cultural integration, may pose challenges to
Agreement expressing its strong commitment to realising this goal.
mitigating the effects of climate change. ¾ Human Trafficking Concerns:
Both countries, as part of their joint efforts on Instances such as the Nicaragua flight case involving
climate change, launched the International Solar human trafficking raise concerns and underscore
Alliance in 2015. the need for enhanced cooperation in addressing
What are the Challenges Between India-France transnational crimes and ensuring the safety and
well-being of individuals.
Relations?
¾ FTA and BTIA Stagnation:
The absence of an FTA (Free Trade Agreement)
Third South Summit
between France and India hinders the maximisation
of their trade potential.
Why in News?
Additionally, the slow progress on the India-EU
Recently, the 3rd South Summit was held in Kampala,
Broad-Based Trade and Investment Agreement Uganda, bringing together the members of the Group
(BTIA) further compounds the challenges in of 77 (G77) and China.
fostering comprehensive economic cooperation. ¾ The Third South Summit brought together the 134
¾ Differing Defense and Security Priorities: members of the Group of 77 and China to boost South-
South cooperation on trade, investment, sustainable
Despite a strong defense partnership, differences
development, climate change, poverty eradication,
in priorities and approaches can influence defence
and digital economy, among other areas. The theme
and security cooperation.
of the summit was “Leaving No One Behind.”
z India’s regional focus and its “non-aligned”
policy may at times clash with France’s global What is Group of 77 (G77)?
interests. ¾ Establishment:
¾ Intellectual Property Rights Concerns: The Group of 77 (G-77) was established on 15th
France has raised concerns about India’s inadequate June 1964 by signatories of the “Joint Declaration
protection of intellectual property rights, impacting of the Seventy-Seven Developing Countries”
Note:
issued at the end of the first session of the United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD) in Geneva.
z The G77 group has 134 members excluding
China because the Chinese government does
not consider itself a member, but rather a
partner that provides political and financial
support to the group. Although the group (G
77) mentiones China as its member.
¾ Aims:
What are the Key Highlights of the Third South
The Group of 77 is the largest intergovernmental
Summit Outcome Document?
organization of developing countries in the United
Nations. ¾ Call for Peaceful Solution of Palestinian-Israeli conflict:
Member countries emphasised that “there can
It provides the means for the countries of the
South to articulate and promote their collective be no sustainable development without peace
and no peace without sustainable development”
economic interests and enhance their joint
and called for a “just and peaceful solution of the
negotiating capacity on all major international
Palestinian-Israeli conflict.”
economic issues within the United Nations system.
¾ Universal Implementation of Agendas:
¾ Structure:
The Outcome Document reaffirmed the commitment
A Chairman, who acts as its spokesman, coordinates
to implementing various global agendas, including
the Group’s action in each Chapter. the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
The Chairmanship, which is the highest political body the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA), the Paris
within the organizational structure of the Group Agreement on climate change, the New Urban
of 77, rotates on a regional basis (between Africa, Agenda (NUA), and the Sendai Framework for
Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
is held for one year in all the Chapters. ¾ Poverty Eradication:
z Chapters refer to the regional divisions, Member countries reaffirmed poverty eradication as
currently, Uganda is the chairman, acts as the the greatest global challenge and an indispensable
spokesperson and coordinates the actions of requirement for sustainable development.
the G-77 on behalf of the member countries Stressing the importance of adequate means of
within the African Chapter. implementation, leaders called upon developed
Chapters in G77 are the offices of the group countries to commit to a new phase of international
in different locations where they coordinate cooperation through a strengthened and scaled-
their activities and represent their interests in up global partnership for development.
various UN agencies and international forums. ¾ Strengthening Multilateral Institutions:
The chapters of the G77 are in Geneva The summit stressed the need to strengthen the
(UN), Rome (FAO), Vienna (UNIDO), Paris role of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the
(UNESCO), Nairobi (UNEP) and the Group of Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in dealing
24 in Washington, D.C. (IMF and World Bank). with the reform of the international financial
architecture.
For the year 2024, the Republic of Uganda holds
It was highlighted that the Global Financial System
the Chairmanship of the G-77.
failed to provide a global safety net for developing
¾ South Summit:
countries. Deep reforms were proposed, including
The South Summit is the supreme decision-making
an SDG Stimulus of USD 500 billion annually,
body of the Group of 77. adequate capitalization of MDBs, and expansion
z The First and the Second South Summits were of contingency financing for countries in need.
held in Havana, Cuba, in 2000 and in Doha, Called for meaningful contributions to climate
Qatar, in 2005, respectively. finance, including the delivery of USD 100 billion
Note:
per year and the doubling of adaptation finance

by 2025, encouraging an ambitious new finance
goal at the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference
(UNFCCC COP 29).
¾ Financing Needs and Debt Solutions:
Member countries urged Multilateral Development
Banks (MDBs) to meet the financing needs of all
developing countries, including Low- and Middle-
Income Countries, through concessional finance
and grants.
The leaders called for scaling up debt swaps for the ¾ G-77: In 1964, the Group of 77 (G-77) countries came
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including into existence when they signed a Joint Declaration
swaps for Climate and nature. during the first session of the UN Conference on Trade
and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva.
¾ Urgent Reforms for Inclusion and Equity:
The G-77 is a coalition of developing nations,
Leaders at the summit called for urgent reforms in primarily from the global south, formed to
multilateral organisations to recognize and leverage collectively address economic and development
the significance of the Global South, emphasising issues at the United Nations.
the need for an international financial system ¾ Resurgence of Global South:
rooted in inclusion and equity. Economic Dynamics:
What is Global South? z Economic Imbalances Exposed by Covid-19:

The pandemic amplified existing economic
¾ About: disparities, disproportionately impacting Global
The Global South, often misconceived as a purely South countries due to limited healthcare
geographical concept, encompasses diverse infrastructure, disrupted supply chains, and heavy
countries, drawing upon geopolitical, historical, reliance on sectors vulnerable to lockdowns.
and developmental factors. z Shifts in Trade and Supply Chains: Reevaluations
z While it is not solely defined by location, it of global supply chains post-pandemic and
in context of recent geopolitical conflicts like
broadly represents nations facing developmental
Russia-Ukraine war, opened discussions on
challenges. repositioning production centers, providing an
z Many countries included in the Global South are opportunity for some Global South economies
in the northern hemisphere, such as India, China to restructure and enhance their roles.
and all of those in the northern half of Africa. Geopolitical Realities:
Whereas, Australia and New Zealand, both z The Global South’s collective voice gained traction
in the southern hemisphere, are not in the in international forums like G20, altering power
Global South. dynamics and prompting greater consideration
of their perspectives and interests.
¾ Historical Context:
Environmental and Climate Impact:
Brandt Line: The line was proposed by former
z Vulnerability to Climate Change: The Global
German Chancellor Willy Brandt in the 1980s as
South is disproportionately affected by climate
a visual depiction of the north-south divide based change, driving discussions on climate adaptation,
upon per-capita GDP. resilience-building, and the need for equitable
z This line symbolizes the global economic divide, global climate action.
zigzagging across continents, encompassing z Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development:
parts of Africa, the Middle East, India, and Emphasis on sustainable development
China, excluding Australia and New Zealand. goals, renewable energy investments, and
Note:
environmental conservation initiatives within Agreement (CEPA). The CEPA gains additional
the Global South attracted global attention significance as Bangladesh is set to lose its Least
and support. Developed Country (LDC) status after 2026,
thereby losing its duty-free and quota-free market
access in India.
India-Bangladesh Relations
Bangladesh will be eager to finalize a Free Trade
Why in News? Agreement (FTA) with India, and also pursue the
China-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic
Recently, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Partnership (RCEP). This dual approach raises
Hasina returned to power in Bangladesh for a historic concerns for India.
fourth straight term. India was among the first countries
¾ Infrastructure:
to congratulate, illustrating the close bilateral relationship
between the two countries. Since 2010, India has extended Lines of Credit to
Bangladesh worth over USD 7 billion.
How Have the Ties Between India-Bangladesh India and Bangladesh have successfully resolved
Flourished? long-pending issues, like the Land Boundary
¾ Historical Ties: Agreement (LBA) in 2015 and a maritime dispute
The foundation of India’s relationship with over territorial waters.
Bangladesh was laid in the 1971 Bangladesh India and Bangladesh in 2023 inaugurated
Liberation War. India provided critical military and the Akhaura-Agartala Rail Link that connects
material support to assist Bangladesh in its fight Bangladesh and the northeast through Tripura.
for independence from Pakistan. The link has given India access to Chattogram and
Despite this, relations soured within a few years as Mongla ports in Bangladesh for the movement
military regimes took control. There was a rise in of cargo.
anti-India sentiment in the mid-1970s over issues z It is likely to boost small-scale industries and
ranging from boundary disputes and insurgency
development in Assam and Tripura.
to the sharing of water.
The BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity
The instability continued for a few decades until
focuses on connecting major transport projects in
Sheikh Hasina came to power in 1996 and scripted
India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand, thereby
a new chapter in bilateral ties with a treaty on the
establishing a shipping network.
sharing of Ganga waters.
z India will focus on the Matarbari Port, 100 km
Since then, India and Bangladesh have built
from Tripura, being built by Bangladesh. This port
cooperation in Trade, Energy, Infrastructure,
will create a vital industrial corridor connecting
Connectivity and Defence.
Dhaka and Northeast India.
¾ Economic Cooperation:
¾ Energy:
Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh has
In the energy sector, Bangladesh imports nearly
grown steadily over the last decade.
2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity from India.
Bangladesh has emerged as India’s largest trade
In 2018, Russia, Bangladesh and India signed a
partner in South Asia, with bilateral trade reaching
USD 18 billion in 2021-2022 from USD 10.8 billion memorandum on cooperation in the implementation
in 2020-21, though there was a dip in 2022-23 of the Rooppur Nuclear power plant project,
due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia- Bangladesh’s first nuclear power reactor.
Ukraine War. ¾ Defence Cooperation:
India is also the second biggest trade partner of India and Bangladesh share 4096.7 km of border;
Bangladesh, with exports amounting to USD 2 the longest land boundary that India shares with
billion in Indian markets. any of its neighbors.
In 2022, both nations concluded a joint feasibility z Assam, West Bengal, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and
study on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Tripura share borders with Bangladesh.
Note:
The two also conduct Joint Exercises - Army (Exercise ¾ Drug Smuggling & Trafficking:
Sampriti) and Navy (Exercise Bongo Sagar). There have been many incidences of cross border
¾ Multilateral Cooperation: drug smuggling & trafficking. Humans (especially

India and Bangladesh are also engaged in regional children & women) are trafficked & various animal
cooperation through multilateral forums such as & bird species are poached through these borders.
SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional ¾ Growing Chinese Influence in Bangladesh:
Cooperation), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Multi- At present, Bangladesh is an active partner in
Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) (India is not a
and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). part of BRI).
China’s increasing involvement with Bangladesh
could potentially
19th NAM Summit and India-

Uganda Relations
Why in News?
Recently, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who
hosted the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement
in Kampala, expressed his regret over the expulsion of
Indians by Idi Amin in the 1970s.
¾ He praised the achievements of the Indian diaspora
What are the Points of Tensions Between India in Uganda and lauded India’s role in the global south.
and Bangladesh? What are the Key Highlights of the 19th Summit
¾ Sharing of Transboundary River Waters: of the Non-Aligned Movement?
India and Bangladesh share 54 common rivers, but ¾ The 19th Summit of the NAM was held in Kampala,
only two treaties have been signed so far of Ganga Uganda, with the theme of “Deepening Cooperation
Waters Treaty and The Kushiyara River Treaty. for Shared Global Affluence”.
Uganda has taken over as chair from Azerbaijan,
z The other major rivers, such as the Teesta and
Feni are still under negotiation. to run until 2027.
¾ The summit adopted the Kampala Declaration,
¾ Illegal Migration:
slamming Israeli military aggression and calling for the
The issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh to implementation of the UN Security Council resolution
India, encompassing both refugees and economic to allow humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip.
migrants, continues to be a significant concern. ¾ The External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India led the
This influx strains Indian border states, impacting Indian delegation at the 19th NAM Summit, calling
resources and security. The problem intensified for a sustainable solution to the Gaza crisis. He
with Rohingya refugees entering India through emphasised the need for immediate relief in the
Bangladesh. humanitarian crisis and urged the prevention of the
The National Register of Citizens (NRC), aimed conflict’s spread in the West Asian region.
at curbing such migration, has raised concerns in ¾ The NAM was established in 1961 in Belgrade,
Bangladesh. Yugoslavia, through the initiative of five leaders
of newly independent countries: Josip Broz Tito of
z Bangladesh seeks Indian support in persuading
Yugoslavia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Jawaharlal
Myanmar to take back the Rohingyas who were Nehru of India, Sukarno of Indonesia, and Kwame
forced to take refuge in Bangladesh. Nkrumah of Ghana.
Note:
It was formed during the Cold War as an organisation ¾ The expulsion had a devastating impact on the
of States that did not seek to formally align Ugandan economy, which suffered from a loss of
themselves with either the United States or the skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Soviet Union but sought to remain independent
or neutral. How have been India-Uganda Relations?
At present, the Movement has 120 Member ¾ Political Relations:
States, 17 Observer Countries and 10 Observer India and Uganda share historical relations spanning
organizations. over a century. Indians first came to Uganda at
NAM does not have a permanent secretariat or the beginning of the 20th century.
a formal founding charter, act, or treaty. z India’s freedom struggle inspired the early
The summit usually takes place every three years. Ugandan activists to fight colonization and
What Happened to the Indians in Uganda eventually Uganda achieved freedom in 1962.
under Idi Amin? India established its diplomatic presence in Uganda
in 1965. During the reign of President Amin in the
¾ In August 1972, Idi Amin, the dictator of Uganda,
early 1970s, around 60,000 Indians/PIOs were
ordered the expulsion of Indians and other Asians
expelled. However, After Amin was overthrown
who were living and working in Uganda.
in 1979, the succeeding governments of Uganda
Around 80,000 Indians were forced to leave the
invited the expelled Indians to return and reclaim
country within 90 days, leaving behind their
their properties and citizenship.
properties and businesses.
Note:
¾ Indian Diaspora: that struck two alleged bases of the Jaish al-Adl (JAA),
The Indian community presents the strongest an anti-Iran Baloch militant group, in Pakistan’s
and most durable economic and cultural links Balochistan province.
with Uganda. ¾ Pakistan reacted strongly to the “blatant breach” of
Indian Nationals/PIOs who constitute less than 0.1% its sovereignty and carried out its own cross-border
of Uganda’s population, contribute about 70% of missile strikes on alleged terrorist sanctuaries in Iran.
Uganda’s direct taxes as per statistics of the Bank
¾ The JAA came under the scanner of Indian security
of Uganda and the Uganda Revenue Authority.
agencies following the abduction of an Indian,
‘India Day’, an annual feature, showcases Indian
culture and attracts thousands of visitors. The Kulbhushan Jadhav. The group allegedly traded
event serves to bring together the Indian and Jadhav to Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI).
Ugandan communities.
¾ Defence
India conducts training courses for Uganda’s
defence personnel.
Commercial Relations:
Uganda is a beneficiary of the Duty Free Tariff

Preference (DFTP) Scheme of India for Least
Developed Countries(LDCs).
z Major items of Indian exports to Uganda include
pharmaceutical products, vehicles, plastic, paper
and paperboard, organic chemicals.
z Major commodities of imports from Uganda Who is Jaish al-Adl?
to India are edible vegetables and certain roots ¾ Jaish al-Adl, or the Army of Justice, is a Sunni Militant
and tubers, coffee, tea, mate and spices and group that emerged in 2012. It is primarily composed
cocoa and cocoa preparation.
of members from the ethnic Baluch community,
z A Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement
residing on both sides of the Iran-Pakistan border.
between India and Uganda is in effect since 2004.
¾ The group is considered an offshoot of the Jundullah
A DTAA is a tax treaty signed between two
or more countries. Its key objective is that organisation, which saw its strength diminish after
tax-payers in these countries can avoid being Iran arrested many of its members.
taxed twice for the same income. ¾ Jaish al-Adl’s main objectives include seeking
A DTAA applies in cases where a taxpayer independence for Iran’s eastern Sistan province
resides in one country and earns income and Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province.
in another. These goals, advocating for the rights of the Baluch
¾ Scholarships and Capacity Building Training people, make the group a common target for both
Programmes: the Iranian and Pakistani governments.
The Government of India offers scholarships and
¾ The ethnic Baluch community faces discrimination in
fellowships to Ugandans from the Government both Iran and Pakistan, with concerns about a lack
and private sector to enable them to pursue
of fair distribution of resources and wealth in their
under-graduate, post-graduate and research
courses in India. respective provinces. Baluch separatists and nationalists
demand a more equitable share and often resort to
insurgency as a means of expressing their grievances.
Iran, Pakistan, and the ¾ The group’s presence in Balochistan, particularly in
Baloch Militancy the border regions, has been a source of tension
between Iran and Pakistan.
Why in News? Both countries have a history of suspicion and
Recently, the relationship between Iran and Pakistan accusations regarding each other’s involvement
has taken serious hits over Iranian missiles and drones in supporting militant activities.
Note:
How has been the Relationship Between Tensions escalated after the Taliban massacred
Pakistan and Iran? Persian-speaking Shia Hazaras and Iranian diplomats
in Mazar-i-Sharif in 1998.
¾ Pre-1979 Alliance:
¾ Attempts at Reconciliation:
Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, both
Despite historical tensions, both countries
countries were firmly allied to the United States
made attempts to improve ties. Prime Minister
and had, in 1955, joined the Baghdad Pact, later
Benazir Bhutto expressed regret over tightening
known as the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO),
U.S. sanctions against Iran in 1995, and Pakistan
a military alliance modeled on NATO (North Atlantic imported gas from Iran during her government.
Treaty Organization).
However, relations soured after General Pervez
Iran provided material and weapons support to
Musharraf took power in 1999.
Pakistan during its wars against India in 1965
and 1971. What is the Balochistan Dynamics between
The Shah of Iran expressed concern about the
Iran and Pakistan?
“disintegration” of Pakistan after the Liberation ¾ Geographical and Demographic Context:
of Bangladesh. The Iran-Pakistan border, known as the Goldsmith
¾ Post-1979 Shift: Line, spans approximately 909 kilometres from a
The Islamic Revolution in Iran led to the rise of an tripoint with Afghanistan to the northern Arabian
ultra-conservative Shiite regime under Ayatollah Sea.
Khomeini. This was concurrent with Pakistan’s Roughly 9 million ethnic Baloch people inhabit
own Islamization under military dictator General both sides of the border, residing in the Pakistani
Zia-ul-Haq. province of Balochistan, the Iranian province of
Sistan and Baluchestan, and neighbouring areas
The two countries found themselves on opposite
of Afghanistan.
ends of the sectarian divide.
¾ Shared Baloch Identity:
¾ Geopolitical Differences:
Baloch people share a common cultural, ethnic,
Iran went from being an ally to a sworn enemy of
linguistic, and religious identity that transcends
the United States almost overnight, the Americans
the modern borders imposed on the region.
embraced Pakistan closer.
Despite living in different countries, the Balochs
Since 1979, has been a major reason for the Iranian
maintain strong ties based on historical and
distrust of Pakistan, which increased after 09/11 cultural connections.
as Islamabad extended unqualified support to
¾ Marginalisation and Grievances:
the US “War on Terror”.
The Baloch in both Iran and Pakistan have
Iran’s post-1979 foreign policy, which focused on
experienced marginalization, feeling politically and
exporting the revolution, made its Arab neighbours economically distant from the dominant regimes
nervous. in each country.
z Each of these oil-rich kingdoms was effectively
z In Pakistan, the Baloch face challenges as an
controlled by a small group of families, not ethnic minority within a Punjabi-dominated
unlike the Shah’s regime in pre-revolution political structure.
Iran. Pakistan’s continued strategic ties with
z In Iran, they are not only an ethnic minority
these Arab kingdoms added rough edges to but also a religious minority, with the majority
its relationship with Iran. being Sunni in a predominantly Shia country.
¾ Afghanistan Conflict: ¾ Economic Disparities:
Iran and Pakistan found themselves on opposite
The Baloch homeland is rich in natural resources,
sides in Afghanistan after the Soviet withdrawal. but economic disparities persist. In Iran, a significant
Iran backed the Northern Alliance against the portion of the Baloch population lives under the
Taliban, a group initially supported by Pakistan. poverty line.
Note:
In Pakistan, despite massive investments in projects ¾ Security Concerns:

like China’s Belt and Road Initiative, improvements Escalating tensions may raise security concerns for
in their lives have been limited. neighbouring countries, particularly Afghanistan.
¾ Nationalist Movements: The region is already grappling with security
Baloch nationalism has historical roots dating back
challenges, and heightened tensions could
exacerbate the situation.
to the early 20th century when new international
borders were drawn in the region. ¾ Implications for India:
The tensions may impact India’s relations with
The marginalisation of the Baloch people in both
Iran and Pakistan has fueled separatist movements Iran, especially considering India’s involvement
in projects like the Chabahar port. India may find
seeking a “Greater Balochistan” nation-state.
itself in a delicate diplomatic position, balancing
¾ Insurgency and Cross-Border Movements: its ties with both Iran and the United States.
Baloch insurgents operate on both sides of the Iran-
Pakistan border, attacking military and occasionally What is India’s Stance over the Faceoff
civilian targets. Between Pakistan and Iran?
Insurgents, affiliated with groups like the Baloch ¾ Zero Tolerance Towards Terrorism:
Liberation Army (BLA) and the Baloch Liberation India emphasised its “uncompromising position of
Front (BLF), have been involved in armed struggles zero tolerance towards Terrorism.” This statement
against the respective states. underscores India’s consistent stance against
terrorism, aligning with its long-standing concerns
What are the Implications of Escalating regarding cross-border terrorism emanating from
Tensions Between Pakistan and Iran? Pakistan.
¾ Regional Stability: ¾ Understanding Actions in Self-Defense:
Escalating tensions between Pakistan and Iran India acknowledged and expressed an understanding
could contribute to regional instability, especially of “actions that countries take in their self-defence.”
given the complex geopolitical landscape of the It suggests a recognition of the complex security
Middle East and South Asia. dynamics in the region and a cautious approach
to the actions taken by countries to address their
The relationship between Pakistan and Iran may
security concerns.
further strain, impacting diplomatic, economic,
and cultural ties.
¾ Proxy Dynamics: India-Nepal Power Pact
Both Pakistan and Iran have been accused of
Why in News?
supporting proxies in regional conflicts. Escalations
may heighten proxy dynamics, with each country India and Nepal recently signed a long-term
trying to exert influence in the other’s internal agreement for the export of power. The agreement was
affairs or supporting certain factions in ongoing inked during the 7th meeting of the Nepal-India Joint
Commission, highlighting the strengthening ties between
regional conflicts.
the two nations.
¾ Impact on Balochistan:
Balochistan could witness increased unrest. What are the Key Takeaways From the 7th
The Baloch nationalist movements might gain Meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Commission?
momentum, and there could be repercussions ¾ Power Export Agreement: India and Nepal signed a
for the local populations. bilateral agreement for the export of 10,000 MW of
The situation might draw in other regional actors, power in the next 10 years.
such as India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, ¾ Cross-Border Transmission Lines Inauguration: Three
or Israel, further complicating the geopolitical cross-border transmission lines were jointly inaugurated
landscape and potentially leading to a broader including the 132 kV Raxaul-Parwanipur, 132 kV
regional conflict. Kushaha-Kataiya, and New Nautanwa-Mainahiya lines.
Note:
¾ Renewable Energy Cooperation: A Memorandum zThe India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship
of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the of 1950 forms the bedrock of the special relations
Nepal Electricity Authority and India’s National that exist between India and Nepal.
Thermal Power Corporation Limited for cooperation ¾ Economic Cooperation: India is Nepal’s largest trade
in renewable energy. partner and the largest source of foreign investments,
¾ Agreement for Satellite Service : The Service Agreement besides providing transit for almost the entire third
for Munal Satellite developed by Nepal Academy of country trade of Nepal.
Science and Technology between Nepal Academy of India accounts for about two-third of Nepal’s
Science and Technology and NewSpace India Limited merchandise trade and about one-third of trade
was launched. in services.
This satellite developed by Nepali students shall z Recently, India and Nepal agreed to review
be launched on a gratis basis on an Indian launch the Treaty of Transit and the Treaty of Trade,
rocket. proposed amendments to existing agreements,
strategies for enhancing investment, the
What are the Major Areas of Cooperation
harmonization of standards and the synchronized
Between India and Nepal? development of trade infrastructure.
¾ About: ¾ Defense Cooperation: India has been aiding the
India and Nepal, being immediate neighbors, modernization efforts of the Nepal Army through
enjoy special bonds of friendship and collaboration equipment supply and training provisions.
marked by an open border and strong people-to- The joint military exercise, ‘Surya Kiran,’ at the
people connections rooted in kinship and culture. battalion level, is conducted in both India and
Nepal shares a border of over 1850 km with five Nepal on a rotational basis.In 2023, it was held
Indian states – Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Note:
¾ Cultural Cooperation: Also, India exported about 2200 MUs of electricity

The Embassy of India in Nepal, in collaboration with to Nepal in 2021.
Lumbini Development Trust and Lumbini Buddhist
What are the Major Challenges to India Nepal
University organized the inaugural India-Nepal
Cultural Festival in Lumbini in December 2023. Relations?
z The festival showcased the rich cultural heritage ¾ Boundary Dispute: The boundary dispute has become
and traditions of India and Nepal, with a focus a significant source of tension in recent India-Nepal
on Buddhism. relations, particularly concerning the Kalapani-
¾ Water Sharing: The Koshi Agreement (1954, revised Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh trijunction area in western
in 1966) and Gandak Agreement (1959, revised in Nepal and the Susta area in southern Nepal.
1964) were the initial significant agreements fostering ¾ China’s Rising Footprint: China has provided
India-Nepal cooperation in the water resources sector. financial and technical assistance to Nepal in areas
Another pivotal pact, the Mahakali Treaty (1996), such as infrastructure, industrialization, human
ensures the fair utilization of Mahakali river, waters resources, health, education, and water resources.
for both countries. Rising Nepal and China cooperation can undermine
¾ Connectivity: India is assisting Nepal by upgrading 10 Nepal’s distinction of a buffer state between India
roads in the Terai area, establishing cross-border rail and China.
links at Jogbani-Biratnagar and Jaynagar-Bardibas, and Gorkhas, traditionally in the Indian Army, might
setting up Integrated Check Posts at key locations such join China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) due
as Birgunj, Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj. to concerns over India’s new Agniveer scheme.
nnn
Note:
Social Issues
Highlights
z Delhi High Court Reverses Abortion Approval Order z Cabo Verde Declared A Malaria-Free Country
z Idate Commission Report z Concerns Related to Anganwadi Workers
z Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality
z Status of Adivasi Livelihoods (SAL) Report, 2022
z Multiple Sclerosis
z Multidimensional Poverty Index: NITI Ayog
z Global Surgery
Delhi High Court Reverses ¾ Provisions for Terminating Pregnancy:

Time Since MTP Act, 1971 MTP
Abortion Approval Order Conception (Amendment)
Act, 2021
Why in News?
Up to 12 On the advice On advice of one
Recently, the Delhi High Court has reversed its order
weeks of one doctor doctor
that permitted a 26-year-old woman to terminate her
29-week-old pregnancy. 12 to 20 On advice of On advice of one
weeks two doctors doctor
¾ The court, now advocating for the unborn child’s right
to life, has directed the woman to undergo delivery 20 to 24 Not allowed On advice of two
at either AIIMS or any central or state hospital. weeks doctors for
special
What is the Status of Medical Termination of categories of
Pregnancy in India? pregnant women
¾ Background: In the 1960s, in the wake of a high More than 24 Not allowed On advice of
number of induced abortions taking place, the Union weeks medical board in
government ordered the constitution of the Shantilal case of
Shah Committee to deliberate on the legalisation of substantial fetal
abortion in the country abnormality
Resulting from its recommendations, the Medical Any time On advice of On advice of one
Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971 was during the one doctor, if doctor, if
enacted, permitting safe and legal abortions to pregnancy immediately immediately
necessary to necessary to
protect women’s health and decrease maternal
save pregnant save pregnant
mortality.
woman's life woman's life
¾ MTP Act and Subsequent Amendment:
The MTP Act, 1971 permits licensed medical
professionals to perform safe and legal abortions Note: Under MTP Amendment Act 2021, special
in specific predetermined situations (as provided categories of women, includes survivors of rape, victims
under the legislation), to protect women’s health of incest and other vulnerable women like differently
and decrease maternal mortality. abled and minors.
z It underwent subsequent amendments through ¾ Other Key Features of MTP Amendment Act 2021:
the MTP Amendment Act, 2021. Termination Due to Failure of Contraceptive
Note:
Method or Device: The MTP Act permitted married z A significant development occurred in 2022
women to terminate pregnancies up to 20 weeks when the U.S. Supreme Court eliminated the
in case of contraceptive method or device failure. constitutional right to abortion (Roe v. Wade
z The MTP Amendment Act extended the case).
allowance to unmarried women as well.
Medical Boards: The board will assess pregnancies
beyond 24 weeks for substantial foetal abnormalities.
z It should comprise specialists like gynaecologists,
paediatricians, and radiologists, and will be
established by all state and union territory
¾ Zygote: The initial cell formed by the fusion of sperm
governments.
and egg during fertilisation.
Privacy Measures: A registered medical practitioner ¾ Embryo: Early stage of development, from the
can only disclose details of a terminated pregnancy moment of fertilisation until about the 8th week
to individuals authorised by law. Violation carries of pregnancy.
penalties of imprisonment up to a year, fines, ¾ Fetus: The later stage of prenatal development,
or both. starting from the ninth week until birth, characterised
¾ Constitutional Stance: by the development of organs and systems.
Although the Constitution does not explicitly
mention the right to abortion, certain fundamental Idate Commission Report
rights have been associated with reproductive
rights and women’s healthcare. Why in News?
z Article 21 - Right to Life and Personal Liberty: Recently, the National Human Rights Commission
The Supreme Court interprets this broadly (NHRC) emphasised the importance of executing the
to encompass reproductive autonomy and recommendations of the Idate Commission report, to
healthcare (Suchita Srivastava vs. Chandigarh address the concerns of Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic, and
Administration case, 2009) De-Notified Tribes (NTs, SNTs, and DNTs) in India.
Also, recently the Supreme Court observed ¾ The NHRC urged the government to repeal the Habitual
that the rights of an unborn child must be Offenders Act, 1952, or appoint a representative from
balanced with a woman’s reproductive right. the De-notified Tribe community along with nodal
Note: The fetus’s moral status, legal standing, and officers as mandated by the Act.
constitutional rights still remain a grey area in India. Additionally, it recommended excluding DNTs/
However, section 20 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, NTs/SNTs from SC/ST/OBC categories and creating
protects the fetus’s life from conception. tailored policies for them.
¾ Global Trends: What were the Major Recommendations of the
¾ Worldwide, there is a noticeable trend toward the Idate Commission?
liberalisation of abortion laws and improved accessibility ¾ About:
to abortion services.
It was established in 2014 under the leadership
¾ Since the early 1990s, approximately 60 countries of Bhiku Ramji Idate, to compile a statewide
globally have relaxed abortion laws, broadening the catalogue of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-
legal grounds for abortion. Nomadic Tribes (DNTs).
¾ Notably, only four countries: the United States, El Another mandate was to recognize those excluded
Salvador, Nicaragua, and Poland, have tightened from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST)
abortion laws during this period by removing legal and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories and
grounds for the procedure. recommend welfare measures for their well-being.
Note:
¾ Recommendations: Ananthasayanam Ayyangar Committee, 1949.
Assign individuals not identified in the SCs/STs/ z Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 was repealed based
OBCs list to the OBC category. on the recommendation of this committee.
Enhance legal and constitutional safeguards by Kaka Kalelkar Commission (also called first OBC
incorporating a third schedule into the Scheduled Commission), 1953.
Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of The B P Mandal Commission, 1980.
Atrocities) Act, 1989 to prevent atrocities and restore
z The commission also made some
the feeling of security amongst the members of
recommendations related to the issue of NTs,
the community.
SNTs, and DNTs Communities.
Create a permanent commission with legal
The National Commission to Review the Working
standing for the DNTs, SNTs, and NTs.
of the Constitution (NCRWC), 2002 held that DNTs
Form a distinct department to address the have been wrongly stigmatised as crime prone
welfare of these communities in states with and subjected to high handed treatment as well
significant populations. as exploitation by the representatives of law and
Undertake a thorough survey of DNT order and general society.
families to determine their estimated numbers ¾ Distribution:
and distribution.
In India, roughly 10% of the population is composed
Who are Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi- of NTs, SNTs, and DNTs Communities.
Nomadic Tribes? While the number of Denotified Tribes is about
¾ About: 150, the population of Nomadic Tribes consists of
They are also known as ‘Vimukt Jatis. These
about 500 different communities.
communities are among the most vulnerable and z It has been estimated that South Asia has the
disadvantaged. world’s largest nomadic population.
De-notified communities, once labelled as ‘born
What are the Challenges Faced by Nomadic
criminals’ during British rule under laws like the
Tribes?
Criminal Tribes Act, 1871.
z They were officially de-notified by the Indian
¾ Lack of Basic Infrastructure Facilities: Communities
Government in 1952. lack essential facilities such as access to drinking water,
A few of these communities which were listed as
shelter, and sanitation, which deprives them of basic
de-notified were also nomadic. amenities. Additionally, healthcare and education
services are unavailable to them.
z Nomadic and semi-nomadic communities are
defined as those who move from one place ¾ Lack of Social Security Cover: Due to their frequent
to another rather than living in one place all mobility, these individuals lack a permanent settlement,
the time. leading to an absence of social security coverage and
Historically, Nomadic Tribes and De-notified Tribes
exclusion from government welfare schemes that
never had access to private land or home ownership. require documents like Ration Cards, Aadhar Cards
While most DNTs are spread across the Scheduled
and caste certificates.
Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other ¾ Bad Treatment by Local Administration: Due to the
Backward Classes (OBC) categories, some DNTs are stigma of being labelled as criminals in the past, they
not covered in any of the SC, ST or OBC categories. continue to be treated as such and subjected to torture
¾ Major Committees/Commissions for NTs, SNTs, and by the local administration and police.
DNTs Communities: ¾ Ambiguous Caste Categorisation: The classification of
The Criminal Tribes Inquiry Committee, 1947 castes is ambiguous for these communities, as they
constituted in the United Provinces (now Uttar are categorized as Scheduled Castes (SC) in certain
Pradesh). states and as Other Backward Classes (OBC) in others.
Note:
What Developmental Efforts have been Taken Established in conformity with the Paris Principles,
for these Tribes? adopted for promoting and protecting human
¾ Dr Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship rights.
for DNTs: ¾ Composition:
The Commission consists of a chairperson, five
This Centrally Sponsored Scheme was launched
in 2014-15 for the welfare of those DNT students full-time Members and seven deemed Members.
who are not covered under SC, ST or OBC. Chairman is a former Chief Justice of India or a
Supreme Court judge.
The scheme of Pre-matric Scholarships for DNT
students is helpful in spreading education amongst ¾ Appointment and Tenure:
DNT children, especially the girl child. Chairman and members appointed by the
¾ Nanaji Deshmukh Scheme of Construction of Hostels President on the recommendations of a six-

member committee.
for DNT Boys and Girls:
The committee consists of the Prime Minister, the
This Centrally Sponsored Scheme, launched in 2014-
Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Deputy Chairman
15, is implemented through State Governments/
of the Rajya Sabha, leaders of the Opposition
UT Administrations/Central Universities.
in both Houses of Parliament, and the Union
The goal of the program is to offer hostel Home Minister.
accommodations to DNT students who do not fall Chairman and members hold office for a term
under the categories of SC, ST, or OBC. of three years or until they reach the age of 70.
z This support is intended to facilitate their pursuit ¾ Role and Function:
of higher education. Possesses powers of a civil court with judicial
¾ Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs: proceedings.
It aims to provide free competitive exam coaching, Empowered to utilise services of central or state
health insurance, housing assistance, and livelihood government officers or investigation agencies for
initiatives. investigating human rights violations.
It ensures expenditure of Rs. 200 crores to be spent Can investigate matters within one year of their
over five years beginning 2021-22. occurrence.

The DWBDNCs (Development and Welfare Functions are primarily recommendatory in
Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi- nature.

Nomadic Communities) has been tasked with the
implementation of this scheme. Alliance for Global Good-
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Gender Equity and Equality
¾ About:
Ensures protection of rights related to life, Why in News?
liberty, equality, dignity of individuals and India established the “Global Alliance for Global Good
rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution - Gender Equity and Equality” at the 54th annual World
and international covenants enforceable by Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, gaining full support
Indian courts. from WEF for promoting women’s empowerment and
¾ Establishment: gender equality.
Established on October 12, 1993, under the What are the Key Highlights of the Alliance for
Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality?
Amended by the Protection of Human Rights
¾ The alliance is a response to the G20 Summit 2023
(Amendment) Act, 2006, and Human Rights Leaders’ Declaration and India’s commitment to
(Amendment) Act, 2019. women-led development.
Note:
It seeks to build on the initiatives of the Engagement ¾ The WEF is best known for its annual meeting at
Group and frameworks like Business 20, Women Davos, Switzerland. The event attracts political
20, and G20 EMPOWER.
and business leaders from around the world for
z The G20 Alliance for the Empowerment discussions about global issues.
and Progression of Women’s Economic
¾ Major Reports:
Representation (G20 EMPOWER) is an initiative
that aims to increase women’s leadership and Global Competitiveness Report , Global Gender
empowerment in the private sector. Gap Report, Energy Transition Index, Global
Risk Report, Global Travel and Tourism Report.
¾ The primary objective of this new Alliance is to bring
together global best practices, knowledge sharing
and investments in the identified areas of women’s Multiple Sclerosis
health, education, and enterprise.
¾ Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Why in News?
the alliance will be housed and anchored by the ¾ Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) obtained from the
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Centre for bones and teeth of ancient Europeans who lived up
Women Leadership. to 34,000 years ago provides insight into the origin
of the often-disabling neurological disease Multiple
CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-
Sclerosis.
led and industry-managed organisation that works
The findings stemmed from research involving
to create and sustain an environment conducive
ancient DNA sequenced from 1,664 people from
to the development of India. various sites across Western Europe and Asia.
¾ The WEF has come on board as a ‘Network Partner’
and Invest India as an ‘Institutional Partner’.
What are the Key Observations?
Invest India is a national Investment Promotion ¾ These ancient genomes were then compared with
modern DNA from the UK Biobank, comprising about
& Facilitation Agency. It was set up in 2009 as a
410,000 self-identified “white-British” people, and
non-profit venture under the Department for more than 24,000 others born outside the United
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry Kingdom.
of Commerce and Industry. ¾ One striking discovery related to Multiple Sclerosis,
¾ The alliance aims to champion women-led development, a chronic disease of the brain and spinal cord that is
leveraging India’s spectacular inclusive growth story considered an autoimmune disorder.
and its philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and ¾ The researchers identified a pivotal migration event
Sabka Prayas” (Together with all, Development for about 5,000 years ago at the start of the Bronze Age
all and Effort for all). when livestock herders called the Yamnaya people
moved into Western Europe from an area that includes
World Economic Forum modern Ukraine and southern Russia.
¾ The World Economic Forum is the International ¾ They carried genetic traits that at the time were
Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. beneficial, and protective against infections that could
The Forum engages the foremost political, arise from their sheep and cattle.
business, cultural and other leaders of society ¾ As sanitary conditions improved over the millennia,
to shape global, regional and industry agendas. these same variants increased Multiple Sclerosis risk.
¾ The WEF was founded on 24th January, 1971 by What is Multiple Sclerosis?
German engineer Klaus Schwab. headquartered ¾ About:
in Geneva. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune
He introduced the concept of “stakeholder disease, a condition in which the body attacks
itself by mistake. It affects the central nervous
capitalism.”
system (CNS).
Note:
In MS, the immune system attacks and damages

z ¾ James Watson and Francis Crick discovered that DNA
the myelin sheath, a protective covering that is a double-helix polymer in 1953.
surrounds the nerve fibres in the brain and ¾ It is essential for the transfer of the genetic characteristic
spinal cord, causing a range of symptoms. of the living being from one generation to the other
¾ Symptoms: generation.
Muscle weakness and Numbness ¾ The majority of DNA is found in the cell nucleus so
A person may have difficulty emptying their bladder it is called nuclear DNA.
or need to urinate frequently or suddenly
Bowel problems, Fatigue, Dizziness, and damaged
nerve fibers in the spinal cord.
Since symptoms are common, people don’t often
recognise the disease early and often it takes
many years for someone to be diagnosed, as it is
impossible to determine a specific cause or trigger.
¾ Causes:
The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but it
could be a combination of:
z Genetic factors may pass down in the genes
z Smoking and Stress
z Vitamin D and B12 deficiency
Global Surgery
Why in News?
Global surgery is the neglected stepchild in global
health. The neglect is more shocking in South Asia which
has the largest population globally lacking access to
essential surgery.
What is Global Surgery?
¾ About:
Global surgery focuses on Equitable Access
to Emergency and essential surgery. While it
predominantly focuses on Low- and Middle-
Income Countries (LMICs), it also prioritises
access disparities and under-served populations
What is Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)? in high-income countries (HICs).
¾ Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is an organic molecule These “surgeries” include essential and emergency
with a complex molecular structure. surgeries such as surgery, obstetrics, trauma, and
anaesthesia (SOTA).
DNA molecule’s strands are made up of a long
¾ History:
chain of monomer nucleotides. It is arranged in
In 2015, often referred to as the “Annus Mirabilis”
a double helix structure. or miracle year for global surgery, key developments
Note:
transformed the field. The Disease Control Priorities The annual loss in societal welfare is estimated
Network (DCPN) report sponsored by the World to be about USD 14.5 trillion for 175 countries.
Bank (WB) highlighted the cost-effectiveness of South Asia contributes about 7% to the global
essential surgery and the significant disease burden lost welfare.
that could be addressed surgically. ¾ Limited Representation in International Health
The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery (LCoGS) Reports:
played a crucial role by assessing global surgical Surgery contributes to less than 1% of indicators
care access, defining indicators for readiness, and mentioned in major international health reports
proposing strategies like the National Surgical, by organizations such as the World Bank, WHO,
Obstetrics, and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP). and UNICEF.
This laid the groundwork for the World Health This lack of representation may result in reduced
Organization (WHO) Declaration on Safe Surgery prioritization in global health initiatives and
(WHO Resolution 68.15), emphasizing the essential resource allocation.
role of surgical systems in achieving Universal ¾ Neglect in National Policy Making:
Health Coverage. National Health Strategic Plans from various
What are the Challenges and Disparity in countries, such as those in Africa and India, often
exhibit limited attention to surgery. Some plans
Global Surgery? do not mention surgery or surgical conditions at
¾ Inaccessibility: all, while others mention them only sparingly.
As per the LCoGS, over 70% of the global population, This lack of emphasis in national policies may
or five billion people, lack timely access to safe and hinder the development of comprehensive
affordable surgical care when needed. healthcare systems.
In Low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs), ¾ Research Disparities:
99% and 96% of the population, respectively, face A significant disparity exists in research attention
access gaps, compared to 24% in high-income and funding between global surgery and broader
countries (HICs). global health topics.
Particularly in South Asia, over 98% of the population The limited number of ‘global surgery’ titles in
lacks access to safe and affordable surgical care. databases like PubMed compared to ‘global health’
¾ Disease Burden: titles highlights the gap in research focus.
This disparity may hinder the generation of
Surgically treatable conditions led to around 17
million deaths in 2010, surpassing the combined evidence-based practices in surgical care
mortality burden of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency ¾ Interconnected Challenges:
Virus)/AIDS (Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Neglect in one aspect, such as policy or research,
Syndrome), Tuberculosis, and Malaria. can perpetuate neglect in other areas, creating a
Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have
cycle of under prioritization.
over 77 million surgically avertable Disability- The lack of representation in international reports
Adjusted Life-Years (DALY), constituting 3.5% of may influence national policies, which, in turn,
the total disease burden in these countries. affects research funding and attention.
z South Asia has a higher DALY rate than the LMIC What are the Government Initiatives Related to
average, contributing significantly to surgically Healthcare and Surgery?
avertable burdens in neonatal and maternal ¾ National Health Mission
diseases, congenital anomalies, digestive
¾ Ayushman Bharat
conditions, and injuries.
¾ Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
¾ Economic Burden:
¾ National Medical Commission
The absence of scaling up surgical care is projected
¾ PM National Dialysis Programme
to result in a cumulative loss of USD 20.7 trillion
(in purchasing power parity terms) to global GDP ¾ Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
across 128 countries by 2030. ¾ Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
Note:
South East Asian Region: Maldives (2015) and Sri

Cabo Verde Declared A Lanka (2016) are certified malaria-free by WHO.
Malaria-Free Country z India is not certified as Malaria free.
What is Malaria?
Why in News?
¾ Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito borne blood
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has disease caused by plasmodium parasites.
declared Cabo Verde as a Malaria-free country. There are 5 Plasmodium parasite species that
¾ Cabo Verde now joins Mauritius and Algeria as the cause malaria in humans and 2 of these species – P.
third country in the WHO African region to be certified falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat.
as malaria-free. ¾ Malaria is predominantly found in the tropical and
What is the Malaria Elimination Certification subtropical areas of Africa, South America as well
Process? as Asia.
¾ Malaria is spread by the bite of an infected female
¾ About:
Anopheles mosquito.
WHO certifies a country as malaria-free when
The mosquito becomes infected after biting an
it demonstrates the interruption of nationwide
infected person. The malaria parasites then enter
malaria transmission for at least 3 consecutive
the bloodstream of the next person the mosquito
years and has a fully functional surveillance and
bites. The parasites travel to the liver, mature, and
response system preventing re-establishment of
then infect red blood cells.
indigenous transmission.
¾ Symptoms of malaria include fever and flu-like illness,
¾ Global Status:
including shaking chills, headache, muscle aches,
Till now, WHO has awarded the ‘malaria-free’
and tiredness. Notably, malaria is both preventable
certification to 43 countries and 1 territory.
and curable.
What are the Initiatives Related to Malaria?

¾ Global:
WHO’s Global Malaria Program(GMP)
E-2025 Initiative
¾ India:
National Framework for Malaria Elimination 2016-2030
National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme
National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP)
High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) Initiative
Malaria Elimination Research Alliance-India (MERA-India)
What are the Key Facts About Cabo Verde?

¾ Geographical Location:
Cabo Verde, also known as Cape Verde, is a group of islands
situated off the west coast of Africa.
It is located near Senegal and is the closest point to the African continent.
¾ Archipelago Structure:
The country is composed of ten islands and five islets.
These are divided into two main groups: the windward islands (Barlavento) and the leeward islands (Sotavento).
¾ Population:
The majority of the population in Cabo Verde is of mixed European and African descent.
Note:
People of this mixed heritage are often referred to as “mestiço” or “Crioulo.”
¾ Capital:
The capital city of Cabo Verde is Praia.
¾ Languages:
Portuguese is the official language.
Cape Verdean Creole, or simply Creole, is also widely spoken and is considered a significant part of the cultural
identity.
Concerns Related to pregnant women and lactating mothers through the

platform of Anganwadi Centres across the country.
Anganwadi Workers z Three of the services viz. Immunization, Health
Check-up and Referral Services are related to
Why in News?
health and are provided through National Rural
Anganwadi workers in Andhra Pradesh are on strike Health Mission & Public Health Infrastructure.
demanding better wages and benefits. The State
¾ Tracking of Anganwadi Services: ICT platform Poshan
government has invoked the Essential Services and
Maintenance Act (ESMA), 1971, against protesting tracker has been designed to capture real-time data
Anganwadi workers and helpers. on implementation and monitoring of Anganwadi
Services across the country.
¾ The order prohibits strikes by them for six months in
the State, citing the impact of their ongoing indefinite It provides a 360 - degree view of the activities of
strike on the Integrated Child Development Services the Anganwadi Centre (AWC), service deliveries
(ICDS) at Anganwadi Centres. of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and complete
beneficiary management.
What are the Anganwadi Services and Role of
Anganwadi Workers? ¾ Major Roles and Responsibilities of AWWs:
Community Outreach and Mobilization:
¾ ICDS Scheme and Anganwadi:
The ICDS scheme was launched in India on 2th
z Registering Beneficiaries: Identifying and
October 1975. It was renamed as Anganwadi registering pregnant women, lactating mothers,
Services and the services are now offered as part and children under six years old who are eligible
of the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. for ICDS services.
z It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented z Mobilizing Communities: Encouraging
by the States/UTs providing early childhood community participation in Anganwadi activities,
care and development of the beneficiaries i.e raising awareness about ICDS programs, and
children in the age group of 0-6 years, pregnant promoting healthy behaviors.
women and lactating mothers through a large Childcare and Early Childhood Education:
network of Anganwadi workers (AWW) and
Helpers (AWH). z Managing Anganwadi Centers: Ensuring the
cleanliness and hygiene of the center, maintaining
¾ Services Provided by Anganwadi:
records, and preparing teaching materials.
z Providing Pre-school Education: Conducting
age-appropriate play activities, storytelling
sessions, and basic learning activities to prepare
children for formal schooling.
z Monitoring Growth and Development: Regularly
measuring children’s height and weight,
It has been provided to all eligible beneficiaries, identifying any developmental delays, and
namely, children in the age group of 0-6 years, referring them for further interventions if needed.
Note:
z Counseling Parents: Providing guidance on ¾ Lack of Proper Training and Resources: While
childcare practices, child nutrition, and healthy Anganwadi workers undergo initial training, it often
habits. falls short of adequately equipping them to handle
Health and Nutrition: the complex tasks they face daily.
Additionally, Anganwadi centres frequently lack
z Distributing Supplementary Nutrition: Providing
essential resources like proper infrastructure,
hot cooked meals, take-home rations, and
teaching materials, and medicines, further
nutritional supplements to address malnutrition,
hindering their ability to function effectively.
especially among pregnant and lactating mothers
¾ Lack of Social Recognition and Respect: Anganwadi
and children under six years old.
workers often face societal stigma and a lack of
z Conducting Health Check-ups: Monitoring recognition for their valuable contribution to the
children’s health for common illnesses, community. This lack of respect can negatively impact
conducting basic health checkups, and referring their morale and motivation.
them to health facilities if needed.
Also, to guide Accredited Social Health
Status of Adivasi Livelihoods
Activists (ASHA) engaged under National
Rural Health Mission in the delivery of health (SAL) Report, 2022
care services.
Why in News?
z Immunization: Assisting healthcare personnel in
organizing and facilitating immunization drives Recently, a report Status of Adivasi Livelihoods (SAL)
for children, ensuring timely vaccinations. Report, 2022, released by the non-profit organization
PRADAN highlights that Food subsidy through Public
z Raising Awareness: Educating mothers and
Distribution System (PDS) has reduced the stress that
communities about health, hygiene, sanitation,
Adivasi households would have faced due to lower income.
and healthy child development practices.
¾ The aim of this report is to understand the status of
What are the Major Challenges Encountered by livelihoods of Scheduled Tribes from India’s central belt.
AWWs? What are the Key Highlights of the Report?
¾ Meagre Remuneration: They are not recognised ¾ The SAL Report, 2022 is based on a household survey
government employees and the monthly honorarium covering a sample of 6,019 households.
for Anganwadi workers is significantly lower than the The report revealed that the average annual income
minimum wage in many states, often falling between for Adivasi households in Madhya Pradesh and in
Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 10,000. Chhattisgarh is much less than the national average
This makes it difficult for them to meet their basic annual income per agricultural household during
needs and discourages them from dedicating their the agricultural year 2018-19.
full attention to their work. ¾ In Chhattisgarh, the food and other items consumed
Delays in receiving their honorarium are also
by an Adivasi household in a year have a market price
of almost Rs 18,000.
common, adding to their financial insecurity and
Only around 13% of this amount is spent by
hardship.
households to procure those goods. The remaining
¾ Overburdened with work and responsibilities:
87% of the amount is the subsidy given by the
Anganwadi workers are entrusted with a multitude government.
of tasks. Also, State governments often assign them
¾ An Adivasi household in Madhya Pradesh procures
additional work like Covid-19 related duties, Census goods from PDS worth Rs 10,000 market price annually,
duties or implementation of govt schemes like spending only 22% of the amount to procure them.
Ayushman Bharat without any additional monetary
¾ In Madhya Pradesh, 32% of Adivasi households, 27%
benefits. of non-Adivasi households, and 61% of Particularly
This extensive workload often leads to burnout and Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) households reported
hinders the quality of services they can provide. being severely food insecure.
Note:
¾ In Chhattisgarh, 27% of Adivasi households, 42% of ¾ Gender discrimination remains alive in decision-making
non-Adivasi households, and 29% of PVTG households practices and also customary practices.
reported being severely food insecure.
Who are the Bhil Tribes?
¾ The areas of Madhya Pradesh’s west, dominated by
the Bhil community (which overlaps into neighbouring ¾ The Bhil are one of the largest tribal groups, living in
Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra), had the highest Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,
average household income among both Adivasi and Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
non-Adivasi households. ¾ The name is derived from the word ‘billu’, which
It was 1.5 times higher than other regions of the
means bow.
state. ¾ The Bhil are known to be excellent archers coupled
¾ Adivasi women enjoy more autonomy than their with deep knowledge about their local geography.
non-Adivasi counterparts. But the workload of doing ¾ Traditionally, experts in guerrilla warfare, most of
household chores and livelihood activities is mostly them today are farmers and agricultural labourers.
borne by Adivasi women. They are also skilled sculptors.
Note:
Who are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?

¾ PVTGs are more vulnerable among the tribal groups. Due to this factor, more developed and assertive tribal groups
take a major chunk of the tribal development funds because of which PVTGs need more funds directed for their
development.
¾ In 1973, the Dhebar Commission created Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) as a separate category, which are less
developed among the tribal groups. In 2006, the Government of India renamed the PTGs as PVTGs.
¾ In this context, in 1975, the Government of India initiated to identify the most vulnerable tribal groups as a separate
category called PVTGs and declared 52 such groups, while in 1993 an additional 23 groups were added to the
category, making it a total of 75 PVTGs out of 705 Scheduled Tribes.
Among the 75 listed PVTG’s the highest number are found in Odisha.
Multidimensional Poverty Index: NITI Ayog

Why in News?
Recently, the NITI Aayog has released a Discussion Paper titled-‘Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-
06’, stating that 24.82 crore people escaped Multidimensional Poverty in the last nine years.
¾ The discussion paper utilizes data from National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) conducted in 2005-06, 2015-16,
and 2019-21 to understand long-term poverty trends.
What is the National Multidimensional Poverty Index?
¾ The National Multidimensional Poverty measures simultaneous deprivations across three equally weighted
dimensions of Health, Education, and Standard of Living that are represented by 12 Sustainable Development
Goals-aligned indicators.
¾ These include Nutrition, Child and Adolescent mortality, Maternal Health, Years of schooling, School Attendance,
Cooking fuel, Sanitation, Drinking water, Electricity, Housing, Assets, and Bank Accounts.
¾ MPI’s global methodology is based on the robust Alkire and Foster (AF) method that identifies people as poor based
on universally acknowledged metrics designed to assess acute poverty, providing a complementary perspective
to conventional monetary poverty measures.
However, the National MPI covers 12 indicators while global MPI covers 10 indicators.
Global MPI Indicators National MPI Indicators
Note:
What are the Key Highlights of the Multidimensional Poverty Index in India Since 2005-2006?
¾ Overall Decline in Multidimensional Poverty:
India has experienced a significant reduction in multidimensional poverty from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28%
in 2022-23, marking a decrease of 17.89% points.
Approximately 24.82 crore people have escaped multidimensional poverty in the last nine years (2013-14 to
2022-23). This positive change is attributed to various initiatives by the government.
¾ State-wise Decline:
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have recorded the sharpest decline in the number of
people classified as poor based on the MPI.
z Uttar Pradesh saw the largest decline with 5.94 crore people escaping multidimensional poverty, followed
by Bihar at 3.77 crore, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
¾ Improvement in All Indicators:

All 12 indicators of the MPI have shown significant improvement, reflecting progress in Health, Education, and
Standard of Living dimensions.
¾ Severity of Deprivation:
The Severity of Deprivation (SoD) declined at a slightly lower rate between 2015-16 and 2019-21 compared
to 2005-06 and 2013-14.
z SoD measures deprivations the average multidimensionally poor person suffers from.
At the same time, reduction of deprivation was faster after 2015-16 in terms of reduction in share of MPI poor
out of total population compared to the decade before, owing to a lesser number of years.
z In 2005-06, the share of MPI poor in India’s total population was 55.34%.
Note:
¾ SDG Target Achievement: pivotal roles in financial inclusion and providing

India is likely to achieve Sustainable Development safe housing for the underprivileged.
Goals (SDG) Target 1.2, which aims to reduce “at What is NITI Aayog?
least by half the proportion of men, women,
¾ About:
and children of all ages living in poverty in all its
dimensions according to national definitions” well The Planning Commission was replaced by a new
before 2030. institution – NITI Aayog on 1st January, 2015
Indicators related to the standard of living dimension with emphasis on ‘Bottom –Up’ approach to
showed significant improvements, such as reduced envisage the vision of Maximum Governance,
deprivation in cooking fuel, sanitation facilities, Minimum Government, echoing the spirit of
and access to bank accounts. ‘Cooperative Federalism’.
¾ Drivers Helped in Declining MPI: It has two Hubs,
Initiatives like Poshan Abhiyan and Anemia
z Team India Hub acts as an interface between
Mukt Bharat have significantly enhanced access
States and Centre.
to healthcare facilities, leading to a substantial
decrease in deprivation. z Knowledge and Innovation Hub builds the
Operating one of the world’s largest Food Security
think-tank acumen of NITI Aayog.
programs, the Targeted Public Distribution System ¾ Initiatives:
under the National Food Security Act covers 81.35 SDG India Index
crore beneficiaries, providing food grains to rural
Composite Water Management Index
and urban populations.
Recent decisions, such as extending free food grain
Atal Innovation Mission
distribution under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan SATH Project.
Anna Yojana for another five years, exemplify Aspirational District Programme
Government’s commitment.
School Education Quality Index
Various programs addressing maternal health, clean
District Hospital Index
cooking fuel distribution through Ujjwala Yojana,
improved electricity coverage via Saubhagya, and Health Index
transformative campaigns like Swachh Bharat Agriculture Marketing And Farmer Friendly
Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission have collectively reform Index
elevated living conditions and overall well-being
India Innovation Index
of people.
Additionally, flagship programs like Pradhan Mantri
Women Transforming India Awards
Jan Dhan Yojana and PM Awas Yojana have played Good Governance Index
nnn
Note:
Science & Technology
Highlights
z Mosquitofish z Growing Concern of Childhood Cancers in India
z Weather Monitoring by IMD z Distress Alert Transmitter For Fishermen
z Pulsar Glitches z Finalising Implementation Strategy of NQM
z Demand for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems z Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Cerebellum
Mosquitofish ¾ Introduction of Mosquitofish in India:

Gambusia was first introduced in India in 1928
Why in News? during British rule, as a way to combat rapid

mosquito spread.
Recently, various regions in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha,
Subsequently, government bodies and private
and Punjab have witnessed the release of mosquitofish
organizations in India collectively joined efforts
into local water bodies as a measure to combat the
to combat malaria through this method.
increasing mosquito menace.
z The initial idea was for the fish to control
¾ However, a recent study highlights unexpected issues
mosquito larvae, but the strategy backfired,
with this approach, bringing attention to potential resulting in their transformation into invasive
drawbacks in the biological control method. alien species.
What is the Mosquitofish Approach and its
Related Consequences? ¾ Negative Impacts of Mosquitofish:
Invasive Nature: Their adaptability and high
¾ Background- Rise of Mosquito-borne Diseases:
tolerance to fluctuating environmental conditions
Global climate and habitat changes in the last
contribute to their extensive dispersion, making
century have heightened the prevalence of
them highly invasive.
mosquito-borne diseases, impacting over 500
z Mosquitofish are now considered among the
million people in 150+ countries.
hundred most detrimental invasive alien species.
In India, approximately 40 million individuals
Disruption of Native Fish Communities: They are
annually suffer from these diseases, posing a
aggressive feeders, consuming not only mosquito
persistent public health challenge for decades.
larvae but also eggs of native fish species.
¾ The Mosquitofish Approach:
z This can lead to the extinction of local species,
Mosquitofish, native to fresh waters of the
particularly smaller, less competitive fishes.
southeastern United States, are known for their
Loss of Unique Species: Their introduction can
appetite for mosquito larvae.
threaten the existence of endemic and ecologically
z They can consume up to 250 larvae per day,
important fish species, potentially leading to a loss
making them a potential weapon against of biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
mosquito populations.
z Reports indicate a decline in Microhyla tadpoles
Two species of mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis
(rice frogs or narrow-mouthed frogs) following
and Gambusia holbrooki, were considered the introduction of Gambusia in India.
environmentally friendly and sustainable.
¾ Related Significant Steps:
z Yet, the unintended result was the worldwide
The World Health Organization stopped
dissemination of these fish from the U.S., causing recommending Gambusia as a mosquito control
ecological disturbances. agent in 1982.
Note:
In 2018, the National Biodiversity Authority of the Proper drainage systems can prevent stagnant
Government of India designated G. affinis and G. water accumulation, a major breeding source
holbrooki as invasive alien species. for mosquitoes.
Genetic Engineering Methods for Mosquito Control Providing communities with clean water storage
¾ Gene Drive Technology, pioneered by Austin Burt solutions can reduce dependence on open
in 2003, aims to control mosquito populations by containers, which attract mosquitoes.
altering their inheritance of specific genes. ¾ Integrated Vector Management (IVM): Implement
This technique employs proteins to modify
a comprehensive approach that combines various
mosquito DNA, disrupting their ability to spread strategies such as biological control, insecticide
diseases like malaria. use, and environmental management to address
mosquito-related challenges by accelerating the
¾ The genetically modified OX5034 mosquito,
implementation of the National Vector Borne Disease
authorized by the US Environmental Protection
Control Programme.
Agency, was released in 2020. It is developed with
a gene sensitive to an antibiotic, tetracycline. ¾ Community Engagement and Education: Foster
public awareness and involvement in mosquito
It carries a self-limiting gene that prevents
control through educational campaigns, emphasizing
female offspring from surviving, leading to a
reduction in mosquito populations. preventive measures, and encouraging community
participation.
What are the Major Challenges Related to
Mosquito and Related Disease Control?
Weather Monitoring by IMD
¾ Challenges in Mosquito Control:
Complex Environment: Diverse climates, geography, Why in News?
and socio-economic conditions across India lead
to varied breeding patterns of mosquitos. Recently, The India Meteorological Department
(IMD) issued a warning about a strong probability of “very
Insecticide Resistance: Mosquitoes have developed
dense fog” in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi.
resistance to commonly used insecticides and
repellents, necessitating frequent rotation and ¾ IMD has also accompanied alerts with maps from the
development of new alternatives. INSAT 3D satellite, and sometimes from the INSAT
Poor Sanitation: Open drains, uncollected garbage,
3DR satellite.
and stagnant water sources in urban and rural What is INSAT-3DR?
areas in India provide abundant breeding grounds.
¾ About:
¾ Challenges in Disease Control:
The IMD uses INSAT -3D and INSAT-3DR satellite
Underreporting: Many cases of mosquito-borne
data for weather forecasting/monitoring purposes.
diseases, especially in rural areas, go unreported
or misdiagnosed, hindering accurate data and z INSAT-3DR, similar to INSAT-3D, is an advanced
targeted interventions. meteorological satellite of India configured

z Also, limited access to proper healthcare in with an imaging System and an Atmospheric
remote areas delays treatment and increases Sounder.
complications. An atmospheric sounder measures how the
Vaccine Limitations: Currently, no effective vaccines physical properties of a column of air vary
exist for all mosquito-borne diseases, making with altitude.
prevention mainly reliant on vector control and It has several infrared channels from longwave
personal protection measures. to shortwave bands and one visible band.
Way Forward The significant improvements incorporated in
¾ Improved Sanitation and Infrastructure: Efficient INSAT-3DR are:

waste collection and disposal can eliminate breeding z Imaging in the Middle Infrared band to provide
grounds in urban areas. nighttime pictures of low clouds and fog.
Note:
Imaging in two Thermal Infrared bands for
z
estimation of Sea Surface Temperature (SST)
with better accuracy.
¾ Mechanism of Imaging System of INSAT-3DR:
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) Imager: The colouration
of images from the RGB imager on the INSAT 3D
satellite relies on two factors:
z Solar Reflectance: It is a ratio of the amount
of solar energy reflected by a surface and the
amount of solar energy incident on it.
z Brightness Temperature: It is the relationship
between the temperature of an object and
the corresponding brightness of its surface.
Prediction and Monitoring of Snow and Clouds:
z While snow and clouds exhibit similar solar

reflectance in the visible spectrum.
Snow strongly absorbs radiation of the
shortwave infrared.
z The INSAT 3D and INSAT 3DR satellites utilise
day and night microphysics modes through ¾ Measurement of Temperature, Humidity and Water
their RGB imager. Vapour:
z Day Microphysics: Data from INSAT 3D examines By combining day and night microphysics data,
solar reflectance at three wavelengths: 0.5 µm the presence of moisture droplets of different
(visible), 1.6 µm (shortwave infrared), and 10.8 shapes and temperature differences over time,
µm (thermal infrared). can be identified.
It is helpful in tracking the formation, evolution and
The strength of the visible signal determines
depletion of cyclones and other weather events.
the amount of green colour.
INSAT 3D and INSAT 3DR both use radiometers
The strength of the shortwave infrared signal,
to make their spectral measurements.
the amount of red colour
A radiometer is a device that measures the
The strength of the thermal infrared signal,
temperature or electrical activity. Both satellites
the amount of blue colour. also carry atmospheric sounders.
z Night Microphysics: This component of the These are devices that measure temperature and
satellite’s operation is determined not by a humidity, and study water vapor as a function of
single but by evaluating the strength of the their heights from the ground.
difference between two signals.
What are the Other Weather Forecasting
The computer calculates the amount of red
Methods?
colour based on the difference between two
thermal infrared signals. ¾ Apart from tracking satellite data, IMD collaborates
with ISRO for ground-based observations from the
The quantity of green colour varies according
Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), the Global
to the difference between a thermal infrared Telecommunication System (GTS) that measures
and a middle infrared signal. temperature, sunshine, wind direction, speed and
The amount of blue colour is not derived humidity.
from a difference but is determined by the Meanwhile, the Agro-meteorological Tower
strength of a thermal infrared signal at a (AGROMET) and Doppler Weather Radar (DWR)
wavelength. systems augment the observations.
Note:
¾ In 2021, IMD adopted a new strategy for issuing

monthly and seasonal operational forecasts for the Pulsar Glitches
southwest monsoon rainfall by modifying the existing
two-stage forecasting strategy. Why in News?
The new strategy is based on the existing statistical In 1967, two astronomers at the University of
forecasting system and the newly developed Cambridge discovered the First Pulsar, later named PSR
Multi-Model Ensemble (MME)-based forecasting B1919+21, setting the stage for a journey into the depths
system. of neutron stars and their enigmatic pulsar counterparts.
The MME approach uses the coupled global climate
models (CGCMs) from different global climate What are Pulsars?
prediction and research centres, including IMD’s ¾ About:
Monsoon Mission Climate Forecasting System Pulsars are rapidly rotating Neutron Stars that
(MMCFS) model. blast out pulses of radiation at regular intervals
¾ All these technological strides have been possible ranging from seconds to milliseconds.
since the National Monsoon Mission (NMM) was Pulsars have strong magnetic fields that funnel
initiated in 2012. particles along their magnetic poles accelerating
India Meteorological Department: them to relativistic speeds, which produces two
¾ About: powerful beams of light, one from each pole.
IMD was established in 1875. It is the National The periodicity of pulsars is caused by these beams
Meteorological Service of the country and the of light crossing the line of sight on Earth, with the
principal government agency in all matters relating pulsar appearing to ‘switch off’ at points when the
to meteorology and allied subjects. light is facing away from Earth.
z It works as an agency of the Ministry of Earth z The time between these pulses is the ‘period’
Sciences of the Government of India. of the pulsar.
It is headquartered in New Delhi. What are the Theories Related to the Discovery
IMD is also one of the six Regional Specialized of the Pulsars and their Behaviour?
Meteorological Centres of the World ¾ Link with the Discovery of Neutrons:
Meteorological Organization.
The discovery of pulsars is closely linked to James
¾ Roles and Responsibilities: Chadwick’s 1932 discovery of neutrons.
To take meteorological observations and to z Neutrons in a group resist having the same
provide current and forecast meteorological energy, seeking the lowest available energy
information for optimum operation of weather- level. When heavy stars die, their cores implode.
sensitive activities like agriculture, irrigation, If they aren’t heavy enough to become black
shipping, aviation, offshore oil explorations, etc. holes, they collapse into a ball of neutrons,
To warn against severe weather phenomena creating a neutron star.
like tropical cyclones, norwesters, dust storms, ¾ Pulsars as Rotating Neutron Stars:
heavy rains and snow, cold and heat waves, etc., The signals, coming from a very small patch of the
which cause destruction of life and property. sky and that they repeated frequently, led scientists
To provide meteorological statistics required to identify Pulsars as Rotating Neutron Stars.
for agriculture, water resource management, z Radio signals emitted from near the poles of
industries, oil exploration and other nation- such a star would form a narrow cone that
building activities. sweeps past the earth with every rotation –
To conduct and promote research in meteorology like the light from a lighthouse shining over a
and allied disciplines. ship on the sea.
Note:
¾ Neutron Star Characteristics:
The resulting object is a neutron star, which is
extremely dense and has a strong gravitational
field (about 2 x 10^11 times that of Earth’s gravity).
¾ Angular Momentum Conservation:
As the star collapses, it conserves its angular
momentum. The collapse leads to a much smaller
size, causing a dramatic increase in rotational speed.
¾ Pulsar Emission:
The rapidly rotating neutron star emits beams
of electromagnetic radiation along its magnetic
field lines. If Earth intersects these beams as the
neutron star rotates, astronomers observe periodic
¾ Unexpected Glitches: pulses of radiation, and the object is identified
as a pulsar.
Over time, the neutron stars experienced a slowing
of their rotation. The energy preserved through How are Pulsars Linked with the Chandrasekhar Limit?
this reduction in rotation rate was utilised to propel ¾ The Chandrasekhar limit is the maximum mass a
electric charges outside the star, resulting in the stable white dwarf star can have. It’s about 1.4
generation of radio signals. times the mass of the sun.
In 1969 when researchers observed a glitch in the The limit was named after Subrahmanyan
pulsar PSR 0833-45. Chandrasekhar, an Indian-born astrophysicist

z Glitches, characterised by abrupt changes in
who calculated it in 1930.
rotation rate of pulsar followed by gradual ¾ If a star is more massive than the Chandrasekhar
relaxation, introduced a new layer of complexity limit, it will continue to collapse and become a
to pulsar dynamics. neutron star. This collapse is caused by the force
of gravity.
The subsequent decades witnessed the observation
of over 3,000 pulsars, with around 700 glitches ¾ The pulses from a pulsar appear periodic because
recorded. they come at the same rate as the rotation of the
neutron star. From a distance, the pulses look similar
z These glitches became intriguing phenomena,
to a lighthouse beam rotating.
prompting scientists to delve deeper into
the underlying mechanisms governing these What led to the Occurrence of Glitches in
celestial events. Pulsars?
How are the Pulsars Formed? ¾ Neutron Star Structure:
A neutron star, characterised by a solid crust and
¾ Supernova Explosion:
a superfluid core, provides a unique backdrop for
Pulsars are formed from the remnants of massive the interplay of forces governing celestial dynamics.
stars with masses between 1.4 and 3.2 times that The contrast between the crust’s deceleration and
of our Sun. When such a star exhausts its nuclear the sustained vortex speed within the superfluid
fuel, it undergoes a supernova explosion. core becomes pivotal in comprehending the origins
¾ Formation of Neutron Star: of glitches.
The outer layers of the star are blasted off into ¾ Superfluid State Inside Neutron Stars:
space during the supernova, and the inner core Post-glitch behaviour strongly suggests the presence
contracts due to gravity. The gravitational pressure of a superfluid state inside these cosmic entities.
becomes so intense that it overcomes the electron z The neutron star is a 20-km-wide sphere with a
degeneracy pressure, causing electrons and protons solid crust and a core. The core predominantly
to be crushed together to form neutrons. contains the superfluid, and no solid parts.
Note:
¾ Peculiar Properties of Superfluids: What is Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Superfluids, when set in motion inside a container, (ADAS)?
exhibit an extraordinary characteristic — they ¾ About:
continue moving indefinitely. This property of Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) can
perpetual motion without friction becomes crucial be defined as in vehicle digital technologies that
in understanding the behavior of the superfluid help drivers in routine navigation and parking
core within neutron stars. without fully automating the entire process but
Note: Despite advancements, the glitch mechanism instead leveraging computer networks to enable
more data-driven and safer driving experiences.
remains a subject of ongoing scientific inquiry.
z ADAS systems use sensors, cameras, and radar
Contested details, triggers in space, and the evolution
to monitor the environment around a vehicle.
of glitches over time provide fertile ground for further
z They can provide active safety information,
exploration.
driving interventions, and assistance with parking.
The goal of ADAS is to reduce the incidence and
severity of automotive accidents that cannot be
Demand for Advanced Driver avoided so that deaths and injuries can be prevented.
z These devices can give important data about
Assistance Systems traffic, road closures and blockages, congestion
levels, advised routes to avoid traffic, etc.
Why in News? ¾ Popular ADAS Features:
As autonomous driving gains momentum globally, The ADAS suite includes features such as automatic
India emerges as a surprising yet significant market, with emergency braking, forward collision warning,
a surge in demand for Advanced Driver Assistance blind spot collision warning, lane-keeping assist,
Systems (ADAS). adaptive cruise control, and more.
¾ Reasons for Surge in Demand in India:

Progressive Democratisation:
z India is witnessing a progressive democratisation of autonomous driving tools. Car manufacturers are
increasingly offering ADAS as standard features on mid-segment vehicles, contributing to the heightened
demand for advanced driver assistance technology.
Note:
Road Safety Concerns:
Vulnerable to Hacking:
z Despite India’s infamous road conditions and z One major concern consumers and experts
traffic patterns, there is a growing emphasis on have about ADAS Systems is their vulnerability
road safety. Car manufacturers are integrating to cyberattacks.
ADAS features to enhance safety and provide Hacked vehicles are extremely dangerous
consumers with advanced driver assistance and might lead to accidents.
tools. Driver Behaviour:
¾ Challenges in India for ADAS Systems: z ADAS systems’ success relies on responsible
Road Infrastructure Challenges: driving behaviour. A survey by the Institute of

z India is considered one of the most challenging
Road Traffic Education (IRTE) in India found
driving environments globally. that only 44% of drivers were aware of ADAS
technology, highlighting the need for widespread
The country has the world’s deadliest
education on its benefits and usage.
roads, with crashes killing and maiming over
800,000 people annually, according to the What is Autonomous Driving?
World Bank. ¾ About:
z India’s diverse road conditions, from well- Autonomous driving is the ability of a car to drive
maintained highways to poorly constructed itself with limited or no human intervention.

rural roads, pose challenges for ADAS systems Autonomous vehicles are equipped with
for consistent road markings and infrastructure. technologies like ADAS that can sense their
surroundings and adjust their speed and course
Diverse Road Users:
without human input.
z Indian roads host a mix of pedestrians,
z Autonomous driving can also refer to self-
cyclists, and non-motorized vehicles alongside
driving vehicles.
motor vehicles, creating complexity for ADAS
¾ Levels of Autonomous Driving:
adaptation.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
A study by the World Resources Institute
defines 6 levels of driving automation ranging
(WRI) India revealed that nearly 50% of urban
from 0 (fully manual) to 5 (fully autonomous).
trips in India are made on foot, bicycle, or
Car manufacturers in India are currently focusing
cycle-rickshaw, emphasizing the importance
on offering Level 2 functionality.
of considering non-motorized road users in
z Despite the increasing adoption of ADAS,
ADAS design.
Level 2 seems to be the current limit for most
Connectivity and Data:
carmakers. Full autonomous driving (Level
z ADAS systems require real-time data updates and 5) remains a distant goal, with challenges
reliable connectivity, which might be an issue ranging from technical limitations to regulatory
in remote or poorly networked areas of India. concerns.
Note:
Malignant bone tumours affect more girls due to

Growing Concern of earlier skeletal maturity, as highlighted by the study.
Childhood Cancers in India ¾ Gender Disparities and Social Determinants:
A higher proportion of male children are diagnosed
Why in News? with cancer, attributed to male birth preferences

and gender discrimination.
Childhood cancers are emerging as a significant public
z The sex disparity in the cancer registry mirrors
health concern in India, with a notable percentage of
data reported in low- and middle-income
cancer patients falling under the age of 15.
countries (LMIC) and was attributed to low
¾ A recently published study in the India Pediatric Journal
female literacy rates.
sheds light on the prevalence, types, and challenges
LMICs report 90% of the global cancer cases
associated with pediatric cancers in the country.
burden, but are awarded less than 0.1%
What are the Key Highlights of the Study? funding for paediatric cancer research.
¾ Study Details and Dataset: ¾ Challenges in CNS Tumor Registration in India:
The study is based on the largest dataset on CNS tumors in India may be treated in neurosurgical
childhood cancers in India; from National Cancer centers in multispecialty (general) hospitals rather
Registry Programme (NCRP). than dedicated cancer centers.
z The NCRP was established by the Indian Council The NCRP currently only registers ‘malignant’
of Medical Research in 1981. (defined as World Health Organization Grade 3

and 4) CNS tumors.
¾ Cancer Cases in India (2012-2019):
¾ Global Disparities in Cancer Types:
India reported 1,332,207 cancer cases between
The proportion of leukaemias and bone cancers
2012 and 2019.
appears higher globally compared to India, as
z Approximately 3.2% and 4.6% of these cases
revealed by a study in The Lancet Oncology (2017).
were in the age groups 0-14 years and 0-19
The international distribution of CNS tumors (17-
years, respectively.
26%) is also greater than what’s observed in India.
z Over 3% of all cancer patients in India are under
15; 4.6% under 20. Key Terms
Leukaemias constitute a substantial burden, ¾ Cancer:
comprising nearly half of all cancers in the 0-4 and It is a complex and broad term used to describe
5-9 age groups (42.1% and 42.5%, respectively). a group of diseases characterised by the
¾ Distribution of Cancers in Different Age Groups: uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal
Childhood cancers are divided into two age groups
cells in the body.
of 0-14 and 0-19 years based on the International z These abnormal cells, known as cancer cells,
Classification of Childhood Cancer’s third edition. have the ability to invade and destroy healthy
z For the 0-19 year age group, the leading cancers
tissues and organs.
are leukaemia (36%), lymphoma (12%), bone In a healthy body, cells grow, divide, and die in
(11%), and central nervous system tumour (10%). a regulated manner, allowing for the normal
functioning of tissues and organs.
z The four leading groups of cancers among the
0-14 year age group were leukaemia (40%), z However, in the case of cancer, certain genetic
lymphoma (12%), central nervous system (CNS) mutations or abnormalities disrupt this normal
tumours (11%) and bone cancer (8%). cell cycle, causing cells to divide and grow
uncontrollably.
¾ Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas and Gender Differences:
¾ Leukaemia:
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas show an increase with
Leukaemias are cancers of the white blood cells,
age, particularly in males, associated with hormonal
and biological changes. which begin in the bone marrow.
Note:
Leukaemia is cancer of the body’s blood-forming

¾ Indian Pediatric Oncology Group (InPOG):
tissues, including the bone marrow and the InPOG was established in 2015 to develop
lymphatic system. multicentre childhood cancer clinical trials. InPOG

is pursuing 31 clinical studies on paediatric cancer.
z The lymphatic system is a network of vessels,
z Paediatric cancer patients can access the latest
tissues, and organs that helps maintain fluid
therapies and protocols by participating in
balance in the body.
clinical trials.
¾ Lymphomas:
In 2021, InPOG evolved into Indian Pediatric
Lymphoma is a broad term for cancer that begins Hematology Oncology Group (INPHOG) Research
in cells of the lymph system. Foundation.
z There are two main types of lymphoma:
Hodgkin lymphoma(Hodgkin disease) and
non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
Distress Alert Transmitter For
z Hodgkin lymphoma can often be cured. The
Fishermen
prognosis of NHL depends on the specific type.
Why in News?
Both leukaemia and lymphomas originate in
lymphocytes. However, leukaemia typically Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation
originates in bone marrow and spreads through (ISRO) has developed the second-generation Distress
Alert Transmitter (DAT-SG), an indigenous technological
the bloodstream, while lymphoma usually
solution for Fishermen at sea to send emergency
originates in lymph nodes or the spleen and
messages from fishing boats.
spreads through the lymphatic system.
¾ Fishermen, when faced with distress situations, can
¾ Bone Cancer:
use the DAT to send emergency messages. These
It is caused when unusual cells grow out of messages typically contain information about their
control in bone. It destroys normal bone tissue. identity, location, and the nature of the emergency.
This variety of bone cancer occurs most often
What is a Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT)?
in children and young adults, in the bones of
¾ About:
the leg or arm.
The first version of DAT has been operational since
¾ Central Nervous system (CNS) Tumours:
2010, using which messages were sent through a
This tumour occurs when abnormal cells form communication satellite and received at a central
in the brain or spinal cord. control station (INMCC: Indian Mission Control
A CNS tumour can be either cancerous or benign. Centre), where the alert signals are decoded for
Both types need medical care. the identity and location of the fishing boat.
z A cancerous tumour is malignant, meaning The extracted information is then forwarded to
it can grow fast and spread to other parts Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs)
of the body. under the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
Using this information, the MRCC coordinates to
z A benign tumour means the tumour will often
undertake search and rescue operations to save
grow more slowly and will not spread to other
the fishermen in distress.
parts of the body.
z Till now, more than 20,000 DATs are being used.
What are India’s Initiatives Related to Cancer
What is the Second Generation Distress Alert
Treatment?
Transmitter (DAT-SG)?
¾ National Programme for Prevention and Control of
¾ DAT-SG:
Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke
The DAT-SG builds upon the original Distress Alert
¾ National Cancer Grid
Transmitter (DAT) and incorporates advanced
¾ National Cancer Awareness Day capabilities and features to enhance maritime
¾ HPV Vaccine safety and communication.
Note:
The DAT-SG has the facility to send back an z This system maintains a database of registered
acknowledgement to the fishermen who activate DAT-SGs and assists Maritime Rescue
the distress alert from sea. Coordination Centres (MRCCs) in accessing
ISRO has developed the DAT-SG which is a UHF real-time information about boats in distress.
(Ultra High Frequency) transmitter based on This feature helps the Indian Coast Guard
the NavIC (Navigation in Indian Constellation) in undertaking Search & Rescue operations
receiver module. promptly.
z This NavIC receiver module supports position
Two-way Communication: DAT-SG is equipped with
determination as well as broadcast messages
the capability to receive messages from the control
reception called NavIC messaging service.
centre. This enables the central control station
¾ Features:
to send advance alert messages to fishermen in
Bluetooth Interface: The DAT-SG can be connected
the case of events such as bad weather, cyclones,
to mobile phones using a Bluetooth interface. This
tsunamis, or other emergencies.
allows fishermen to receive messages on their
mobile devices. Additionally, an app on the mobile Information about Potential Fishing Zones
phone can be used to read messages in the native (PFZs): DAT-SG can transmit information about
language, enhancing accessibility. Potential Fishing Zones to fishermen at sea at
Integration with Mobile Phones: DAT-SG can regular intervals. This feature assists fishermen
be integrated with mobile phones, providing in locating areas with a higher probability of a
a convenient and widely-used platform for good catch, leading to increased efficiency in
communication. fishing operations and savings in terms of time
Web-Based Network Management System and fuel.
(SAGARMITRA): The central control center (INMCC) Operational 24/7: The services of DAT-SG are
utilises a web-based network management system declared operational on a 24x7 basis, ensuring
called “SAGARMITRA.” continuous support for fishermen in distress
Note:
What is NavIC? What is the National Quantum Mission
¾ About: (NQM)?
NavIC or the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite ¾ About:
System (IRNSS) is designed with a constellation The mission planned for 2023-2031, aims to seed,
of 7 satellites and a network of ground stations. nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D
z There are a total of eight satellites however and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in
only seven remain active. Quantum Technology (QT).
z Three satellites in geostationary orbit and It’ll be implemented by the DST under the Ministry
four satellites in geosynchronous orbit. of Science & Technology.
The constellations’ first satellite (IRNSS-1A) With the launch of this mission, India will be the
was launched on 1st July 2013 and the eighth seventh country to have a dedicated quantum
satellite IRNSS-1I was launched in April 2018. mission after the US, Austria, Finland, France,
z With the seventh launch of the constellation’s Canada and China.
satellite (IRNSS-1G), IRNSS was renamed NavIC ¾ Salient features of NQM:
by India’s Prime Minister in 2016.
It will target developing intermediate-scale
It was recognised by the International Maritime
quantum computers with 50-100 physical qubits
Organization (IMO) as a part of the World-Wide in 5 years and 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years.
Radio Navigation System (WWRNS) for operation
Just like bits (1 and 0) are the basic units by which
in the Indian Ocean Region in 2020.
traditional computers process information, ‘qubits’
¾ Potential Uses:
or ‘quantum bits’ are the units of process by
Terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation;
quantum computers.
Disaster management;
The mission will help develop magnetometers
Vehicle tracking and fleet management (especially with high sensitivity for precision timing (atomic
for mining and transportation sector); clocks), communications, and navigation.
Integration with mobile phones;
It will also support the design and synthesis of
Precise timing (as for ATMs and power grids); quantum materials such as superconductors, novel
Mapping and geodetic data capture. semiconductor structures and topological materials
for fabrication of quantum devices.
¾ Development of Quantum Communications:
Finalising Implementation
Satellite based secure quantum communications
Strategy of NQM between ground stations over a range of 2000
km within India.
Why in News? Long distance secure quantum communications
with other countries.
Recently, the first meeting of the Mission Governing Inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km.
Board (MGB) of the National Quantum Mission (NQM) Multi-node Quantum network with quantum
discussed implementation strategy and timelines of NQM memories.
as well as the formation of the Mission Coordination Cell ¾ Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) would be set up in top
(MCC). academic and National R&D institutes on the domains
¾ The MCC will be set up in an institution identified by of Quantum Technology:
the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Quantum computation
based on merit and existing infrastructure and will Quantum communication

function under the overall supervision and guidance Quantum Sensing & Metrology
of the Mission Technology Research Council (MTRC). Quantum Materials & Devices
Note:
Quantum Technology ¾ Better Sensing and Measurement: Quantum

sensors can detect extremely small changes in the
¾ About:
environment, making them useful in areas such as
Quantum technology is a field of science and medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and
engineering that deals with the principles of geological exploration.
quantum mechanics, which is the study of the
behaviour of matter and energy at the smallest What are the Disadvantages of Quantum
scale. Technology?
Quantum mechanics is the branch of physics that ¾ Expensive: The technology requires specialized
describes the behaviour of matter and energy equipment and materials which make it more expensive
at the atomic and subatomic level. than the traditional technologies.
¾ A Comparison between India and China: ¾ Limited Applications: Currently, quantum technology
R&D in China: China started its research and is only useful for specific applications such as
development (R&D) in the field of quantum cryptography, quantum computing, and quantum
technology in 2008. communication.
z In 2022, China boasts of developing the ¾ Sensitivity to Environment: Quantum technology is
world’s first quantum satellite, creating a highly sensitive to environmental interference, such as
quantum communication line between Beijing temperature changes, magnetic fields, and vibrations.
and Shanghai, and owning two of the world’s Qubits are easily disrupted by their surroundings
fastest quantum computers. which can cause them to lose their quantum
z This was a result of decade-long research
properties and make mistakes in calculations.
carried out in the hope of achieving critical ¾ Limited Control: It is difficult to control and manipulate
breakthroughs. quantum systems. Quantum-powered AI could create
India: Quantum Technology remains a field
unintended consequences.
highly concentrated in long-term R&D in India. Quantum-powered AI systems could potentially
arrive at conclusions that are unexpected or difficult
z Just a few hundred researchers, industry
to explain as they operate on principles that are
professionals, academicians, and entrepreneurs
fundamentally different from classical computing.
are in the field right now without a constant
focus on R&D.
What are the Advantages of Quantum Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Technology? (PTSD) and Cerebellum
¾ Increased Computing Power: Quantum computers are
Why in News?
much faster than the computers we today have. They
also have the capability to solve complex problems A recent study found that individuals with Post-
that are currently beyond our reach. traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may experience
significant decreases in both gray and white matter
¾ Improved Security: Because they rely on principles of
volume in their cerebellum.
quantum mechanics, quantum encryption techniques
are much more secure than traditional encryption ¾ This could affect their cognitive functions and
methods. emotional responses, among other aspects.
¾ Faster Communication: Quantum communication What are the Findings of the Study?
networks can transmit information faster and more ¾ The study showed that PTSD is linked with considerable
securely than traditional networks, with the potential reductions in both gray and white matter volumes
for completely unhackable communication. in the cerebellum.
¾ Enhanced AI: Quantum machine learning algorithms ¾ This reduction was particularly notable in specific
can potentially enable more efficient and accurate subregions, including the posterior lobe, vermis,
training of Artificial Intelligence models. flocculonodular lobe and corpus medullare.
Note:
¾ The study also showed that cerebellar volume changes Cerebellum: The brain region traditionally
correlate with the intensity of the PTSD experience, associated with motor control, but now increasingly
offering a potential biomarker for assessing the recognised for its role in higher cognitive and
condition’s severity. emotional functions.
¾ It challenges the traditional understanding of PTSD as It is located at the back of the head, just below
solely a disorder of the brain’s emotion-processing the cerebrum and behind the brain stem. Also
centers. called a “little brain” due to its similar but smaller
structure than the cerebrum.
The cerebellum’s involvement suggests a more
complex brain network disruption in PTSD, one ¾ Cerebrum: The largest part, consists of right and left
that includes regions responsible for integrating hemispheres, playing a key role in higher functions like
interpreting sensory information, speech, reasoning,
cognitive and emotional responses.
emotions, learning, and precise movement control.
¾ Study helps in understanding the pathophysiology
¾ Brainstem: Functioning as a relay centre connecting
of PTSD by pinpointing specific cerebellar regions
the cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord. It oversees
affected by the disorder.
automatic processes such as breathing, heart rate,
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? sleep-wake cycles, digestion, and various reflex actions
like sneezing, coughing, vomiting, and swallowing.
¾ Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is a mental
¾ Hypothalamus: Situated below the thalamus and
health condition that occurs after a person experiences
regulates functions including body temperature,
or witnesses a traumatic event, such as war, violence,
hunger, thirst, fatigue, sleep, and circadian rhythms.
abuse, or natural disaster.
It is also involved in the release of hormones by the
People with PTSD may have intrusive memories,
pituitary gland.
nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance and negative
mood etc.
These symptoms can interfere with their daily
functioning and quality of life.
PTSD can be treated with psychotherapy,
medication, or both.
¾ PTSD is incredibly burdensome at both the individual
and societal level, causing profound distress, functional
impairment, and staggering treatment costs.
What is Cerebellum and Other Parts of the
Brain?
The brain comprises three primary components:
the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.
nnn
Note:
Environment and Ecology
Highlights
z Genetically Modified Mustard z Forest Fires in the Himalayas
z Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme z Marginal Rise in Saltwater Crocodile Population in Bhitarkanika
z Kairali AI Chip z IUCN Assessment of the Himalayan Wolf
z Golden Tiger in Kaziranga National Park z Green Hydrogen: Enabling Measures Roadmap for Adoption in
India
Note:
Genetically Modified Mustard

Why in News?
Recently, the Government of India told the Supreme
Court that Genetically Modified (GM) crops such as
mustard will make quality edible oil cheaper for the
common man and benefit national interest by reducing
foreign dependency.
¾ The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
has approved the environmental release of Dhara
Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11), a genetically-engineered
variant of mustard.
¾ If approved for commercial cultivation it would be
the first genetically modified food crop available to
Indian farmers.
India’s Demand for Edible oil
¾ The total edible oil demand of India was 24.6 million
tonnes (2020-21) with domestic availability of 11.1
million tonnes (2020-21).
¾ In 2020-21, 13.45 million tonnes (54%) of the total
edible oil demand was met through import worth
about ₹1,15,000 crore, which included palm oil
(57%), soybean oil (22%), sunflower oil (15%) and
small quantity of canola quality mustard oil.
¾ In 2022-23, 155.33 lakh tonnes (55.76%) of the
total edible oil demand was met through import.
¾ India is the biggest importer of palm oil, which
makes up 40% of its vegetable oil consumption.
India meets half of its annual need for 8.3 MT
of palm oil from Indonesia.
¾ In 2021, India unveiled the National Mission on What is GM Mustard?
Edible Oil-Oil Palm to boost India’s domestic palm
¾ Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11) is an indigenously
oil production. developed transgenic mustard. It is a genetically
What are Genetically Modified (GM) Crops? modified variant of Herbicide Tolerant (HT) mustard.
¾ DMH-11 is a result of a cross between Indian mustard
¾ GM crops are derived from plants whose genes are
variety ‘Varuna’ and East European ‘Early Heera-2’
artificially modified, usually by inserting genetic
mustard.
material from another organism, in order to give it
¾ It contains two alien genes (‘barnase’ and ‘barstar’)
new properties, such as increased yield, tolerance
isolated from a soil bacterium called Bacillus
to a herbicide, resistance to disease or drought, or amyloliquefaciens that enable breeding of high-
improved nutritional value. yielding commercial mustard hybrids.
Earlier, India approved the commercial cultivation ¾ DMH-11 has shown approximately 28% more yield
of only one GM crop, Bt cotton, but Genetic than the national check and 37 % more than the zonal
Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has checks and its use has been claimed and approved
recommended GM Mustard for commercial use. by the GEAC.
Note:
“Bar gene” maintains the genetic purity of hybrid z The primary focus of the Scheme is to strategically
seed. transition from high-volume tourism to high-
value nature tourism at ecologically-sensitive
What is the Genetic Engineering Appraisal
wetlands.
Committee (GEAC)?
¾ Aim:
¾ The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) The aim is to enhance livelihood opportunities
functions in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and for local communities through harnessing the
Climate Change (MoEF&CC). nature-tourism potential of the Ramsar Sites
¾ It is responsible for appraisal of activities involving across the country.
large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and ¾ Implementation:
recombinants in research and industrial production
The scheme is being implemented in convergence
from the environmental angle.
with various Central Government ministries and
¾ The committee is also responsible for appraisal of
agencies, State wetland authorities, and a network
proposals relating to release of genetically engineered
of formal and informal institutions and individuals,
(GE) organisms and products into the environment
working together for a common cause.
including experimental field trials.
¾ Pilot Projects and Skill Development:
¾ GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional
Out of 16 identified Ramsar sites, five have been
Secretary of MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a
representative from the Department of Biotechnology selected for pilot projects under the scheme.
(DBT). z These pilot sites include Sultanpur National Park
Presently, it has 24 members and meets every

(Haryana), Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Odisha),
month to review the applications in the areas Chilika Lake (Odisha), Sirpur (Madhya Pradesh),
indicated above. and Yashwant Sagar (Madhya Pradesh).
Training programs for participants are carried
under the Alternative Livelihood Programme (ALP)
Amrit Dharohar Capacity (a 30 hours/15 days training programme) and
Building Scheme Paryatan Navik Certificate (boatman certification
for tourism).
Why in News? Note:
The Central government is spearheading a significant ¾ High-value travellers as those who are likely to
transformation in the realm of wetland tourism with the spend more, stay longer, and disperse beyond
‘Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme’. tourist hotspots.
¾ This initiative, launched in June 2023, aims to ¾ Nature tourism is based on the natural attractions of
revolutionize tourism practices at ecologically-sensitive an area like birdwatching, photography, stargazing,
wetlands, particularly Ramsar sites like Odisha’s camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and visiting parks.
Chilika Lake and Haryana’s Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary.
¾ Nature tourists are experiential tourists who are
What is Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building interested in a diversity of natural and cultural
Scheme? resources.
¾ About: What is a Ramsar Site?
The ‘Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme’
¾ A Ramsar site is a wetland designated to be of
is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of international importance under an environmental
Tourism and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, treaty signed in February 1971 at Ramsar, Iran under
and Climate Change. the auspices of UNESCO.
The scheme will be implemented over the next
¾ Ramsar provides for national action and international
three years (2023 onwards) to encourage optimal cooperation regarding the conservation of wetlands,
use of wetlands, and enhance biodiversity, carbon and wise sustainable use of their resources.
stock, eco-tourism opportunities and income
generation for local communities. ¾ India has 80 Ramsar sites.
Note:
sensory information, which is essential for safe
Kairali AI Chip and efficient autonomous driving.
Security and surveillance: The chip can enable
Why in News? faster and efficient facial recognition algorithms,
Recently, the Digital University Kerala has introduced threat detection and real-time analytics by using
the State’s maiden silicon-proven Artificial Intelligence its edge computing capability.
(AI) chip—Kairali AI Chip, that offers Speed, Power What are AI chips?
Efficiency and Scalability for various applications.
¾ About:
What is a Kairali AI Chip? AI chips are built with specific architecture and
¾ About: have integrated AI acceleration to support deep
This chip leverages edge intelligence (or edge learning-based applications.
AI) to deliver high performance and low power z Deep learning, more commonly known as
consumption for a wide range of applications. Active Neural Network (ANN) or Deep Neural
z Edge artificial intelligence (AI), or AI at the edge,
Network (DNN), is a subset of Machine Learning
is the implementation of AI in an edge computing and comes under the broader umbrella of AI.
environment, which allows computations to be ¾ Functions:
done close to where data is actually collected, It combines a series of computer commands or
rather than at a centralized cloud computing algorithms that stimulate activity and brain structure.
facility or an offsite data center. DNNs go through a training phase, learning new
z It entails deploying Machine Learning algorithms capabilities from existing data.
on the edge device where the data is generated, z DNNs can then inference, by applying these
rather than relying on cloud computing. capabilities learned during deep learning
z Edge intelligence can provide faster and more training to make predictions against previously
efficient data processing while also protecting unseen data.
the privacy and security of both data and users. z Deep learning can make the process of collecting,
¾ Potential Applications: analysing, and interpreting enormous amounts

Agriculture: The chip can enable precision farming
of data faster and easier.
techniques by providing real-time monitoring of Chips like these, with their hardware architectures,
crop health, soil conditions and environmental complementary packaging, memory, storage, and
factors. This can help in optimizing the use of interconnect solutions, make it possible for AI
resources and enhancing the crop yields. to be integrated into applications across a wide
spectrum to turn data into information and then
Mobile Phone: The chip can improve the efficiency
into knowledge.
and performance of smartphones by enabling
advanced features such as real-time language ¾ Types of AI Chips Designed for Diverse AI Applications:
translation, enhanced image processing and AI- Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs),
powered personal assistants. Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Central

Aerospace: The chip can augment the capabilities of
Processing Units (CPUs) and GPUs.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and satellites by ¾ Applications:
providing advanced processing power for navigation, AI applications include Natural Language Processing
data collection and real-time decision-making, all (NLP), computer vision, robotics, and network
with minimal power consumption. The chip can security across a wide variety of sectors, including
also enhance the navigation and autonomous automotive, IT, healthcare, and retail.
decision-making capabilities of drones, which are
What are the Benefits of AI Chips?
useful for applications such as delivery services
and environmental monitoring. ¾ Faster Computation:
Automobile: The chip can be a game-changer for Artificial intelligence applications typically require
autonomous vehicles by providing the necessary parallel computational capabilities in order to run
computing power for real-time processing of sophisticated training models and algorithms.
Note:
AI hardware provides more parallel processing capability that is estimated to have up to 10 times more competing

power in ANN applications compared to traditional semiconductor devices at similar price points.
¾ High Bandwidth Memory:
Specialized AI hardware is estimated to allocate 4-5 times more bandwidth than traditional chips.
z This is necessary because due to the need for parallel processing, AI applications require significantly more
bandwidth between processors for efficient performance.
What are the Differences between Cloud AI and Edge AI, and Traditional Chips and AI Chips?
Cloud AI vs Edge AI
Aspect Cloud AI Edge AI
Location of Processing Remote servers in data centers Locally on devices
Latency May have higher latency Typically lower latency
Bandwidth Requires substantial bandwidth Can operate with lower bandwidth

Privacy and Security Raises concerns about data privacy and Enhanced privacy and security as data
security remains on the device
Use Cases Suited for high computational requirements, Ideal for real-time or near-real-time
large datasets, and less stringent real-time processing, such as in IoT devices and
processing needs wearables
Traditional Chips vs AI Chips
Aspect Traditional Chips AI Chips

Specialized processors optimized for AI
Design and Architecture General-purpose processors
workloads
Engineered to be more power-efficient
Energy Efficiency May not be as energy-efficient for AI tasks
for AI computations
Specialized for AI tasks, potentially less
Flexibility Versatile for a broad range of applications
versatile for general-purpose computing
Can handle a variety of tasks but may not
Specialized for higher performance in
Performance achieve the same level of performance as
AI-specific tasks
AI chips for specific AI workloads
GPUs powering AI-powered self-driving
Examples The CPU in laptops or smartphones
cars
Golden Tiger in Kaziranga National Park

Why in News?
Recently, a wildlife photographer captured a rare golden tiger in Kaziranga
National Park (KNP).
What are the Key Facts About the Golden Tiger?
¾ Golden tigers (also known as golden tabby tigers) are a colour form, not a
separate subspecies, like white and black tigers.
Note:
They are exceptionally rare in the wild and even rarer in captivity.
¾ Golden tiger spotted in KNP are a colour variation of Bengal tigers caused by a presence of recessive gene called
“wideband”.
The wideband gene reduces melanin production during the cycle of hair growth. Thus, the agouti mutation
(production of a protein that is usually expressed in the skin) is responsible for the blond or golden skin, while
the orange stripes appear due to the ‘tabby’ mutation’.
z The Tabby gene responsible for most tabby patterns (coat pattern) in domestic cats.
¾ Black and golden tigers basically exist as they both possess a recessive gene which is expressed due to the absence
of a dominant gene to suppress it. When two individuals with dominant traits breed, recessive genes are masked,
but when two individuals with recessive genes breed, the recessive gene is expressed and such is the case for
these two tiger (Black and golden) mutants.
Note:
Kaziranga National Park

¾ Formed in 1908 KNP is located in the edge of the north eastern part of the country in the district of Golaghat
and Nagoan in the state of Assam. It was declared as a National Park in 1974.
In the year 1985, the park was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and was declared as Tiger
Reserve in 2006.
¾ It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
¾ KNP has mainly four types of vegetation’ like alluvial inundated grasslands, alluvial savanna woodlands, tropical
moist mixed deciduous forests, and tropical semi-evergreen forests.
¾ It is the home to more than 2200 Indian one-horned rhinoceros, approximately 2/3rd of their total world
population.
¾ KNP harbours significant populations of other threatened species including tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo
and bears as well as aquatic species including the Ganges River dolphin. It is an important area for migratory birds.
Forest Fires in the Himalayas

Why in News?
There have been several instances of Forest Fires in the Himalayan Region especially in Himachal and Uttarakhand
this winter because of a lack of precipitation.
Note:
¾ As per the Forest Survey of India (FSI), there have This fire burns root and other material on or
been 2,050 incidents of forest fires between 16th beneath the surface i.e., burns the herbaceous
October 2023 and 16th January 2024, but there growth on forest floor together with the layer
were just 296 incidents of forest fires during the of organic matter in various stages of decay.
same period last year. They are more damaging than surface fires,
What is Forest Fire? as they can destroy vegetation completely.
Ground fires burn underneath the surface by
¾ About:
smoldering combustion and are more often
Also called bush or vegetation fire or wildfire, it
ignited by surface fires.
can be described as any uncontrolled and non-
prescribed combustion or burning of plants in a What Factors Contributed to Forest Fires in
natural setting such as a forest, grassland, brush Himalayan Region?
land or tundra, which consumes the natural fuels
¾ Lack of Snowfall and Precipitation:
and spreads based on environmental conditions
(e.g., wind, topography). The absence of snowfall and rainfall in the winter
There are three conditions that need to be present months has left the region dry. Snowfall and
in order for a wildfire to burn: Fuel, Oxygen, and Precipitation are crucial for maintaining soil
a Heat source. moisture and preventing the forest floor from
¾ Classification: becoming excessively dry.
Surface Fire: A forest fire may burn primarily as ¾ Dry Conditions:
a surface fire, spreading along the ground as the The lack of moisture in the soil and vegetation
surface litter (senescent leaves and twigs and dry creates favorable conditions for forest fires. Dry
grasses etc) on the forest floor and is engulfed by leaves, combined with dry soil, act as potential
the spreading flames. fuel for fires.
Underground Fire: The fires of low intensity, Rising temperatures, possibly linked to climate
consuming the organic matter beneath and the
change, contribute to the drying of forests. Higher
surface litter of forest floor are sub-grouped as
temperatures increase evaporation rates, further
underground fire. In most of the dense forests a
depleting soil moisture.
thick mantle of organic matter is found on top
of the mineral soil. ¾ Human Activities:
z These fires usually spread entirely underground Human activities, such as carelessly discarding
and burn for some meters below the surface. cigarettes or engaging in uncontrolled burning,
z This fire spreads very slowly and in most of can trigger forest fires.
the cases it becomes very hard to detect and Controlled burning by the forest department may
control such types of fires. also contribute to the issue if not properly managed.
z They may continue to burn for months and ¾ Vulnerable Tree Species:
destroy vegetative cover of the soil.
Presence of fire-prone and flammable tree species
Ground Fire: These fires are fires in the subsurface like Chir pine increases the risk of forest fires.
organic fuels, such as duff layers under forest
z About 15% of Himachal’s forest area is covered
stands, Arctic tundra or taiga, and organic soils
of swamps or bogs. with chir pine.
There is no clear distinction between ¾ Long Dry Spell:
underground and ground fires. Extended periods without rainfall or snowfall over
The smoldering underground fires sometimes several months create a long dry spell, making the
change into Ground fire. region more susceptible to fires.
Note:
What are the Government Initiatives to Saltwater crocodiles hide in the water exposing
Cope With Forest Fires? only their eyes and nose. They lunge at prey,
¾ National Action Plan for Forest Fires (NAPFF), was often killing it with a single snap of the jaws,
started in 2018 with the goal of reducing forest fires then drag the prey under water where it is more
by informing, enabling, and empowering forest fringe easily consumed.
communities and incentivizing them to collaborate
with state forest departments.
IUCN Red list : Least Concern
¾ The Forest Fire Prevention and Management
Scheme (FPM) is the only government-sponsored WPA, 1972: Schedule I
programme dedicated to assisting states in dealing CITES : Appendix I/II
with forest fires.
Marginal Rise in Saltwater

Crocodile Population in
Bhitarkanika
Why in News?
Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha, renowned for
its diverse ecosystem, has observed a slight increase in
the population of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus
porosus) during the annual census in 2024. Note: Bhitarkanika is the second-largest mangrove
forest in India after the Sundarbans in West Bengal.
What are the Key Points Related to Salt-water
Both areas are among the three strongholds of saltwater
Crocodiles? crocodiles, the third being the Andaman and Nicobar
¾ About: The saltwater crocodile is the largest of all Islands.
crocodilians, and the largest reptile in the world.
Female saltwater crocodiles are smaller in size
than their male counterparts, normally reaching
a maximum length of 2.5 to 3 m.
They tolerate salinity and are found mostly in
coastal waters or near rivers. They are also found
in freshwater near rivers and swamps.
¾ Communication: Saltwater crocodiles communicate
using several sounds, including barking, hissing,
growling and chirps.
¾ Distribution: Tropical to warm temperate latitudes
in the eastern Indian and western Pacific oceans.
¾ Habitat: Mangrove forests and other coastal habitats
¾ Prey: Saltwater crocodiles have a variety of prey.
Juveniles are restricted to small insects, amphibians,
reptiles, crustaceans, and small fish.
What are the Key Facts about Bhitarkanika
Adults feed on crabs, turtles, snakes, birds, buffalo, National Park (NP)?
wild boar, and monkeys. ¾ The Bhitarkanika NP is essentially a network of creeks
Note:
and canals which are inundated with waters from rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra and Patasala forming a
unique ecosystem.
The Gahirmatha Beach which forms the boundary of the sanctuary in the east is the largest colony of the
Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
¾ A unique phenomenon observed in this NP is the Bagagahana or the heronry near Surajpore creek.
Thousands of birds colonise the creek for nesting and the aerial acrobatics performed prior to the mating
makes for an impressive sight.
¾ Bhitarkanika is also home to eight varieties of Kingfisher birds which is also a rarity.
IUCN Assessment of the Himalayan Wolf

Why in News?
The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas has been
assessed for the first time in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List.
What Are the Key Facts About Himalayan Wolf?

¾ About:
The Himalayan Wolf is a mysterious lupine predator that inhabits the high elevations of the Himalayas.
Characterized by distinctive genetic markers, its mitochondrial DNA suggests a genetic foundation predating
the Holarctic grey wolf.
¾ Habitat:
It is found in parts of China, Nepal, India, and Bhutan and typically lives in alpine meadows and grasslands at
elevations of 10,000 to 18,000 feet.
z They usually travel in small packs and hunt wild sheep and goats, sometimes even preying on marmots,
hares, and birds.
Note:
¾ Population Status:
Population estimate of 2,275-3,792 mature individuals, all within a subpopulation across the Himalayan range
of Nepal, India, and the Tibetan Plateau.
Indian section has 227-378 mature individuals, primarily in Ladakh and Spiti Valley.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
What is the IUCN Red List?
¾ The IUCN Red List is the foremost global resource for assessing the risk of extinction among animals, fungi, and
plant species.
¾ Accessible to all, it serves as a crucial indicator of global biodiversity health, it offers comprehensive insights
into species’ characteristics, threats, and conservation measures, playing a pivotal role in shaping informed
conservation decisions and policies.
¾ The IUCN Red List Categories define the extinction risk of species assessed. Nine categories extend from NE
(Not Evaluated) to EX (Extinct). Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) species are
considered to be threatened with extinction.
It is also a key indicator for the Sustainable Development Goals and Aichi Targets.
¾ The IUCN Red List includes the IUCN Green Status of Species, which assesses the recovery of species’ populations
and measures their conservation success.
There are eight Green Status Categories: Extinct in the Wild, Critically Depleted, Largely Depleted, Moderately
Depleted, Slightly Depleted, Fully Recovered, Non-Depleted and Indeterminate.
A Green Status assessment examines how conservation actions have affected the current Red List status.
Why is the Population of Himalayan Wolf heads, and other parts. However, hunting of these
Continuously Declining? wolves is not legal in all range states.
¾ Habitat Destruction: The IUCN Red List Assessment What Measures Should be Taken to Protect the
has highlighted an ongoing reduction in the area, Himalayan Wolves?
extent, and quality of habitat for Himalayan wolves. ¾ Secure and Restore: Securing and restoring healthy
¾ Depredation Conflict: Depredation conflict is a major wild prey populations and landscapes and setting
conservation concern, given a seasonal or permanent aside wildlife habitat refuges.
high livestock abundance in wolf habitats that often ¾ Improve Guarding Methods: Improving livestock
form summer pastureland for livestock grazing. guarding methods, such as predator-proof corral pens
These conflicts result in a negative attitude towards and using sustainable livestock herding practices,
wolf conservation and often trigger retaliatory killing including reduced livestock loads, adapted herding,
¾ Hybridization with Dogs: The report pointed out that and developing novel but tradition-based holistic
management practices will enhance the conservation
a growing problem for Himalayan wolves in Ladakh
of wolves.
and Spiti is interbreeding with domestic dogs. This is
¾ Management of Feral Dog Populations: By managing
becoming more challenging because there are more
the populations of federal dogs,the ecological balance
feral dogs in these areas.
in wolf habitats can be preserved.
Hybridization can contribute to increased
¾ Transboundary Efforts : This transoundary
competition for resources, such as territory and
interconnectedness is vital for the unimpeded
prey, between wolves and wolf-dog hybrids.
movement of wolf populations and the safeguarding of
¾ Illegal Hunting: The wolf is also illegally hunted for their natural behaviors, achieved through coordinated
trade in its fur and body parts including paws, tongues, research and monitoring initiatives
Note:
Green Hydrogen production requires an ample
Green Hydrogen: Enabling supply of Renewable Energy for the electrolysis
Measures Roadmap for process.
India’s renewable energy potential can support
Adoption in India
z
its goals for green hydrogen growth but needs

rapid capacity addition – additional capacity is
Why in News?
required to generate green hydrogen as well as
Recently, the World Economic Forum along with Bain
to meet the country’s electricity needs.
& Company has released a report titled- Green Hydrogen:
Enabling Measures Roadmap for Adoption in India, There is limited on-the-ground traction for green
highlighting that Green Hydrogen production cost needs hydrogen in the country; most are in a “wait-and-
to be reduced to less than or equal to USD 2 per kg. watch” phase. Many expect sizable production of
green hydrogen to take effect beginning in 2027
What are the Key Highlights of the Report?
and after.
¾ India’s Demand for Energy is Set to Surge: ¾ Constraints in Green Hydrogen:
India is currently the third-largest economy in the
Important constraints for the expansion of green
world in terms of energy needs, and the country’s
hydrogen in India include, on the supply side,
demand for energy is set to surge – demand is
the cost of production and delivery, and, on the
estimated to grow 35% by 2030.
demand side, Indian players’ readiness to consume
z In 2022, India’s energy import bill reached USD
green hydrogen in traditional industrial processes.
185 billion, which is likely to increase if the
country continues to meet its growing energy What is the Blueprint proposed by the Report
demand through traditional methods.
for the evolution of Green Hydrogen in India?
z At the same time, India has set a commitment
to achieve Net Zero by 2070 at the United ¾ Reduce the Cost of Producing Green Hydrogen:
Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow Green hydrogen today costs roughly USD 4–5/
(COP26), held in 2021. kg to produce in India, approximately double the
¾ Criticality of Green Hydrogen: production costs for grey hydrogen.
Green Hydrogen is critical to help meet India’s z The majority of production costs for green
energy security needs while reducing emissions hydrogen (50–70%) are driven by the need for
in hard-to-abate sectors on the path to net zero. round-the-clock (RTC) renewable electricity.
Recognizing this, the Indian government launched Green hydrogen needs to come down to a
the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2022. benchmark goal of USD 2/kg for a green energy
z The aim is to spur green hydrogen production ecosystem to develop in India. This can be done
and consumption through roughly USD 2.3 through:
billion in incentive funding, to be distributed
z Increasing direct subsidies for early adopters
between 2022 and 2030.
– for example, the USA has announced, under
¾ Current status of Hydrogen Production in India:
the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a tax credit
Currently, India produces 6.5 million Metric
of up to USD 3/kg of hydrogen.
Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) of hydrogen,
predominantly for use in crude-oil refineries and z Supporting long capital investment cycles for
fertilizer production. technologies with long-term clarity on policies
Most of India’s current hydrogen supply is Gray and incentives
Hydrogen, which is produced using Fossil Fuels in z Encouraging the development and testing of
a process that creates CO2 Gas Emissions. indigenous electrolyzer technology
Note:
¾ Reduce Costs related to Green Hydrogen Conversion, a collaborative environment for production
Storage, and Transport: and offtake occur in close proximity.
Despite low production costs, infrastructure Investing in long-term infrastructure
expenses (conversion facilities, storage, and construction, including pipelines for
transport) can significantly affect the overall cost transporting green hydrogen throughout
of green hydrogen and its derivatives. the country.
Minimizing the costs of establishing this For example, the European Union’s
infrastructure, will reduce delivery costs and European Hydrogen Backbone programme
increase offtake. aims to develop a pipeline network in
z Essential interventions to achieve this are the EU.
In the short to medium term, developing
green hydrogen production clusters where
¾ Support Industries that are most likely to Adopt ¾ Capitalize on India’s Export Potential:
Green Hydrogen: India has the potential to become a hub for green
Certain industries are better positioned than others hydrogen derivative exports given its relatively
low-cost renewable energy, skilled workforce, and
to embrace green hydrogen consumption.
abundance of land for renewable energy expansion.
z Incentives, subsidies, and other support Stakeholders can capitalize on India’s export
mechanisms should target likely adopters to potential by improving export infrastructure at
increase India’s domestic demand for green ports.
hydrogen. Green hydrogen derivatives need to be converted
Chief among these are existing grey hydrogen at the production site or ports before they can
be exported.
users. Stakeholders can support domestic green
z Export also requires storage and shipping
energy demand among users of grey hydrogen by
facilities at port terminals.
increasing direct subsidies.
¾ Disincentivize Carbon-Intensive Energy Sources:
z This will reduce green hydrogen costs in the
In addition to incentivizing green hydrogen adoption,
short term and encourage long-term demand India must also disincentivize carbon-intensive
for the new energy source. energy sources.
Note:
India can divert subsidies away from high-emission sources and redirect funds toward the green energy transition.
z A comprehensive carbon-tax regime could help India meet rising energy demand, without compromising
energy affordability for the population.
What is Green Hydrogen?

¾ About:
Hydrogen is a key industrial fuel that has a variety of applications including the production of ammonia (a key
fertilizer), steel, refineries and electricity.
However, all of the hydrogen manufactured now is the so-called ‘black or brown’ hydrogen because they are
produced from coal.
Note:
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. But pure, or the elemental hydrogen, is very scarce.
z It almost always exists in compounds like with oxygen to form water.
But when electric current is passed through water, it splits it into elemental oxygen and hydrogen through
electrolysis.
z And if the electricity used for this process comes from a renewable source like wind or solar then the hydrogen
thus produced is referred to as green hydrogen.
Colors attached to hydrogen indicate the source of electricity used to derive the hydrogen molecule.
z For instance, if coal is used, it is referred to as brown hydrogen.
¾ Need for Producing Green Hydrogen:

Hydrogen is a great source of energy because of its high energy content per unit of weight, which is why it is
used as rocket fuel.
Green hydrogen in particular is one of the cleanest sources of energy with close to zero emission.
z It can be used in fuel cells for cars or in energy-guzzling industries like fertilizers and steel manufacturing.
Countries across the world are working on building green hydrogen capacity as it can ensure energy security
and also help in cutting carbon emissions.
Green hydrogen has become a global buzzword, especially as the world is facing its biggest-ever energy crisis
and the threat of climate change is turning into a reality.
What are the other Initiatives Related to Renewable energy?
¾ Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)
¾ International Solar Alliance
¾ PM- KUSUM
¾ National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy
¾ Rooftop Solar Scheme
nnn
Note:
Security
Highlights
z Extension of BSF Jurisdiction z Challenges to India’s Cyber Security
Note:
adjoining the borders of India” where members

Extension of BSF Jurisdiction of the BSF can exercise powers to prevent
offences under any Acts that the central
Why in News? government may specify.
The Supreme Court (SC) is set to hear the dispute ¾ Extension of BSF Jurisdiction:
over the expansion of the Border Security Force (BSF) Prior to the notification issued in October 2021, the
jurisdiction in Punjab. BSF could exercise its powers within 15 kilometres
¾ In 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a of the border in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam.
notification expanding the jurisdiction of the BSF in The Centre expanded this to within 50 kilometres
Punjab, West Bengal and Assam. This was challenged of the border.
by the Punjab government. z The notification states that, within this larger
50-kilometre jurisdiction, the BSF can only
What is BSF? exercise powers under the CrPC, the Passport
¾ The BSF was raised in 1965, after the India-Pakistan (Entry into India) Act and the Passports Act.
war. z For other central legislations, the 15-km limit
¾ It is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces of remains.

the Union of India under the administrative control In the states of Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,
of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Nagaland, Tripura, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh,
Other Central Armed Police Forces are: Assam it extends to the entire area of the state.
Rifles (AR), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), ¾ Reasons for Extension of Jurisdiction:
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Increased Use of Drones and UAVs: The expansion
Reserve Police Force (CRPF), National Security of the Jurisdiction of BSF was in response to the
Guards (NSG) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). increased use of drones and Unmanned Aerial
¾ The 2.65-lakh force is deployed along the Pakistan Vehicles (UAV), which have long-range capabilities
and Bangladesh borders. and enable spying and smuggling of arms and
fake currency.
It is deployed on the Indo-Pakistan International
Cattle Smuggling: Cattle Smuggling is another
Border, Indo-Bangladesh International Border, and
Line of Control (LoC) along with the Indian Army issue that the BSF aims to combat. The extension
and in Anti-Naxal Operations. of jurisdiction allows the BSF to address the
challenges posed by smugglers who may attempt
¾ BSF has been defending Sir Creek in the Arabian Sea to take advantage of areas beyond the original
and the Sundarbans delta in the Bay of Bengal with jurisdiction of the force.
its state of the art fleet of Water Crafts.
z Smugglers often seek refuge outside BSF
¾ It contributes dedicated services to the UN peacekeeping jurisdiction.
Mission by sending a large contingent of its trained
Uniform Jurisdiction: Extension of BSF Jurisdiction
manpower every year. in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam establishes
Why was the BSF Jurisdiction Extended? uniformity in the jurisdiction of the BSF across
states in India by standardising the 50-kilometer
¾ Jurisdiction of BSF:
limit, which was already applicable in Rajasthan.
The BSF is meant to secure India’s borders with
z Additionally, the notification reduced the
its neighbouring nations and is empowered to jurisdiction in Gujarat from 80 kilometres to
arrest, search and seize under a number of laws, 50 kilometres.
such as the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of
1973, the Passports Act 1967, the Passport (Entry What are the Issues Raised by the States
into India) Act 1920, and the Narcotic Drugs and Related to the Extension of BSF Jurisdiction?
Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), 1985 etc. ¾ Concerns about State Powers:
z Section 139(1) of the BSF Act allows the central The expansion of BSF’s jurisdiction would encroach
government, through an order, to designate upon the state’s exclusive powers to legislate on
an area “within the local limits of such area matters related to the police and public order.
Note:
These powers are granted to the states under
This geographical difference is one of the Prime
Entries 1 and 2 of the State List as per Article 246 factors influencing the impact of the jurisdiction
of the Constitution. extension.
z Although, the Union government also has the What Needs to be Done for Borders
legislative capacity to issue the direction under Management Without Compromising
Entries 1 (defence of India), 2 (armed forces) Jurisdiction of States?
and 2A (deployment of armed forces) of the
¾ Collaborative Approach:
Union Lists.
There is a need to foster collaboration between
By extending the BSF’s jurisdiction, the central central and state law enforcement agencies to
government has overstepped into areas where jointly manage border security.
states traditionally have authority. Establishing a framework for information sharing
¾ Non-Cooperative Federalism: and coordination among different security forces.
Some states view the extension of BSF’s jurisdiction z Create joint task forces comprising both central
as a challenge to the principles of Federalism, which and state police personnel for specific border
emphasize a distribution of powers between the regions.
central government and the states. ¾ Involvement of State Police:
There is a need to involve units of state police in
¾ Geographical Differences:
border surveillance to complement the efforts of
In Punjab, a significant number of cities and towns
central forces like the BSF.
would fall within the 50-kilometer jurisdiction,
z Adopt a model similar to the arrangements
while in Gujarat and Rajasthan, the areas along made by the Coast Guard and Indian Navy at
the international border are sparsely populated, sea, where each force has exclusive jurisdiction
primarily consisting of marshlands or deserts. but engages in mutual vigilance.
Note:
¾ Technology Integration: What are the Constitutional Provisions Related to

Invest in advanced surveillance technologies, Centre-State Relations in India?
including drones, sensors, and communication ¾ Legislative Relations:
systems, to enhance border monitoring. Articles 245 to 255 in Part XI of the Constitution
Establish a centralised information-sharing platform deal with the legislative relations between the
that integrates data from different sources for Centre and the states.
real-time analysis. z Given the federal nature of the Indian
¾ Clear Legal Framework: Constitution, it divides the legislative powers

between the Centre and the states with
Develop a clear legal framework that outlines
respect to both the territory and the subjects
the roles, responsibilities, and jurisdiction of both
of legislation.
central and state forces in border areas.
Distribution of Legislative Subjects (Article 246):
Establish protocols for addressing cross-border The Indian Constitution provides for a division of
incidents and conducting joint investigations the subjects between the Centre and the states
when required. through three lists – List-I (Union), List-II (State)
¾ Regular Consultations: and List-III (Concurrent) in the Seventh Schedule.
There is a need to conduct regular consultations Parliament Legislation in State Field (Article 249):
and meetings between central and state authorities In abnormal times, the scheme of distribution
to address concerns and challenges related to is either modified or suspended.
border management. ¾ Administrative Relations (Article 256-263):
Articles spanning from 256 to 263 in Part XI of
Establish a platform for continuous dialogue to adapt
strategies based on evolving security dynamics. the Constitution deal with the administrative
relations between the Centre and the states.
¾ International Cooperation:
¾ Financial Relations (Article 256-291):
Engage in diplomatic initiatives to enhance
Articles spanning from 268 to 293 in Part XII
cooperation with neighbouring countries on of the Constitution deal with Centre – state
border security matters. financial relations.
Explore joint initiatives, information sharing, and z Because India is a federal country, it adheres
coordinated patrols with neighbouring countries to the division of powers when it comes to
to address transnational security challenges. taxation, and it is the responsibility of the
Centre to allocate funds to the states.
What is the Constitutional Viewpoint on
¾ Article-131: Original Jurisdiction:
Deployment of Armed Forces in States?
The SC (as a federal court of India) possesses
¾ Under Article 355, the central government has the original jurisdiction to decide the disputes
authority to deploy its forces to safeguard a state arising between different units of the Indian
from “external aggression and internal disturbance,” Federation like:
even in cases where the state has not requested z Centre and one or more states; or
assistance from the Centre and is hesitant to accept z Centre & any state(s) on one side and one or
central forces. more states on the other; or
¾ In the case of a state’s opposition to the deployment z Two or more states.
of armed forces of the Union, the right course for the In the above-mentioned cases, the SC
Centre is to first issue directives under Article 355 to has exclusive original jurisdiction, which
the state concerned. means that no other court in the country
¾ In the event of the state not complying with the can decide such disputes and SC has the
power to hear such disputes in the first
directive of the Central government, the Centre can
instance & not by way of appeal.
take further action under Article 356 (President’s Rule).
Note:
It also helps to enhance the cyber resilience and
Challenges to India’s readiness of the country’s various sectors, such
as government, defence, banking, telecom, etc.
Cyber Security
It also contributes to the national security and
Why in News? economic development of the country by promoting
a safe and secure cyber environment.
A critical vulnerability that exposed the personal
details of VVIPs, including top industrialists, celebrities What is Critical Information Infrastructure?
and sports personalities in the country, has been fixed ¾ About:
by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs 10 months after a The Information Technology Act of 2000 defines
cybersecurity expert flagged the issue. Critical Information Infrastructure as a computer

¾ The cybersecurity flaw was initially identified by a
resource, the incapacitation or destruction of
which shall have debilitating impact on national
Cybersecurity Expert who reported the issue to the
security, economy, public health or safety.
Computer Emergency Response Team, India (CERT-IN).
The government, under the IT Act of 2000, has
¾ Despite the alert, the vulnerability persisted for
the power to declare any data, database, IT
several months, raising concerns about potential network or communications infrastructure as
data theft or misuse. CII to protect that digital asset.
What is CERT-In? Any person who secures access or attempts to
secure access to a protected system in violation
¾ About: of the law can be punished with a jail term of
CERT-In is the national nodal agency responsible for up to 10 years.
handling cyber security threats, such as Hacking ¾ Protection of CIIs in India:
and Phishing. It operates under the Ministry of NCIIPC as Nodal Agency:
Electronics and Information Technology.
z Created in January 2014, the National Critical
CERT-In has been operational since January 2004. Information Infrastructure Protection Centre
¾ Functions of CERT-In: (NCIIPC) is the nodal agency for taking all
According to the Information Technology (IT)
measures to protect the nation’s critical
Amendment Act 2008, CERT-In has been designated information infrastructure.
to serve as the national agency to perform the Mandate of NCIIPC:
following functions in the area of cyber security: z It is mandated to guard CIIs from unauthorised
z Collection, analysis and dissemination of

access, modification, use, disclosure,
disruption, incapacitation or distraction.
information on cyber incidents.
z It will monitor and forecast national-level
z Forecast and alerts of cyber security incidents.
threats to CII for policy guidance, expertise
z Emergency measures for handling cyber security sharing and situational awareness for early
incidents. warning or alerts.
z Coordination of cyber incident response activities. z In the event of any threat to critical information
z Issue guidelines, advisories, vulnerability notes infrastructure the NCIIPC may call for
and whitepapers relating to information security information and give directions to the critical
practices, procedures, prevention, response sectors or persons serving or having a critical
and reporting of cyber incidents. impact on Critical Information Infrastructure.
z Such other functions relating to cyber security What are Challenges to India’s Cybersecurity?
as may be prescribed. ¾ Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability:
¾ Importance for India: Power grids, transportation systems, and
CERT-In is important for India because it helps communication networks are susceptible to
to protect the country’s critical information cyber-attacks, posing a threat to essential services
infrastructure and digital assets from cyber-attacks. and national security.
Note:
The attempted cyber attack on the Kudankulam military and diplomatic personnel with malware
Nuclear power plant in October 2019 highlights and phishing emails.
the potential risks to critical infrastructure. ¾ Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs):
¾ Financial Sector Threats: APTs, characterised by sophisticated and prolonged
The financial sector is at a high risk of cyberattacks, cyber attacks, pose a challenge as they are difficult
with cybercriminals targeting banks, financial to detect and counter.
institutions, and online payment systems. The targeting of India’s power sector by a China-
Malware attacks, such as the one on City Union

linked APT group in February 2021, with potential
Bank’s SWIFT system in March 2020, can result in implications for power outages, underscores the
financial losses, identity theft, and damage trust severity of this threat.
in the financial system. ¾ Supply Chain Vulnerabilities:
Weaknesses in software or hardware components
¾ Data Breaches and Privacy Concerns:
used by government and businesses create supply
As India transitions to a digital economy, the
chain vulnerabilities.
increased storage of personal and government
The global cyberattack on SolarWinds in December
data online raises the risk of data breaches.
2020 affected Indian organizations, including the
The compromise of sensitive information, as seen
National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Ministry
in the leak of Common Admission Test (CAT) data of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
in May 2021, can have severe consequences for
privacy and security. What are the Initiatives Taken for Cyber Security?
¾ Cyber Espionage: ¾ National Cyber Security Policy
India is a target for cyber espionage activities that
¾ Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative
aim to steal confidential information and gain a ¾ Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
strategic advantage. ¾ Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and
Examples include Operation SideCopy in 2020, Malware Analysis Centre)
where a Pakistani threat actor targeted Indian ¾ Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA).
nnn
Note:
Art and Culture
Highlights
z Sri Sri Auniati Satra Vaishnavite Monastery z Bangla for Classical Language, Gangasagar Mela for National Status
z Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace z Shankaracharyas
z Madhika Language on Brink of Extinction z Harvest Festivals
z Ram Temple z Vadnagar: India’s Oldest Living City
Sri Sri Auniati Satra Vaishnavite Satras traditionally serve as centres

for learning and spiritual activities. Monks and
Vaishnavite Monastery disciples engage in religious studies, meditation,
and community service.
Why in News? ¾ Bhaona and Traditional Art Forms:
Sri Sri Auniati Satra is a more than 350-year-old Bhaona, a traditional art form, is practiced at the
Vaishnavite monastery in Assam’s Majuli district. Satra. It is a combination of acting, music, and
What are the Key Facts about Sri Sri Auniati musical instruments.
Satra Vaishnavite Monastery? Bhaona is a significant performing art form that
aims to convey religious messages to villagers
¾ Establishment:
through entertainment.
The Sri Sri Auniati Satra was established in the
The main drama is usually preceded by a musical
year 1653 in Majuli, Assam. It has a history of over
350 years, making it one of the oldest Satras in performance called the Gayan-Bayan.
the region. What are the Key Facts Related to Majuli Island?
z A Satra is an institutional centre for Assamese ¾ Majuli is a river island located in the Brahmaputra
Vaishnavism, a bhakti movement that emerged River in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It is
in the 15th century. recognized as the largest river island in the world.
The Satra is located in Majuli, which is the largest ¾ The island is a result of the dynamics of the
inhabited river island in the world. Majuli is situated Brahmaputra River system, characterized by the
in the Brahmaputra River in the northeastern state shifting courses and channels of the river.
of Assam, India.
¾ The island is surrounded by the Brahmaputra River
¾ Religious Significance: and its tributaries, creating a unique fluvial landform.
The Satra is a center of Assamese Vaishnavism, a Wetlands known as Beels and Chaporis (islets)
bhakti movement that revolves around the worship contribute to the ecological diversity of the region.
of Lord Krishna.
The original idol of Lord Krishna in the form of
What is Vaishnavism?
Govinda is said to have been brought from the ¾ About:
Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri. Vaishnavism is a prominent bhakti (devotional)
¾ Cultural Heritage: movement within Hinduism, and it emphasises
Vaishnavite monasteries like Auniati Satra are deep devotion and love towards the god Vishnu
not only places of worship but also centers for the and his various incarnations.
preservation of traditional art forms, literature, ¾ Key Features:
and cultural practices. These Satras play a crucial Devotion to Vishnu: The central focus of Vaishnavism
role in promoting and sustaining the cultural is devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu, who is considered the
heritage of the region. Supreme Being and the sustainer of the universe.
Note:
Vaishnavas believe in a personal relationship with What are the Major Highlights of the 12th
Vishnu, expressing love, reverence, and devotion General Assembly of ABCP?
toward the deity.
¾ Theme: ABCP - The Buddhist Voice of Global South,
z Vishnu is believed to have incarnated on Earth
reflects India’s commitment, as demonstrated through
in various forms known as avatars to restore
its G20 presidency and the Voice of Global South
cosmic order and righteousness. The ten
Summit.
primary avatars are collectively known as the
Dashavatara, with popular incarnations including ¾ India’s Commitment to Buddha’s Legacy: India was
Rama and Krishna. featured as a nation guided by the principles of Buddha.
Dashavatara: The ten avatars of Vishnu are Matsya Proactive role of India was highlighted in developing
(fish), Kurma (turtle), Varaha (boar), Narasimha the Buddhist circuit and establishing the India
(half-man, half-lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama International Centre for Buddhist Culture.
(the warrior with an axe), Rama (the prince of ¾ Constitutional Recognition of Buddha’s Influence:
Ayodhya), Krishna (the divine cowherd), Buddha Emphasis was placed on the depiction of Lord Buddha
(the enlightened one), and Kalki (the future warrior in the artwork of the Indian Constitution, specifically
on a white horse). in Part V, where he is featured in the section on Union
Bhakti and Liberation: Vaishnavism places a strong governance.
emphasis on the path of bhakti, which involves
intense devotion and love toward Vishnu. The
ultimate goal for many Vaishnavas is liberation
(moksha) from the cycle of birth and death
(samsara) and union with Vishnu.
Variety of Sects: Vaishnavism encompasses a variety
of sects and groups with different interpretations
of the relationship between the individual soul
(jiva) and God. Some sects emphasise qualified
nondualism (vishishtadvaita), while others
subscribe to dualism (dvaita) or pure nondualism
(shuddhadvaita).
z Srivaishnava Sect: Emphasises qualified
nondualism based on the teachings of Ramanuja.
z Madhva Sect: Professes dualism, asserting the
separate existence of God and the soul, following What is the Asian Buddhist Conference for
the philosophy of Madhva.
Peace?
z Pushtimarg Sect: Maintains pure nondualism
according to Vallabhacharya’s teachings. ¾ About: ABCP was founded in 1970 at Ulaanbaatar,
z Gaudiya Sect: Founded by Chaitanya, teaches
Mongolia as a voluntary movement of followers
inconceivable duality and nonduality. of Buddhism with both monastic (monks) and lay
members.
ABCP then emerged as a collaborative effort of
Asian Buddhist Conference Buddhist dignitaries from India, Mongolia, Japan,
for Peace Malaysia, Nepal, the then USSR, Vietnam, Sri Lanka,
South and North Korea.
Why in News? ¾ Headquarters: Gandanthegchenling Monastery in
Recently, the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
(ABCP), a voluntary mass movement of Buddhists in Asia The Supreme Head of Mongolian Buddhists is the
convened its 12th General Assembly in New Delhi. current ABCP President.
Note:
¾ Aims of ABCP: ¾ Mindfulness in a Distracted World: In an age of
Bring together efforts of Buddhists in support constant digital bombardment, the Buddha’s emphasis
of consolidating universal peace, harmony and on mindfulness is more poignant than ever.
cooperation among peoples of Asia. Practices like meditation help us navigate
Furthering their economic and social advancement information overload, reduce stress, and cultivate
and promoting respect for justice and human dignity. focused attention in a scattered world.
Disseminating the Buddhist culture, tradition ¾ Compassion in a Polarised Society: With rising social
and heritage. and political tensions, the Buddha’s teachings on
compassion and understanding offer a critical antidote.
How Buddhist Teachings Convergence with His emphasis on recognizing the interconnectedness
Principles of Good-Governance? of all beings encourages empathetic communication
¾ Right View in Policymaking: The Buddha’s emphasis and constructive conflict resolution.
on Right View, avoiding distortion and delusion, aligns ¾ The Middle Way in an All-or-Nothing Culture: The
with good governance principles of transparency, Buddha’s concept of the Middle Way, avoiding
objectivity, and evidence-based decision-making. extremes of indulgence and denial, resonates in our
For example, Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness consumerist society.
index, inspired by Buddhist values, aims to measure It encourages mindful consumption, finding balance
public well-being beyond just economic indicators. between personal desires and responsible living.
¾ Right Conduct in Leadership: The Buddha’s Five
Precepts - non-violence, non-stealing, non-lying, Madhika Language on Brink
non-sexual misconduct, and non-intoxication - can
be interpreted as ethical guidelines for public officials. of Extinction
¾ Compassionate Governance: The Buddha’s core
teaching of compassion encourages leaders to Why in News?
consider the needs and suffering of all citizens, not In the remote colony of Kookanam, near Karivellur
just certain groups. grama panchayat, Kerala the Chakaliya community is
For example, initiatives like universal healthcare or grappling with the imminent loss of its unique language
fair taxation policies reflect an attempt to govern Madhika.
with compassion in mind. ¾ There are only two people left, who are the last fluent
¾ Dialogue and Nonviolent Conflict Resolution: The speakers of Madhika. They fear that with their passing,
Buddha’s emphasis on Right Speech and Right Action the language will be lost to the world.
promotes respectful communication and nonviolent What are the Key Facts about Madhika
solutions to conflict. Language and Chakaliya Community?
This can be applied in international diplomacy,
¾ About Madhika Language:
interfaith dialogue, and even within internal
Madhika is a language with no script and is a
political debates.
blend of Telugu, Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
How Teachings of Buddha Can Help in Despite sounding similar to Kannada, it can bewilder
Navigating Present-Day Challenges? listeners due to its diverse linguistic influences.
¾ Compass for Ethical Uncertainty: In an age marked Madhika is largely influenced by Havyaka Kannada,
by ethical uncertainty, Buddha’s teachings provide a an old form of Kannada.

path of sustainability, simplicity, moderation, and z The neglect of Madhika is attributed to the social
reverence for all life. stigma associated with the Chakaliya community.
The Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path serve They were considered untouchables.
as a transformative roadmap, guiding individuals Due to the lack of documentation (no script) and the
and nations towards inner peace, compassion, passing of older speakers, there is a significant risk
and non-violence. that Madhika may not survive beyond individuals.
Note:
z About the Chakaliya Community:

What are the Constitutional Provisions Related to
The Chakaliya community was originally nomadic Languages in India?
and worshippers of Thiruvenkatramana and
¾ Article 29:
Mariamma. They migrated from the hilly regions
Protects the interests of minorities, ensuring
of Karnataka to northern Malabar centuries ago.
that all citizens have the right to preserve their
Originally categorised as a Scheduled Tribe (ST),
distinct language, script, or culture.
the community was subsequently reclassified into
the Scheduled Caste (SC) group in Kerala. ¾ Eighth Schedule:
Part XVII of the Indian Constitution deals with
How is the Linguistic Diversity of India? the official languages. The Eighth Schedule
¾ Indian Linguistic Space: recognizes 22 official languages.
India has a rich linguistic heritage, with diverse z Six languages in India currently have ‘Classical’
languages and writing systems. status.
Writing in India dates back to the days of the Indus ¾ Article 350A:
Valley Civilization, around four thousand years ago. Provides that every state must provide primary
Linguistic Survey: education in the mother tongue.
z During colonial rule the first linguistic survey was ¾ Article 350B:
conducted during 1894 to 1928 and identified Provides for the appointment of a “Special
179 languages and 544 dialects.
Officer” for linguistic minorities.
z In 1991, the Census of India listed 1576 mother
¾ Article 351:
tongues’ with separate grammatical structures
Gives power to the Union government to issue
and 1796 speech varieties that are classified
as other mother tongues’. a directive for the development of the Hindi
language.
As per UNESCO, any language spoken by
less than 10,000 persons is considered
“potentially endangered. Ram Temple
Language Families of India:
z There are major language families in India, Why in News?

including Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austric, On 22nd January 2024, the Ram temple in Ayodhya
Tibeto-Burman, and others. was inaugurated, marking the completion of a 200-year-
¾ Threat of Extinction: old saga that profoundly impacted India’s socio-political
As per People’s Linguistic Survey of India (PLSI), landscape.
a linguistic survey by an NGO (Bhasha Research ¾ The Ram temple has been designed in the Nagara
and Publication Centre), there are around 400 Style of Temple Architecture.
languages that are at the risk of extinction in the ¾ The story of Ram is popular from Laos, Cambodia
next 50 years. and Thailand in Asia to Guyana in South America
z Most of the languages at risk are spoken by to Mauritius in Africa, making Ramayana Popular
marginal tribes, whose children receive little to outside India.
no education. If they go to school instructions
are often provided in one of India’s 22 languages What is the Timeline of Ram Janmabhoomi
recognized in the Constitution. Movement?
Languages without scripts have greater risk of ¾ Origin:
extinction like the Bhili language. Originating in 1751 when the Marathas appealed
¾ Initiatives Taken to Conserve Threatened Languages: to the Nawab of Awadh (Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula)
Scheme for Protection and Preservation of for control of Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura.
Endangered Languages (India) The Marathas had helped the Nawab of Awadh in
International Mother Language Day (UNESCO) defeating the Pathan (local chieftain) forces in the
Note:
Doab Region and as a result, they sought control ¾ Supreme Court Verdict:
over these important religious and cultural centres Legal proceedings continued, and in 2019, the
like Ayodhya, Kashi (Varanasi), and Mathura. Supreme Court awarded the entire disputed land
z The Doab Region refers to the area between the to the Hindu petitioners for a Ram temple and
Ganges and Yamuna rivers in northern India. allocated land for a mosque elsewhere.
The movement gained momentum in the 19th ¾ Culmination:
century with judicial records dating back to 1822
The culmination of this historic journey occurred on
mentioning a mosque on the birthplace of Lord Ram.
5th August, 2020, when the Indian Prime Minister
¾ Clash Near Babri Masjid: performed the Shilanyas of the Ram temple,
Tensions escalated in 1855 with a violent clash near
establishing the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth
the Babri Masjid between Hindus and Muslims, Kshetra Trust.
leading to the capture of Janmasthan by Hindus.
On 22nd January 2024, the Ram temple in Ayodhya,
¾ Placement of the idol of Ram Lalla:
built in Nagara Style, was set to be inaugurated,
The year 1949 saw the placement of the idol of
marking the completion of a 200-year-old saga
Ram Lalla in the mosque, sparking demands for
that profoundly impacted India’s socio-political
a grand temple.
landscape.
¾ Legal Battles:
In the 1980s, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) What is the Uniqueness of Ram Temple?
initiated a movement for the ‘liberation’ of ¾ Traditional Architecture and Construction:
Ram Janmabhoomi, Krishna Janmabhoomi, and This is a 3-storey temple, built in the traditional
Vishwanath shrine.
Nagara style, standing tall with pink sandstone
Legal battles ensued, and in 1986, the locks of
from Mirzapur and the hills of Bansi-Paharpur
the Babri Masjid were opened, allowing Hindus (Rajasthan).
to offer prayers.
Temple covers an expansive 71 acres, showcasing
The following years witnessed significant events,
the architectural marvel.
including the foundation-laying ceremony in 1989
and the Rath Yatra led by LK Advani in 1990, ¾ Temple Dimensions:
leading to widespread riots. Spanning 250 feet in width and 161 feet in height,
¾ Demolition of Babri Masjid: the main temple area covers 2.67 acres, boasting
On 6th December 1992, a mob demolished the
390 pillars, 46 doorways, and 5 mandaps.
Babri Masjid, leading to political repercussions ¾ Unique Features Inside:
and legal proceedings. The main Garbh Griha holds the idols of Ram Lalla,
In 1993, Parliament passed the Acquisition of Certain accompanied by multiple mandaps, including Rang
Area at Ayodhya Act, allowing the government to Mandap & Nritya Mandap.
acquire the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri ¾ Innovative Anointment Tradition:
Masjid land.
On every Ram Navami at noon, a system of mirrors
The Liberhan Commission, in 2009, highlighted
and lenses will focus the sun’s rays on Ram Lalla’s
the premeditated nature of the events in 1992.
idol. This unique anointment requires no electricity,
¾ Allahabad High Court Verdict: utilizing brass instead of iron or steel.
In 2010, a special bench of the Allahabad High
¾ Sculptor’s Contribution:
Court in its Ayodhya title suit judgment divided
The idol of five-year-old Ram Lalla, crafted by
the land in a 2:1 ratio, with two-thirds of the 2.77-
acre, including the garbha griha, going to litigants Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj, stands at 51 inches
for a Ram temple – Shri Ram Lala Virajman and and was consecrated in a special ceremony.
Nirmohi Akhara. ¾ Durability and Symbolism:
One-third of the land was given to the Sunni No iron has been used in the temple’s construction,
Central Waqf Board. designed to endure for at least a millennium.
Note:
What is the Nagara Style of Temple Architecture? ¾ Five Modes of Nagara Architecture:
Valabhi:
¾ About:
z This mode begins as a masonry rendering of the
The Nagara style of temple architecture emerged
barrel-roofed wooden structure, either simple
sometime in the 5th century CE, during the late
or with aisles, familiar through chaitya halls
Gupta period, in northern India.
(prayer halls, most associated with Buddhist
It is seen in juxtaposition with the Dravida style shrines). It is a formalization of multi-eave
of southern India, which too emerged in the same towers, often with a piling up of slabs.
period.
¾ Distinguished by a Towering Shikhara:
Nagara temples are built on a raised plinth, with
the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum) — where
the idol of the deity rests — the most sacred part
of the temple.
Towering over the Garbha Griha is the shikhara
(literally ‘mountain peak’), the most distinguishable
aspect of Nagara-style temples.
z As the name suggests, shikharas are human-
made representations of the natural and
cosmological order, as imagined in Hindu
tradition.
A typical Nagara-style temple also comprises a Phamsana:
circumambulatory passage around the garbha z The Phamsana mode is characterized by a
griha, and one or more mandapas (halls) on the shikhara that is a formalization of multi-eave
same axis as it. Elaborate murals and reliefs often towers and involves a piling up of slabs. It is
adorn its walls. associated with the Early Nagara Style and
represents a progression from the Valabhi mode.
Note: Meru, Mandara and Kailasa are the first three
names amongst the twenty types of temples described
in the early texts, all three are the names of the
Mountain, which is the axis of the world.
Latina:
z The Latina is a shikhara that is a single, slightly
curved tower with four sides of equal length. It
emerged in the Gupta heartland, was complete
with curvature by the early seventh century, and
spread across the entire breadth of northern
India. For three centuries, it was considered the
peak of Nagara temple architecture.
Note:
How has Shri Ram and Ramayana Become
Popular Outside India?
¾ Trade Routes and Cultural Exchange:
The Ramayana spread through trade routes, both
by land and sea. Indian traders, travelling for
commerce, carried with them not only goods but
also cultural elements, including religious stories.
Land routes, such as the northern route through
Punjab and Kashmir, and the eastern route
Shekhari: through Bengal, facilitated the transmission of
z The Shekhari mode features a shikhara with
the Ramayana to regions like China, Tibet, Burma,
attached sub-spires or spirelets echoing the Thailand, and Laos.
main shape. These sub-spires may run up most Sea routes, particularly the southern route from
of the face of the shikhara and can be of more Gujarat and South India, led to the dissemination
than one size. of the epic in places like Java, Sumatra, and Malaya.
¾ Cultural Transmission by Indian Communities:
Indian traders, accompanied by Brahmin priests,
Buddhist monks, scholars, and adventurers, played a
crucial role in transmitting Indian culture, traditions,
and philosophy to the people of Southeast Asia.
Over time, the Ramayana became an integral part
of the culture of many Southeast Asian countries,
influencing art, architecture, and religious practices.
¾ Integration into Local Culture:
The Ramayana integrated with local cultures
Bhumija: in various ways. For example, in Thailand, the
z The Bhumija mode involves miniature spires Ayutthaya kingdom is believed to have been based
arranged in horizontal and vertical rows, creating on the Ayodhya of the Ramayana.
a grid-like effect on each face of the shikhara. The In Cambodia, the Angkor Wat temple complex,
actual shikhara often approaches a pyramidal originally dedicated to Vishnu, features murals
shape, with the curve of the Latina less visible. depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
This style emerged from composite Latinas in
¾ Evolution of the Epic:
the tenth century onwards.
The Ramayana took on local flavors and variations
in different regions. For instance, the Ramakien
in Thailand, influenced by the Tamil epic Kamban
Ramayana, became Thailand’s national epic.
Various adaptations in different countries
incorporated unique elements, such as the
depiction of characters with Tamil names in the
Thai Ramakien.
¾ Spread Through Indentured Labor Migration:
In the 19th century, the Girmitiya Migration resulted
in the spread of the Ramayana to regions like Fiji,
Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and
Suriname.
Note:
Indentured laborers carried their cultural and

¾ Other Major Melas in India:
religious practices, including the Ramcharitmanas, Kumbh Mela: It is celebrated four times every 12
with them to new lands. years, the site of the observation rotating between
¾ Enduring Themes and Universality: four pilgrimages on the four sacred rivers at
The Ramayana served as a source of cultural
Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik.
identity and nostalgia for Indian communities z Ardha (half) Kumbh Mela is held at only two
living far away from their homeland. It provided a places, Haridwar and Allahabad, every sixth year.
connection to their roots and a sense of familiarity z And a Maha Kumbh is held after every 144 years.
in alien lands. Pushkar Mela: Pushkar Mela is an annual five
The themes of the Ramayana, such as the triumph day camel and livestock fair held in the town of
of good over evil, the concept of dharma, and the Pushkar, Rajasthan.
narrative of exile and return, resonate universally, z It is one of the world’s largest cattle fairs.
making the epic relatable to diverse cultures. Hemis Gompa Fair : In the northernmost corner
¾ Continued Cultural Practices: of India, the chilly deserts of Ladakh celebrate
Even today, the Ramayana remains a significant
a 300-year-old annual fair known as the Hemis
part of the cultural fabric in many Southeast Asian Gompa Fair.
countries. It is kept alive through various art forms, z The Hemis Monastery commemorates the fair on
including plays, dance dramas, puppet shows, and the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava.
religious ceremonies. Note: Ganga Sagar Mela has recently faced challenges
due to rising sea levels and beach erosion near the
Bangla for Classical Kapil Muni temple on Sagar Island. Despite dredging
and tetrapods to counter erosion, the situation remains
Language, Gangasagar uncertain.
Mela for National Status What are Classical Languages?
¾ About:
Why in News? In 2004, the Government of India decided to create
Recently, West Bengal’s Chief Minister made headlines a new category of languages called “classical
with two distinct pursuits: advocating for classical languages”.
language status for Bangla, which is the world’s 7th most In 2006, it laid down the criteria for conferring
spoken language and seeking national fair status for the classical language status. So far, the 6 languages
Gangasagar Mela. are granted classical language status.
What is Gangasagar Mela?

¾ About:
Gangasagar Mela, which takes place during Makar
Sankrati (mid-January), is said to be India’s second
largest pilgrimage gathering after the Kumbh Mela.
This annual pilgrimage draws millions to Sagar
Island at the confluence of the Ganges and Bay
of Bengal and commemorates the legendary King ¾ Criteria:
Bhagirath’s descent of the Ganges to Earth.
High antiquity of early texts/recorded history
¾ Benefits of National Status: spanning 1,500–2,000 years.
Elevating the Mela to national status would bring Possession of a body of ancient literature/texts
increased central funding and infrastructure considered valuable heritage by generations.
development, potentially boosting tourism and Presence of an original literary tradition not
economic activity in West Bengal. borrowed from another speech community.
Note:
The classical language and literature being distinct There is little historical evidence for the existence
from modern, there may also be a discontinuity of these mathas prior to the 14th century CE, when
between the classical language and its later forms the Vijayanagara kingdom began to patronise the
or its offshoots. Sringeri matha.
¾ Benefits: Who was Adi Shankara?
Once a language is declared classical, it gets financial ¾ About: Adi Shankara or Adi Shankaracharya was
assistance for setting up a center of excellence an 8th-century Indian philosopher and theologian,
for the study of that language and also opens up considered one of the most influential figures in the
an avenue for two major awards for scholars of history of Hinduism
eminence. He is believed to be born in Kalady village in Kerala.
Besides, the University Grants Commission Initiated into studies by Govindacharya, Shankara
can be requested to create - to begin with at travelled extensively, challenging philosophical
least in Central Universities, a certain number traditions, and establishing mathas.
of professional chairs for classical languages for ¾ Key Contributions:
scholars of eminence in the language. Systematized Advaita Vedanta: Provided a
Note: 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution lists the official framework for understanding the non-dualistic
languages of the Republic of India that currently includes nature of reality.
22 languages namely: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Illuminating Hindu Scripture: Authored 116
Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, works, including commentaries on Upanishads,
Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi,Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Brahmasutra, and the Bhagavad Gita.
Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili and Dogri. Promoted Bhakti movement: Emphasised the
importance of devotion and surrender to God,
paving the way for later devotional movements.
Shankaracharyas ¾ Major Works/Commentaries:
Bhashya Granthas:
Why in News?
z Brahma Sutras
The decision of the four Shankaracharyas to abstain z Isavasya Upanishad
from attending the inauguration of the Ram Temple in
z Kena Upanishad
Ayodhya has stirred considerable interest.
z Katha Upanishad
Who are the Shankaracharyas? z Prasna Upanishad
¾ About: Shankaracharya (teacher of the way of z Mundaka Upanishad

Shankara), is a religious title used by the heads of z Mandukya Upanishad
the four cardinal mathas or peeths believed to have z Mandukya Karika
been established by Adi Shankara (c 788 CE-820 CE). z Bhagavad Gita
According to tradition, they are religious teachers Prakarana Granthas:
who belong to a line of teachers going back all the z Vivekachudamani
way to Adi Shankara himself, however, historical
z Aparokshanubhuti
evidence regarding the same is scarce before the
z Upadesasahasri
14th century CE.
z Swatma Nirupanam
¾ Mathas: The four mathas are in Dwarka (Gujarat),
z Atma bodha
Joshimath (Uttarakhand), Puri (Odisha), and Sringeri
(Karnataka). z Sarva Vedanta Sara Samgraha
z Advaita Anubhuti
They serve as religious shrines, temples, libraries,
and residences. They play a crucial role in preserving z Brahma anuchintanam
and propagating Shankara’s tradition. z Sadachara anusandhanam
Note:
Hymns and Meditation Verses: What are the Harvest Festivals in India?
z Sri Ganesa Pancharatnam ¾ Makar Sankranti:
z Ganesa Bhujangam Makar Sankranti denotes the entry of the sun into
z Subrahmanya Bhujangam the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) as it travels
Note: However, the authorship of many works attributed on its celestial path.
to Shankara remains disputed. But Shankara’s legacy The day marks the onset of summer and the six
extends beyond metaphysics and theology, incorporating months auspicious period for Hindus known as
a near-nationalistic interpretation of faith, philosophy, Uttarayan – the northward movement of the sun.
and geography. z As a part of the official celebration of ‘Uttarayan’,
¾ Core Tenets of Advaita Vedanta: the Gujarat government has been hosting the
Advaita Vedanta posits an ontological position
International Kite Festival since 1989.
of radical nondualism. The festivities associated with the day is known by
It asserts that perceived reality is ultimately

different names in different parts of the country:
illusory (maya), and brahman is the only true z Lohri by north Indian Hindus and Sikhs,
reality, transcending empirical plurality. z Sukarat in central India,
Focuses on the unity of atman (individual z Bhogali Bihu by Assamese Hindus, and
consciousness) and brahman (ultimate reality). z Pongal by Tamil and other South Indian Hindus.
Note: A ‘Statue of Oneness’ dedicated to Adi

Shankaracharya, standing at a height of 108 feet, has
been unveiled on Mandhata mountain in the Khandwa
district of Madhya Pradesh.
Harvest Festivals
¾ Bihu:
Why in News? It is celebrated when the annual harvest takes place
Recently, the Prime Minister of India has greeted in Assam. People celebrate Magh Bihu/Bhogali Bihu
people across the nation on the occasion of Harvest to mark the beginning of the Assamese new year.
Festivals Makar Sankranti, Uttarayan, Bhogi, Magh Bihu It is believed that the festival started from the time
and Pongal. when people of the valley started tilling the land.
¾ Along with these festivals Rooster Fights are organized ¾ Pongal:
in some parts of Andhra Pradesh. The word Pongal means ‘overflow’ or ‘boiling over’.
Note:
Also known as Thai Pongal, the four-day occasion is Central Asian warriors, are suggested to be driven
observed in the month of Thai, when crops such as by severe changes in climate, such as variations
rice are harvested and people show their gratitude in rainfall or droughts.
to the almighty and the generosity of the land. ¾ Multicultural and Multireligious Settlement:
Tamilians celebrate the occasion by making Vadnagar is described as a multicultural and
traditional designs known as kolams in their homes multireligious settlement that included Buddhist,
with rice powder. Hindu, Jain, and Islamic influences.
What is a Rooster Fight? The excavation uncovered seven cultural stages
(periods), including Mauryan, Indo-Greek, Indo-
¾ About:
Scythian, Hindu-Solankis, Sultanate-Mughal, and
A rooster fight, also known as “Kodi Pandalu” in
Gaekwad-British colonial rule, up to the present day.
local parlance, involves specially bred and trained
¾ Archaeological Artifacts:
birds with sharp leg blades in a small arena, where
Various archaeological artifacts were discovered
they fight until one is killed or critically injured.
Betting on these fights is common, resulting in during the excavation, including pottery, copper,
significant sums changing hands. gold, silver, and iron objects.
¾ Laws Related to Rooster Fights: The findings also include intricately designed
bangles and coin molds from the Indo-Greek rule.
Rooster Fights are banned under Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. It includes ¾ Buddhist Monastery:
provisions that prohibit the organization and One of the significant discoveries is the presence
participation in animal fights. of one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in
Additionally, the Supreme Court of India has issued Vadnagar, adding to the historical and cultural
rulings banning the use of animals for entertainment richness of the settlement.
purposes, including in events like rooster fights. ¾ Radiocarbon Dates:
Unpublished radiocarbon dates suggest that the
settlement could be as old as 1400 BCE, which
Vadnagar: India’s Oldest challenges the notion of a Dark Age.
Living City z The “Dark Age” refers to the period between
the collapse of the Indus Valley Civilization and
Why in News? the emergence of the Iron Age and cities like
A joint study by the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhar, Koshal, and Avanti in Indian history.
(Kharagpur) and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has If true, it implies cultural continuity in India for
found evidence of cultural continuity in Vadnagar, Gujarat, the last 5500 years.
even after the Harappan collapse.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
¾ The study challenges the notion of a “Dark Age” by
providing evidence of cultural continuity in Vadnagar ¾ ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier
even after the collapse of the Harappan civilization. organization for the archaeological research and
protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
What are the Key Highlights of the Excavation ¾ Maintenance of ancient monuments and
at Vadnagar? archaeological sites and remains of national
¾ Age of Settlement: importance is the prime concern of the ASI.
The study reveals evidence of a human settlement ¾ Besides it regulate all archaeological activities in
in Vadnagar dating back to as old as 800 BCE. the country as per the provisions of the Ancient
This places the settlement in the late-Vedic/pre- Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains
Buddhist Mahajanapadas or oligarchic republics Act, 1958. It also regulates Antiquities and Art
period. Treasure Act, 1972.
¾ Climate Influence: ‘ ¾ It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham- the
The rise and fall of different kingdoms over a first Director-General of ASI. Alexander Cunningham
3,000-year period, as well as recurrent invasions by is also known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”.
nnn
Note:
History
Highlights
z Republic Day 2024 z Parakram Diwas 2024
Republic Day 2024 contingent at the Republic Day Camp, which

is an annual event where NCC cadets from all
Why in News? over India showcase their skills and talents.
¾ Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar:
India celebrated its 75th Republic Day on 26th January
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar are
2024. The day is a celebration of the Constitution, and
building India as a republic instead of a colony or dominion conferred on children with exceptional abilities
of any nation. and outstanding achievement in the fields of
bravery, art & culture, sports, science & technology,
What are the Key Highlights of the Republic innovation and social service.
Day 2024? ¾ Veer Gatha 3.0:
¾ French Contingent: The third edition of Project Veer Gatha was
The French military contingent participated in the organised as a part of Republic Day Celebrations
Republic Day parade. The contingent belonged to 2024 to inspire and spread awareness among
the Corps of French Foreign Legion. children about the gallant deeds and sacrifices
z The French Foreign Legion is an elite military
of the Armed Forces.
corps that is open to foreigners who want to ¾ Anant Sutra:
serve in the French Army. The 75th Republic Day parade featured a unique
It was the second time the French armed forces installation called “Anant Sutra,” which showcased
participated in India’s Republic Day celebrations. sarees and drapes from all over India. As a tribute
z In 2016, French troops became the first foreign
to the country’s weaving and embroidery arts, as
military contingent to participate in the Republic well as the women of India.
Day parade. ¾ Beating Retreat Ceremony 2024:
The Beating Retreat ceremony took place on
The 75th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path
showcased the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and 29th January 2024 at Vijay Chowk in Delhi. The
‘Bharat- Loktantra ki Matruka’, emphasising a ceremony is a military tradition that marks the
women-centric focus. end of Republic Day celebrations.
The ceremony features music bands from the Indian
The Republic Day parade showcased India’s military
prowess and cultural diversity, with a special Army, Navy, Air Force, and Central Armed Police
emphasis on Nari Shakti or women’s empowerment. Forces (CAPF) playing 31 Indian tunes.
z For the first time, an all-women tri-services What are Key Highlights of the Tableaus on
contingent participated in the parade. Republic Day 2024?
¾ NCC Contingents:
¾ Ministry of Culture’s Tableau:
The National Cadet Corps (NCC) Directorate
The tableau-themed ‘Bharat: Mother of Democracy’
Maharashtra contingent secures the Prime has bagged the first prize among tableaus that
Minister’s Banner at the Republic Day Camp 2024 were part of the 75th Republic Day parade.
for the third consecutive year.
z It showcased the evolution of democracy
z The Prime Minister’s Banner is a prestigious
from ancient India to modern times, using
award given to the best performing NCC state anamorphic technique.
Note:
¾ Defence Research and Development Organisation: ¾ Manipur:
The DRDO tableau was themed “Self-reliance in Manipur’s tableau showcased the women-run
Defence Technology”. Ima Keithel, also known as the Mother’s Market.
The DRDO-developed systems and subsystems z The 500-year-old Ima Keithel is the only market
that were displayed on the tableau: are Missiles in the world run entirely by women.
like Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile The Manipur tableau at the parade featured a
(MPATGM), Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile, and woman weaving clothes using an “Eyong” loom- a
Agni-5 Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile, Very traditional loom from Manipur.
Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), ¾ Madhya Pradesh:
Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR), The tableau showed the first woman fighter pilot of
Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’, Quick Reaction the Indian Air Force, Avani Chaturvedi of Madhya
Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), Astra, Light Pradesh’s Rewa district.
Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’, ‘Uttam’ Active Electronically It also featured the Badal Mahal gate and weavers
Scanned Array Radar (AESAR), Advanced Electronic of the globally renowned Chanderi, Maheshwari
Warfare System ‘Shakti’, Cyber Security systems, and Bagh print sarees.
Command Control Systems and the Semiconductor z The gate is said to have been built during the
Fabrication Facility. rule of Sultan Mahmud Shah Khilji, the King
¾ Army Tableau: of Malwa,
The Indian Navy tableau depicted the imposing z The tableau featured India’s Millet Mission
indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and ambassador and ‘Millet Woman of India
INS Delhi, INS Kolkata and INS Shivalik, the LCA, Lahari Bai.
the ALH and the Kalvari-class submarine. ¾ Chhattisgarh:
¾ Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The tableau depicted the ancient tribal form of
Sagarmala programme and Nari Shakti in the Parliament in Bastar known as “Muria Darbar”. It
maritime sector were showcased in the tableau. also depicted a place called “Limau Raja”, situated
¾ Council of Scientific and Industrial Research in Bade Dongar, the ancient capital of Bastar.
The purple revolution unfolding in the lavender
¾ Ladakh:
fields of Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir found The tableau depicted a high hill in Ladakh, with the
a proud place on the tableau of the CSIR. world’s highest motorable road at Umling-La pass.
¾ Indian Space Research Organisation: ¾ Tamil Nadu:
The tableau highlighted the historical significance
The tableau featured the landing of the
Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft near the south pole of the Kudavolai electoral system, which emerged
of the Moon and the Aditya L-1 mission. during the 10th-century Chola era and marked an
early stride towards democracy.
z The lunar landing site of the spacecraft which
It also featured a scale model of the Vaikunda
was named Shiv Shakti Point was also featured.
Perumal Temple in Uthiramerur where the Kudavolai
The tableau illustrated future missions such as
system is practised, showcasing its integration into
Gaganyaan and Bhartiya Antariksh Station among the local culture.
others.
¾ Odisha:
¾ Arunachal Pradesh:
The state’s tableau featured a heritage hut of
The state’s tableau showcased its Singchung Bugun Raghurajpur village, where women play a pivotal
Village Community Reserve, a 17 square kilometre role in crafting Pattachitra and masks.
biodiversity hotspot created in 2017 to protect z ‘Odisha Pattachitra’ masks are handcrafted
the Bugun Liocichla, a critically endangered bird. from leftover paper’s Papier Mache paste.
z The Bugun Liocichla is named after the Buguns z The “War Horse of Konark Temple” symbolised
community. Odisha’s rapid progress in shaping a developed
Tableau was led by the Bugun folk dance. India.
Note:
¾ Meghalaya: ¾ Maharashtra:
The state’s tableau featured a unique freshwater Shivaji Maharaj’s establishment of ‘self-rule’ and
scuba diving site along the Umngot River in Dawki. respect for women in his ‘kingdom of the people’
The tableau celebrated community-led cleanliness formed the highlight of Maharashtra’s tableau.
initiatives in Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village. ¾ Haryana:
It also highlighted the state’s rich reserve, displaying The tableau highlighted the state’s ambitious
its flora, and endemic species like the clouded “Mera Parivar-Meri Pehchan” scheme.
leopard. It also highlighted the benefits of the ‘Parivar
¾ Rajasthan: Pehchan Patra’ through a phone call such as
The tableau promoted the state’s tourism potential, the seamless procurement of ration, agricultural
with the “ghoomar” dance and decorated camel subsidies for farmer families, scholarships for young
icon. students, and pensions for the elderly.
z Ghoomar, a traditional Bhil tribe folk dance, is ¾ Jharkhand:
a symbol of womanhood. The tableau showcased the skill of tribal women
A statue of Meera Bai was displayed in the tableau, in the production of Tasar silk with depictions of
She was a great devotee of Lord Krishna and a Tasar moth rearing, cocoon production, weaving
Hindu poetess of the 16th century. and the modern journey of Tasar garments from
¾ Telangana: design to global distribution.
The tableau honoured the legacy of tribal freedom z Jharkhand “jhumar” folk dance was performed.
fighters like Komaram Bheem, Ramji Gond and
Chityalallamma (Chakalillamma). What is the History of Republic Day?
z Bheem and Ramji advocated for the ¾ About:
freedom, dignity, and rights of indigenous Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the
tribal communities. They employed guerrilla Constitution of India on 26th January 1950, and the
warfare tactics to spread a powerful message country’s transition to a republic which came into
of empowerment and justice. effect on 26th January 1950.
¾ Uttar Pradesh: z The constitution was adopted by the Constituent
Tableau symbolically represented the consecration Assembly of India on 26th November 1949 and
ceremony that took place in Ayodhya, with an came into effect on 26th January 1950.
artistic model depicting Lord Ram in a young The Constitution of India repealed the Indian
avatar (Ram Lalla). Independence Act 1947 and Government of India
z It also depicted the first-ever operational high- Act 1935 when it became effective on 26th January
speed regional rapid transit system (RRTS) of 1950. India ceased to be a dominion of the British
the country. Crown and became a sovereign, democratic
z The tableau displayed the world’s fourth-largest republic with a constitution.
international airport, Jewar Airport. ¾ History:
z A group of women artists accompanying the Declaration of Poorna Swaraj:
tableau perform traditional dances ‘Charkula’ z The Lahore Session of the Indian National
and ‘Wadhwa, popular in the Braj region.
Congress (INC) in December 1929 passed the
¾ Gujarat: historic “Poorna Swaraj” resolution, calling
The tableau was based on the theme Dhordo: for total self-rule/sovereignty and complete
Global Identity of Gujarat’s Border Tourism. independence from British rule.
z Dhordo, located on India’s western tip, is the The Declaration of Independence was
gateway to the Rann of Kutch. officially promulgated on 26th January 1930,
z Women dressed in traditional attire played and the Congress urged Indians to celebrate
garba along the tableau. “independence” on that day.
Note:
Republic Day in Post-Independence India: Puraskar-2024, to honor the invaluable contribution
z From 1930 to 1947, 26th January was celebrated rendered by individuals and organisations in the field
as “Independence Day” or “Poorna Swaraj Day.” of Disaster Management.
z India gained independence on 15th August 1947, What is Parakram Diwas?
leading to a reevaluation of the significance of
¾ Initiated in 2021, Parakram Diwas is an annual
Republic Day.
celebration in India commemorating the birth
z The selection of 26th January for the promulgation
anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
of India’s new constitution was ideal due to its
existing nationalist significance and alignment ¾ The term “Parakram” translates to courage or valour
with the “Poorna Swaraj” declaration. in Hindi, reflecting the strong and courageous spirit
of Netaji and those who fought for India’s freedom.
Note: On Republic Day every year, the President of
¾ The celebrations typically include various events and
India, who is the head of state, ‘unfurls’ the tricolour,
activities that highlight the historical significance of
while on Independence Day (August 15), the prime
Netaji’s role in the freedom struggle.
minister, who heads the Union government, ‘hoists’
the national flag. ¾ The comprehensive celebration is being organised
by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with its
While the two terms are often used interchangeably,
allied institutions such as the Archaeological Survey
these represent different techniques of presenting
the tricolour. of India, National School of Drama, Sahitya Akademi,
and the National Archives of India.
On 26th January, the flag is folded or rolled,
and attached to the top of a pole. It is then ¾ As part of the program, the event will host a rich array
unveiled (‘unfurled’) by the President, who does of activities that delve into the profound legacy of
so without pulling it up. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj.
z ‘Unfurling’ is a symbolic gesture to renew Marking Netaji’s 125th birth anniversary, in 2022,
the commitment to principles laid down in the hologram was installed, near India Gate,
the Constitution, highlighting India’s shift where a statue of King George V had stood till its
from being a British colony to becoming a removal in 1968.
sovereign, democratic Republic. z Later the hologram of Netaji replaced by a
On 15th August, on the other hand, the flag, grand statue on 8th September 2022 near India
positioned at the bottom of the pole, is raised Gate in New Delhi.
(‘hoisted’) by the prime minister, from the
What is Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda
bottom to the top.
Prabandhan Puraskar?
z Hoisting symbolises the rise of a new nation;
patriotism, and freedom, from colonial rule. ¾ Field Recognised:
The Government of India instituted Subhash
Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskaar
Parakram Diwas 2024 (SCBAPP) to recognise the excellent work done
by the individuals and institutions in the field of
Why in News?
disaster management.
Recently, the Prime Minister (PM) of India has
¾ Administered By:
participated in Parakram Diwas (23rd January 2024)
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA
Celebrations at Red Fort to mark the birth anniversary
of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. was established under the Ministry of Home Affairs
under the Disaster Management Act, 2005).
¾ The PM has also launched Bharat Parv (organised by
the Ministry of Tourism), a nine-day event to showcase ¾ Award:
India’s rich diversity and exhibit different cultures. The awards are announced on the birth anniversary
¾ On the Occasion of Parakram Diwas, the Centre has of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on 23rd January
announced Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan every year.
Note:
In addition to a certificate, these awards carry a cash award of Rs. 51 lakhs for an Institution and Rs. 5 lakhs
for an Individual.
The Institution has to utilize the cash prize for Disaster Management related activities only.
¾ Eligibility:
Only Indian nationals and Indian institutions can apply for the award.
The nominated individual or institution should have worked in any area of disaster management like Prevention,
Mitigation, Preparedness, Rescue, Response, Relief, Rehabilitation, Research, Innovation or early warning in India.
¾ SCBAPP- 2024: The 60 Parachute Field Hospital, Uttar Pradesh, has been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose
Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2024 for its excellent work in disaster management, particularly in providing medical
assistance during various natural calamities and crises, both nationally and internationally.
The hospital’s work during events like the Uttarakhand floods (2013), Nepal Earthquake (2015), and the Turkey
and Syria earthquake (2023) is highlighted as examples of its exceptional service.
nnn
Note:
Geography
Highlights
z Implications of No Snowfall In Kashmir
Implications of No Snowfall The rate of temperature increase is higher in

upper elevation areas than in the plains, further
In Kashmir impacting snowfall.
The current El Nino event in the eastern Pacific
Why in News?
Ocean is suggested as an additional factor affecting
The absence of Snowfall in Kashmir during the winter global atmospheric circulation and contributing
season is not only affecting the region’s tourism industry, to the deficit precipitation in the region.
particularly in popular destinations like Gulmarg, but it
z There have been several years in the last one
also has significant implications for various aspects of
decade — 2022, 2018, 2015 — when winters
the local environment and economy.
have been relatively dry in Jammu and Kashmir,
What Causes No Snowfall In Kashmir? and snowfall has been very low.
¾ Climate and Weather Patterns: What are the Implications of No Snowfall in
The entire Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh regions
Kashmir?
have seen a lack of rains or snow this winter, with
a notable 80% rainfall deficit in December 2023 ¾ Short and Long Term Impact:
and 100% (no rain) deficit in January 2024 so far. Short-term effects include an increase in forest
Winter precipitation in these regions, crucial for fires, agricultural drought, and a drop in crop
the local climate, is mainly in the form of snowfall. production.
¾ Decline in Western Disturbance: Long-term consequences include a reduction in
The overall trend of decreasing snowfall has been

hydroelectricity generation, an increase in glacier
attributed to a decline in Western Disturbance melting, and adverse effects on drinking water
events and a gradual rise in temperatures, likely supply due to less recharge of groundwater.
influenced by Climate Change. ¾ Vital for Winter Crops:
Western Disturbances are the primary source of The winter snow, crucial for moisture in the soil, is
winter precipitation in the Himalayan region. vital for winter crops, particularly horticulture. The
z The number of Western Disturbance events has yields of apples and Saffron, significant contributors
been showing a declining trend, contributing to the local economy, are adversely affected in the
to less overall precipitation during the winter absence of sufficient snowfall.
months. ¾ Impact on Tourism:
z Western Disturbance are large eastward-moving
Gulmarg, a key winter tourism spot in Kashmir,
rain-bearing wind systems that originate beyond is witnessing a sharp decline in tourist visits this
Afghanistan and Iran, picking up moisture from season due to insufficient snow. Despite substantial
as far as the Mediterranean Sea and even the
tourist numbers in 2023, officials project at least
Atlantic Ocean.
a 60% reduction in footfall.
¾ Role of Climate Change and El Nino:
The scarcity of snow is adversely affecting ski
Climate change is considered a contributing factor
resorts and related businesses, impacting the
to the declining snowfall in Kashmir, as indicated local economy.
by various studies.
nnn
Note:
Ethics
Highlights
z Ethical Use of Generative AI in Healthcare
Ethical Use of Generative AI Scientific research and drug development, including

to identify new compounds.
in Healthcare
Note: Indian Council of Medical Research issued ethical
Why in News? guidelines for AI in biomedical research and healthcare
in June 2023.
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has
released guidance on the ethical use and governance of What Concerns has WHO Raised about LMMs
Large Multi-Modal Models (LMM) in healthcare, in Healthcare?
acknowledging the transformative impact of Generative
¾ Rapid Adoption and Need for Caution:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies like ChatGPT, Bard,
LMMs have experienced unprecedented adoption,
and Bert.
surpassing the pace of any previous consumer
What are Large Multi-Modal Models (LMM)? technology.
¾ LMMs are models that use multiple senses to mimic z LMM is known for their ability to mimic human
human-like perception. This allows AI (Artificial communication and perform tasks without
Intelligence) to respond to a wider range of Human explicit programming.
communication, making interactions more natural However, this rapid uptake underscores the critical
and intuitive. importance of carefully weighing their benefits
¾ LMMs integrate multiple data types, such as images, against potential risks.
text, language, audio, and other heterogeneity. This ¾ Risks and Challenges:
allows the models to understand images, videos,
Despite their promising applications, LMMs pose
and audio, and converse with users.
risks, including the generation of false, inaccurate,
¾ Some examples of multimodal LLMs include GPT-4V,
or biased statements that could misguide health
MedPalm M, Dall-E, Stable Diffusion, and Midjourney.
decisions.
What are the WHO’s Guidelines Regarding the The data used to train these models can suffer from
Use of LMMs in Healthcare? quality or bias issues, potentially perpetuating
● The new WHO guidance outlines disparities based on race, ethnicity, sex, gender
five broad applications of LMMs in identity or age.
healthcare: ¾ Accessibility and Affordability of LMMs:
Diagnosis and clinical care, such as responding to There are broader concerns as well, such as the
patients’ written queries; accessibility and affordability of LMMs, and the
Patient-guided use, such as for investigating risk of Automation Bias (tendency to rely too much
symptoms and treatment; on automated systems) in healthcare, leading
Clerical and administrative tasks, such as professionals and patients to overlook errors.
documenting and summarizing patient visits within ¾ Cybersecurity:
electronic health records; Cybersecurity is another critical issue, given the
Medical and nursing education, including providing sensitivity of patient information and the reliance
trainees with simulated patient encounters, and; on the trustworthiness of these algorithms.
Note:
What are the Key Recommendations of WHO Regarding LMMs?
¾ Called for a collaborative approach involving governments, technology companies, healthcare providers, patients
and civil society, in all stages of LMM development and deployment.
¾ Stressed on the need for global cooperative leadership to regulate AI technologies effectively. Governments from
all countries must cooperatively lead efforts to effectively regulate the development and use of AI technologies,
such as LMMs.
¾ The new guidance offers a roadmap for harnessing the power of LMMs in healthcare while navigating their
complexities and ethical considerations.
In May 2023, the WHO had highlighted the importance of applying ethical principles and appropriate governance,
as enumerated in the WHO guidance on the ethics and governance of AI for health, when designing, developing
and deploying AI for health.
¾ The six core principles identified by WHO are:
Protect autonomy
Promote human well-being, human safety, and the public interest
Ensure transparency, explainability, and intelligibility
Foster responsibility and accountability
Ensure inclusiveness and equity
Promote AI that is responsive and sustainable.
How is Global AI currently Governed?

¾ India:
NITI Aayog, has issued some guiding documents on AI Issues such as the National Strategy for Artificial
Intelligence and the Responsible AI for All report.
Emphasises social and economic inclusion, innovation, and trustworthiness.
¾ United Kingdom:
Outlined a light-touch approach, asking regulators in different sectors to apply existing regulations to AI.
Published a white paper outlining five principles companies should follow: safety, security and robustness;
transparency and explainability; fairness; accountability and governance; and contestability and redress.
¾ US:
The US released a Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights (AIBoR), outlining the harms of AI to economic and civil
rights and lays down five principles for mitigating these harms.
The Blueprint, instead of a horizontal approach like the EU, endorses a sectorally specific approach to AI
governance, with policy interventions for individual sectors such as health, labour, and education, leaving it
to sectoral federal agencies to come out with their plans.
¾ China:
In 2022, China came out with some of the world’s first nationally binding regulations targeting specific types
of algorithms and AI.
It enacted a law to regulate recommendation algorithms with a focus on how they disseminate information.
nnn
Note:
Miscellaneous
Highlights
z 6th Edition of Khelo India Youth Games z Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur
z Investment Forum for Advancing Climate Resilient Agrifood
Systems in India
6th Edition of Khelo India Youth Games

Why in News?
The 6th edition of Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) is currently underway, happening from 19th January to 31st
January 2024, across four cities in Tamil Nadu: Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and Coimbatore.
What is the Khelo India Youth Games?

¾ About: KIYG is a national-level, multi-disciplinary sports competition for school and college students in India.
The games are held annually in January or February and are part of the government’s Khelo India initiative.
It aims to promote sports culture and identify sporting talent at the grassroots level.
The previous 5 editions of the Youth Games have been held in Delhi, Pune, Guwahati, Panchkula and Bhopal.
Note:
¾ Format: It is held in two categories, namely under- What is the Investment Forum for Advancing
17-year-old school students and under-21 college Climate Resilient Agrifood Systems in India?
students.
¾ About:
It operates in a team championship format,
The initiative aims to create an investment and
wherein the medals earned by individual athletes
partnership strategy fostering climate resilient
or teams contribute to the overall medal tally of
agrifood systems among various stakeholders
their respective state or Union Territory (UT).
in India.
Upon the event’s conclusion, the state or UT
The Forum facilitated discussions and deliberations
securing the highest count of gold medals is
on six key areas namely,
declared the winner.
z Climate resilient agriculture (experiences and
No other team barring Maharashtra and Haryana
pathways).
have won the KIYG title to date.
z Digital infrastructure and solutions.
¾ 6 edition of KIYG: A total of 933 medals (278 gold,
th
z Financing climate resilient agrifood systems
278 silver and 377 bronze) are up for grabs across 26
(domestic and global).
sports at KIYG, Tamil Nadu.
z Climate resilient value chains.
Squash is making its KIYG debut this year, while
z Production practices and inputs for climate
Silambam, a form of indigenous martial arts, is
featured as a demonstration sport. resilience.
z Gender mainstreaming and social inclusion for
Mascot: Veera Mangai.
climate resilience.
z Rani Velu Nachiyar, fondly called Veera Mangai,
¾ Importance of Investing in Climate-Resilient Agrifood
was an Indian queen who waged a war against
Systems:
British colonial rule.
Climate change has profound implications for India,
z Also, the logo for the games incorporates the
particularly affecting its economically vulnerable
figure of poet Thiruvalluvar.
rural population, largely dependent on climate-
Note: The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 will take sensitive agricultural livelihoods.
place in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir. The recently z Agriculture contributes to about 13% of total
unveiled mascot, a Snow Leopard named ‘Sheen-e She’ greenhouse gas emissions in India and is
or Shan, adds a unique touch to the event. vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
z Indian agriculture is susceptible to extreme
temperatures, droughts, floods, cyclones, and
Investment Forum for soil salinity.
Advancing Climate Resilient z Climate change can affect crop yields, water
Agrifood Systems in India availability, soil health, pest and disease

outbreaks, and food security.
Climate resilient agrifood systems can help
Why in News?
mitigate and adapt to climate change, enhance
Recently, the National Institution for Transforming food production, reduce poverty, and improve
India (NITI Aayog), the Ministry of Agriculture and livelihoods.
Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) of the Government of India,
z Climate mainstreaming into agrifood systems
and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the
necessitates larger investments from global
United Nations jointly launched the ‘Investment Forum
climate finance, domestic budgets, and the
for Advancing Climate Resilient Agrifood Systems in
private sector.
India’ in New Delhi.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
¾ The FAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
¾ FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-
quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
Note:
¾ With 194 member countries and the European Union including India, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
¾ The World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are sister
organisations of the FAO.
¾ FAO is headquartered in Rome, Italy.
¾ Flagship Publications:
The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA).
The State of the World’s Forests (SOFO).
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI).
The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA).
The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO).
Bharat Ratna to Karpoori z This reclassification was also seen as a percussor

of the Mandal Commission report, advocating for
Thakur 27% reservations for Other Backward Classes.
Implemented wide-ranging policies, including the
Why in News? promotion of Hindi, and Urdu as the second official
Recently, the President of India announced that the language, waiving school fees, and strengthening
Bharat Ratna would be awarded to socialist leader and Panchayati Raj.
former Chief Minister of Bihar Karpoori Thakur,
What is Bharat Ratna Award?
posthumously.
¾ About: Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award
¾ This comes at a time when three-day celebrations
of the Republic of India.
are being held in Bihar to mark his birth centenary.
¾ History and Evolution: Instituted in 1954, the
Who was Karpoori Thakur? award is conferred in recognition of exceptional
service/performance of the highest order, without
¾ About: Karpoori Thakur, called as “Jan Nayak”, was
distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex.
a prominent Indian politician who served as the
The award was originally limited to achievements
11th Chief Minister of Bihar twice, from 1970-71
in the arts, literature, science, and public services.
and 1977-79.
But in December 2011, the government expanded
¾ Early Life and Political Foundation (1942-1967):
the criteria to include any field of human
He was a freedom fighter and a staunch socialist endeavour.
who worked under the guidance of stalwarts such
¾ First Recipients: The first recipients of the
as Jayaprakash Narain, Dr Rammanohar Lohia and
Bharat Ratna were C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli
Ramnandan Mishra. Radhakrishnan, and C. V. Raman, honoured in 1954.
Represented the Nai community, listed as an
Most recently, in 2019, it was awarded to
Extremely Backward Class (EBC) among OBCs. Nanaji Deshmukh, Bhupen Hajarika and Pranab
z Entered politics in 1952, serving as a legislator Mukherjee.
until 1985. ¾ Key Aspects:
¾ Chief Ministerial Term and Policies: In 1977, during It is not mandatory that Bharat Ratna be awarded
his Chief Ministership, Mungeri Lal Commission every year.
recommended reclassifying backward classes into There is no written provision that Bharat Ratna
extremely backward classes (including weaker sections should be awarded to Indian citizens only.
of Muslims) and backward classes. z The award has been awarded to a naturalized
In 1978, he introduced a groundbreaking reservation Indian citizen, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, better
model, allocating 26% of reservations with specific known as Mother Teresa (1980) and to two
quotas for OBCs, EBCs, women, and economically non-Indians - Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and
backward classes among upper castes. Nelson Mandela (1990).
Note:
Recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made In terms of Article 18 (1) of the Constitution,
by the Prime Minister of India to the President. the award cannot be used as a prefix or suffix
The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to the recipient’s name.
to a maximum of three in a particular year. z However, an award holder consider it necessary,
On conferment of the award, the recipient using the following expression in their biodata/
receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the letterhead/visiting card etc. to indicate that
President and a medallion. he/she is a recipient of the award: Awarded
z The Award does not carry any monetary Bharat Ratna by the President or Recipient
grant. of Bharat Ratna Award.
nnn
Note:
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
Highlights
z Philippines and Vietnam Cooperation in South China Sea z Mesolithic Gum Unveils Ancient Scandinavian Diet
z UNRWA Funding Freeze Amid Gaza Conflict z Vemana Jayanti
z Ancient Lake on Mars z Study Material in Indian Languages
z Voluntary Carbon Market Framework for Agriculture Sector z SCOPE’s Commendation Certificate to NHPC
z Martyrs’ Day z Operation Sarvashakti: Intensive Anti-Terror Drive in J&K
z SADA TANSEEQ z India’s Signs MoU/MoI with Dominican Republic, Ecuador and
z National Conference on Technical Textiles Netherlands
z 100 years of S N Bose’s Colossal Work z India-Argentina Agreement for Lithium Blocks
z Maratha Reservation Progress z Operation AMRITH
z Aditya-L1: Deployment of Magnetometer Boom in Sun’s z Sumit Nagal Defeated Seeded Player at Australian Open
Orbit z Stamp Book on Ramayana
z US Supreme Court Case Roe v Wade z PFRDA notifies Point of Presence (PoP) Regulations
z Gallantry Awards z Jallikattu
z Wandering Albatross z Navy to Have Mixed Marching Contingent at Republic Day Parade
z 14th National Voters’ Day z ANUBHAV Awards Scheme 2024
z Arambai Tenggol z Tubeless Conundrum
z Exercise Desert Knight z Invasive Species and Food Crisis in Karnataka’s Western Ghats
z Rabbit r1 z Thiruvalluvar Day
z Indian Stock Market is Fourth-largest Globally z Rhododendron
z India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise CYCLONE z DRDO Launches Indigenous Assault Rifle ‘Ugram’
z India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR z Ex-Ayutthaya and The 36th edition of Indo-Thai CORPAT
z BHISHM Cube z National Startup Day 2024
z Mpemba Effect z Foraging Traditions of Soliga and Yerava Tribes
Philippines and Vietnam Cooperation in South China Sea

Recently, the Philippines and Vietnam have made significant strides in strengthening their cooperation in the
South China Sea, despite opposition from China, which also claims the region.
¾ The agreements between the two countries cover various aspects of their relationship, including maritime security,
trade, and investment.
¾ The South China Sea is a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean. It is bordered by Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia,
Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and China.
It is connected by the Taiwan Strait with the East China Sea and by the Luzon Strait with the Philippine Sea
(both marginal seas of the Pacific Ocean).
The South China Sea is a contested maritime area that is the subject of territorial disputes between six countries:
China, Brunei, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Note:
Read more: South China Sea
UNRWA Funding Freeze on 7th October 2023 and has alleged that Hamas uses
UNRWA facilities for military purposes and teaches
Amid Gaza Conflict anti-Israel sentiment in its schools.
The US and eight other Western countries, which Read more: United Nations Relief and Works
are major contributors to the United Nations Relief and Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
(UNRWA’s) 2022 budget, have decided to pause funding
for the agency. Ancient Lake on Mars
¾ UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide aid to NASA’s Perseverance rover has substantiated the
Palestinians who were displaced during the 1948 existence of ancient lake sediments in Mars’ Jezero Crater
Arab-Israeli war. through ground-penetrating radar observations.
¾ It operates in Gaza, Israeli-occupied West Bank,
¾ The findings support the theory that Mars underwent
Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, offering education, health,
a transition from being cold and arid to becoming
relief, social services, microfinance, and emergency
warm, wet, and possibly suitable for habitation.
assistance programs.
The agency currently serves around 5.9 million
¾ Perseverance is a car-sized Mars rover designed to
Palestinian refugees and plays a vital role in explore the Jezero crater on Mars as part of NASA’s
providing essential services to Palestinians in Gaza. Mars 2020 mission.
¾ The halt of funding is the result of Israel accusing It was manufactured by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
UNRWA staff of involvement in an attack on Israel and launched on 30th July 2020.
Note:
Read more: NASA’s Perseverance Rover
Voluntary Carbon Market Framework for Agriculture Sector

Recently, the central government initiated a framework for voluntary carbon markets in the agriculture sector,
aiming to encourage small and medium farmers to benefit from carbon credits and promote eco-friendly farming
practices.
¾ Voluntary Carbon Market is a trading system where individuals and organizations can voluntarily buy and sell
carbon credits to offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Each credit symbolises one metric ton of avoided, reduced or removed CO2 or equivalent GHG.
These credits originate from projects that cut emissions, like tree planting, renewable energy investment etc.
Read more: Carbon markets
Note:
Martyrs’ Day
Martyrs’ Day, also known as Shaheed Diwas, is observed on 30th January each year to pay homage to the brave
souls who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and welfare of the nation.
¾ One of the most significant events associated with this day is the Punyatithi (death anniversary) of Mahatma
Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.
“Death is at any time blessed, but it is twice blessed for a warrior who dies for his cause, that is, truth” - Mahatma
Gandhi
¾ Also, Martyrs’ Day is also commemorated on 23rd March to remember the sacrifice of three extraordinary
revolutionaries of India – Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, Sukhdev Thapar.
Read more: Martyrs’ Day
Note:
National Conference on Technical Textiles in Vijayawada,

SADA TANSEEQ emphasizing policy pathways and innovation in this critical
sector.
The inaugural edition of the India-Saudi Arabia Joint
¾ The event featured panel discussions on Circular
Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’ kicked off in Mahajan,
Economy Strategies, Sustainability in Technical
Rajasthan. The Royal Saudi Land Forces and the Indian
Textiles, Agrotextiles, Geotextiles for Infrastructure,
Army, each with 45 personnel, are actively participating.
and Future Trends.
¾ The primary objective is to train troops for Joint
¾ Textile industry in Andhra Pradesh was urged to actively
Operations in Semi-Desert terrain as outlined in
participate in BHARAT TEX 2024 to showcase their
Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
ideas and innovativeness in Technical Textiles with
¾ Major activities include Mobile Vehicle Check Posts,
increased participation.
Cordon & Search Operations, House Intervention
Bharat Tex 2024 is the largest textile event in
Drills, Reflex Shooting, Slithering, and Sniper Firing,
2024, organized by the Ministry of Textiles and
offering an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations
11 Textile Export Promotion Councils of India. It
and achieve shared security objectives.
will take place in New Delhi from February 26 to
29, 2024.
Read more: India-Saudi Arabia
z The event will showcase the entire textile value
chain of India, from farm to fashion, and highlight
National Conference on its heritage, craftsmanship, and innovations.
Technical Textiles z Bharat Tex 2024 aims to position India as a global
powerhouse in textiles and attract investments,
The Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with the trade, and partnerships from around the world.
Government of Andhra Pradesh, recently hosted a Read more: PM MITRA Scheme and Textile Sector
100 years of S N Bose’s Colossal Work
Note:
Distinguished scientists and scientific administrators
recently gathered at the S.N. Bose National Centre for Aditya-L1: Deployment of
Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) in Kolkata to celebrate the
Magnetometer Boom in Sun’s
100th anniversary of Satyendra Nath Bose’s last of the
four revolutionary publications that led to new quantum Orbit
mechanics (the others being those of Planck in 1900,
Recently, the Aditya-L1 mission, India’s venture to
Einstein in 1905, and Niels Bohr in 1913), traced the
study the Sun, marked a crucial milestone with the
evolution of quantum mechanics through the years.
successful deployment of its six-magnetometer boom.
¾ SNBNCBS, an Autonomous Research Institute ¾ Designed to study the low-intensity interplanetary
established under the Department of Science and magnetic field in space, the boom features two high-
Technology (DST), in 1986 to honour the life and precision magnetometer sensors strategically placed
work of S. N. Bose. at distances of 3 and 6 meters.
S N Bose’s pioneering work on quantum statistics It is constructed with carbon fibre reinforced
has paved the way for the development of modern polymer segments
quantum technologies including Bose-Einstein ¾ Aditya L1, positioned at Lagrange Point 1, aims to
condensation, quantum superconductivity, and observe the Sun’s radiation, particles, and magnetic
quantum information theory. field in multiple wavelengths, marking a significant
Half the fundamental particles in the Universe are step in solar research.
named after him – BOSON. Read more: Aditya-L1 mission
¾ The conference highlighted that 23 countries have
set up National Quantum Missions and India has a
substantial contribution to make at an international
US Supreme Court Case
level, especially in the field of quantum algorithms. Roe v Wade
Read more: National Quantum Mission
¾ On 22ndJanuary 1973, the Supreme Court of the
United States ruled in Roe v. Wade that the right to
Maratha Reservation Progress an abortion is a fundamental right.
¾ The court ruled that the constitutional right to privacy
Recently, the Maharashtra state government, includes a woman’s right to choose whether to have an
responding to the Maratha community’s demand for abortion or not. The court applied the constitutional
reservations, has issued a gazette notification proposing principles of privacy and liberty to a woman’s ability
amendments to the caste certificate rules. to terminate a pregnancy.
¾ It aims to ease and expand the scope of offering Kunbi ¾ However, the government can still regulate or restrict
OBC certification to Marathas, allowing them access abortion access depending on the stage of pregnancy.
to government jobs and educational institutions. The ruling also stated that a person can choose
¾ The state has proposed to amend the Maharashtra to have an abortion until a fetus becomes viable,
Scheduled Castes, Denotified Tribes (Vimukta Jatis), which is usually between 24 and 28 weeks after
Nomadic Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Special conception.
Backward Category (Regulation of Issuance and ¾ Prior to Roe v. Wade, abortion had been illegal
Verification of) Caste Certificate Rules, 2012, by throughout much of the country. Since the 1973
adding the term ‘sage-soyare’ (i.e., relatives from ruling, many states have imposed restrictions on
the family tree). abortion rights.
It means that the entire family tree of everyone ¾ The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, in 2022,
who has a Kunbi certificate will get the Kunbi ruling that there was no longer a federal constitutional
certificate. right to an abortion. Court upheld a Mississippi law
Read more: Maratha Quota that bans abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Note:
The decision overturned 50 years of legal protection After that, other three gallantry awards i.e. Ashoka
and paved the way for individual states to curtail Chakra Class-I, Ashoka Chakra Class-II and Ashoka
or ban abortion rights. Chakra Class-III were instituted by the Government
Read more: US’ Roe v. Wade Case 1973 of India on 4th January, 1952, which were deemed
to have effect from the 15th August, 1947.
z These awards were renamed as Ashoka Chakra,
Gallantry Awards Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra respectively
On the 75th Republic Day, the President of India in January, 1967.
approved Gallantry awards to 80 Armed Forces and ¾ These gallantry awards are announced twice in a year,
security forces personnel, 12 of which were awarded first on the occasion of the Republic Day and then on
posthumously. the occasion of the Independence Day.
¾ Gallantry Awards have been instituted by the ¾ Gallantry awards are categorized into two types:
Government of India to honour the acts of bravery Wartime Gallantry Awards
and sacrifice of the officers/personnel of the Armed z These awards are given for bravery in the face
Forces, other lawfully constituted Forces and civilians. of the enemy.
¾ Post-independence, the first three gallantry awards Peacetime Gallantry Awards
namely Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir z These awards are given for bravery other than
Chakra were instituted by the Government of India in the face of the enemy.
on 26th January 1950 and were deemed to have effect
from the 15th August 1947.
¾ Order of precedence of these awards is the Param Vir Chakra, the Ashoka Chakra, the Mahavir Chakra, the Kirti
Chakra, the Vir Chakra and the Shaurya Chakra.
Read more: Gallantry Awards
Wandering Albatross
The Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans) is in the spotlight due to a recent study highlighting its vulnerability.
¾ Wandering Albatross is the largest flying bird with a wingspan of 3.5 metres. It spends most of its 60-year lifespan
at sea.
Primarily found in the Southern Ocean and surrounding islands, with Marion and Prince Edward Islands
supporting half of the world’s breeding population.
It breeds approximately every two years on land after reaching sexual maturity.
Note:
¾ It is vulnerable as per IUCN Red list, facing threats

like bycatch from longline fishing trawlers, pollution
and climate change.
Albatrosses prefer low, coastal sites for warmth
and suitable habitats. Climate change may disrupt
these preferences by altering temperature, rainfall,
and wind patterns.
Wind speed, an understudied factor, is critical for
nest site selection and alteration in speed could
impact nest construction and chick rearing.
14th National Voters’ Day

The President of India recently addressed the 14th
National Voters’ Day Celebrations in New Delhi and
presented the Best Electoral Practices Awards for the
year 2023 to the State and District level officers for their
Read more: Increasing Voter Turnouts
outstanding performance in the conduct of elections
during 2023.
Arambai Tenggol
¾ Since 2011, National Voters’ Day has been celebrated
on 25th January every year to mark the foundation The Arambai Tenggol (AT), a Meitei radical group,
day of the Election Commission of India. has garnered support from Members of the Legislative
Assembly (MLAs) in Manipur’s Imphal Valley, extracting
‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote For Sure’ is the theme
a commitment to convey the concerns of the people to
of National Voters’ Day 2024.
the Centre.
z ECI initiatives for General Elections 2024 was
¾ Arambai Tenggol started in 2020 as a cultural outfit
also unveiled as a part of the event. but soon transformed into a radical organisation.
Till now, 17 general elections and more than 400 It is one of the two hardline Meitei organisations
assembly elections have been conducted by the suspected to be involved in many Meitei-Kuki
Election Commission. clashes, which broke out in May 2023.
Note:
¾ It is also a revivalist organisation that aims to z The r1 can manage various tasks, such as
reestablish the pre-Hindu, native Sanamahi religion arranging an Uber ride or organizing an entire
among Meiteis. vacation, including booking flights and hotels.
Read more: Violence in Manipur Read more: Artificial Intelligence
Exercise Desert Knight Indian Stock Market is

Recently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) joined forces with
Fourth-largest Globally
the French Air and Space Force (FASF) and United Arab
Emirates (UAE) Air Force in Exercise Desert Knight, Recently, the Indian stock market has surpassed Hong
showcasing collaborative air operations and strengthening Kong to claim the position of the fourth-largest stock
diplomatic ties. market globally.
¾ Exercise Desert Knight is a joint military exercise ¾ Despite a 1.5% dip in domestic indices, the combined
between India, France, and the United Arab Emirates value of listed shares on Indian exchanges reached
(UAE).
USD 4.33 trillion, exceeding Hong Kong’s USD 4.29
¾ The exercise took place over the Arabian Sea, with
trillion, as reported by Bloomberg.
the IAF operating from bases in India.
Factors contributing to India’s stock market growth
¾ The exercise’s main goal was to improve cooperation
include a strong GDP growth forecast, manageable
and interoperability between the three air forces.
inflation, political stability, and foreign portfolio
Read more: Indo-French Joint Exercise Desert
investors’ inflow.
Knight-21
¾ The US, China and Japan are the top stock markets
in the world.
Rabbit r1 Read more: Stock Market Regulation
Rabbit Inc. has developed a platform supported by
an artificial intelligence model, capable of replicating
human smartphone actions and executing them upon
India-Egypt Joint Special
request. This device essentially enhances the functionalities Forces Exercise CYCLONE
of existing voice assistants.
¾ The r1, the company’s first device, is a palm-sized
The Indian Army contingent is taking part in the 2nd
standalone gadget driven primarily by natural language edition of India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise
for completing tasks. CYCLONE.
It utilizes a biased-for-action AI model called ¾ The Exercise is being conducted at Anshas, Egypt.
a large action model (LAM) within the Rabbit The first edition of the exercise was conducted in
OS, leveraging neuro-symbolic programming 2023 in India.
to enable direct learning from user interactions ¾ Indian Army contingent, consisting of 25 personnel
and task execution, bypassing the translation of from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) with
text-based requests into Application Programming the Egyptian contingent represented by the Egyptian
Interface(APIs), resulting in a more nuanced
Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne Platoon.
human-to-machine interaction focused on routine
and minimalistic tasks. ¾ Aligned with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter,
Exercise CYCLONE aims to familiarise both forces
It aims to surpass the constraints of traditional
chatbots by mitigating reliance on text-based AI with operating procedures in desert and semi-desert
models (large language models) that heavily rely on terrains, emphasising special operations.
annotated data, allowing it to perform actionable Read more: India-UAE Joint Exercise Desert Cyclone
tasks beyond generating plans. 2024
Note:
India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Mpemba Effect

Special Forces Exercise The Mpemba effect has intrigued scientists with its
counterintuitive observation that hot water can freeze
KHANJAR faster than cold water in similar conditions.
The 11th edition of India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special ¾ Researchers have conducted numerous experiments
Forces Exercise KHANJAR has commenced at the Special to determine the causes of the phenomenon, but a
Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. consensus conclusion remains wanting.
¾ The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 22nd ¾ Possible causes include microbubbles, evaporation,
January to 3rd February 2024. the presence of frost in cold water, and the effect of
compounds precipitated by boiling.
¾ The Indian Army contingent comprising 20 personnel
Microbubbles left suspended in water that has
is being represented by troops from The Parachute
Regiment (Special Forces) and the Kyrgyzstan been heated by boiling. These promote convection
and transfer heat faster as the water cools.
contingent comprising 20 personnel is represented
Evaporation, an endothermic (heat absorb) process,
by Scorpion Brigade.
contributes to faster heat loss in warmer water.
¾ Aim of the exercise is to exchange experiences and
z Warmer water’s lower density enhances
best practices in Counter Terrorism and Special Forces
convection and accelerates heat transfer,
Operations in Built-up Area and Mountainous Terrain.
influencing the freezing process.
¾ The exercise will provide an opportunity for both
The presence of frost in cold water may act as an
sides to fortify defence ties while addressing common
insulator, this raises the freezing point of cold water
concerns of international terrorism and extremism.
and slows heat loss and affects freezing times.
Read more: India-Kyrgyzstan Compounds in water like calcium carbonate could
be precipitated by boiling, and then dissolve, thus
BHISHM Cube increasing the water’s freezing point.
BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita

and Maitri) Cube of Project Arogya Maitri, a state-of-
Mesolithic Gum Unveils
the-art indigenous mobile hospital deployed in Ayodhya, Ancient Scandinavian Diet
emerged as a crucial lifesaver during a medical emergency
at the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya, Uttar A recent study delves into the analysis of DNA
Pradesh. extracted from a 10,000-year-old chewing gum discovered
on the west coast of Scandinavia.
¾ The Aarogya Maitri project involves India supplying
¾ The examination of chewed resin, accompanied
vital medical resources to any developing nation facing
by stone tools, suggests activities such as fishing,
the impact of natural disasters or humanitarian crises.
hunting, and resource gathering. The stone material
¾ BHISHM cube is tailored to treat up to 200 casualties, also indicated a Mesolithic chronology.
emphasizing rapid response and comprehensive care. The findings reveal that the inhabitants of this
The Aid Cube is equipped with several innovative tools region, approximately 9,700 years ago, subsisted
designed to enhance disaster response and medical on a diet comprising deer, trout, and hazelnuts.
support during emergencies.
¾ The Mesolithic Age is the period of time between
¾ It integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data the Palaeolithic Age and the Neolithic Age. The exact
analytics to facilitate effective coordination, real-time beginning of this part of the Stone Age varies from
monitoring, and efficient management of medical region to region.
services in the field. People transitioned from using large chipped
¾ The success of BHISHM Cube underscores the stone stools to using smaller chipped stone tools
importance of mobile hospital units in delivering (microliths).
immediate and effective medical assistance during ○ It was during the Mesolithic Age
emergencies. that the dog was domesticated.
Note:
Content creation in local languages will boost

Vemana Jayanti this multilingual asset and pave way for its better
contribution to ‘Viksit Bharat’ to make our country
The Indian Prime Minister paid tribute to Mahayogi
as developed nation by 2047.
Vemana on the occasion of Vemana Jayanti on 19th
January 2024. ¾ The government has been working in this direction
¾ Mahayogi Vemana, popularly known as Yogi Vemana, for the past two years, with translation of various
was an Indian philosopher and poet in the Telugu educational materials being done through the
language. Anuvadini AI-based App.
¾ His poems are known for their use of simple language In the school education ecosystem also study
and native idioms. material is available in multiple Indian languages

They discuss the subjects of yoga, wisdom and including over 30 languages on DIKSHA.
morality. Competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and CUET are
¾ Many of his poems end up with the signature line being held in 13 Indian languages.
Viswadaabhi Raama Vinura Vema. Read more: Transforming Indian Education
SCOPE’s Commendation
Certificate to NHPC
National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC)
Limited, a Mini Ratna Category-I Public Sector
Undertakings (PSU) and India’s premier hydropower
company achieved a significant milestone by being
honoured with Standing Conference of Public Enterprises
(SCOPE’s) ‘Commendation Certificate’ for its effective
implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act,
2005.
¾ The award highlights NHPC’s commitment to
transparency.
¾ Established in 1973, the SCOPE is the apex body for
Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) strives to foster
competitiveness and excellence in its member PSEs
by implementing policies and strategies to enhance
Study Material in Indian their operational capacities and efficiencies.
Languages ¾ SCOPE, closely affiliated with national bodies like
the Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of
The Government of India has directed school and Finance, and others, interfaces with statutory bodies
higher education regulators and heads of educational such as the Central Information Commission (CIC),
institutions to make study material in Indian languages and Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to address
available for all courses in the next three years. Public Sector issues.
¾ Study material for all courses under school and
Internationally, SCOPE serves as the representative
higher education will be made available digitally in
for employers on forums like International Labour
Indian languages included in the 8th Schedule of the
Organization (ILO); the United Nations (UN); and
Constitution.
, Organization for Economic Co-operation and
¾ This decision is in line with the recommendations of
Development (OECD).
the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) to promote
multilingualism in education at every level. Read more: Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
Note:
¾ The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
Operation Sarvashakti: Dominican Republic was signed on 4th October, 2023.
Intensive Anti-Terror Drive in Also, a separate MoU with Ecuador was signed on
7th November, 2023.
J&K ¾ The primary difference between the Letter of Intent
The Indian Army launched Operation Sarvashakti, and Memorandum of Understanding two is that a
a strategic initiative aimed at eliminating terrorists LOI is generally less specific, focusing on the main
responsible for a series of ambushes on Indian troops in principles and preliminary intent to collaborate and
the Rajouri and Poonch regions of Jammu and Kashmir. MOU is usually more detailed, outlining the scope
¾ The Chinar Corps in Srinagar and the White Knight
of the collaboration, responsibilities of each party,
Corps in Nagrota will conduct simultaneous operations timelines, and potential outcomes.
as part of this initiative.
¾ The operation is on the lines of Operation Sarpvinash
of 2003, which was launched against terrorists south
of the Pir Panjal range, which lasted three months and
resulted in the elimination of nearly 100 terrorists.
Read more: Re-energizing Counter Terrorism Agenda
India’s Signs MoU/MoI with

Dominican Republic, Ecuador
and Netherlands
The Union Cabinet recently approved separate

memorandum with the Netherlands, Dominican Republic
and Ecuador on cooperation in the field of medical
products regulation.
¾ The Memorandum of Intent (MoI) or Letter of
Intent (LOI) with the Netherlands was signed on 7th Read more: India’s Pharmaceutical Industry, India
November, 2023. and Netherlands Relations
Note:
It is used across various categories, including energy

India-Argentina Agreement storage solutions, batteries for mobile phones,
and in Electric Vehicles (EVs).
for Lithium Blocks
¾ Argentina is part of the world’s “Lithium Triangle”,
Recently, India through Khanij Bidesh India Limited along with Chile and Bolivia.
(KABIL) has signed an agreement with Argentina’s State- The three nations together have more than half
owned CAMYEN for exploration and development of five of the world’s total lithium resources.
lithium brine blocks in Argentina. Argentina also has the distinction of having the
¾ The agreement will allow KABIL to evaluate, prospect, 2nd-largest lithium resources, 3rd-largest lithium
explore. Upon subsequent discovery of lithium reserves and 4th-largest lithium production in
minerals, exploitation rights for commercial production the world.
have also been granted.
Read More: GSI Discovers Lithium Resources in J&K
This is the first-ever lithium exploration and
mining project undertaken by a government
company in India. Operation AMRITH
¾ Lithium, often called ‘white gold’, forms the cornerstone Kerala’s Drug Control Department has initiated
of the country’s transition to green energy options. Operation AMRITH to curb antibiotic overuse.
Note:
¾ Under this initiative, pharmacies must keep accurate
antibiotic sales records and must display a poster Stamp Book on Ramayana
mentioning ‘antibiotics not sold without doctor’s
Recently, the Prime Minister of India released
prescription’.
commemorative postage stamps on the Ram temple
The public can also report non-compliance of this
along with a book of stamps on the Ramayana from
measure to the Drug Control Department.
around the world.
¾ In 2018, Kerala became the inaugural Indian state
¾ The components of its design include the under-
to introduce the KARSAP state action plan on AMR,
construction Ram temple, the Saryu River flowing in
aligning with India’s National Action Plan. The Kerala
Ayodhya, and sculptures in and around the temple.
government has implemented various similar initiatives:
The book covers stamps issued by more than 20
Antibiotic Literate Kerala Campaign
countries, including the US, New Zealand, Singapore,
Establishment of block-level AMR Committees
Canada, Cambodia, and organisations like the UN.
in all 191 blocks
¾ The Ramayana was written by the Maharishi Valmiki.
Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance
It gives the message of the victory of love and teaches
Network (KARS-NET) people sacrifice, unity, and bravery in the most difficult
Inauguration of an AMR laboratory by Kerala State
of times while connecting humanity.
Pollution Control Board
Programme on Removal of Unused Drugs (PROUD)
for proper disposal of unused antibiotics

PFRDA notifies Point of
Read more: Antimicrobial Resistance Presence (PoP) Regulations
Recently, the Pension Fund Regulatory and
Sumit Nagal Defeated Development Authority (PFRDA) notified the Point of
Presence (PoP) Regulations 2023,
Seeded Player at
¾ This regulation makes it easier for people to join the
Australian Open National Pension System (NPS) by simplifying the
registration process.
Sumit Nagal, by defeating Kazakhstan’s Alexander
Bublik in the opening round of the Australian Open Banks and non-banks can serve as Points of Presence
became the first Indian since 1989 to defeat a seeded (PoPs) to help people join the NPS.
player at a Grand Slam, following Ramesh Krishnan’s Now, people require only single Registration for
victory over Mats Wilander at the Australian Open. NPS, instead of multiple registrations as earlier
¾ Though he ended an 11-major drought by securing required and can operate with just one branch
Indian representation in the Australian Open singles with wider digital presence.
main draw after three years with a victory over Alex ¾ The Central Government has introduced the National
Molcan. Pension System (NPS) with effect from January 2004.
¾ Grand Slam tournaments, also called majors, are the ¾ National Pension System Trust (NPST) established by
four most important annual tennis events. PFRDA is the registered owner of all assets under NPS.
The Grand Slam itinerary consists of the Australian
Open in mid-January, the French Open from around Jallikattu
late May to early June, Wimbledon in June–July,
and the US Open in August–September. Recently, Alanganallur Jallikattu was inaugurated in
The Australian and United States tournaments Madurai district of Tamil Nadu.
are played on hard courts, the French on clay, ¾ Jallikattu is a bull taming sport in which contestants
and Wimbledon on grass. attempt to tame a bull for a prize, if they fail, the bull
Read more: Australian Open owner wins the prize.
Note:
¾ It is celebrated as a part of Pongal (harvest) festival ¾ Tubeless tyres have advantages over conventional tubed
and is revered majorly across Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, tyres, such as cooler running, reduced downtime,
Theni, Pudukkottai and Dindigul districts of Tamil and safer handling.
Nadu, known as the Jallikattu belt. ¾ These are not popular in India because of two main
¾ In May 2023, the Supreme Court of India upheld the reasons: rusting of rims and the need for special
validity of Jallikattu. tools for repairs.
Read more: Jallikattu Rusting of rims causes air leaks and reduces the
sealing of tubeless tyres. Special tools and presses
Navy to Have Mixed are required to fit and remove tubeless tyres, which
are not available in roadside shops.
Marching Contingent at
Republic Day Parade Invasive Species and Food
The Indian Navy is set to make history at the Republic Crisis in Karnataka’s
Day Parade, showcasing a groundbreaking mixed-gender
marching contingent of 144 men and women Agniveers. Western Ghats
¾ This year’s parade marks the debut of a triservice ¾ Invasive plants such as Lantana, Prosopis and
women marching contingent and features the first-ever Chromolaena have reduced the availability of food
appointment of a woman officer as a Commanding and shelter for herbivores, which in turn affects the
Officer of a warship. carnivores that depend on them in Karnataka’s
¾ The Navy’s tableau highlights two key themes - Western Ghats.
‘Nari Shakti’ and indigenisation, spotlighting the
An invasive species refers to a non-native species
achievements of Bharat in naval capabilities.
that, when introduced to a new environment,
Read more: Equal Benefits for Women in Armed exhibits aggressive growth and spreads rapidly,
Forces often causing harm to the native ecosystem.
¾ Invasive plants can outcompete and displace native
ANUBHAV Awards Scheme vegetation, disrupt ecological balance and the
movement and migration of animals.
2024
¾ Several rainforest complexes, including Nagarahole,
Government of India has notified the ANUBHAV Anshi National Park, Kudremukh National Park
Awards Scheme 2024. To participate in the scheme, and Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, are suffering from
retiring Central Government employees/pensioners are invasive species.
required to submit their Anubhav write ups, 8 months Read More: Invasive Alien Species
prior to retirement and up to 1 year after their retirement.
¾ The published write-ups will be shortlisted for Anubhav
Awards and Jury Certificates. Thiruvalluvar Day
¾ The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
Thiruvalluvar Day was celebrated on 16th January as
launched Anubhav Portal in 2015, allowing retired
part of Pongal to commemorate the Tamil sage for his
Central Government employees to share their
contributions to literature.
experiences online.
¾ Saint Thiruvalluvar, also known as Valluvar is believed
Read more: Awards for Excellence in Public
to have lived in Mylapore (now part of Chennai, Tamil
Administration 2023
Nadu. He is said to have been a weaver by profession
and a Jain by religion.
Tubeless Conundrum ¾ He is best known as the author of the Tirukkural, a
collection of couplets on ethics. He is said to have
¾ Tubeless tyres are tyres that do not have an inner
been a weaver by profession and a Jain by religion.
tube and hold the air inside the tyre itself. A tubeless
tyre resembles a tubed tyre. Read more: Thiruvalluvar.
Note:
GQSR is one of the initial processes in capital
Rhododendron procurement. It outlines why the equipment is
Rhododendron is a large genus of woody plants required, its physical and operational details, as well
comprising approximately 1,000 species. These plants as the maintainability and quality requirements.
are characterised by their showy flowers that come in
various colours such as white, pink, red, orange, and ¾ Features:
purple. The rifle, with a calibre of 7.62 x 51 mm, has
¾ A total of 87 species, 12 subspecies and 8 varieties been designed, developed, and manufactured
of Rhododendrons recorded in the Indian Himalayan
in collaboration with a private industry partner.
Region.
¾ Rhododendron arboreum is the state flower of z It has an effective range of 500 metres and
Nagaland. The traditional belief in the state is that weighs less than four kilograms.
consuming rhododendron petals can help remove
fish bones stuck in one’s throat.
However, rampant deforestation, habitat
destruction, and threats from pests have rendered
many species vulnerable.
Read More: DRDO, Innovations for Defence Excellence
Ex-Ayutthaya and The 36th

edition of Indo-Thai CORPAT
The Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) conducted
a maiden bilateral exercise, named ‘Ex-Ayutthaya’ and
Read more: Rhododendron the 36th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol
(Indo-Thai CORPAT) was also conducted along with the
DRDO Launches Indigenous maiden bilateral exercise.
Assault Rifle ‘Ugram’ The ‘Ex-Ayutthaya’ translates to ‘The Invincible

One’ or ‘Undefeatable’, and “symbolizes the
The Defence Research and Development Organisation
significance of two of the oldest cities, Ayodhya
(DRDO) has launched an indigenous assault rifle named
‘Ugram’, intended to meet the operational requirements in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand, the historic
of armed forces, paramilitary, and state police entities. legacies, rich cultural ties and shared historical
¾ It has been developed by the Armament Research and narratives dating back to several centuries.
Development Establishment (ARDE), a unit of DRDO
and Hyderabad-based private firm Dvipa Armour Indigenously built Indian Naval ships Kulish and
India Private Limited. IN LCU 56 participated in the inaugural edition of
The Ugram is intended to replace the aging INSAS the exercise. The RTN side was represented by His
rifle currently used by the Indian Armed Forces. Thai Majesty’s Ship (HTMS) Prachuap Khiri Khan.
¾ It has been developed as per the General Staff
Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies
Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) of the army into
consideration. participated in the Sea Phase of the exercise.
Note:
Read More: SAGAR Vision
National Startup Day 2024 Foraging Traditions of Soliga

National Startup Day is observed annually on 16th and Yerava Tribes
January to appreciate and promote the Indian Startup
Ecosystem. The Soliga tribe in Karnataka, part of the Cauvery
¾ Startup India initiative was launched on 16th January, Basin, practices ancient honey collection using traditional
2016, with a vision to cultivate innovation, support techniques with vines and bamboo ropes.
startups, and stimulate investments. ¾ They, along with the Yeravas in the Western Ghats,
The eighth anniversary in 2024 marks significant have lived in the region for thousands of years, relying
growth, with the program expanding from 400 significantly on honey from the Western Ghats in
startups in 2016 to over 1.18 lakh startups. their diet.
¾ Recognized entities enjoy various government benefits, ¾ The book “Forgotten Trails: Foraging Wild Edibles”
such as compliance self-certification, patent application explores how foraged foods make up a substantial part
assistance, and tax exemptions.
of both tribes’ diets, emphasizing the importance of
Notably, the SIDBI Fund of Funds scheme has
preserving traditional foraging knowledge.
granted 2,977 income tax exemptions and funded
3,658 startups, emphasizing financial support. Foraging not only ensures survival but also
strengthens community bonds, passing on essential
The Startup India program encompasses initiatives
like the Seed Fund scheme and Credit Guarantee skills to the younger generation and fostering unity
Scheme, further aiding startups. and coexistence.
Read more: Startups in Emerging Technology Read more: Honey Mission and Sweet Revolution
nnn
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Current

Science & Technology.........................................................................................................75

Environment and Ecology...................................................................................................90

Art and Culture.................................................................................................................106

Rapid Fire Current Affairs.................................................................................................120

Polity and Governance

z Reforming Organ Transplantation z Section 132 of the Income Tax Act,1961

z Selection of Tableaux on the Republic Day z Bharatmala Phase-1: Deadline Extended

z Website Blocking by the Government z Sanitation Challenges in Indian District Courts

India Maldives Relations

¾ Maldives’ Significance for India:

organ donation applications, after consulting distributed across 10 domains. These

z Achievements:  Atleast 10% of the total funds for skill

 Grants for Creation/Acquisition of

 During INC’s Lahore session of December 1929,

Why the Government Blocks Websites and

¾ Criticism of the Remission Process: executive power, and in all cases of

punishment or remission is available on the following grounds:

law relating to the Union government’s  order is mala fide;

consideration; immediately after the accident, they will be

Concerns over Hit-and-Run Law contributes to about 10% of crash-related

 Section 134 of the Motor Vehicles Act, ¾ Perceived Unfair Blame:

as teaching aligns with examination patterns, education. Balancing standardization with

memorization. institutional certifications for evaluating

Make summative assessment and evaluation

the CJI. Video, Peacock, CuriosityStream, Pluto TV, and so

z OTT platforms offer a wide array of content,

Why in News?  To augment and sustain long-term observations

¾ About:  PRITHVI provides advanced warning services for

 The project introduces Submarine Optic Fiber

between economically important production separate toilets for women.

z Inter-corridor and Feeder routes: This would napkin vending machines.

z Green-field Expressways: Expressways have transgender persons.

would benefit from green-field expressways. toilets” in every court complex.

¾ Challenges: transgender persons across the state.

in Indian District Courts What are the Challenges Posed

What is the MGNREGA Scheme? a registered beneficiary turns up for

 Dissemination of information and generating

 Admission will be provided in Class 9 and Class 11 ¾ Monitoring:

¾ Challenges in Global Trade and Borrowing Costs:

Factors include slowing growth, sluggish Global in investment by developing countries,

¾ Major Reports: ¾ Soil Types:

Investment Disputes (ICSID) Madhya Pradesh is considered as lentil bowl

 South Asia grew by an estimated 5.3% in 2023 and climate change.

¾ Labour Market: Decline in official development assistance and

z Developed Countries: necessitating debt restructuring and relief efforts

 Mixed progress with varied

What are the Key Highlights of  Adjudication of Proceedings:

Climate: For saffron cultivation, we need an

Improved Tax Efficiency: Strengthening tax

¾ Quality Improvement: to enhance the overall quality of toys manufactured

¾ Steel Scrap Recycling Policy:

¾ It takes place during Dhu’al-Hijjah, the final month

projects like the China-Pakistan Economic

by the Hamas attack in which more than 1,200 ¾ China’s Behaviour:

 India’s evolving stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict implementation, convening periodically to

Red Sea and Panama Canal

¾ Panama Canal: in the world.

and treating precancerous lesions) will prevent

¾ Deteriorating Global Outlook: ¾ Security Risks and Technological Advances:

West Bengal schemes, organizing marriages shortly

¾ State Prison Manual Sanctions: ¾ Caste-based discrimination, segregation, and treatment

z Rajasthan Prison Rules 1951:

z West Bengal Jail Code: legacy, primarily focuses on punishment rather

z Achievements: Atleast 10% of the total funds for skill

Grants for Creation/Acquisition of

During INC’s Lahore session of December 1929,

law relating to the Union government’s order is mala fide;

Section 134 of the Motor Vehicles Act, ¾ Perceived Unfair Blame:

Why in News? To augment and sustain long-term observations

¾ About: PRITHVI provides advanced warning services for

The project introduces Submarine Optic Fiber

Dissemination of information and generating

Admission will be provided in Class 9 and Class 11 ¾ Monitoring:

South Asia grew by an estimated 5.3% in 2023 and climate change.

Mixed progress with varied

What are the Key Highlights of Adjudication of Proceedings:

India’s evolving stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict implementation, convening periodically to

Hydroxyurea: This is a medication that can help

z Deaths by the suicide of agricultural labourers Mahila police Volunteers

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment What is Huntington’s Disease?

The S2 subunit is highly conserved. It mutates

As resistance grows, the available arsenal of

Cyber Surakshit Bharat.

Computer Emergency Response Team - India

Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).

Budapest Convention on Cybercrime

Conservation? Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation initiative

The art form belongs to the Lanjia Saura

A registered GI is valid for 10 years.

The project is expected to facilitate greater ¾ Dronacharya Award:

Given for outstanding performances over 4 years.