ECONOMIC

SURVEY 2022-23

DELHI|JAIPUR|AHMEDABAD|HYDERABAD|PUNE|CHANDIGARH|GUWAHATI
[Link] 8468022022 , 9019066066
 ECONOMIC SURVEY SUMMARY 2022-23
Table of Contents
KNOW YOUR ECONOMIC SURVEY __________________________________________________ 2
CHAPTER 1: STATE OF THE ECONOMY: RECOVERY COMPLETE ____________________________ 4
CHAPTER 2: INDIA’S MEDIUM TERM GROWTH OUTLOOK: WITH OPTIMISM AND HOPE ______ 12
CHAPTER 3: FISCAL DEVELOPMENTS: REVENUE RELISH ________________________________ 21
CHAPTER 4: MONETARY MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INTER MEDIATION: A GOOD YEAR __ 30
CHAPTER 5: PRICES AND INFLATION: SUCCESSFUL TIGHT-ROPE WALKING _________________ 37
CHAPTER 6: SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND EMPLOYMENT: BIG TENT ____________________ 43
CHAPTER 7: CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT: PREPARING TO FACE THE FUTURE ______ 55
CHAPTER 8: AGRICULTURE AND FOOD MANAGEMENT: FROM FOOD SECURITY TO NUTRITIONAL
SECURITY _____________________________________________________________________ 63
CHAPTER 9: INDUSTRY: STEADY RECOVERY __________________________________________ 70
CHAPTER 10 SERVICES: SOURCE OF STRENGTH _______________________________________ 80
CHAPTER 11 EXTERNAL SECTOR: WATCHFUL AND HOPEFUL ____________________________ 86
CHAPTER 12: PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE: LIFTING POTENTIAL GROWTH ______ 92

Copyright © by Vision IAS

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission of Vision IAS.

1 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 KNOW YOUR ECONOMIC SURVEY

2
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
3
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 CHAPTER 1: STATE OF THE ECONOMY: RECOVERY
COMPLETE
Introduction
Global economic shocks in the third decade of this millennium has presented various economic challenges
such as inflationary pressures, depreciation of most currencies, widening of current account deficits etc.
These are leading to slow global growth and may lead to financial contagion emanating from advanced
economies.
The Indian economy, however,
appears to have moved on after its
encounter with the pandemic, and is
poised to continue this growth path
in FY23. But India also faces challenge
of reining in inflation, depreciating
rupee and widening of current
account deficit. Despite these,
agencies worldwide continue to
project India as the fastest-growing major economy at 6.5-7.0% in FY23. These optimistic growth forecasts
stem in part from the resilience of the Indian economy.
The global economy battles through a unique set of challenges

• Further monetary tightening can affect private and government debt structures, risking financial
contagion.
o Non-financial debt of most economies has increased as a percentage of GDP since 2008 financial
crisis.
4
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o However, India’s debt burden declined over this period due to cleaning up of country’s banking
balance sheet and deleveraging exercise of corporate sector.
• Though inflation pressures are abating, downside risk to
global economic outlook dominates.
Macroeconomic and Growth Challenges in Indian Economy
• Pandemic: Pandemic resulted in India’s GDP contraction
in FY21, but economy started to recover in FY22 despite
Omicron wave.
o Third wave did not affect India’s economic activity
as much as previous waves due to mobility enabled
by localised lockdowns, rapid vaccination coverage,
mild symptoms and quick recovery from the virus.
o Consequently, output in FY22 went past its pre-
pandemic level in FY20, signifying full recovery for
Indian economy and high growth prospects for FY23.
• Conflict in Europe: It led to increase in retail inflation and
it remained above the RBI’s target range of 6% for 10
months since January 2022.
o Apart from international conditions, local weather
conditions like excessive heat and unseasonal rains
kept food prices high.
o Government cut excise and customs duties and
restricted exports to restrain inflation while RBI raised
repo rates and rolled back excess liquidity.
• Depreciation of currency: Though Rupee has been one of
better performing currencies worldwide, but its modest
depreciation due to appreciation of US dollar added to
domestic inflationary pressures widening the current
account deficit (CAD).
o CAD is further widened by high global commodity
prices and India’s growth momentum.
o For FY23, India has sufficient forex reserves to finance CAD and intervene in the forex market to
manage volatility in the Indian Rupee.
• Slowing economic growth: 2021 was a period of recovery for economies from the pandemic and world
trade grew, of which India was also a beneficiary.
o Global economic growth started to slow due to aggressive and synchronised monetary tightening.
o Slowing of global growth, geopolitical frictions, persisting inflationary pressures, and subdued
demand are likely to suppress global trade further in FY23 and
FY24.
India’s economic resilience and growth drivers
• Economic resilience: Many agencies have been revising downwards
the Indian economy’s growth outlook in FY23 due to monetary
tightening by RBI, CAD widening, plateauing growth of exports, all of
which are result of geopolitical conflict in Europe.
o Forecasts for Indian economy, including NSO’s advance estimates, lie in the range of 6.5-7% which
are higher than almost all major economies.
o IMF also estimates India to be one of top two fast-growing significant economies in 2022.
o Such estimates for Indian economy, that too without advantage of base effect, are reflection of
India’s underlying economic resilience; of its ability to recoup, renew and re-energise the growth
drivers of the economy.
• Domestic stimulus: India’s economic resilience is visible from domestic stimulus to growth (domestic
consumption) replacing the external stimuli (export growth).
5
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 o Initially, manufacturing and investment activities gained traction due to exports surge but by the
time exports growth moderated, rebound in domestic consumption matured sufficiently to take
forward growth of India’s economy.
o Private consumption as percentage of GDP stood at 58.4% in Q2 of FY23, highest among Q2 of all
years since 2013-14. This was result of rebound in contact intensive services such as trade, hotel
and transport.
• Vaccination coverage: Due to near-universal vaccination coverage in India, contact based service
providers soon experienced thriving business and contributed to keeping up the consumer sentiments.
o So, universal vaccination coverage not only saved
lives but also contributed to recovery and growth of
the economy.
• Pent-up demand: Release of pent-up demand, which was
suppressed due to pandemic, also supported rebound in
domestic consumption.
o This is evident from accelerating growth in personal
loans and improved sentiment and it is also reflected
in housing market as seen in increase in demand for housing
loans, decline in housing inventories, etc.
• Capex development: Construction activity has risen significantly in
FY23 due to deployment of much-enlarged capital budget (capex) of
central government and its public sector enterprises.
o States also have a larger capex supported by the centre’s grant-
in-aid for capital works and an interest free loan repayable over
50 years.
• Capex thrust: Capex thrust in last two budgets of central government
was part of a strategic package aimed at crowding-in private
investment into an economic landscape broadened by vacation of
non-strategic Public Sector Enterprises (disinvestment) and idling
public sector assets. This capex thrust was supported by:
o Increase in capex budget in FY23 and its high rate of
spending.
o Buoyant direct tax collections and GST collections,
ensuring full expending of capex budget within budgeted
fiscal deficit.
o Pickup in private sector investment since Q4 of FY22.
• Strong corporate balance sheet: Though recovery in
investment/manufacturing activities of corporates is
attributed to increase in export demand, rebound in
consumption, and public capex, but their stronger balance
sheet also played major role.
o According to data from Bank for International Settlement
(BIS), Indian non-financial private sector debt and non-
financial corporate debt as a share of GDP declined by
nearly 30 percentage points.
o Such decline in debt limited the increase in interest
costs, which, together with possible savings on
overheads during lockdowns, contributed to recent
fortification of corporate balance sheets by higher
profits.
o As per Axis Bank Business and Economic Research,
Capex by the Corporate sector increased to ₹3.3 lakh
crore in H1 of FY23, driven by heavy investments in
electricity, steel, chemicals, auto and pharmaceuticals
sectors.
6
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Strength of banking sector: Banking sector in India has fulfilled the increased demand for credit.
o YoY (Year-on-Year) growth in credit since Q4 of FY22 has moved into double digits and is rising
across most sectors.
o Credit growth to
MSME sector has
been high, over
30.5%, during Jan-
Nov 2022,
supported by
extended
Emergency Credit
Linked Guarantee
Scheme (ECLGS) of
central government.
o Increased credit
supply by banking
sector is due to their improved financial health which is result of fast-tracking of NPAs for quicker
resolution by Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), and capitalization of PSBs by
budgetary support.
o Rising yields on corporate bonds and higher
interest/hedging costs on External Commercial
Borrowings (ECBs) have made these instruments
less attractive for debt financing in FY23, and this
gap is filled by financial strength of banks.
• Inflation: RBI has projected headline inflation at 6.8%
in FY23 (outside target range of 6%) but it is not high
enough to deter private consumption and also not so low as to weaken the inducement to invest.
o Moderately high inflation has ensured anchoring of inflationary expectations preventing prices from
weakening demand and growth in India.
o With inflation on declining path, interest cost of domestic credit will likely decline, inducing a further
increase in demand for credit by corporates and retail borrowers.
India’s Inclusive Growths
• Growth is inclusive when it creates jobs.
o Rise in employment levels is visible from Periodic Labour
Force Survey (PLFS), which shows that urban
unemployment rate for people aged 15 years and above
declined to 7.2% in Q2 of FY 2023 from 9.8% a year
before.
o Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) also improved, indicating emergence of economy out of
pandemic induced slowdown.
o Increased job creation is result of exports surge, strong release of pent-up demand, and a swift
rollout of capex.
o In the backdrop of plateauing of export growth, finite life of pent-up demand release, the capex
growth is necessary for
employment creation until global
economy rebounds.
• Emergency Credit Line Guarantee
Scheme (ECLGS), announced in FY21,
shielded MSMEs from financial distress
due to pandemic.
o CIBIL report showed that 83% of
borrowers availing ECLGS were
micro-enterprises.
7
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 o Financial resilience of small businesses and effectiveness of pre-emptive government initiatives for
MSMEs can be seen in increase in GST paid by MSMEs, which has crossed pre-pandemic level of
FY20.
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is seeing creation of more
assets in “Works on individual’s land” category (60% share in FY22) than any other category.
o This indicates that besides generating daily wage employment, MGNREGA is also creating assets for
individual households to diversify their sources of income and lift their supplementary incomes.
• Schemes like PM-KISAN and PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana have significantly contributed to lessening
impoverishment in the country.
o UNDP report of July 2022
stated that the recent
inflationary episode in India
would have a low poverty
impact due to well-targeted
support.
• National Family Health Survey
(NFHS) in India shows improved
rural welfare indicators from
FY16 to FY20, covering aspects
like gender, fertility rate,
household amenities, and
women empowerment.
India is the 3rd-largest economy in the
world in PPP terms and the 5th-largest in
market exchange rates. Indian economy in
FY23 has nearly “recouped” what was lost,
“renewed” what had paused, and “re-
energised” what had slowed during the
pandemic and since the conflict in Europe.
Outlook: 2023-24
• India recovered quickly from the
pandemic and growth in upcoming year
will be supported by solid domestic
demand and a pickup in capital
investment.
o The second decade of this
millennium witnessed financial system stress due to excessive lending in first decade, evidenced by
rising NPAs, low credit growth and declining growth rates of capital formation.
o However, presently, signs of new private sector capital formation cycle are visible. Also,
government raised capex substantially to compensate for private sector’s caution. Budgeted capital
expenditure rose 2.7X in the last 7 years, from FY16 to FY23.
o Structural reforms such as the introduction of the GST and the IBBI enhanced the efficiency and
transparency of the economy and ensured financial discipline and better compliance.
• India’s outlook remains bright but global economic prospects for next year are facing challenges
imparting downside risks.
o As per IMF’s World Economic Outlook, October 2022, global growth is forecasted to slow from 3.2%
in 2022 to 2.7% in 2023, due to high inflation, monetary tightening, strains in supply chains and
heightened uncertainty from geopolitical conflict.
• Ongoing monetary tightening exercise due to entrenched inflation pose another risk to the outlook. Due
to this, borrowing costs may stay higher for longer. Global economy may be characterized by low growth
in FY24.

8
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • The scenario of subdued
global growth presents
two benefits to India –
low oil prices and better
current account deficit
(CAD).
• The survey projects a
baseline GDP growth of
6.5% in real terms in FY24.
The actual outcome for
real GDP growth will
probably lie in the range
of 6.0% to 6.8%,
depending on the
trajectory of economic
and political
developments globally.

Chapter at a Glance
• Three global shocks – Covid-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine conflict, and worldwide surge in inflation hit the global
economy since 2020.
• Rising inflation and consequent monetary tightening led to slowdown in global output, and risks financial
contagion.
• Pandemic contracted India’s GDP in FY21 but it recovered fully in FY22, indicating high growth prospects for
FY23.
• Rupee has performed better in comparison to other currencies but its modest depreciation widened the current
account deficit. However, India’s forex reserves is sufficient to finance CAD.
• Forecasts for Indian economy in the range of 6.5-7% are reflection of India’s underlying economic resilience.
• Investment/manufacturing activities of corporates recovered due to increase in export demand, rebound in
consumption, public capex, and their stronger balance sheets.
• RBI has projected headline inflation at 6.8% in FY23 but it is not high enough to deter private consumption and
also not so low as to weaken the inducement to invest
• India’s inclusive growth is visible from rise in employment levels, improvement in labour force participation
rate, schemes for lessening impoverishment and distress, and improvement in rural welfare indicators.
• Scenario of subdued global growth presents two benefits to India – low oil prices and better current account
deficit (CAD).
• Upside to India’s growth outlook include normalization of supply chains, insignificant inflationary impulses,
return of capital flow to India, and private sector investment.
• The actual outcome for real GDP growth will probably lie in the range of 6.0% to 6.8%, depending on the
trajectory of economic and political developments globally

9
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 10
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
11
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 CHAPTER 2: INDIA’S MEDIUM TERM GROWTH
OUTLOOK: WITH OPTIMISM AND HOPE
Introduction
Indian economy has witnessed New Age
reforms in last eight years aimed at
enhancing the ease of living and doing
business with the use of technology. Such
reforms could not transform into a sharp
acceleration in growth due to balance sheet
repair of over-leveraged domestic financial
sector and corporate sector, and one-off
global shocks.
This chapter briefly discusses history of
India’s product and capital market reforms
of previous 3 decades and landmark reforms
undertaken in last eight years. It then
elaborates on shocks faced by the Indian
economy during 8 eight years and discuss
medium-term growth magnets for India.
Product and Capital Market Reforms
• Initiation of reforms –
1991: 1991 reforms were
in response to Balance of
Payments (BoP) crisis in
Indian economy (refer
infographic).
o Reforms led to
increase in real
growth from an
average of 5.5%
during the 1980s to
6.3% from FY93 to
FY2000.
o The total goods and
services trade to GDP
rose from 17.2% in
1990 to 30.6% in
2000.
• Continuity in Reforms
with a Renewed Impetus: Reforms
were continued over the 1990s and
got a renewed impetus at the end of
the decade (refer infographic).
• One-Off Shocks overshadowed the
reforms of 1998-2002: The effect of
reforms during the period were not
felt immediately due to following one-
off shocks:
o Sanctions imposed by US on India
after India’s nuclear test.

12
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o Two successive droughts between 2000 and 2002.
o Global uncertainties due to end of tech boom and 9/11 attacks.
• India’s Participation in the Global Boom of 2003-08: Effects of reforms of 1998-2002 period were felt
during 2003-08, when Indian economy grew at more than 8% on average (compared to 4.8% global
growth).
o This growth was supported by strong capital inflows, indicating favourable domestic and external
factors.
Reforms for New India-Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas
• Reforms post-
2014: Reforms
before 2014
primarily catered
to product and
capital market
space, which were
continued post
2014 also.
o However, post-
2014 reforms
added
emphasis on
ease of living
and doing
business and improving economic efficiency.
o Broad principles behind reforms were creating public goods, adopting trust-based governance, co-
partnering with the private sector for development, and improving agricultural productivity (see
infographic).
o This new approach emphasizes on ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas’, where each stakeholder contributes
to and reaps the development benefits as partner.
• Creating Public goods: Infrastructure intensive
policymaking in India started with the launch of Golden
Quadrilateral Project in 2000s.
o A Quantum leap in infrastructure outlay (capital
expenditure) by government is visible in last few years,
laying out platform for crowding in private
investments.
o With strong forward and backward linkages, physical
infrastructure (see infographic) will enhance the
economy’s productivity in the medium term.

13
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 • Trust-based Governance: Building trust between the government and
the citizens/businesses unleashes efficiency gains through improved
investor sentiment, better ease of doing business, and more effective
governance.

14
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o High tax buoyancy: Despite tax rationalisation, a positive trend of higher tax buoyancy is visible in
the economy.
✓ The average monthly gross GST collection has increased from ₹0.90 lakh crore in FY18 to ₹1.49
lakh crore in FY23.
✓ Prominent factor for high revenue buoyancy is technology backed tax reforms such as faceless
assessment, integrated digital tax system, and data sharing between CBDT and CBIC.
• Promoting the private sector as a co-partner in the development:
o Disinvestment policy: During FY15 to FY23, ₹4.07 lakh crore has been realised as proceeds from
disinvestment.
✓ Privatisation has improved labour productivity and the overall efficiency of the PSUs disinvested
during 1990-2015.
✓ New Public Sector Enterprise Policy for Aatmanirbhar Bharat aims at minimising the presence
of the government in the PSEs to only a few strategic sectors.
15
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 o Manufacturing Capabilities: Initiatives in Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India programmes.
✓ Sector-specific Production Linked
Incentives (PLI) scheme to develop
global champions in manufacturing
industry.
✓ Experience of East Asian countries such
as South Korea and Taiwan, in 1960-
1990 shows the need for government
policy to support domestic
industrialisation amidst foreign
competition.
o Foreign investment push: Atmanirbhar
Bharat incentivise foreign investments for
domestic production. Most sectors are now
open for 100% Foreign Direct Investment
(FDI).
✓ India’s gross FDI increased from an
average of 2.2% of GDP during FY05-FY14 to 2.6% in FY15-FY22.
o Enabling Infrastructure: National Logistics Policy 2022 launched to reduce logistics cost.
✓ Strategic sectors such as defence, mining and space has been opened for private sector.
✓ Investment incentives and easing business compliances resulted in increase in number of
recognised Start-ups from 452 in 2016 to 84,012 in 2022.
• Enhancing productivity in agriculture: The agriculture sector in India has grown at an average annual
growth rate of 4.6% during the last six years due to good
monsoon years and reforms undertaken by the
government.
o Policies such as Soil Health Cards, the Micro irrigation
Fund, and organic and natural farming have helped
the farmers optimise resource use and reduce the
cultivation cost.
o The promotion of Farmer Producer Organisations
(FPOs) and the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)
extension Platform have enhanced farmers’
resources, and enabled them to
get good returns.
o Agri Infrastructure Fund (AIF) has
supported the creation of various
agriculture infrastructures.
o Kisan Rail exclusively caters to the
movement of perishable Agri Horti
commodities.
o Cluster Development Programme
(CDP) has promoted integrated
and market-led development for
horticulture clusters.
o Support for creating a Start-up
ecosystem in agriculture and
allied sectors is also being
provided to the farmers.
Returns to Economic and Structural
Reforms after 2014
• Shocks that Economy faced during 2014-22: Comprehensive reforms undertaken in economy during last
8 years could not accelerate India’s growth due to some of the following economic shocks:

16
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o Balance Sheet Stress: It was caused by credit boom in previous years.
✓ Twin deficit – fiscal and external – crisis of 2013 revealed unsustainability of domestic credit and
investment boom triggered by global capital flows and optimism about BRICS.
✓ Due to banks’ balance sheet stress, most of second decade of this millennium saw negative credit
to GDP ratio gap, which worsened to 25% in 2017.
✓ Banks’ balance sheet stress led to rise in banks’ Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).
o Bank credit growth
came down to
single digits
towards the end of
2019 due to
collapse of
Infrastructure
Finance and Leasing
Services (IL&FS) in
September 2018
and its ripple effects
on other non-
banking financial
entities.
✓ Low credit
growth resulted
in weaker
capital
formation and
thus affecting
economic
growth.
o The pandemic in
2020 further
delayed impact of
reforms on
economic growth.
Growth Magnets in this
Decade (2023-2030)
India is prepared to grow at its
potential once the one-off shocks
recede.
• Healthy balance sheet of financial
and corporate sector: Sound
financial system developed over
last few years will ensure efficient
credit provisioning, higher
investment and consumption.
• Digitalisation reforms: Resultant
formalisation, higher financial
inclusion, and more economic
opportunities will be second
important driver.
• Evolving geo-political situation:
Global policy uncertainty is pushing

17
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 multinational firms to diversify global value chains, from which India can benefit by presenting itself as a
credible destination.
o Chief Economists Outlook 2023 (World Economic Forum) highlights India’s opportunity to gain from
global supply chain diversification.
• Once negative shocks fade, effects of reforms will be visible. A restored credit cycle will rejuvenate the
Indian private sector capex cycle, which alone can enable India to grow at least 6% per annum in real
terms.
o Also, higher economic efficiency resulting from the public digital infrastructure will add 30-50 basis
points to the potential GDP growth.
Chapter at a Glance
• Various economic reforms were undertaken in 1991 in response to Balance of Payment Crisis in Indian Economy,
which resulted in increase in real growth.
• Reforms were continued over 1990s and got a push during 1998-2002 period. But effects of such reforms push
could not be seen immediately due to one-off shocks such as sanctions by USA, and global uncertainties.
• Effects of reforms of 1998-2002 were felt during global boom period of 2003-08, where India’s growth was
supported by favourable domestic and external factors.
• Reforms post-2014 focused on ease of living and doing business with approach of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas’.
Broad principles.
• Push for creation of public goods can be seen in both physical and digital infrastructural push.
• Trust based governance through stakeholder participation resulted in high tax buoyancy, improved investor
sentiment, better ease of doing business and effective governance.
• Agriculture sector in India has grown at an average annual rate of 4.6% during last six years due to good
monsoon years and reforms undertaken by the government.
• Economy faced balance sheet stress, limited bank credit growth and pandemic during the period of 2014-22.
Due to these shocks, there was limited impact of key structural and governance reforms.
• The period 2014-22 is considered analogous to the period of 1998-2002 as far as structural reforms undertaken
and lagged effects of such reforms due to one-off shocks is considered.
• Growth Magnets in the period 2023-2030 are healthy balance sheet of financial and corporate sector,
digitalization reforms, global supply chain diversification and reform agenda of the government.

18
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
19
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 20
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 CHAPTER 3: FISCAL DEVELOPMENTS: REVENUE
RELISH
Introduction
Significance of fiscal policy and availability of fiscal space has become paramount in the wake of continuing
global uncertainties. Recently, in pandemic, fiscal policy became an effective macroeconomic stabilisation
tool globally, provided safety net to vulnerable, and revived the economy by boosting demand and
addressing supply side constraints.
Amidst global risks and uncertainties, there is a difficulty in
evaluating a trade-off between maintaining fiscal support to
manage the continuing crisis versus withdrawing fiscal
stimulus from the economy to control inflation and regain
the lost fiscal space. In this background, the Government of
India adopted a calibrated fiscal response to the pandemic.
This chapter discusses this fiscal strategy of government.
Developments in Union Government Finances
• Fiscal position: Calibrated fiscal response enabled
stable public finances amidst the present uncertainties.
o In line with fiscal glide path of government, fiscal
deficit came down to 6.7% of GDP in FY22 PA from
9.2% of GDP during pandemic year FY21.
• Government on track to achieve Fiscal Deficit target of 6.4% for FY23: The government’s fiscal response
with additional spending on food and fertiliser subsidies, and specific duty cuts led the government on
track to achieve the budgeted fiscal deficit.
• Prudent Budget assumptions: The fiscal
resilience of centre is the result of recovery in
economic activity, buoyancy in revenues
observed during the year, and conservative
assumptions of macroeconomic variables in
the Budget.
o Prudent assumptions in Budget FY23
provided a buffer to the government
during global uncertainties.
• Performance of Union Government Non-
Debt Receipts:
o Sustained revenue buoyancy: After
plummeting during the pandemic-
affected FY21, revenue receipts
registered robust growth in FY22 PA.
✓ Gross Tax Revenue (GTR)
registered a YoY growth of 15.5%
from April to November 2022.
✓ Net Tax Revenue (NTR) to the
Centre after the assignment to
states grew by 7.9% on a YoY basis.
o Government efforts: Due to
government efforts towards
expansion of tax base and enhancing
tax compliance, revenues have grown
at a pace much higher than growth in
GDP.

21
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 o Direct taxes: Due to corporate and personal income tax growth, direct taxes, which constitute half
of GTR, registered a YoY growth of 26% from April to November 2022.
o Customs and Excise duties act as Flexi-fiscal policy tools:
✓ When direct and indirect tax collections were affected due to pandemic, government increased
excise duty on petrol and diesel to augment the revenues.
✓ Subsequently, on recovery
of other taxes and
inflationary pressures,
government cut excise
duty to control impact of
rising oil prices on
consumers.
✓ In line with budget
expectation, excise duty
collection declined by
20.9% from April to
November 2022 on a YoY
basis.
✓ Customs duties were
brought down on several
items due to inflationary
pressures, but high imports led to 12.4% YoY growth in the customs collection from April to
November 2022.
o Goods and Services Tax (GST) stabilized as vital revenue source: Gross GST collections of central and
state governments were ₹13.40 lakh crore from April to December 2022, implying a YoY growth of
24.8%.
✓ Improvement in GST
collections has been due to
the nationwide drive
against GST evaders and
fake bills and systemic
changes such as rate
rationalisation correcting
inverted duty structure.
✓ GST net has doubled, from
nearly 70 lakh GST payers
in 2017 to more than 1.4
crore in 2022.
o Centre on track to meet Non-
Tax Revenue targets: 73.5% of budgeted amount has been collected up to November 2022.
o Committed towards disinvestment but dependent on external factors: During FY15 to FY23,
Government realised an amount of about ₹4.07 lakh crore as proceeds from minority stake sale and
strategic disinvestment transactions.
✓ Despite pandemic, geopolitical conflict and global uncertainties, government is implementing
the New Public Sector Enterprise Policy and Asset Monetisation Strategy for privatisation and
strategic disinvestment.
• Performance of Union Government
Expenditure:
o Pragmatic expenditure policy:
Government increased expenditure in
calibrated manner by first ensuring the
basic safety nets for the vulnerable
and then shifting to productive
domestic capital expenditure.
22
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 ✓ During the crisis, countercyclical fiscal policy measures played significant role in supporting the
economy and the pandemic crisis mandated additional expenditure requirement.
✓ The capital expenditure (Capex) by the Centre has steadily increased from a long-term average
of 1.7% of GDP (FY09 to FY20) to 2.5% of GDP in FY22 PA. It is further budgeted to increase to
2.9% of GDP in FY23.
o Capex-led growth: Union Government had budgeted an unprecedented ₹7.5 lakh crore of Capital
Expenditure for FY23, of which more than 59.6% has been spent from April to November 2022.
✓ Centre announced several incentives to boost states' capex in the form of long-term interest-
free loans and capex-linked additional
borrowing provision.
o Revenue Expenditure Requirements: The significant
components of the Centre's revenue expenditure
include Interest payments, major subsidies, salaries
of Government employees, pensions, defence
revenue expenditure, and transfers to States, and
allows limited flexibility.
✓ Re-prioritising expenditure and rationalising
subsidies are essential tools to stimulate
aggregate demand and fulfil redistributive
imperatives.
✓ Revenue expenditure of Union Government was
brought down from 15.6% of GDP in the
pandemic year FY21 to 13.5% of GDP in FY22 PA.
This contraction was led by reduction of the
subsidy expenditure (from
3.6% of GDP in FY21 to 1.9% of
GDP in FY22 PA).
✓ Higher food and fertilizer
subsidy requirement arose due
to sudden outbreak of
geopolitical conflict, leading to
utilization of around 94.7% of
the budgeted expenditure on
subsidies from April to
November 2022.
✓ Interest payments had a stable
ratio of non-debt receipts and
revenue expenditure during
pre-pandemic year. However, after pandemic outbreak, interest payments as a proportion of
receipts increased due to higher government borrowings.
✓ In the medium term, buoyancy in revenues, aggressive asset monetisation, efficiency gains, and
privatisation would help pay down the public debt, thus bringing down interest payments.
o With resilient economic growth, continued revenue buoyancy, and careful expenditure management
over the medium run, the Union Government will be on track with the fiscal path outlined by the
Medium-Term Fiscal Policy Statement.

23
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 Overview of State Government Finances

• Performance of State finances: State Governments

improved their finances in FY22 after being adversely
impacted by the pandemic in FY21.
o The combined Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD) of the
States was brought down to 2.8% in FY22 PA from
4.1% of GDP in FY21.
o The consolidated GFD-GDP ratio for States has been
budgeted 3.4% in FY23.
o States had unutilised borrowing limits during the
last three years. Given the resource constraints of
state governments, the Centre enhanced the net
borrowing ceilings (NBC) for States to 5% of GSDP in
FY21, 4% of GSDP in FY22, and 3.5% of GSDP in FY23.
o The capital outlay of States grew by 31.7% in FY22
PA.
✓ This is attributable to strong revenue buoyancy and the support provided by the Centre in terms
of advance releases of payments to the states, GST compensation payments, and interest-free
loans.
• Cooperative Fiscal Federalism drives a well-targeted fiscal policy
o Transfer from Centre to States: These include the share of States in Union taxes devolved to the
States, Finance Commission Grants, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), and other transfers.
✓ Total transfers to States have risen between FY19 and FY23 BE.
24
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 ✓ The Finance Commission had recommended allocation of an amounting to ₹1.92 lakh crore for
FY23 in respect of post-devolution revenue deficit grants, grants to local bodies, health sector
grants, and disaster management grants under Article 275 of the Constitution.
o Supporting the GST compensation payments during crisis: To meet shortfall in GST compensation
to states, Government borrowed additional ₹2.69 lakh crore during FY21 and FY22 to pass on to
states.
✓ The cess payments and tax devolution
instalments to the States were frontloaded to
give them early access to funds.
o Enhanced limit of borrowing for the States and
incentives for reforms: Since the pandemic
outbreak, the Centre has kept the Net borrowing
Ceiling of the State Governments above the Fiscal
Responsibility Legislation (FRL) threshold.
✓ It was fixed at 5% of GSDP in FY21, 4% of GSDP
in FY22 and 3.5% of GSDP in FY23.
✓ A part of this additional borrowing was linked
to reforms encouraging the States to
undertake them. Resultantly, in FY21, 17 states
implemented One Nation One Ration Card
system, and 20 completed ease of doing
business reforms.
✓ In addition to the net borrowing ceilings,
Fifteenth Finance Commission had recommended performance-based additional borrowing
space of 0.50% of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) to the States in the power sector. This
has been recommended for each year from FY22 to 2024-25.
o Centre's support towards States' capital expenditure: Union government has provided 50-year
interest-free loans to state governments under the 'Scheme for Special Assistance to States for
Capital Investment' for the last three years.
✓ During the year FY23, the allocation under the Scheme has been raised to ₹1.05 lakh crore and
includes an unconditional component and smaller components linked to specific reforms/
initiatives.
Debt Profile of the Government
• Due to unprecedented fiscal expansion in 2020, government liabilities have emerged as a significant
concern across the globe.
o IMF projects the global government debt at 91% of GDP in 2022, about 7.5 percentage points above
the pre-pandemic levels.
o Sustainability of sovereign debts is of concern because of tightened budget constraints, challenging
global financial conditions, rising interest rates and the fear of slower growth.
• In such global backdrop, total liabilities of Union Government in India, which were relatively stable as
a percentage of GDP over the past decade, witnessed a sharp spike in the pandemic year FY21.
o This spike is due to pandemic-induced higher government borrowings to finance additional
expenditure needs amidst strained revenues and sharp contraction in GDP.
o Total liabilities of the Union Government moderated from 59.2% of GDP in FY21 to 56.7% in FY22
(P).
• India's public debt profile is relatively stable and is characterised by low currency and interest rate risks.
o Of the Union Government's total net liabilities in end-March 2021, 95.1% were denominated in
domestic currency, while sovereign external debt constituted 4.9%, implying low currency risk.
o Sovereign external debt is entirely from official sources, which insulates it from volatility in the
international capital markets.
o Public debt in India is primarily contracted at fixed interest rates, with floating internal debt
constituting only 1.7% of GDP in end-March 2021. The debt portfolio is, therefore, insulated from
interest rate volatility, which also provides stability to interest payments.
25
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 o Over the last few years, the proportion of dated securities maturing in less than five years has
declined, whereas long-term securities have shown an increasing trend.
• Consolidating Central Government Finances: It gives an overview of fiscal position of the Government
sector as a whole.
o The General Government liabilities as a proportion of GDP increased steeply during FY21 on
account of the additional borrowings made by Centre and States on account of the pandemic.
However, the ratio has come off its peak in FY22 (RE).
o The General Government deficits as a percent of GDP have also consolidated after their peak in
FY21.
• A positive growth-interest rate differential keeps the Government Debt sustainable:
o The General
Government
Debt to GDP
ratio
increased
from 75.7%
of end-
March 2020
to 89.6% at
the end of
the
pandemic
year FY21. It
is estimated
to decline to 84.5% of GDP by end-March 2022.
o The emphasis on capex-led growth will enable India to keep the growth-interest rate differential
positive, which in turn keeps the debt levels sustainable.
o Resilient economic growth during the last 15 years led to a positive growth-interest rate
differential, which, in turn, has resulted in sustainable Government debt to GDP levels.
✓ This is reflected in only modest increase in India’s General Government debt to GDP ratio from
2005 to 2021 in comparison to other countries.
Conclusion
• Government used the crisis as an opportunity and brought out policy reforms in previous few years.
o All these measures have led to a greater formalisation of the economy, enhanced compliances and
better reporting of the income by the public and imparted credibility to the government's
commitment to fiscal management.
• The spike in India's debt and deficit ratios has not only been due to higher spending necessitated by the
pandemic-induced cessation of economic activity but also due to the contraction or slower growth in
the denominator (nominal GDP). Such contraction was due to financial system stress.
• Amidst global uncertainties and risks, fiscal glide path will ensure more significant fiscal space for policy
action.
o As governments make their fiscal situations sustainable and stick to that path, the risk premium
embedded in their interest rates comes down, thus lowering the cost of capital for all sections of
society.
o For emerging economies, the stimulus effect of fiscal deficit, via diminishing risk-premium, is likely
greater than it is for advanced economies.
• The Centre should continue incentivising the States for reforms and higher capital spending to ensure
a stronger General government. The capex-led growth strategy will ensure sustainable debt levels in the
medium term.

26
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Chapter at a Glance
• In the backdrop of global uncertainties, when fiscal policy becomes paramount, Government of India adopted
a calibrated fiscal response to the pandemic.
• Due to calibrated fiscal policy, Government is on track to achieve fiscal deficit target of 6.4% of GDP for FY23.
• Government’s revenue receipts registered robust YoY growth in FY22 due government’s efforts towards
expansion of tax base and enhancing tax compliance.
• Increase in direct taxes was result of growth in corporate and personal income tax.
• Customs and excise duties acted as flexi-fiscal policy tools not only augmenting government revenues on need
but also cushioning impact of rise in oil prices.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) stabilised as vital revenue source, with gross GST collections of centre and state
governments reaching ₹13.40 lakh crore from April to December 2022.
• Total expenditure of Union government increased due to additional expenditure requirements of pandemic
and capex thrust by the government.
• State governments improved their finances in FY22 after being adversely affected by the pandemic in FY21.
• Total transfers from centre to states have risen between FY19 and FY23.
• Since the pandemic outbreak, the Centre has kept the Net borrowing Ceiling of the State Governments above
the Fiscal Responsibility Legislation (FRL) threshold. A part of this additional borrowing was linked to reforms.
• Total liabilities of Union Government, which were relatively stable as a percentage of GDP over the past
decade, witnessed a sharp spike in the pandemic year FY21.
• India's public debt profile is relatively stable and is characterised by low currency and interest rate risks. 95.1%
of liabilities were denominated in domestic currency.
• The emphasis on capex-led growth will enable India to keep the growth-interest rate differential positive, which
in turn keeps the debt levels sustainable.

27
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 28
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
29
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 CHAPTER 4: MONETARY MANAGEMENT AND
FINANCIAL INTER MEDIATION: A GOOD YEAR
Introduction
The Year 2022 marked the return of high inflation in most economies after four decades, which pushed the
major central banks like Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of England to hike
their rates to historic levels.
In line with the Global scenario, the RBI also initiated its monetary tightening cycle, thereby moderating
the surplus liquidity in the market, whereas other areas like the government securities (G-sec) market, credit
disbursement, insurance and pension sectors performed well in comparison with the other global economies.
Monetary developments
• Commodity prices: They
increased due to the
inflationary pressures
from supply chains
normalisation after the
pandemic and the
conflict between Russia
and Ukraine in Europe.
• Monetary Policy
Committee (MPC)
initiated the monetary
tightening cycle through-
o Introduction of the Standing Deposit
Facility (SDF), which replaced the
reverse repo rate as the new floor rate
of the Liquidity Adjustment Facility
(LAF) corridor.
o Implementation of a cumulative hike
of 225 bps each in the policy repo rate,
the SDF, the MSF and the bank rate.
• Money Supply: Both Reserve money (M0)
and broad money (M3) increased by 10.3%
and 8.7% year-on-year (YoY) respectively,
whereas the Money Multiplier has
remained stable at an average of 5.1%.
Liquidity Conditions
• Moderated: The liquidity conditions that was surplus post COVID-19, got moderated in the economy
after the tightened monetary policy.
• Decreasing gap between WACR Rate and Repo Rate: The gradual withdrawal of surplus liquidity pushed
the weighted average call rate (WACR)– the operating target of monetary policy – closer to the policy
repo rate, on an average basis.
Repo Rate Standing Deposit Facility Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate
(SDF) Rate
• It is the rate at which the RBI lends • It is a liquidity tool that • It is the rate at which RBI lends
money to commercial banks in order to gives banks an option funds overnight to scheduled
meet their short-term liquidity needs. to park access liquidity banks.
• It involves the bank’s securities as with them. • It involves providing government
collateral to RBI along with a • There is no need of securities as collateral.
repurchase agreement. collateral in SDF.

30
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Monetary Policy Transmission
Lending and deposit rates of banks
increased during FY23 in consonance
with the policy repo rate changes.
Developments in the G-Sec Market
• Increased Yields: The yield on the 10-
year government bond rose in 2022
after stagnation in 2020 and 2021.
• Bond market volatility-stable: The
domestic bond market was more volatile in the first half of the year, due to various factors like crude
prices, hawkish stance of central banks, and the increasing pressure on the rupee.
o The conditions stabilised and volatility declined during second half of the year.
Banking Sector
• Steady increase in the asset quality
of Scheduled Commercial Banks
(SCB) over the years across all major
sectors.
• Gross Non-Performing Assets
(GNPA) ratio decreased from 8.2% in
2020 to 5.0% in 2022, which is a
seven year low and the trend is likely
to continue and is projected to drop
further.
• Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of
SCB’s has been rising sequentially in
the post-asset quality review period and
remains well above the minimum capital
requirement for the SCB’s.
• Credit Growth is improving-
o Retail credit growth due to rising
demand for home loans.
o Non-food credit by the Banks has
been growing in double digits since
April 2022.
o Credit to agriculture and allied
activities also gained momentum
o Corporates:
✓ Funds raised from the
primary equity markets
declined and
✓ Reliance on bank credit for
funding their regular
operations and capacity
expansion increased.
Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFC)
• Consistent rise of NBFCs’ credit as a proportion to GDP as well as in relation to credit extended by SCBs.
• Improvement in the asset quality of the NBFC’s, evident from the declining NPA ratio of NBFCs.
• NBFCs deploy the largest share of their credit to the industrial sector, followed by retail, services, and
agriculture.

31
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
• CIRPs performing well: Since inception
in 2016, around 6,000 Corporate
Insolvency Resolution Processes (CIRPs)
had commenced of which 67% of the
cases have been closed/resolved.
• 69% of the distressed assets were
rescued and helped via IB process to
achieve a realisation value around
178% of the liquidation value.
• Total amount recovered highest under
IBC (by SCBs), as compared to other
channels such as Lok Adalat’s, SARFAESI Act and DRTs in FY22.
Capital Market
• Poor performance of global capital in FY22: Global macroeconomic uncertainty, unprecedented
inflation, monetary policy tightening, volatile markets, War in Europe etc. dented the investor sentiment.
• Primary Market
o Indian primary market performed well during despite the global turmoil.
o The number of firms opting to get listed on the Stock market increased by 37%, but the total amount
raised declined to almost half of what was raised in the previous year.
o Largest IPO ever in the history of India in the form of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India.
• Secondary Market
o Both Sensex and Nifty 50 rose in 2022 as
compared to 2021.
o India VIX (Volatility Index) rose to an all-time
high in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
o Number of demat accounts opened rose sharply.
o Commodity prices saw a sharp correction, since
the Federal Reserve started increasing interest
rates in March 2022 to combat rising inflation.
o Both the equity segment and the debt segment
witnessed a net FPI outflow.
o G-sec secondary market trading:
✓ Net sellers: Foreign banks and primary dealers
✓ Net buyers: Public sector banks, cooperative banks, financial institutions, insurance
companies, mutual funds, private sector banks and ‘others’.
Cross Country Analysis: Regulation of Crypto currency
• The crypto asset market has been very volatile,
with its total valuation swinging from almost US$
3 trillion in 2021 to less than US$ 1 trillion in 2023.
• Crypto’s cross-sector and cross border nature
limits the effectiveness of uncoordinated national
approaches and hence to regulate the Crypto
market and to reduce their volatility, International
fora like OECD and G20 are discussing a globally
coordinated approach.
These examples suggest that global standards
need to be comprehensive and consistent;
regulatory responses must be based on standard
taxonomies, reliable data to address contagion
effects, and flexible enough to be adjusted in the future based on market developments and future international
standards.

32
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 GIFT International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)
• IFSC is a jurisdiction with a high concentration of financial institutions such as Banks, Stock Markets & related
entities, which offer specialised financial services to non-residents and residents, to promote financial
innovation and facilitate cross border transactions.
• Government of India operationalized the IFSC at GIFT Multi-services SEZ in Gujarat. IFSCA has assumed the
power of four domestic sector regulators, namely RBI, SEBI, IRDAI & Pension Fund Regulatory and
Development Authority of India (PFRDAI).
• It has entered into Multilateral Co-operation agreements with International Organization of Securities
Commissions (IOSCO) and International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS).
• It has entered into bilateral co-operation agreements with Dubai, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, France, Singapore, Sweden
and Luxembourg.
Insurance Market
• Insurance penetration in India
increased steadily from 2.7%
around the turn of the
millennium to 4.2% in 2020 and
remained the same in 2021.
• Life insurance penetration in
India was 3.2% in 2021, almost
twice more than the emerging
markets and slightly above the
global average.
o But most life insurance
products sold in India are
savings-linked, with just a
small protection component. Hence, exposing the policy holders to a significant financing gap in the
event of the premature death of the primary breadwinner.
• The insurance density in India has increased from US$ 11.1 in 2001 to US$ 91 in 2021 (density for Life
insurance was US$ 69 and Non-Life insurance was US$ 22 in 2021)
• The life insurance premium registered growth of 10.2% in FY22 and India is expected to be in the top 6
countries in Insurance market
by 2032.
Pension Sector
• India's pension sector has
expanded since the
introduction of NPS and APY.
• Coverage of the population in
pension has risen under NPS
and APY. As a share of the
total population it has
increased from 1.2% to 3.7%
during FY17 to FY22.
• Pension Fund Regulatory
Development Authority
(PFRDA), under the aegis of
the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC), has taken several steps to enable consumers to
make informed decisions and reap the benefit of the formal financial sector.
Outlook
The resilience of the financial system is reflected in the healthy balance sheet of banks with increased Credit
growth and decreasing GNPA, better performance of NBFCs, a better ‘Ease of doing Business’ situation
enabled by the IBC process.

33
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 Chapter at a Glance
• High inflation at the global level and all major economies adopted to the Monetary tightening policy, in order
to reduce the price rise.
• RBI reacted by raising the Repo Rate by 225 bps (increased from 4% to 6.25%), thereby tightening the money
supply in the market.
• The lending and deposit rates in the market increased and the trading volume in G-Secs (including T-Bills and
SDLs) reached a two-year high, registering a YoY growth of 6.3%.
• The Banking sector performed well, the banks’ profits and asset quality increased, their GNPA reduced too.
• The NBFC’s performed well, their share in credit disbursement increased along with reduction in GNPA.
• The Country witnessed the largest IPO ever (that of LIC) and the number of SME’s choosing the Equity path
increased two fold and the amount raised by them increased by three fold.
• India remains one of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world and its life insurance premium has
registered YoY growth of 10.2%.
• The number of pension subscribers has multiplied over three-fold Between FY18 to FY22.

34
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
35
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 36
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 CHAPTER 5: PRICES AND INFLATION:
SUCCESSFUL TIGHT-ROPE WALKING
Introduction
The year 2022 was marked by a return of high inflation in the
major economies after few decades. In India, the
government and the RBI took decisive measures to cap the
rise in prices. India’s retail inflation rate peaked at 7.8 % in
April 2022.
The overshoot of inflation above the upper end of the target
range in India was one of the lowest in the world and the RBI
is proactively monitoring the macroeconomic situation, to
do the necessary adjustments to mitigate the price rise.
The World scenario
With gradual recovery of supply chain disruptions, the
world has been marred by the conflict between Russia
and Ukraine in Europe. This has led to surging prices of
crude oil and other commodities. The threat of
stagflation became imminent and this forced major
central banks to take immediate monetary tightening
steps.
Retail Inflation Driven by Food Commodities
• CPI Inflation (Retail Inflation): It went through 3
phases in 2022, which peaked at 7.8% along with
a holding phase at 7.0% and declined to around 5.7% by the year end.
o Mainly driven by higher
food inflation, while core
inflation stayed at a
moderate level.
• Higher Food inflation:
Estimated using Consumer
Food Price Index (CFPI), Food
inflation climbed to 7.0 % in
FY23 from 3.8 % in FY22, with
major price rise seen in the
vegetables, cereals, milk and
spices.
• Rising edible oil prices: The
international price pressures,
directly affected the edible oil
prices worldwide.
o India meets 60% of its edible oils demand through imports.
Measures to contain inflation in essential food commodities
• Cereals: Wheat flour exports were regulated, along with Maida and Suji. The Government also imposed an
export duty of 20% on rice, brown rice, and semi-milled as well as wholly milled rice, except parboiled rice.
• Pulses: A buffer stock of pulses has been maintained for price stabilisation and a calibrated release was made
into the market to moderate the prices.
• Edible Oils: The basic duty on refined palm oil and crude palm oil was reduced to curtail any unfair practices
like hoarding, black marketing etc. in the market, stock limits were set for all edible oils and oilseeds through
notifications.

37
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 Rural-Urban Inflation Differential has declined
• Higher Rural Inflation than Urban Inflation was seen in
majority of the States/UTs.
• Rural fuel inflation remained lower than its urban
counterpart throughout the current fiscal.
Domestic Wholesale Price Inflation

• Wholesale Price Inflation (WPI) rate climbed to about 13.0%

in FY22 given the supply chain disruptions and Ukraine-Russia
conflict.
• Items exposed to international markets a price rise, like
petroleum products, basic metals,
chemicals & chemical products,
and edible oils.
• The regulatory actions reduced the
WPI from its peak of 16.6% in Mid
2022 to 5.0% by the year end.

Measures to contain inflation in input prices:

• Reduction of Import duty: Import duty was reduced for raw materials of plastic products, major inputs of steel
among others.
• Reduced excise duty on Fuel: The Government has reduced the excise duties on petrol and diesel, thereby
mitigating the fuel price rise.
• Reduction of Custom duty: Custom duty was reduced for key items like cotton, cut and polished diamonds and
gemstones and on certain critical chemicals namely methanol, acetic acid and heavy feedstock’s for petroleum
refining.
Convergence of WPI
and CPI inflation
• Divergence phase:
The WPI and the
CPI-C started
diverging in March
2021, as WPI
inflation touched
double digits due
to unfavourable
base effects while
CPI-C inflation
remained stable
and the difference
between the two
reached a peak of
10% in Nov 2021.

38
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Convergence phase: The convergence between the WPI and CPI indices was mainly driven by two factors:
o A cooling in inflation of commodities such as crude oil, iron, aluminium and cotton led to a lower
WPI.
o CPI inflation rose due to an increase in the prices of services.
Falling Inflationary Expectations
• Importance: Inflationary expectations are decisive in charting the course of inflation regulation. RBIs
anchoring of inflationary expectations has helped to guide the trajectory of inflation in the country.
• Trend: The current one-year-ahead inflationary expectations by businesses have shown a decreasing
trend. Similarly, household inflation expectations too have moderated.
Monetary Policy Measures for Price Stability
The RBI’s, Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) increased the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment
facility (LAF) by 2.25% (225 basis points) from 4.0% to 6.25% between May and December 2022, thereby
reducing the liquidity in the market.
How is the current inflation different from the 1970’s
The current global scenario and the inflation is similar to the experience of the 1970’s, particularly the aftermath of
the oil crises in 1973 and 1979. But the environment and intensity of the crises differ in various respects like:
• Recent oil price rises are proportionally smaller than the 1970s crisis levels.
• The recent crisis has seen price increases across a broader range of commodities, like agricultural goods,
fertilisers, and metals, whereas the 1970’s crisis was confined to oil prices only.
• The commodity supply disruptions have played a smaller role in recent price increases than in the 1970s.
• The current global inflation has started after several years of low inflation. In contrast, the 1973 crisis took
place against a backdrop of steadily rising world inflation.
• The central banks have much clearer and more robust institutional frameworks that focus on price stability
today than in 1970’s.
Housing Prices: Recovering Housing Sector after the Pandemic
Housing prices provide
helpful information on the
state of the economy,
Monitoring housing prices is
essential for achieving the
objectives of price stability,
financial stability, and growth.
• Indexes: The National
Housing Bank (NHB)
publishes two Indices-
‘HPI assessment price’
and ‘HPI market price
quarterly’, with FY18 as
the base year and a
composite index is calculated for 50
cities across India using the population of
the cities as weights.
• Overall growth in the HPI Market price:
Past two fiscal years shows that out of
the 50 cities, 43 saw an increase in the
index, whereas 7 cities showed a decline.
• Overall growth in the HPI assessment
price: Past two fiscal years shows that
out of the 50 cities, 46 cities registered
an increase, whereas 4 cities
experienced a decline.
39
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 Keeping check on Pharmaceutical Prices
• Regulation: National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Policy, 2012, administered by the Department of
Pharmaceuticals, lays the basic principle of regulation of the prices of drugs in the market.
• Price ceiling and fixed prices: It administers the ceiling prices of almost 119 formulations under
National List of Essential Medicines, 2022 whose prices have been fixed until December 2022.
o In addition to the list, the retail prices for 2,196 formulations have been fixed under the Drugs (Prices
Control) Order 2013.
• Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched to make quality generic
medicines available at affordable prices to all.
o Janaushadhi Kendras are opened to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices.
o More than 9000 Janaushadi Kendras have been opened across the country and has 1759 medicines
and 280 surgical devices available for sale in them.
Conclusion
India’s inflation management has been noteworthy and while the advanced economies are still grappling
with high inflation rates. The RBI and the Government through their timely interventions have mitigated the
price rise to a great extent, and the inflation challenge in FY24 is predicted to be a lot less stiff than this year.
Chapter at a Glance
• India’s domestic retail inflation peaked at 7.8%, in concurrence with the global inflationary trend which was a
result of various global parameters.
• The food inflation was higher and played a major role contributing to the higher rural inflation, in comparison
to the urban inflation.
• The diverging WPI and CPI rates have converged after a series of measures and favourable circumstances.
• The Housing Price Index also showed favourable trends and highlighted that the housing market is gaining
momentum.
• The prices of various drugs and medicines are kept under control through National Pharmaceuticals Pricing
Policy, 2012 and establishment of Janaushadhi Kendras.

40
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
41
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 42
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 CHAPTER 6: SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND
EMPLOYMENT: BIG TENT
Introduction
Induced by various global factors, there was a stress on key aspects of social wellbeing of citizens such as
health, education and social security etc. and the Government stepped in to focus on long term goals of
human development and implied on “sabka sath, sabka vikas”, as a result progress was achieved in
improvement towards SDG goals and steady improvements across most sectors that influence well-being.
Similarly improvements are evident on the human capital formation front also, the twin pillars of education
and health are being strengthened from the core to address present and the future needs as they all
together hold the key to attaining more equitable economic growth.
Social sector expenditure keeping pace with the growing importance of the sector
• Increased share of expenditure
on health in the total
expenditure on social services
from 21% in FY19 to 26% in FY23.
• Health expenditure stands at
2.1% of GDP in FY23 (it was 2.2%
in FY22).
o National Health Policy-2017
has recommended to
increase the share of
expenditure on health to
2.5% of GDP by 2025.
Improving Human Development
Parameters
• Poor Global HDI levels: 90% of
countries have registered a
reduction in their Human Development Index (HDI) between 2020-21 and 2021-22, according to United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Report.
• India ranked 132/191 countries in the 2021/2022 HDI report and India’s HDI value stood at 0.633 in
2021, lower than its previous value.
• India’s Gender Inequality Index (GII) ranked 122. India’s score was better than that of the South Asian
region and close to the world average.
• 16.4% of India’s population is multi-dimensionally poor and an additional
18.7% people are classified as vulnerable to multidimensional poverty, as
per UNDP’s Multidimensional Poverty Index.
Transformation of Aspirational Districts Program
• 117 Aspirational Districts (ADs) were identified across 28 States/UTs by
NITI Aayog based on various composite indicators as a part of New India
by 2022 vision.
• Achievements of the programme:
o Health and Nutrition: Many ADs have surpassed the average state
values in several health and nutrition indicators.
o Financial inclusion: Some ADs have performed better than non-aspirational districts.
o Governance: ADs have emerged as a template for good governance, especially in remote and
difficult areas.
✓ Two more programmes have been conceptualised along the lines of ADs design, namely ‘Mission
Utkarsh’ and ‘Aspirational Blocks Programme’.

43
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 Progressing Labour Reform Measures

• 25 States have pre-published the draft rules on all the Labour Codes.
• Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) has developed eShram portal for creating a National
database of unorganised workers .
o Over 28.5 crore unorganised workers have been registered in it, with major enrolments from
Agriculture, domestic and Construction workers.
Aadhaar: The many achievements of Unique Identity
• Foundation of India’s digital integration: Aadhaar acts as the essential tool for social delivery by the
State.
• Expanding usage: 318 Central schemes and over
720 state DBT schemes are notified under section 7
of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, and all these schemes use
Aadhaar for targeted delivery of their services.
Improving Employment Trends:
• Employment trends can be studied from two sides:
o The supply side of labour is studied through
household surveys such as the Periodic Labour
Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
(MoSPI), and
o The demand side of labour through establishment surveys such as the Annual Survey of Industries
(ASI) by MoSPI, Quarterly
Employment Survey (QES) by
Labour Bureau, etc.
• Supply side of Employment
o Labour markets have recovered
beyond pre-Covid levels: In both
urban and rural areas, with
unemployment rates falling from
5.8% in 2018-19 to 4.2% in 2020-21.
o Improvement in employment
indicators: The labour force
participation rate (LFPR), worker population ratio (WPR) and unemployment rate (UR) in PLFS
2020-21 (July-June) have improved for both males and females in both rural and urban areas.
Measurement issues in Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR)
The common narrative of Indian women’s low LFPR misses the reality of working females integral to the economy
of the household and the country. The Survey highlights three main measurement issues-
• Use of overly broad categories by clubbing productive work like collection of firewood, poultry farming, etc.
with domestic duties.
• The current survey design relies mainly on a single question for measuring the labour force status of an
individual, which is contrary to ILO recommendations, which advocates using multiple probing or recovery
questions to check individuals’ labour force status
• According to the latest ILO standards, limiting productive work to labour force participation is narrow and only
measures work as a market product, as it does not include the value of women’s unpaid domestic work, which
can be seen as expenditure-saving work.
The survey thus recommends for a wholesome measurement of “work” and improved quantification through
redesigned surveys, to unlock the gender dividend for inclusive and broad-based growth.
Role of Self-Help Groups (SHG) in Women’s empowerment
• SHGs movement, is based on the principles of group solidarity and microfinance, its roots can be traced from
the formation of the Self-Employed Women’s Association in 1972.
• The SHG Bank Linkage Project (SHG-BLP), launched in 1992, has blossomed into the world’s largest microfinance
project.

44
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • The SHGs must practice the ‘Panchasutra’ of regular meetings, regular savings, regular inter-loaning, timely
repayment and up-to-date books of accounts to avail of loans from banks.
• Role played by SHG’s for women empowerment-
o 67 lakh SHGs have received collateral-free loans of 1.51 Lakh crore.
✓ Under PMGKY, the limit for collateral-free loans for women’s SHGs was doubled from `10 lakh to `20
lakh, which was to
benefit 63 lakh women
SHGs and 6.85 crore
households.
o India has around 1.2 crore
SHGs of which 88 % being all-
women SHGs.
o Kudumbashree in Kerala,
Jeevika in Bihar, Mahila
Arthik Vikas Mahila Mandal
in Maharashtra, and Looms
of Ladakh are some of the
successful ones.
o SHGs in action during Covid:
SHGs emerged as pivotal players in crisis management, leading from the front in - producing masks,
sanitisers, protective gears and also created awareness about the pandemic.
Demand Side of Employment
• Steady upward trend in employment in the
organised manufacturing sector.
o In terms of share of employment the food
products industry (11.1%) remained the
largest employer, followed by apparel (7.6% )
and basic metals (7.3%).
• State-wise, Tamil Nadu had the largest number of
persons engaged in factories followed by Gujarat
and Maharashtra.
• More than 60% factories were found to employ
less than 50 employees.
• Number of persons demanding work under
MGNREGS was seen to be stabilizing around pre-
pandemic levels.
o The number of works done under MGNREGS has also steadily increased over the years.
National Career Service project (NCS)
• The project was launched in 2015, as a one-stop solution providing an array of employment and career-related
services.
• 2.8 crore jobseekers and 6.8 lakh employers have registered on NCS portal.
• It has partnered with private sector under DigiSaksham programme to offer a free, self-paced Online/Offline
Training Programme on “Career Skills”to impart better skills to job seekers.
• The NCS portal has been successfully interlinked with e-Shram, Udyam and Skill India portal (primary data
source of ASEEM portal) and has resulted in the development of a better employment ecosystem.
• It has recently added ‘International Job’ module, which facilitates overseas Job search easier and for Companies
to utilize Indian skills.
The Trend in Rural Wages
• Nominal rural wages have increased at a steady positive rate during FY23, with an YoY growth of 5.1%
for men and 7.5% for women (between Apr-Nov 22).
o In Non-Agricultural sectors, the growth of nominal wage was lower than that of Nominal rural
wages.
• The current growth in real rural wages has been negative due to elevated inflation.

45
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 Ensuring Quality Education for all
Laying of National Education Policy (NEP)- 2020 has provided for the revision and revamping of all aspects
of the education structure in the country.
School Enrolment and dropouts
• GER in the primary-enrolment and upper-primary enrolment have improved in FY22 reversing the
declining and stagnant trend between FY17-19 respectively and the GER of Girls was comparatively
more than that of boys in these groups.
• The enrolments increased across all levels viz., Primary, Upper-Primary, Secondary, and Higher
Secondary except for the Pre-Primary level which decreased from 1.1 crore to 1 crore in FY22.
• Dropout rates have witnessed a steady decline at all levels in recent years.
• The pupil-teacher ratio has improved at all levels continuously from FY13 to FY22.
Initiatives Expected Outcomes
PM Schools for Rising Launched as Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) to set up at least 14,500 PM SHRI schools
India (PM SHRI) that might benefit around 20 Lakh students between 2023-27.
Balvatika (Pilot These are Preparatory Classes with a focus on developing cognitive, affective, and
Project) launched in psychomotor abilities for students in the age groups of 3-5 years.
Kendriya Vidyalayas.
Screening tools • PRASHAST, a Disability Screening mobile app, has been launched, covering 21
(Mobile App) for disabilities, including the benchmark disabilities.
specific learning • The app will help in screening disability conditions at the school level and will
disabilities generate the schoolwise report for initiating the certification process, as per
guidelines of Samagra Shiksha.
Strengthening • The Project is being implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) in some
Teaching-Learning states.
and Results for States • The objective of the Scheme is to improve the quality and governance of school
(STAR S) education.
Vidyanjali (A School The Vidyanjali portal enables volunteers/organisations to interact and connect directly
Volunteer Initiative) with the Government and aided schools and share their knowledge and skills or contributes
in the form of assets, material, or equipment to meet the requirement of the schools.
Higher Education
• Larger number of medical colleges: Number of medical
colleges in the country has been increased from 387 in
2014 to 648 in 2022.
• More IITs and IIMs: Number of Indian Institutes of
Technology (IITs) and Indian Institute of Management
(IIMs), respectively stand at 23 and 20 in 2022 against 16
and 13 in 2014.
• Increased number of Universities reaching the number
1,113 nationally.
• Improved GER in higher education from 25.6% in FY20 to 27.3% in FY21.
Initiatives Expected outcomes
Research & Development Cell They are started with the mandate for promoting quality research that contributes
(RDC) in Higher Education towards the goal of a self-reliant India,
Institutions
Guidelines for pursuing two By keeping in view the objectives envisaged in NEP 2020, students are allowed to
academic programmes pursue two programmes simultaneously thus, removing currently prevalent rigidity
simultaneously and create new possibilities for interdisciplinary thinking.
Equipping the Workforce with Employable Skills and Knowledge in Mission Mode
• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) was created in 2014 and Skill India
Mission was launched in 2015 to improve and streamline the skilling ecosystem of the country with the
changing industrial needs.

46
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Government is implementing various skill developmental programmes via Skill India Mission-
Initiative Progress
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas • About 1.1 crore persons have trained between FY17 and FY23 under
Yojana (PMKVY)- launched in 2015. PMKVY.
(Currently, PMKVY 3.0 is underway) • 1.3 lakh migrants have been trained in 116 districts.
Jan Shikshan Sansthan Scheme • 16.0 lakh beneficiaries have been trained so far of which 69.0% are from
rural areas and 2.7% are from tribal areas.
• 81% of the trainees were women.
National Apprenticeship Promotion • 21.4 lakh apprentices have been engaged by Industries, since its launch.
Scheme
Craftsmen Training Scheme • 91.7 lakh students have been trained under the scheme.
Making India Skill Capital of the The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) International has been
World set up, which aims to create a network of institutions across India. (It will be
called as Skill India International (SII) Network.)
Skill Acquisition and Knowledge • 724 District Skill Committees (DSCs) have been constituted, to plan,
Awareness for manage and monitor skilling activities at the District level.
Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) • Under the National Component and State Components of SANKALP, 64
and 700 projects have been taken up, respectively.
Quality and Affordable Health for All
The Government has made concerted efforts to engage with all relevant sectors and stakeholders to achieve
universal health coverage, under the National Health Mission.

47
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 Health Expenditure Estimates
• Central and State Government's
budgeted expenditure on health sector
touched 2.1% of GDP in FY23 (BE) and
2.2% in FY22 (RE) against 1.6% in FY21.
• Substantial decline in Out of-Pocket
Expenditure as a percentage of Total
Health Expenditure from 64.2% in FY14
to 48.2% in FY19.
Progress under Major Government
Initiatives for Health
Initiatives Progress
Universal • NFHS-5 shows a 14.4% increase in Full Immunisation Coverage from NFHS-4.
Immunisation
eSanjeevani • It served over 9.3 crore patients across the country and is currently serving around 4 lakh
patients daily.
Ayushman Bharat • More than 1.54 Lakh centres became operational and have more than 135 crore
cumulative foot fall.
National • Besides Government and
Deworming Day Government-aided schools and
Anganwadis, special efforts are
made to reach out-of-school
children, and private schools have
also joined the programme.

National Covid-19 • Has administered more than 220 crore Covid vaccine doses across the country.
Vaccination • 97% of eligible beneficiaries have received at least one dose of vaccine and around 90%
Programme- of eligible beneficiaries have received both the doses.
48
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Health- a narrative on dedicated Covid infrastructure
• Under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, the Union Government focussed on scaling up expenditure on health
infrastructure by
o investing in grass root health institutions and ramping up HWCs in rural and urban areas;
o Setting up critical care hospital blocks in all districts; and
o Strengthening the laboratory network and surveillance by integrated public health laboratories in all
districts and blocks to manage pandemic.
o The attempt was complemented by digital infrastructure support through Co-WIN for mass vaccination
and e-Sanjeevani for telemedicine to reach the last mile.
Dedicated Covid Infrastructure:
• A three-tier arrangement of dedicated Covid-19 health facilities in the country had been implemented,
comprising of
o A Covid Care Centre with isolation beds for mild or pre-symptomatic cases;
o A Covid Health Centre oxygen-supported isolation beds for moderate cases, and
o A Covid Hospital with ICU beds for severe cases.
Oxygen Infrastructure Strengthening during Covid Pandemic
• Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Generation Plants: PSA plants are being established in hospitals, to
become self-sufficient in the generation of oxygen.
• Until now, around 4.02 lakh oxygen cylinders have been supplied to States/UTs/Central Government hospitals.
• A total of 1.13 lakh concentrators have been procured by the Government for Covid management.
Doctor-Patient Ratio
• The current doctor-population ratio in the country is 1:834 against the WHO norms of 1:1000.
Co-Win: A successful digital story of vaccination to tell
During the Covid pandemic, Co-WIN was developed as an extension of the eVIN (electronic Vaccine Intelligence
Network) platform.
• It is a comprehensive cloud-based IT solution for planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating Covid-
19 vaccination in India
• It provided real-time stock tracking at the national, state, and district levels (both Government and Private), it
also plugged the wastage of Covid-19 vaccines.
• It provided registration in 12 regional languages, using any of the 10 Photo ID’s of the government and also
extended the service to the issuance of digitally verifiable certificates.
• The administration of more than 220 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses in India, was made possible because of the
robust digital infrastructure of Co-WIN.
Social Protection for the Rainy Day
In order to protect citizens from vulnerability and risks posed, such as health issues, natural disasters, old
age, etc. strong social protection systems are required in a country. Some of the key programmes/schemes
are present:
Programme/Scheme Progress
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana • A total of around 8.6 Lakh subscribers are currently benefitting from the
Yojana scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima • Around 14.96 crore persons have been enrolled cumulatively and more
Yojana than 6 lakh claims have been paid.
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima • Around 32.1 crore persons have been enrolled cumulatively and 1.1
Yojana lakh claims have been paid.
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan- • Over 49.1 lakh beneficiaries have been enrolled under the Scheme.
Dhan Yojana
PM Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar • Over 39.4 lakh loans have been disbursed.
Nidhi Scheme
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana • Over 38.4 crore loans have been sanctioned.
Development of India’s Aspiring Rural Economy
• Population living in India’s rural areas currently stands at 65% of which 47% are dependent on
agriculture for livelihood.
• Various measures have been taken to enhance the quality of life in rural areas encompassing healthcare
development, rural housing, drinking water, and sanitation, rural connectivity.
49
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 Focus Area Initiatives Progress/achievements
Enhancing Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- • It has mobilised a total of 8.7 crore women from poor and
Rural National Rural Livelihood vulnerable communities into 81 lakh SHGs.
Income Mission
Mahatma Gandhi National • More than 5.2 crore assets have been geo-tagged.
Rural Employment Guarantee • Almost 99% of the wage seekers are receiving their wages
Scheme directly into their bank accounts.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya • Around 13 lakh candidates have been trained under this
Grameen Kaushalya Yojana scheme of which more than 7.9 lakh have got job placements.
Housing Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana • A total of 2.7 crore houses have been sanctioned and 2.1 crore
–Gramin houses have been completed so far.
Drinking Jal Jeevan Mission • Around 11 crore households of 19.4 crore rural households are
water and getting tap water supply in their homes.
Sanitation • Four States, i.e., Goa, Gujarat, Telangana, Haryana, and three
UTs, i.e., Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra Nagar Haveli &
Daman Diu and Puducherry have become ‘Har Ghar Jal’ State/
UT.
Mission Amrit Sarovar • A total of more than 90,000 Amrit Sarovar sites have been
identified.
JALDOOT App- • This app is for measuring the water level in a Gram Panchayat
through 2-3 selected open wells twice a year (pre-monsoon and
post-monsoon).
• A total of more than 3.5 lakh wells have been measured so far.
Swachh Bharat Mission • About 1.24 lakh villages have been declared ODF plus and
(Grameen) Andaman & Nicobar Islands became the first Swachh, Sujal
Pradesh, as it has declared all its villages as ODF plus.
LPG Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala • Has increased the LPG coverage from 62% in 2016 to 99.8% by
Connections Yojana 2.0 2021.
Rural Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak • Roads measuring 7.2 Lakh km and 7,789 Long Span Bridges
Connectivity Yojana have been completed.

50
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Electricity SAUBHAGYA- Pradhan Mantri Achieved its objective by March,2022.
Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana
Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram It provided for the creation of basic electricity infrastructure in
Jyoti Yojana villages, strengthening the existing infrastructure in certain areas.
Governance Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Around 31 lakh elected representatives (ERs) have been
Abhiyan capacitated through various modes of training.
SVAMITVA Scheme Over one crore property Cards have been prepared for nearly
65,000 villages.
Conclusion
A country as vast and diverse as India requires the implementation of broad-based inclusive social policies,
that imparts equal importance to both its rural and urban population, so as to achieve sustainable and
equitable development. Channelising the potential of both rural and urban areas, both men and women are
required to reach our development goals faster.
Chapter at a Glance
• The focus of the Government relies on “sabka sath, sabka vikas”, which helps in improvement towards SDG
goals.
• The share of the Government expenditure for the social sector is steadily on rise.
• The expenditure on the health sector is also inching towards the National Health policy’s recommendation of
2.5% of GDP.
• Multi-dimensionally poor constitute around 16.4% of the population.
• Social sector imbalances is been mitigated through reforms like Aspirational District Program, legislation of
labour codes, Utilization of Aadhar and improving the employment trends across various sectors.
• Education is given special focus, through which visible results were seen in both School and Higher education
sectors.
• Various skill development initiatives have were implemented throughout the country and intended to benefit
both currently employed and yet to be employed citizens.
• Social security protection, for the old and the underprivileged is also given the right impetus and
schemes/initiatives intended for the social security are performing well.
• Special importance is provided to the rural areas and the quality of life of the rural populace is seen increasing
on all parameters.

51
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 52
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
53
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 54
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 CHAPTER 7: CLIMATE CHANGE AND
ENVIRONMENT: PREPARING TO FACE THE
FUTURE
Introduction
This chapter presents an updated discussion on the issue of climate change from India’s perspective,
including a discussion on forests and their role in mitigating carbon emissions. It also discusses an approach
to renewable energy transition and the
recently submitted low emissions
development strategy.
The chapter further presents a
discussion on the outcomes of the
27th session of the Conference of
Parties (COP 27), progress made on
enabling financing for sustainable
development, and India’s role in global
efforts towards addressing climate
change. Recent changes in
environmental regulations and other
environmental aspects, such as
biodiversity and wildlife, are also
discussed in this chapter.
Progress on India’s Climate Action
India’s climate vision is integrally
linked to its vision of development that
foregrounds the goals of poverty
eradication and guaranteeing basic
well-being to all its citizens. Several
initiatives for cleaner tomorrow are-
• National Action Plan on Climate
Change (NAPCC): It was launched
in 2008. It establish eight National
Missions, covering several
initiatives and a slew of measures
(See infographics).
• National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change
(NAFCC): It is a central sector scheme is
implemented in project mode, and to date, 30
projects have been sanctioned in 27 States and
UTs with a total project cost of ₹847.5 crores.
• Ramsar sites: India has 75 Ramsar sites covering
an area of 13.3 lakh ha, and 49 of these have been
added in the last 8 years.
• Mangrove cover: The mangrove cover in the
country has increased by 364 sq. km. in 2021 as
compared to 2013.
o Various efforts to increase mangrove areas are The National Coastal Mission Programme,
Regulatory measures are implemented through Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification (2019)
under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972; the Indian
Forest Act, 1927.
55
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 • River Conservation and Rejuvenation: The Government is working on mapping and converging the 5Ps’
- People, Policy, Plan, Programme, and Project.
• Nationally Determined contribution (NDC): The Government of India submitted its updated NDC under
Article 4 of the Paris Agreement ( Updation of NDC every five years by each party)
NCD 2015 Updated NDC Progress
Cumulative electric power installed To achieve about 50 percent Including the large hydro, the
capacity from non-fossil sources to cumulative electric power installed share of non-fossil sources in
reach 40 percent by 2030. capacity from non-fossil fuel-based total installed electricity
energy resources by 2030, capacity is estimated to be
about 40.4 percent
Reduction in the emissions intensity of To reduce the Emissions Intensity of its During 2005-2016, India
GDP by 33 to 35 percent compared to GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from the reduced the emission intensity
2005 levels by 2030. 2005 level of its GDP by 24 percent.
Creation of an additional carbon sink of To create an additional carbon sink of There is an increase of 79.4
2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 million tonnes of carbon stock
equivalent through additional forest equivalent through additional forest as compared to the estimates of
and tree cover by 2030 and tree cover by 2030. the previous assessment for
2017.
• Transition to Renewable Energy Sources: As per the
Renewables 2022 Global Status Report, during the period
2014 -2021, total investment in renewables stood at US$
78.1 billion in India.
o The likely installed capacity by the end of 2029-30 is
expected to be more than 800 GW of which non-fossil
fuel would be m ore than 500 GW.
• Green hydrogen: The Government approved the National
Green Hydrogen Mission to facilitate demand creation,
production, utilization, and export of Green Hydrogen and
mobilization of over ₹8 lakh crore of investment by 2030.
o A recent report by the International Renewable
Energy Agency (2020) suggests that the cost of
electrolysers is crucial for making green hydrogen
economically viable.
Finance for Sustainable Development
• Green Bonds: Green bonds are financial
instruments that generate proceeds for investment
in environmentally sustainable and climate-
suitable projects.
o IMF data indicates that green bonds of value
around US$ 620 billion were issued across the
world in the year 2021.
o The Union Budget 2022-23 announced the
issue of Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs).
o RBI auctioned two tranches of 4,000 worth crores worth of bonds in 5- years and 10 years categories.
• Regulatory Framework for Issuance of Green Debt Securities
o RBI has incentivized bank lending towards greener industries and projects. For example, renewable
energy projects have been included under Priority Sector Lending (PSL).
o SEBI introduced the regulatory framework for the issuance of green debt securities as a mode of
sustainable finance under the erstwhile SEBI (Issue and Listing of Debt Securities) Regulations, 2008,
(ILDS Regulations).
• Investing in Resilience for Sustainable Development
o SEBI has been one of the early adopters of sustainability reporting for listed entities and requires
mandatory ESG-related disclosures for the top 100 listed entities since 2012.

56
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o SEBI has issued new
sustainability reporting
requirements under the
Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Report (BRSR),
which are in line with the
principles ensconced in the
‘National Guidelines on
Responsible Business
Conduct’.
Major Decisions at COP 27, Sharm el-
Sheikh, Egypt
• Assistance to loss and damage: It
was decided to establish new
funding arrangements for
assisting developing countries
vulnerable to the adverse effects
of climate change in responding
to loss and damage.
• Global Goal on Adaptation: COP 27 saw
progress on adaptation, with governments
agreeing on how to move forward on the
Global Goal on Adaptation, which will
conclude at COP 28 and inform the first Global
Stocktake in 2023.
• Funding: During COP 27, it was also
recognized that the target of US$ 100 billion
per year is yet to be achieved.
o The COP 21 decided that, prior to 2025, a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance
from a floor of US$ 100 billion per year shall be set.
• Agriculture and food security:
Agreement on Joint work on the
implementation of climate action on
agriculture and food security to be
conducted over four years.
• It was decided to Set up the Just
Transition and Mitigation Work
Program.
India at COP 27
• India participated in COP 27, with a focus on mainstreaming the theme of LiFE - Lifestyle for
Environment.
• India submitted its Long-Term Low Carbon Development Strategy (LT-LEDS)
India’s initiatives at the international level
International Solar Recent developments include
Alliance (ISA) • The ISA has expanded its coverage to all its 110 member countries.
• Attained a Permanent Observer Status at the UN General Assembly.
• A pipeline of 9.5 GW of solar energy capacity has been identified in its member countries,
including large-scale solar parks in multiple developing countries.
Coalition for The CDRI was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India during the United Nations
Disaster Resilient Climate Action Summit in New York(2019).
Infrastructure Recent developments include

57
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 • Thirty-one Countries, six International Organisations, and two private sector
organizations have joined as members of CDRI.
• DRI Connect, a "network of networks" enabling stakeholder access to knowledge
resources and collaborative opportunities with their peers and other actors.
• Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) launched by the Prime Ministers of India,
UK, Australia, Fiji, Jamaica, and Mauritius.
• CDRI’s Global Flagship Report on Disaster and Climate Resilient Infrastructure to engage
and focus global attention on the critical and multi-faceted challenges posed to disaster
and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Leadership Group • Launched by India and Sweden, with the support of the World Economic Forum at the
for Industry UN Climate Action Summit in New York in September 2019, as one of the nine action
Transition (LeadIT tracks identified by the UN Secretary-General to boost climate ambitions and actions to
Group) implement the Paris Agreement.
Initiatives Related to other Environmental Issues The key outcomes of the Conference of Parties (COP
• Conservation of Biodiversity 15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• Effective conservation and management of at
o India ranks eighth in the world and fourth in
least 30 percent of the world’s lands, inland
Asia among the mega-diverse countries in
waters, coastal areas, and oceans.
the world. • Reduce to near zero the loss of areas of high
o India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of biodiversity importance.
Understanding (MoU) on biodiversity • Reduce by half both excess nutrients and the
conservation to strengthen and enhance the overall risk posed by pesticides and highly
coordination and cooperation in the field of hazardous chemicals.
forests, wildlife, environment, biodiversity • Cut global food waste in half and significantly
conservation, and climate change. reduce overconsumption and waste generation.
• Raise international financial flows from
• Wildlife
developed to developing countries.
o India is home to 53 Tiger Reserves in 18
• Progressively phasing out or reforming subsidies
States, with about 75 percent of the wild that harm biodiversity by 2030 by at least US$500
tiger population at the global level. billion per year.
o India achieved the goal of doubling the tiger
numbers in 2018, four years before the targeted year 2022.
o Indian Elephant has been listed in Appendix I of the Convention of the Migratory species in the
Conference of Parties of CMS 13 at Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat, in February 2020.
• Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022
o The Act seeks to increase the number of species protected under the law and implement the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
o The Act empowers the government to regulate or prohibit the import, trade, possession or
proliferation of invasive alien
Project Cheetah
species.
• The introduction of Cheetahs in India is being done under
• Plastic Waste Management and Project Cheetah, the world’s first inter- continental large wild
Elimination of Identified Single-Use carnivore translocation project.
Plastics o Under the scheme, eight Namibian wild cheetahs were
o To reduce pollution caused due to introduced in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
littered plastic waste in the o The cheetah was declared extinct from India in 1952.
country, the Ministry of • Cheetahs can help restore open forest and grassland
Environment, Forest and Climate ecosystems in India.
Change, Government of India, o This will help conserve biodiversity and enhance the
ecosystem services like water security, carbon
notified the Plastic Waste
sequestration, and soil moisture conservation, benefiting
Management Amendment Rules,
society.
2021.
o Recently a ban was imposed on the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of
identified single-use plastic items.
o The Plastic Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2022, provides a statutory framework
for biodegradable plastics after conforming to BIS Standards and the Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB) certification.
58
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o The fifth United Nations Critical mineral
Environment Assembly held The shift to a clean energy system is set to drive a huge increase in the
in Nairobi adopted a requirements for critical minerals.
resolution “End plastic • Cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements (REEs) are
pollution: towards an critical for producing electric vehicles and batteries and harnessing
international legally” solar power and wind energy.
✓ India engaged • The global supply chain of the critical minerals is highly
constructively with all concentrated and unevenly distributed.
member states to • In order to ensure the mineral security of the nation, the Ministry of
Mines has created a Joint Venture company, namely Khanij Bidesh
develop a consensus on
India Ltd (KABIL), with participating interests of NALCO, HCL and
the resolution for
MECL.
driving global action on
plastic pollution.
• Battery Waste Management
o The Government published
the Battery Waste
Management Rules, 2022,
to ensure environmentally
sound management of
waste batteries.
✓ The rules function based
on the concept of
Extended Producer
Responsibility (EPR),
where the producers
(including importers) of
batteries are
responsible for the
collection and
recycling/refurbishment of waste batteries and the use of recovered materials from wastes into
new batteries.
✓ The rules cover all types of batteries.
• E-waste Management
o The Government notified the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
o Salient features
✓ Applicable to every manufacturer, producer, refurbisher, dismantler, and recycler who must
register with CPCB.
✓ Schedule I has been expanded, and now 106 Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) have
been included under the Extended producer’s responsibility (EPR) regime.
✓ Management of solar PV modules /panels/ cells added in new rules.
✓ Provision for generation and transaction of EPR Certificate has been introduced.
✓ Provisions for environmental compensation and verification & audit have been introduced.
Conclusion
The global climate agenda will advance if advanced countries can set examples of policy and behavioral
changes that work in their backyard and whose trade-offs are well recognized and accepted by their people.
Then, it might be realistic to expect such policies and behavioural expectations of households to succeed in
developing countries with suitable adaptation.
Chapter at a Glance
• Government initiatives related to environment
o National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
o National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC)
o Ramsar sites increased
o Mangrove cover increased

59
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 o River Conservation and Rejuvenation
o Nationally Determined contribution (NDC) updated
o National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Finance for Sustainable Development
o Issuance of Sovereign Green Bonds
o RBI has incentivized bank lending towards greener industries and projects
o SEBI has issued new sustainability reporting requirements under the Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Report (BRSR).
• Major Decisions at COP 27, Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
o New funding arrangements to loss and damage
o Global Goal on Adaptation
o Implementation of climate action on agriculture and food security
o Set up the Just Transition and Mitigation Work Program
o India submitted its Long-Term Low Carbon Development Strategy (LT-LEDS).
• Initiatives Related to other Environmental Issues
o Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022
o Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021
o Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022
o E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022
o India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on biodiversity conservation.

60
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
61
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 62
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 CHAPTER 8: AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
MANAGEMENT: FROM FOOD SECURITY TO
NUTRITIONAL SECURITY
Introduction
The chapter discusses the performance of the agriculture and allied sector, government interventions to
enhance credit availability, facilitate mechanisation and boost horticulture and organic farming.
The chapter documents the performance of the animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries sectors, and their
importance in the food basket and the farmers’ incomes. The legislation-backed nationwide food
management programme, the National Food Security Act (NFSA), is also discussed.
Production of Foodgrains
• Agriculture growth: The Indian
agriculture sector has been growing at
an average annual growth rate of 4.6
per cent during the last six years.
o In recent years, India has also
rapidly emerged as the net
exporter of agricultural products.
o The year 2022 witnessed an early
heat wave during the wheat-
harvesting season, adversely
affecting its production.
o The year experienced a decline in
the sown area for paddy
cultivation due to delayed monsoons
and deficient rainfall.
MSP to Ensure Returns Over the Cost of
Production
• The Union Budget for 2018-19 announced
that farmers in India would be given an MSP
of at least one and a half times the cost of
production.
• The Government has been increasing the
MSP for all 22 Kharif, Rabi and other
commercial crops at least 50 per cent since
the agricultural year 2018-19.
Agricultural Credit
• Kisan Credit Card Scheme (KCC): it was
introduced in 1998 for farmers to empower
them to purchase agricultural products and services on credit.
o Till now banks issued Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to 3.89 crore eligible farmers with a KCC limit of
₹4,51,672 crore.
o The Government of India extended the KCC facility to fisheries and animal husbandry farmers in
2018-19.
• Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS): To provide short-term credit to farmers at subsidised
interest rates.
• Agriculture credit flow: In 2021-22, it was about 13 per cent more than the target.
• Private investment in agriculture increases to 9.3 percent in 2022-21.

63
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 Farm mechanisation
• Farm mechanisation helps increase productivity through timely and efficient use of other inputs and
natural resources.
• Under the Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), State Governments are being assisted
in training and demonstrating agricultural machinery and helping farmers procure various farm
machinery.
o Till now, 21628 Custom Hiring Centres and 467 Hi-Tech hubs and 18306 farm machinery banks have
been established.
International Year of the Millets
Organic and Natural Farming The United Nations General Assembly, in its 75th session during
March 2021, declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM).
• Organic farmers: India has 44.3
• Millets are Smart Food with high nutritional value, are climate
lakh organic farmers, the highest resilient, and align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals
in the world, and about 59.1 lakh (SDGs).
ha area was brought under • India produces more than 50.9 million tonnes (as per fourth
organic farming by 2021-22. advance estimate) of millet which accounts for 80 per cent of Asia’s
• Sikkim became the first State in and 20 per cent of global production.
the world to become fully • The global average yield is 1229 kg/ha, whereas India has a higher
organic, and other States, average yield of 1239 kg/ha.
including Tripura and
Uttarakhand, have set similar
targets.
• Organic farming is being
promoted through Farmers
Producer Organisation (FPO)
under the Paramparagat Krishi
Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission
Organic Value Chain
Development for North Eastern
Region (MOVCDNER).
o PKVY Scheme is being
implemented in a cluster
mode (with min. 20 ha size).
o Financial assistance of
₹50,000 per ha for three
years is provided to the
farmer, total 6.4 lakh ha area
and 16.1 lakh farmers have
been covered.
o MOVCDNER is dedicated to promoting organic farming of niche crops of the North East Region.
o Bhartiya Prakratik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP): It a sub-scheme of PKVY, to assist farmers in adopting
traditional indigenous practices for encouraging all forms of ecological farming, including Zero-
Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF).
Other Initiatives in Agriculture
• PM KISAN Scheme: It is a Central Sector Scheme to supplement the financial needs of land-holding farmers.
o The financial benefit of ₹6,000 per year is transferred into the bank accounts of farmer families through
DBT.
• Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): It is a financing facility operational from the year 2020-21 to 2032-33 for
the creation of post-harvest management infrastructure and community farm assets.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):The largest crop insurance scheme in the world in terms of farmer
enrolments, averaging 5.5 crore applications every year and the third largest in terms of the premium received.
o During the last six years of its implementation, farmers paid a premium of ₹25,186 crore and received claims
amounting to ₹1.2 lakh crore.
o The scheme is implemented on an ‘Area Approach’ basis.

64
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): To promote horticulture covering fruits,
vegetables, root and tuber crops, spices, flowers, plantation crops etc.
• National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Scheme: It was launched to create an online transparent, competitive
bidding system to ensure farmers get remunerative prices for their produce.
o More than 1.7 crore farmers and 2.3 lakh traders have been registered on e-NAM portal.
• Climate-Smart Farming Practices: Smart farming also enables crop diversification, which will help farmers
reduce their dependence on monsoons for water. There are over 1,000 agritech start-ups in India.
Allied Sectors
• The livestock sector: It grew at a CAGR
of 7.9 per cent during 2014-15 to 2020-
21 (at constant prices),
• Fisheries: The annual average growth
rate of the fisheries sector has been
about 7 per cent since 2016-17 and has
a share of about 6.7 per cent in total
agriculture GVA.
• Dairy sector: It is employing more than
eight crore farmers directly, and is the
most prominent agrarian product.
• India ranks first in milk production in
the world, it ranks third in egg production and eighth in meat production in the world.

Cooperative societies
To realise the vision of “Sahakar-see-Samriddhi”, a renewed impetus was given to the growth of the
cooperative sector.
• Registered cooperatives: There are 8.5 lakh registered cooperatives in the country, having more than
29 crore members mainly from the marginalised and lower-income groups in the rural areas.
o 98 per cent of villages are covered by Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS).
• Agriculture finance: Around 19 per cent of agriculture finance is through cooperative societies.
• Ministry of Cooperation: A full-fledged Ministry of Cooperation was established to provide greater focus
to the cooperative sector.
• Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 (MSCS): MSCS was enacted to facilitate the democratic
functioning and autonomous working of Multi-State Cooperative Societies.
o There are 1528 registered societies under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act 2002.
o Government has also decided to introduce the MSCS (Amendment) Bill, 2022.

65
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 o The Bill seeks to amend the MSCS Act,
2002, to bring it in line with Part IXB of
the Constitution.
o It aims to strengthen the cooperative
movement by bringing in provisions
relating to electoral reforms,
strengthening governance and
transparency, enabling the raising of
funds by co-operative sector,
strengthening monitoring mechanism,
etc.
Food Processing Sector
• Optimum development of the food
processing sector will contribute
significantly to tackling several
developmental concerns such as disguised
rural unemployment in agriculture, rural
poverty, food security, food inflation,
improved nutrition, prevention of wastage of
food etc.
o During the last five years ending FY21, the food processing industries sector has been growing at an
average annual growth rate of around 8.3 per cent.
o As per the latest Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) 2019-20, 12.2 per cent of persons in the registered
manufacturing sector were employed
in the food processing sector.
• The value of agri-food exports, including
processed food exports, was about 10.9
per cent of India's total exports during
2021-22.
• Challenges
o Lack of adequate and efficient cold
chain infrastructure leads to massive
post-harvest losses (mostly of
perishables) estimated at ₹92,561
crore annually.
o Worldwide have stringent guidelines
for importing food and agricultural
products, the probability of exports from India getting rejected increases.
o Logistical barriers relating to connectivity.
Food Security
• The food management programme in India comprises procurement of food grains from farmers at
remunerative prices, distribution of food grains to consumers, and maintenance of food buffer stock.
o The food subsidy bill was higher during 2020-21 and 2021-22 in comparison to other years as a result
of the free food distribution programme during covid.
• National Food Security Act (NFSA): NFSA, 2013 cover about 80 crore of India's population.
o During 2022-23, the Government of India allocated 970.1 lakh tons of foodgrains to States/UTs
under NFSA and Other Welfare Schemes, etc.
• One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme: The ONORC system enables intra-State and inter-State
portability of ration cards.
o Presently, the national/inter-State portability is enabled in all 36 States/UT, covering 100 per cent of
the total NFSA population.

66
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Conclusion
The performance of the agriculture sector remains critical to growth and employment in the country.
Investment in the sector must be encouraged through an affordable, timely and inclusive approach to credit
delivery. A greater focus on the development of the food processing sector can reduce wastage/ loss and
increase the length of storage, ensuring better prices for the farmers.
Chapter at a Glance
• Food production: The Indian agriculture sector has been growing at an average annual growth rate of 4.6 per
cent during the last six years.
• MSP: The Government has been increasing the MSP for all 22 Kharif, Rabi and other commercial crops at least
50 per cent since the agricultural year 2018-19.
• Agricultural Credit: KCC facility extended to fisheries and animal husbandry farmers in 2018-19.
o Private investment in agriculture increases to 9.3 percent in 2022-21.
• Organic farmers: India has 44.3 lakh organic farmers, the highest in the world.
• Farm mechanisation: Under the Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), State Governments are
being assisted in training and demonstrating agricultural machinery and helping farmers procure various farm
machinery.
• Allied Sectors: India ranks first in milk production in the world, it ranks third in egg production and eighth in
meat production in the world.
• Food processing: During the last five years ending FY21, the food processing industries sector has been growing
at an average annual growth rate of around 8.3 per cent.
• Food Security
o The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 cover about 80 crore of India's population
o One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) launched.
• Cooperative societies
o There are 8.5 lakh registered cooperatives in the country.
o Around 19 per cent of agriculture finance is through cooperative societies

67
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 68
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
69
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 CHAPTER 9: INDUSTRY: STEADY RECOVERY
Introduction
This chapter will review the performance of the Indian industry in the current financial year. It also explores
the demand stimulants to industrial growth, the supply response of the industry, trends in credit to the
industry and foreign investment in India’s industrial sector. This chapters evaluates India’s aspirations and
prospects of becoming a key player in global value chains.
Significance of Industry sector
• Industry holds a prominent position
in the Indian economy, accounting
for 31 percent of GDP, on average,
during FY12 and FY21 and
employing over 12.1 crore people.
• The sector’s relevance can be
identified through various direct
and indirect linkages with other
sectors like
o It ensures that domestic
production can accommodate
domestic demand and reduces
the reliance on imports.
o Industrial growth has multiplier
effects, which translates into
employment growth.
o Some industries, such as textiles and
construction, have high employment
elasticities.
o Industrial growth spurs growth in
services sectors such as banking,
insurance, logistics, etc.
Demand Stimulus to Industrial Growth
• Decrease in overall retail inflation: It has
sustained the pent-up consumer demand
in the post-pandemic Indian economy,
inducing an industrial recovery despite
the global headwinds.
• Strong external demand: It served the
Indian industry well in FY22 when
manufactured exports soared,
responding to a rebound in global growth.
• Increase in investment demand: It has emerged as a powerful stimulus to industrial growth.
o It has been triggered by a jump in the Capex of the central government.
o This has crowded-in private investment, due to consumption demand, export stimulus, and
strengthening of the corporate balance sheets.
o Reasons for increase in private investment
✓ Institution of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) to resolve bank stressed assets so that they
can lend to corporates.
✓ Rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to improve corporates ease of doing business
✓ The corporate tax rate was slashed
o H1 of FY23, recorded the highest share of Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) in GDP among all
half-years since FY15.

70
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Supply Response of Industry
• The supply response of the industry to the
demand stimulus has been robust, as seen in
high-frequency indicators.
o The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI-
Manufacturing), has remained in the
expansionary zone for 18 months since
July 2021.
o The sustained growth of manufacturing
output is also seen within the overall IIP
producing consumer durables which is
sync with the “pent-up” consumption
demand.
o The growth in eight core industries has
held steady, reflecting a
broad momentum in
industrial activity
• Constraints faced by
industrial growth in the first
half of FY23.
o Seasonality: It has
contributed to
constraining the growth of
production in respect of
mining and quarrying, and
construction.
✓ Higher rainfall cooled
temperatures led to
fell in electricity
demand, and hence
output rose by less
than 5 per cent in Q2
of FY23 over Q2 of
FY22.
o Large inventory:
Manufacturing output
appears to have been
constrained by a large build-up in inventory.
✓ The build-up of stock allows manufacturing to slow its pace with the accumulated stock meeting
current demand.
• Uneven manufacturing landscape
Sustained • The motor vehicles manufacturing segment’s performance continues to improve, induced by
growth robust demand and an easing of chip shortage.
• The manufacturing of ‘computer, electronic and optical products’, has also been rising.
• Production of coke and refined petroleum has also increased.
• Chemicals and chemical products such as caustic soda, soda ash, fertilisers and petroleum
products have also performed well.
Lukewarm • Growth in pharmaceutical output has slowed due to an unfavourable base effect and the
growth waning of the pandemic.
• Textiles, apparel and leather, have been showing tepid growth, as export demand for these
products has been mellowing with the slowing of global output and demand.

71
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 Robust Growth in Bank Credit to
Industry
• Robust growth in credit demand
combined with rising capacity
utilisation and investment in
manufacturing underscores
businesses’ optimism regarding
future demand.
• A large share of bank credit
continues to be assigned to large
industries.
• Credit to MSMEs has also seen a
significant increase in part assisted
by the introduction of the
Emergency Credit Line Guarantee
Scheme(ECLGS), which supports
around 1.2 crore businesses of
which 95 per cent are MSMEs.
Resilient FDI inflow in
Manufacturing Sector
• Annual FDI equity inflows in the
manufacturing sector have
jumped from US$ 12.1 billion in
FY21 to US$ 21.3 billion in FY22.
o With the rise in global
uncertainty in the wake of
the Russia-Ukraine conflict,
FDI equity inflow in
manufacturing in the first
half of FY23 fell below its
corresponding level in the first half of FY22.
• The monetary tightening at the global level has further restricted the FDI equity inflows.
FDI Policy Reforms to bolster Investment
• In FY20, 100 per cent FDI under automatic route was permitted for the sale of coal, and coal mining activities,
including associated processing infrastructure, Subject to provisions of relevant acts.
• 26 per cent FDI under the government route has been permitted for uploading/ streaming of News & Current
Affairs through Digital Media.
• 100 per cent FDI has been permitted in Intermediaries or Insurance Intermediaries.
• To curb opportunistic takeovers/acquisitions of Indian companies due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the
government amended the FDI policy
o An entity of a country which shares a land border with India or where the beneficial owner of investment
into India is situated in or is a citizen of any such country, can invest only under the Government route.
o In the event of the transfer of ownership of any existing or future FDI in an entity in India, directly or
indirectly, will also require government approval.
• To simplify the approval process of foreign Investment and to promote ease of doing business, the erstwhile
Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) was abolished in May 2017
o Processing of applications for FDI has been delegated to the concerned Ministries/ Departments, and DPIIT
is the nodal department for facilitating the process.
• “Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal (FIF Portal)”, has been launched as the online single-point interface of
the Government of India for investors to facilitate Foreign Direct Investment.

72
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Industry Groups and their Challenges
• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs): The contribution of the MSME
sector to overall GVA rose from 29.3 per cent
in FY18 to 30.5 per cent in FY20, and fall to
26.8 per cent in FY21.
o Government initiatives
✓ Modification of the definition of
MSMEs
✓ Provision of ₹20,000 crore
subordinate debt for stressed MSMEs
✓ ₹50,000 crore equity infusion through
Self Reliant India fund;
✓ Waiving of the global tender
requirement for procurement of up
to ₹200 crore;
✓ Launching of the Udyam portal for MSME registration.
o Samadhaan Portal, set up under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED)
Act to monitor the outstanding dues to the MSME sector, is helping MSMEs in resolving their
cashflow difficulties.
o CHAMPIONS, the single-window grievance redressal portal for MSMEs launched by the Ministry of
MSME.
o Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance’ scheme (RAMP) in FY 23
✓ It aims to improving Centre-State linkages and partnerships and improving access of MSMEs to
market and credit, technology upgradation and addressing issues of delayed payments and
greening of MSMEs.
✓ It is a World Bank-supported
scheme.
✓ It will be implemented over a
period of five years.
• Electronics industry
o The domestic electronics industry, as
of FY20, is valued at US$118 billion.
✓ Electronic goods were among the
top five commodity groups.
✓ India has become the second-
largest mobile phone
manufacturer globally.
o The industrial electronics sector is also seeing growth due to improved digitisation and robotics
applications in Industry 4.0.
✓ The impetus on Smart Cities and the Internet of Things (IoT) will streamline the demand for smart
and automated electronics.
o Initiatives for electronics manufacturing
✓ PLI scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing
✓ PLI scheme for IT hardware
• CoaI Industry
o At the beginning of the fiscal year, coal availability became a challenge for power generation because
of a resurgence in economic activity and increasing the demand for power in the country due to
heat wave.
o Government steps
✓ All generators were asked to import coal to the extent of 10 per cent of their requirements.
✓ Section 11 of the Electricity Act 2003 (Act) was invoked to direct imported coal-based plants to
run at full capacity with the assurance that their enhanced cost of operation would be
compensated.
73
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 ✓ Tolling was enabled, which allowed states to transfer their allotted coal to private generators
near the mines.
✓ Rural Electrification Corporation (REC)/ Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and commercial banks
were advised to facilitate the availability of additional working capital to power generating
plants.
o The coal industry is expected to grow at 6-7 per cent annually to reach a production level of 1 billion
tonnes by FY26 and about 1.5 billion tonnes by 2030.
• Steel industry Incentives to encourage semiconductor manufacturing
o The steel sector’s • Design Linked-Incentive (DLI) scheme for nurturing and facilitation of
performance in the domestic companies of semiconductor design, achieving significant
current fiscal year has indigenisation of semiconductor products and IPs deployed across the
been robust, with country, and strengthening the infrastructure for design.
cumulative production • Programme for Development of Semiconductors and Display
and consumption of Manufacturing Ecosystem in India for comprehensive development of a
finished steel at 88 MT sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem in the country.
and 86 MT, • The Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components
and Semiconductors (SPECS)
respectively.
o The growth in finished
steel production is
aided by double-digit
growth in consumption
(11 per cent on a YoY
basis)
o Iron and steel exports
moderated in the first
eight months of the
current fiscal owing to a
slowdown in the global
economy but are higher by 20 per cent over the corresponding pre-pandemic levels of FY20.
• Textile Industry
o The textile industry has been facing the challenge of moderating exports compared to FY22.
o FDI inflows into the textile sector are yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels.
o Government steps
✓ Setting up of seven PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks.
✓ Textile PLI Scheme with an approved outlay of ₹10,683 crore over five years starting from 1st
January 2022.
• Pharmaceuticals industry
o India’s domestic
pharmaceutical market is
estimated at US$ 41
billion in 2021 and is likely
to grow to US$ 65 billion
by 2024.
o India is ranked 3rd
worldwide in the
production of pharma
products by volume and
14th by value.
o The nation is the largest
provider of generic
medicines globally,
occupying a 20 per cent
share in global supply by volume.

74
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o FDI inflows have increased four-fold over five years until September 2022, to US$ 699 million,
supported by investor-friendly policies and a positive outlook for the industry.
o Strengthening the Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI) scheme
✓ It aims to strengthen the existing infrastructure facilities by providing financial assistance to
pharma clusters to create common facilities.
✓ It upgrades the production facilities of MSMEs to meet national and international regulatory
standards
✓ It also promotes knowledge
and awareness about the
pharmaceutical and medical
devices
• Automobile market
o In December 2022, India became
the 3rd largest automobile
market.
o In 2021, India was the largest manufacturer of two-wheeler and three-wheeler vehicles and the
world’s fourth-largest manufacturer of passenger cars.
o The domestic electric vehicles (EV) market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate
(CAGR) of 49 per cent between 2022 and 2030
o Challenges
✓ Higher borrowing costs and tempering global demand are expected
✓ the increase in long-term third-party vehicle insurance premiums.
India’s Prospects as a Key Player in the Global Value Chain
• The risk of supply chain shocks has
never been more palpable than
today, following compounding crises
from the US-China trade war, the
Covid-19 pandemic, and the war in
Ukraine.
• Indian government steps to become
a global manufacturing hub this
decade.
o Make in India 2.0 and PLI scheme
✓ It is focusing on 27 sectors,
which include 15
manufacturing sectors and 12
service sectors.
o Amongst these, 24
sub-sectors have
been chosen while
keeping in mind the
Indian industries’
strengths and
competitive edge.
✓ PLI scheme,
spread across 14
sectors, can
enhance India’s
annual
manufacturing capex by 15 to 20 per cent from FY23.
✓ Recent development in PLI scheme
▪ The launch of a design led PLI in June 2022 to promote the entire value chain in telecom
manufacturing and to build a strong ecosystem for 5G.
75
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 ▪The Cabinet recently approved PLI Scheme (Tranche II) on ‘National Programme on High-
Efficiency Solar PV Modules’.
• Fostering Innovation: The government has also strengthened its IPR regime by modernising the IP office,
reducing legal compliances and facilitating IP filing for start-ups, women entrepreneurs, small industries
and others.
o This has resulted in a 46 per cent growth in the domestic filing of patents over 2016-2021, signalling
India’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy.
o As per the GII 2022 report, India entered the top 40 innovating countries for the first time in 2022.
Flipping and Reverse Flipping: the recent developments in Start-ups
India ranks amongst the largest startup ecosystems in the world. About 48 per cent of our startups are from Tier II &
III cities, a testimony of our grassroots’ tremendous potential. But recently, It has also been observed that many
Indian companies have been getting headquartered overseas.
• Flipping is the process of transferring the entire ownership of an Indian company to an overseas entity,
accompanied by a transfer of all IP and all data hitherto owned by the Indian company.
• The flipping reflects start-ups venturing out for short-term gains in the dynamic, uncertain geopolitical world.
• Reasons for flipping
o commercial, taxation and personal preferences of founders and investors.
o the major market of the product is offshore.
o To access Capital Market of offshore country for better valuations and ticket size.
• The flip can be reversed with the collective action by the Government related regulatory bodies and other
stakeholders.
Structural reforms enhancing the Ease of Doing Business
• ‘Make in India’ initiative: It has been striving to ensure that the business ecosystem in the nation is
conducive for investors.
• Ease of doing business
o Amendments to laws and liberalisation of guidelines and regulations to reduce compliance burdens.
o Steps to promote manufacturing and investments include reduction in corporate taxes, public
procurement and Phased Manufacturing Programme.
• The DPIIT’s Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) 2020 (fifth edition), based on the implementation of
reforms by States/UTs, was released on 30th June 2022.
India and Industry 4.0
• India has made significant strides in internet penetration which is one of the key requisites of industry
4.0.
• The push towards self-reliance in semiconductor technology and production will help India erect
another pillar in hyper-efficient processing technology.
• Government steps for industry 4.0
o SAMARTH (Smart Advanced Manufacturing and Rapid Transformation Hubs) Udyog Bharat 4.0
under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, which aims to encourage technological
solutions to Indian manufacturing units through awareness programmes and demonstrations.
o The Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution in India in 2018, which looks to develop policy
frameworks for emerging technologies.
Conclusion
The strength and duration of the recovery in commodity prices will be a function of many factors, such as the
pace of China’s economic recovery and growth outlook in North America and Europe. Notwithstanding such
open questions, industrial output in India should continue to grow steadily based on resilient domestic
demand.
Chapter at a Glance
• Demand Stimulus to Industrial Growth
o Decrease in overall retail inflation
o Strong external demand
o An increase in investment demand has because of jump in the Capex of the central government.

76
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • The supply response of the industry to the demand stimulus has been robust, as seen in high-frequency
indicators.
• Trends in credit and FDI to the industry
o Large share of bank credit continues to be assigned to large industries.
o Credit to MSMEs has also seen a significant increase
o Annual FDI equity inflows in the manufacturing sector have jumped.
• Industry Groups
o India has become the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer globally.
o The steel sector’s performance in the current fiscal year has been robust.
o The textile industry has been facing the challenge of moderating exports compared to FY22.
o India’s domestic pharmaceutical market is estimated at US$ 41 billion in 2021 and is likely to grow to US$
65 billion by 2024.
o In December 2022, India became the 3rd largest automobile market.
• Indian government launched Make in India 2.0 and PLI scheme to become a global manufacturing hub this
decade.
• Fostering Innovation: The government has strengthened its IPR regime by modernising the IP office, reducing
legal compliances and facilitating IP filing for start-ups, women entrepreneurs, small industries and others.
• Structural reforms enhancing the Ease of Doing Business
o The ‘Make in India’
o Amendments to laws and liberalisation of guidelines
o The DPIIT’s Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) 2020
• India has made significant strides in internet penetration which is one of the key requisites of industry 4.0.

77
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 78
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
79
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 CHAPTER 10 SERVICES: SOURCE OF STRENGTH
Introduction
Services sector witnessed a swift rebound
in FY22 driven by the raise in demand, ease
of mobility restriction, near-universal
vaccination coverage and pre-emptive
government interventions.
India is among the top ten services
exporting countries in 2021, having
increased its share in world commercial
services exports from 3 per cent in 2015 to
4 per cent in 2021.
As per the First Advance Estimates of FY
23, Gross Value Added (GVA) growth in
services sector will be driven by contact-
intensive services sectors (tourism, retail
trade, hotel, entertainment, and
recreation).
Performance of Sub-sectors
Tourism and Hotel Industry
Tourism:
• As per the World Tourism Barometer
of the United Nations World Tourism
Organisation (November 2022),
international tourism showed robust Various Measures to Boost the Tourism Sector
performance in January-September 2022. • National Integrated Database of Hospitality
o It was boosted by strong demand, improved Industry (NIDHI): It is database of accommodation
confidence levels and the lifting of units in a country.
restrictions. • System for Assessment, Awareness, and Training
for Hospitality Industry (SAATHI): It sensitized the
• Medical Tourism:
industry on the Covid-19 regulations.
o India is ranked 10th out of the top 46
• RCS UDAN3: It promoted regional air connectivity
o countries in the World in the Medical by making it affordable.
Tourism Index FY21 released by Medical
Tourism Association.
• Hotel Industry:
o The hotel industry is thriving with
improvements in occupancy rate, an
increase in Average Room Rate (ARR)
and a rise Revenue per Available
Room (RevPAR).
o The occupancy rate has completely
recovered to the average pre-
pandemic level of 2019-20.
Real Estate
• This sector suffered due to Covid-19 pandemic.
• The Real Estate Regulation Act (RERA) 2016 played a significant role in post-pandemic rebound of Real
Estate sector.

80
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o According to JLL’s 2022 Global
Real Estate Transparency Index,
India’s real estate market
transparency is among the top ten
most improved markets globally.
• Supply Chain Disruption: The Russia-
Ukraine conflict has further affected
the supply chain.
o It has resulted in price
escalations of steel, cement,
finishing materials, imported
chemicals, and fuel.
o Thereby increasing the overall
construction cost and resulting in
a rise in housing prices.
• Investments: Institutional investment
has increased along with the Real Estate
Investment Trusts (REITs).
• Formalisation in Real Estate: Regulatory
initiatives such as the Model Tenancy
Act and digitisation of land registries &
market data through the Dharani and
Maha RERA platforms have helped to
broaden the market and bring more
formalisation to the sector.
Information Technology and Business
Process Management (IT-BPM) Industry
• Covid Resilience: According to Various Measures to Boost the Housing Sector
NASSCOM’s report, India’s IT-BPM • Permission of RBI to lending institutions to grant a total
industry has been exceptionally moratorium of 6 (3+3) months.
resilient during the pandemic. o A moratorium is a temporary suspension of activity until
future events warrant lifting of the suspension or related
o This is driven by increased
issues have been resolved.
technology spending,
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme
accelerated technology Urban) (PMAY-CLSS (U)): Interest subvention on loans to
adoption, and digital beneficiary.
transformation. • Affordable Housing Fund (AHF): Created sufficient liquidity in
• Employment Generation: The the sector for viable growth.
industry recorded nearly 10 per • Co-lending model: It aims to leverage the liquidity base of the
cent estimated growth in direct banks and reach of HFCs to deliver formal housing credit to the
employee pool in FY22 with a bottom of the pyramid.
highest-ever net addition to its • LGSCATSS: Under the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Covid
employee base. Affected Tourism Service Sector (LGSCATSS) administered
through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company
• Research and Innovation: India has
(NCGTC), working capital/personal loans are provided to
emerged as a global powerhouse for
households that were impacted due to the Covid-19 pandemic
Engineering R&D (ER&D) and to discharge liabilities and restart businesses.
innovation and is steadfastly
committed to ushering future growth and innovation for global enterprises.
• Global Competency Centres: Many Global Competency Centres (GCCs) have been incorporated in India
in the last six years.
• Dominant Share: IT services constitute the majority share (greater than 51 per cent).
• Key Pillars: Customer-centricity, domain-specific solutions, a digital-first talent pool, and a laser-sharp
focus on creating future-ready solutions.

81
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 o They have enabled technology firms to
respond proactively to emerging
customer demand throughout the
pandemic.
• Growth Drivers: India’s massive digital
infrastructure played a crucial role in
driving technology adoption, with public
digital platforms becoming the bedrock of
India’s digital advantage.
E-Commerce
E-Commerce sector witnessed a renewed push
and a sharp increase in penetration in the
aftermath of the pandemic.
• Growth: According to the Global Payments Report by
Worldpay FIS, India’s e-commerce market is projected
to post impressive gains and grow at 18 per cent
annually through 2025.
• Emerging Sector: Fashion, grocery, general
merchandise sector would capture nearly two-thirds of
the Indian e-commerce market by 2027.
• Increased Adoption by MSME in E-Commerce: MSMEs
have used digital services like e-
commerce and e-procurement,
realising the prospects of increased
revenues and margins, improved
market reach, access to new
markets, and customer acquisition.
• Government Support: The
Government E-Marketplace (GeM)
has also witnessed tremendous
growth in Gross Merchandise Value
(GMV) and is catching up with E-
commerce giants like Amazon.
o GeM has taken a host of steps to
onboard products of Self-Help Groups
(SHGs), tribal communities, artisans,
weavers, and MSMEs.
Digital Financial Services
• Overall Impact: Digital financial services
enabled by emerging technologies and
innovative solutions are accelerating
financial inclusion, democratising access,
and spurring the personalisation of
products.
• Growth Drivers: Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-
Mobile (JAM) trinity, UPI, and other
regulatory frameworks, the pandemic has
aided acceleration in digital adoption and provided a fillip to digital financial services solutions by
banks, NBFCs, insurers as well as fintech.
• Fintech: India took the lead with the fintech adoption rate of 87 per cent, substantially higher than the
world average of 64 per cent as per the latest Global FinTech Adoption Index.

82
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Neo Banks: Neo-banking segment has also risen
consistently.
o 75 Digital Banking Units (DBU) across 75 districts
announced in Union Budget 2022-23.
• Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC): The introduction
of CBDC will also significantly boost digital financial
services.
o CBDC is a digital form of currency notes issued by a
central bank.
o Digital Rupee (pilot project) was launched on 1st
November 2022.
• Digitalising documents: It has also played a pivotal role in
giving further impetus to digital financial services.
o The digitisation of documents ensures safety, online
verification, improved accessibility, and fraud
reduction, enhancing use for end customers and the
service provider.
Account Aggregator Framework
• Account Aggregator (AA) is a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) engaged in the business of providing the
service of retrieving or collecting financial information pertaining to the customer.
• It has transformed financial services.
• No financial information of the customer is retrieved, shared or transferred by AA without the explicit consent
of the customer.
• Entities may enrol themselves on AA framework as:
o Financial Information Provider (FIP): viz. banking company, non-banking financial company etc.
o Financial Information User (FIU): It is an entity registered with and regulated by any financial sector
regulator.
• Master Direction- Non-Banking Financial Company - Account Aggregator (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2016 were
issued by RBI to regulate AA.
Dematerialisation of Documents: Next wave of digitisation
• National e-Governance Services Limited (NeSL): It introduced the Digital Document Execution (DDE) platform
in 2020.
o NeSL is an Information Utility registered with and regulated by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India
under the aegis of the IBC 2016.
• The core principle of the NeSL-DDE platform is to digitise all the steps of the document/ agreement execution
journey.
Chapter at a Glance
• The service sector has recovered from the socks of the pandemic and slowdown in global economy.
• Sub-sectors of the Services such as tourism etc. showed recovery.
• India is 7th largest recipient of the FDI in the world.
• E-commerce sector is expected to grow at 18 per cent annually through 2025.
• Digital financial services like Neo-banking, digital currencies are being promoted in the country.

83
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 84
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
85
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 CHAPTER 11 EXTERNAL SECTOR: WATCHFUL
AND HOPEFUL
Introduction
The global economy faced two global shocks in the new millennium
namely economic and health shock. India has been able to face
headwinds (challenges) due to strong macroeconomic
fundamentals and buffers.
This chapter covers the developments in the external sector of the
Indian economy focusing on exports, imports, international
investment, foreign exchange reserves, movement of the currency
against the US dollar, external debt, and the BoP situation.
Trade Helping India Reap the Benefits of Globalised World
• Openness: The trade openness of countries across the globe has been increasing.
o It is measured by trade as a proportion of GDP.
• India’s Share: The share of India’s trade as a
percentage of World GDP has been steadily
increasing, being above 40 per cent since 2005
(except 2020 being the pandemic year).
o The ratio stands at 46 per cent in 2021 and
50 per cent for H1 of 2022.
Global Scenario
• Trade Prospects: Post Covid-19-induced
disruptions, global trade prospects have
improved in FY22.
• Global Outlook: The United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in its Global Trade update of December 2022 has
also noted that the ongoing trade slowdown is expected to worsen for 2023.
Bright spots in India’s Trade performance
• Major Sectors: Significant strides in exports were registered in drugs and pharmaceutical, electronic
goods, engineering goods and organic and inorganic chemicals sectors in FY22.
o India has also been seeing consistent growth in exports of electronic goods.
Trends in Merchandise Trade
• Growth: India achieved an all-time high annual merchandise export of US$ 422.0 billion in FY22.
Trade in Services
• Service Sector growth: India’s services exports stood at US$ 254.5 billion in FY22 recording a growth of
23.5 per cent over FY21.
o It is 7th largest service exporter in the world.
• Dominant Services: Software and business services together constitute more than 60 per cent of India’s
total services exports.
Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)
• Focus area: The focus of the FTP has been to provide a framework of rules and procedures for exports
and imports and a set of incentives for promoting exports.
• Time Frame of FTP: During the pandemic period, the five-year FTP 2015-20 was extended from 2020 to
2022. The policy has been further extended till March 2023.
• Capacity building: The Export Preparedness Index (by Niti Aayog) has also been introduced to evaluate
States’ potentials and capacities.

86
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 International Trade Settlement in Indian Rupees
• Rupee Internationalisation: In 2022, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a circular permitting an
additional arrangement for invoicing, payment, and settlement of exports/imports in Indian Rupees
(INR).
o It is an important step to promote INR as an international currency.
o It will reduce the net demand for foreign exchange, the US dollar in particular, for the settlement of
current account related trade flows.
• Dominant Currency: As per the BIS Triennial Central Bank Survey 2022, the US dollar is the dominant
vehicle currency accounting for 88 per cent of the global forex turnover. The INR accounted for 1.6 per
cent.
Initiatives to Enhance Trade
Initiatives Details
Focus on Agricultural • Pro-active support of export promotion agencies including Export Inspection
Products Council, Plantation Boards, and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export
Development Authority (APEDA).
• Export facilitating measures like online issuance of certificates required for exports.
Interest Equalisation • This Scheme was formulated to give benefit in the interest rates being charged by
Scheme the banks to the exporters on their pre- and post-shipment rupee export credits.
Remission of Duties and • It seeks remission of Central, State and Local duties/taxes/levies at different stages
Taxes on Exported at the Central, State, and local level.
Products (RoDTEP)
scheme
Export Credit Guarantee • The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) supports Indian exporters and
banks by providing export credit insurance services.
Krishi Udan Scheme • Launched in August 2020 on international and national routes to assist farmers in
transporting agricultural products so that it improves their value realization.
Trade Infrastructure for • The Scheme provides financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid to
Export Scheme Central/State Government owned agencies for setting up or for up-gradation of
export infrastructure as per the guidelines of the Scheme.
Districts as Export Hubs • The Districts as Export Hubs-ODOP initiative is aimed at targeting export
promotion, manufacturing, and employment generation at the grassroots level.
India’s Global Trade Engagements
• Current Status: India has so far concluded 13 FTAs and 6 Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs).
o In the year 2022, India signed Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with Australia and UAE, respectively.
o India diversified its markets and increased its exports to Brazil, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.
Free Trade Agreements
• FTAs or RTAs (Regional Trade Agreements) in terms of the WTO rules, are economic instruments available to
a country for leveraging its competencies in trade and investment.

87
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 Why FTAs or RTAs are favorable?
• The limited progress in the multilateral trade negotiations at the WTO is one of the reasons responsible for the
increase in FTAs.
• FTAs are viewed favorably as they are easy to negotiate and provide flexibility to factor in geopolitical
considerations.
• The purpose of RTAs is to lower tariffs on goods and services and increase cooperation between trading
partners with the aim of increasing trade, lower prices for consumers, and provide enhanced export
opportunities for producers.
Balance of Payments in Challenging Times
• Current Account Balance: For the
period April- September 2022
(H1FY23), India recorded a Current
Account Deficit (CAD) of 3.3 per cent
of GDP.
o This is on the back of an increase
in the merchandise trade deficit,
as compared with 0.2 per cent in
H1FY22.
o India’s CAD is modest and within
manageable limits.
• Invisibles: Net services receipts have increased primarily on account of robust computer and business
services receipts.
o Net services exports and Net Private Transfers, mainly remittances, contributed to the surplus on
the invisible account, which cushioned the merchandise trade deficit.
• Capital Account Balance: FDI and foreign portfolio investment (FPI)) is the largest component of the
capital account.
o External commercial borrowings (ECBs) to
India recorded net outflows in H1FY23 as
against net inflows a year ago.
• Balance of Payments and Foreign Exchange
Reserves: The reserves augmented to US$
562.7 billion as of December 2022 covering 9.3
months of imports.
• As of November
2022, India was the
sixth largest
foreign exchange
reserves holder in
the world
(according the
IMF).
Adequacy of Foreign Exchange Reserves
• Conventional Approach: It uses three
measures- ratios of reserves to imports, to
monetary aggregates, and measures of
external debt.
• Traditional approach: The simple rule of
thumb is three months of imports or full
cover of short-term debt.
• Guidotti–Greenspan IMF Rule: It states that
a country's reserves should equal short-
term external debt (one-year or less
maturity), suggesting a ratio of reserves-to-
short term debt of one.

88
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Exchange Rates
• RBI’s Active Role: The exchange rate of the Indian Rupee is market-
determined as the RBI's intervention in the foreign exchange
market is mainly to contain instances of excessive volatility.
• Depreciation: In 2022, the INR has depreciated by 10.8 per cent
whereas the US dollar has appreciated by 6.4 per cent.
o The Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER) of India
depreciated by 4.8
per cent in 2022.
International Investment
Position (IIP)
• Purpose: It is a statistical
statement that shows at a
point in time the value
and composition of
o Financial assets of
residents of an
economy that are
claims on non-residents and gold bullion
held as reserve assets.
o Liabilities of residents of an economy to
non-residents.
External Debt Situation
• Debt to GDP Ratio: External debt as a ratio to
GDP fell to 19.2 per cent as of end-September
2022 from 20.3 per cent a year ago.
• Short-term debt: About 97 per cent of short-
term debt is in the form of trade credit to
finance imports and hence the rise in short-
term debt is stability-friendly.
• Composition: Major part of India’s external
debt is denominated in the US dollar (55.5%) follow by
Indian rupee (30.2%)
• Sovereign External Debt (SED): It amounted to US$ 124.5
billion, decreasing by 5.7 per cent over the level a year ago.

Chapter at a Glance
• External sector is facing major headwinds (challenges); however, strong macroeconomic fundamentals are able
to cater it.
• India’s merchandise export has reached all-time high.
• It is 7th largest service exporter in the world.
• External debt as a ratio to GDP has declined.
• RBI is promoting Indian Rupee as an international currency.

89
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 90
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
91
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 CHAPTER 12: PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL
INFRASTRUCTURE: LIFTING POTENTIAL
GROWTH
Introduction
In the last 75 years in India since Independence, infrastructure development has moved on a consistent
growth curve building the assets required by the nation across sectors such as transportation, housing,
commercial development, telecom and most recently, sanitation. Investing in high-quality infrastructure is
crucial for accelerating economic growth and sustaining it in the long run.
Government’s Vision and Approaches to Infrastructure Development in India
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
• Purpose: PPPs are vital instruments for
governments in channelling the strength of
private sector in critical areas of infrastructure.
• Public Private Partnership Appraisal
Committee (PPPAC): It is apex body for
appraisal of PPP projects in the Central Sector.
o It has streamlined appraisal mechanism to
ensure speedy and standardised appraisal
of projects.
• Viability Gap Funding (VGF): Launched by
Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) in 2006.
o Under this scheme, economic sector projects may get up to 40 per cent of Capex as VGF grant. The
Scheme includes higher provisions of VGF grant for social sectors.
• India Infrastructure Project Development Fund Scheme (IIPDF) (2022): It aims to develop quality PPP
projects by providing necessary funding support to the project-sponsoring authorities. It will be
implemented from FY23 to FY25.
National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)
• Objective: NIP has a forward-looking approach with a projected infrastructure investment of around
₹111 lakh crore during FY20-25 to provide high quality infrastructure across the country.
o It includes greenfield and brownfield infrastructure projects.
• Invest India Grid (IIG): NIP is hosted on the Invest India Grid (IIG) platform and provides opportunities
for States/UTs and Ministries to collate all major infrastructure projects at a single location.
• Project Monitoring Group: It ensures fast-tracking of approvals/clearances for projects with an
anticipated investment of ₹500 crore and above.
National Monetisation Pipeline, 2021
• Objective: To provide an opportunity for deleveraging balance sheets and providing fiscal space for
investment in new infrastructure assets.
o The estimated aggregate monetisation potential under NMP is ₹6.0 lakh crore through core assets
of the Central Government, over a four-year period, from FY20-25.
• Process: The process of monetisation entails a limited period license/ lease of an asset, owned by the
government or a public authority, to a private sector entity for upfront or periodic consideration.
o Such license/ lease of an asset includes provisions for the transfer of assets back to the authority at
the end of the contract period.
National Logistics Policy, 2022
• Overall Cost: Logistics costs in India have been in the range of 14-18 per cent of GDP against the global
benchmark of 8 per cent.

92
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Focus area: NLP seeks to develop a
technologically enabled, integrated, cost-
efficient, resilient, sustainable and trusted
logistics ecosystem in the country for
accelerated and inclusive growth.
o The policy is an endeavour to improve
the competitiveness of Indian goods,
enhance economic growth and increase
employment opportunities.
o It is aimed at bringing global standards to
warehousing, multimodal digital
integration, ease of logistics services, human resources, and skill enhancement.
• Implementation: The Policy will be implemented through a Comprehensive Logistics Action Plan (CLAP).
Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) index 2022
• It is based on World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) methodology. It is released by the Ministry of
Commerce.
• It has adopted a classification-based grading.
• Classification: Coastal States, hinterland/ landlocked States, North-Eastern States, and Union Territories.
Performance
Category Criteria States
Achievers • States/UTs achieving a percentage • Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Punjab
score of 90 per cent or more and Uttarakhand.
Fast Movers • States/UTs achieving percentage • Kerala, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura,
scores between 80 to 90 per cent Puducherry and Rajasthan.
Aspirers • States/UTs achieving percentage • Nagaland, Goa, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, A&N
scores below 80 per cent Islands, Mizoram, J&K, Arunachal Pradesh,
Ladakh, and Lakshadweep.

PM Gatishakti
• Objective: The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (2021) entails creation of a common umbrella
platform with all infrastructure projects pertaining to various ministries/ departments incorporated
within a comprehensive database for efficient planning and implementation on a real-time basis.
o The projects pertaining to seven engines
(roads, railways, airports, ports, mass
transport, waterways, and logistic
infrastructure) in the NIP will be aligned
with PM GatiShakti framework.
o The focus is on integrated planning and
synchronised implementation across
ministries/ departments, with innovative
use of technology.
• Tech Support: A GIS based and data-driven
decision support platform called PM
GatiShakti National Master Plan has been
also introduced.
Developments in Physical infrastructure sectors
• Road Transport: It acts as a major mode of
transportation and connectivity for the country’s
diverse population of consumers and businesses.
o 10,457 km of National Highways (NHs)/roads
were constructed in FY22 as compared to 6,061
km in FY16.

93
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 • Railways: It is called India’s lifeline and had a huge role to play in national integration and regional
development.
o It is the fourth largest network (with over 68,031 route
kms) in the world under single management.
• Civil Aviation: FY22 saw a recovery in aviation sector, mainly
led by the domestic sector.
• Initiatives:
o UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) was launched to
enhance connectivity between the Tier-2 and 3 cities in
the country.
o Promoting connectivity to unserved and underserved
airports.
o The government has also accorded 'in-principle'
approval for the setting up of 21 greenfield
airports across the country.
• Ports: The most of the international trade is handled
through ports (around 90 per cent of international
trade cargo by volume and 79.9 per cent by value).
• Capacity: The capacity of major ports increased from
871.5 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) (March 2014)
to 1534.9 MTPA (March 2022).
Inland Water Transport:
• Navigable Length: The total navigable length of waterways in India is around 14,850 kilometres.
• Cargo Movement: It achieved an all-time high of 108.8 million tons during FY22, recording 30.1 per cent
growth compared FY21.
• National Waterways: Under the
National Waterways Act 2016, 106
new waterways have been declared
as National Waterways (NWs),
taking the total number of NWs in
the country to 111.
• Inland Vessels Bill 2021: It replaced
the Inland Vessels Act, 1917.
o It aims to bring uniformity in the
application of the law relating to
inland waterways and
navigation within the country.
Electricity:
• Total Installed Power: The total installed power capacity
of utilities and captive power plants (industries having
demand of 1 Mega Watt (MW) and above) was 482.2
GW in March 2022 is up by 4.7 per cent from 2021.
o Installed capacity in utilities was 399.5 GW on 31
March 2022 is higher by 4.5 per cent from 2021.
• Renewable Energy Resources:
o Between FY22 and FY21, the maximum rise in
electricity generation was recorded in renewable
energy resources for utilities and for captive plants.
o Initiatives for Promoting Renewable Energy
Resources

94
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 ✓ Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM):
▪ It aims to provide energy and water security, de-dieselise the farm sector and generate
additional income for farmers by producing solar power.
✓ Solar Park Scheme: It has been introduced to facilitate necessary infrastructure like land, power
evacuation facilities, road connectivity, water facility, etc. along with all statutory clearances.
✓ Hydropower Purchase Obligation (HPO) within Non-Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO)
has been initiated.
Developments in Digital Infrastructure
Telecommunications:
• Telephone Subscriber: As of November 2022, telephone subscriber base in India is 117 crores.
• Internet Connections: More than 97 per cent of the total subscribers are connected wirelessly, 83.7 crore
have internet connections as of June 2022.
• Tele-density: The overall tele-density in India stood at 84.8 per cent.
o It ranged from 55.4 per cent in Bihar to 270.6 per cent in Delhi.
• 5G rollout: Indian Telegraph Right of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2022, will facilitate faster and easier
deployment of telegraph infrastructure to enable speedy 5G rollout.
Lessening Rural-Urban Digital Divide
• Digital India initiative (2015) with various new
services and applications like digital payments, e-
governance, e-commerce, e-health, and e-
education helped in bridging the rural-urban digital
divide.
• More internet subscribers were added in rural
areas in the last 3 years (2019-21) than in their
urban counterparts (95.76 million vis-a-vis 92.81
million in rural and urban areas respectively).
• The 200 per cent increase in rural internet
subscriptions between 2015 and 2021 vis-a-vis 158
per cent in urban area.

Radio
• It most affordable and popular medium of mass communication in India and has been a tool that has
consistently helped in empowerment and social development of the people of our country.
• Prasar Bharati broadcasts in 23 languages, 179 dialects from 479 stations across the country, reaching nearly 92
per cent of the area and 99.2 per cent of the total population of the country.
Growth Story of Digital Public
Infrastructure
• Digital Public Infrastructure
(DPI): It aimed at improving
financial literacy, innovation,
entrepreneurship, employment
generation, and empowering
beneficiaries has played a critical
role in uplifting the economy.
o Aadhaar (2009) commenced
the journey of DPI.
• Growth Driver: Favourable
demographics, vast expansion of
the middle-class, and digital
behaviour patterns.

95
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 Initiatives Details
MyScheme • It is an e-Marketplace for schemes where users can look for suitable schemes based on
their eligibility.
Unified Mobile • It enabled citizens to access e-Government services offered by the Central and State
Application for Government in various sectors such as agriculture, education, health, housing,
New-Age employees, pensioners, and students’ welfare.
Governance • Direct Benefit Transfer schemes were made live on UMANG until September 2022.
(UMANG)
Open Network • It is a network-based open protocol that would connect all the buyers and sellers on the
for Digital network thus bringing better visibility across the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) &
Commerce Business-to-Business (B2B) landscape.
(ONDC)
OpenForge • It promotes use of open-source software and sharing and reuse of e-governance-related
source code.
National AI portal • To strengthening the AI ecosystem in the country by pooling together and highlighting
the latest developments happening in Central and State Governments, industry,
academia, NGOs, and civil societies
Bhashini • It is a National Language Translation Mission, aiming at nurturing Indian language
technologies and solutions as a public good, was launched in July 2022.
Open Credit • It will transform lending and borrowing sector. It will ensure that small borrowers are able
Enablement to avail themselves of the best terms under which credit is available.
Network (OCEN)
Unified Payments • It empowers and knits multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, merging
Interface (UPI), several banking features, seamless fund routing and merchant payments into one hood.
2016 • UPI-based transactions grew in value (121 per cent) and volume (115 per cent) terms,
between 2019-22, paving the way for its international adoption.
Mission 'Drone • Drone start-ups and Drone-as-a-Service (DrAAS) are being promoted. A Production-
Shakti' Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones and drone import policy have been introduced.
• DrAAS is a concept comparable with Software as a Service (SaaS) which will help eliminate
the need for government departments to purchase drones. Instead, the departments can
rent drones, allowing them to become asset-light and take advantage of the best
available capability and latest technology in the market.
Account It is a global techno-legal framework that enables individuals to share their financial data
Aggregator (AA) quickly and securely, with their consent, with any regulated third-party financial institution of
their choice.
The AA framework is currently live across over 110 crore of bank accounts.
Chapter at a Glance
• Both Physical and digital infrastructure have improved over time due to government initiatives.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) etc. are some of the important
initiatives for physical infrastructure such as road, railways etc.
• Internet connection and tele density has also improved.

96
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
97
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 98
8468022022, 9019066066 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Copyright © by Vision IAS
All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission of Vision IAS.

99
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL 8468022022, 9019066066
 HIGHLIGHTS OF
Economic
survey
2022-23
INTRODUCTION
The Economic Survey presents a comprehensive analysis of India's growth
trajectory including the global optimism towards nation, focus on infra, growth Prepared by
in agriculture, industries and emphasis on futuristic sectors. It is presented a day Economic Division of the
before the presentation of the Union Budget. Department of Economic
Affairs (DEA), Ministry
The Economic Survey 2022-23 highlights that the transformative reforms of Finance
undertaken by the government had lagged growth returns due to temporary Under the guidance of
shocks in the economy. However, in the present decade, the presence of strong the Chief Economic
Advisor (CEA)
medium-term growth magnets provides optimism and hope that once these
global shocks of the pandemic and the spike in commodity prices in 2022 fade
away, the Indian economy is well placed to grow faster in the coming decade.
 [Link]

Chapter 1: State of the Economy: Recovery Complete

GDP Growth: GDP forecast for FY24 to be in the range of
6-6.8 %, depending on the trajectory of economic and GDP Growth
political developments globally. At constant prices

2019-20 3.7%
India is the 3rd largest economy in the world in Purchas-
ing Power Parity (PPP) terms and the 5th largest in market -6.6% 2020-21*
exchange rates.
2021-22** 8.7%
Growth drivers:
Private consumption: Private consumption in first half of 2022-23* 7.0%
FY23 is highest since FY15 and this has led to a boost to
2023-24@ 6.0-6.8%
production activity resulting in enhanced capacity utilisa-
tion across sectors. *1st Revised Estimates **Provisional Estimates
#1st Advance Estimates @Projected

Capital expenditure (Capex):

Capex of central government increased by 63.4%
during first 8 months of FY23.
Three major
Increase in private capex due to strengthening of global shocks &
corporate balance sheets and increase in credit their effects

financing.
Policy rates hikes by central
Capex multiplier effect will result in at least 4 times Shocks
Covid 19
pandemic
Russia-Ukraine
conflict
banks to curb inflation
(Monetary tightening)
increase in economic output of the country.
Surge in Weakening of most
Capex thrust in last two budgets: It is supported by: Effects
Contracted
global output
worldwide currencies due to
inflation appreciation of US dollar.

Increase in capex budget and its high rate of spending

Buoyant direct tax collections and GST collections (propor-
tionate increase in tax revenues in response to rise in nation-
Buoyant tax collections
al income or output)
(April-November)
Pickup in private investment.
FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23

Rise in employment levels and improvement in Labour 11.9

Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Enhanced Employment

9.4
generation seen in the declining urban unemployment
LAKH CRORE

8.7
8.1
rate and in the faster net registration in Employee Provi- 7.0
7.8
6.7
dent Fund. 5.4 5.6
4.2
Urban Unemployment Rate was at four-year low at 7.2%
in September 2022.
LFPR was around 41.6% in 2020-21 (Rural + urban) com-
pared to 40.1% in preceding year. Direct Tax GST Collections
Source: CGA
Credit growth to MSMEs: Over 30.6% on average during
Jan-Nov 2022.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 8468022022 2/16
 [Link]

Retail inflation: Back within RBI’s target Know the Term

range (2-6% under Flexible Inflation Purchasing power parities (PPPs): They are the rates of currency
Targeting Framework) in November 2022 conversion that try to equalise the purchasing power of different
currencies, by eliminating the differences in price levels between
after ten months. countries.
Capital expenditure (Capex): There are expenditures of the
Performance of Indian Rupee: Performed government which result in creation of physical or financial assets
well compared to other Emerging Market or reduction in financial liabilities.
Economies in Apr-Dec 2022. This includes expenditure on the acquisition of land, building,
machinery, equipment, investment in shares, and loans and
Outlook 2023-24: Economic growth to be advances by the central government to state and UT govern-
ments, PSUs and other parties.
boosted from the expansion of public Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): It is defined as the
digital platforms and measures to boost percentage of persons in labour force (i.e. working or
manufacturing output. seeking or available for work) in the population.

Chapter 2: India’s Medium Term Growth Outlook: with Optimism

and Hope
India's growth outlook seems better than in the pre-pandemic Reforms for New India - Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas

years, and the Indian economy is prepared to grow at its poten- Enhancing productive potential of economy and its people

tial in the medium term.

Efficient resource allocation
Reforms:
Structural and Governance Reforms strengthened the econo-
Agricultural Trust-based
my's fundamentals by enhancing its overall efficiency during Growth Governance
2014-2022. Ease of doing
business +Ease of
Living
These were based on approach of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Energy Public Goods
Vikaas’ and emphasized on building partnerships Transition for Inclusive
Private Sector Growth
among various stakeholders. Participation

Reforms after 2014 were based on the broad principles of

creating public goods, adopting trust-based governance,
co-partnering with the private sector for development, and
improving agricultural productivity.
Simplication of
Limited impact of reforms on economic growth: regulatory
frameworks such
as IBC and
Adverse impact on key macroeconomic variables such as credit RERA Decriminalisation
Tax policy reforms of minor ecconomic
growth and capital formation due to such as unified GST, offences under
reducing corporate Companies
tax rates etc. Act 2013
balance sheet stress caused by credit boom in previous
Initiatives
years and for building
one-off global shocks (pandemic and high commodity trust
Doing away with
25,000
prices). Abolishing unnecessary
Angel compliances
Lagged effects as outcomes of some reforms take time. tax
Repealing more
This situation of limited impact of reforms is analogous to the than 1,400
archaic
period 1998-2002 when transformative reforms had lagged laws
growth returns due to temporary shocks in the economy.

Once these shocks faded, the structural reforms paid growth dividends from 2003.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 8468022022 3/16
 [Link]

Growth Magnets For The Coming Decade:

Positive signs & hope:
Healthy & Re-capitalised Banking & Corporate Sector
Indian economy is well placed to grow faster in
the coming decade once the global shocks of the
Digital Technology Based Economic Reforms
pandemic and the spike in commodity prices in
2022 fade away.
Dissipation in One-off Shocks of the Economy

A fresh credit cycle has begun with improved and

healthier balance sheets of the banking,
Know the Term
non-banking and corporate sectors.
Public Good: Public goods are those that are available
Efficiency gains resulting from greater formalisa- to all (“nonexcludable”) and that can be enjoyed over
and over again by anyone without diminishing the
tion, higher financial inclusion, and economic benefits they deliver to others (“nonrival”).
opportunities created by digital technolo- Credit cycle: It describes the phases of access to credit
gy-based economic reforms. by borrowers based on economic expansion and
contraction.

Chapter 3: Fiscal Developments: Revenue Relish

Fiscal Deficit: Government on track to achieve fiscal deficit Trends in Union government deficits over the years-
target for FY23 (6.4% of GDP). On the way to fiscal consolidation

Resilient performance of Union Government finances during 10 9.2

FY23 facilitated by the: 8 6.7

Per cent of GDP

6.4
recovery in economic activity, 6
5.7
4.7
buoyancy in revenues from direct taxes and GST, and 3.5 3.4
4 3.3
realistic assumptions in the Budget. 2.8

2 1.6
Gross Tax Revenue: Growth of 15.5% from April to November 0.4 0.4

2022 driven by: 0

FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23
PA BE
Expansion of tax net due to structural reforms like GST, digita-
Fiscal Deficit Primary Deficit
lization of economic transactions.
Robust growth in the direct taxes (grew at 26% YoY) due to
corporate and personal income tax growth.
Rising share of Capital Expenditure in
Increasing GST collections: GST has stabilised as a vital reve- Centre's Total Expenditure
nue source for central and state governments, with the gross
GST collections increasing at 24.8% on YoY basis from April to 19% Capital
Expenditure
December 2022.
12%

GST Tax payers doubled to 1.4 crore in 2022.

Improvement in GST collections has been due to: Composition
of Total
the nationwide drive against GST evaders and fake bills expenditure
FY18
and
89% Revenue
systemic changes such as rate rationalisation correcting FY23 Expenditure
81%
inverted duty structure.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 8468022022 4/16
 [Link]

Capital Expenditure (Capex): The Centre's Capex has steadily increased to 2.5% of GDP in FY22 PA (Provi-
sional Actual) from 1.7% of GDP (FY09 to FY20). It is further budgeted to increase to 2.9% of GDP in FY23.
Centre announced several incentives to boost
Know the Term
states' capex in the form of long-term inter-
est-free loans and capex-linked additional Fiscal Deficit: It is the difference between the government's
total expenditure and its total receipts excluding borrowing.
borrowing provision.
Gross fiscal deficit = Total expenditure – (Revenue receipts +
Emphasis of capex on infrastructure-intensive Non-debt creating capital receipts)
sectors like roads and highways, railways, and Gross tax revenue: It includes revenue collected from differ-
ent items like corporation tax, income tax, wealth tax,
housing and urban affairs, has large-scale posi- customs, union excise, service, taxes on Union Territories like
tive implications for medium-term growth. land revenue, stamp registration etc.
The Government’s Capex-led growth strategy Revenue Expenditure: It is expenditure incurred for purposes
other than the creation of physical or financial assets of the
will enable India to keep the growth-interest
central government.
rate differential positive, leading to a sustain-
able debt to GDP in the medium run. Proportion of external liability in
Revenue Expenditure: Brought down from public debt (FY22)
15.6% of GDP in FY21 to 13.5% of GDP in FY22
PA, led by reduction in subsidy expenditure. 4.9%

State Government Finances: Combined Gross

Fiscal Deficits of States brought down to 2.8%
of GDP in FY22 PA, from 4.1% in FY21.

Debt profile: The total liabilities of the Union

Government moderated from 59.2% of GDP in
FY21 to 56.7% in FY22 (P).

The General Government Debt to GDP ratio 95.1%

increased from 75.7% of end-March 2020 to
89.6% at end of pandemic year FY21. Internal liability External liability

Chapter 4: Monetary Management And Financial Intermediation

A Good Year
Monetary developments and Liquidity
Conditions Policy Rates
The repot rate was raised by 225 bps since Fixed Reverse repo rate Repo rate SDF rate MSF rate
7.5
April 2022 (increased from 4% to 6.25%).
6.5
Tightened Monetary Policy reduced the
5.5
liquidity in the market.
Per cent

4.5
There is an increase in Reserve money
3.5
(M0) and broad money (M3) by 10.3%
2.5
and 8.7% year-on-year (YoY) respectively,
Aug-20

Aug-21

Aug-22
Doc-21

Doc-22
Feb-20

Feb-21

Feb-22
Dec-20
Apr-20

Apr-21

Apr-22

Oct-22
Jun-20

Jun-21

Jun-22
Od-20

Od-21

whereas the Money Multiplier has

remained stable at an average of 5.1%.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 8468022022 5/16
 [Link]

Measures of Money Supply MO

Reserve Money (Mo): also called High Powered money, monetary base, base +
money etc. Mo= Currency in Circulation+ Bankers' Deposits with RBI + Other Demand deposits
Deposits with RBI.

=
M1
Narrow Money (M1) = Currency with public + Demand deposits with the
Banking system (current account, saving account) + other deposits with RBI. + +
Savings deposit Time deposits
of post office with the
M2 = M1+ Savings deposits of post office savings banks. saving Bank banking system
M2 M3

Broad Money (M3) = M1+ Time deposits with the banking system.
+ All deposits with
post-office saving

M4 = M3+ All deposits with post office savings banks.

M4

Monetary Policy Transmission: The Lending

Know the Term
and deposit rates of banks increased during
FY23 in line with the Repo rate changes. Monetary Tightening policy: A policy which aims at decreasing
the money supply by increasing reserve rates and interest rates,
and conducting Open Market Operations.
Developments in the G-sec Market: The
Money Multiplier: The money-multiplier explains how an
trading volume in G-Secs (including T-Bills increase in the monetary base causes the money supply to
and SDLs) reached a two-year high, regis- increase by a multiplied amount. It is defined as the ratio of Broad
money (M3) over the Reserve Money (M0) i.e. M3/M0.
tering a YoY growth of 6.3%.
Repo rate: Repo is a money market instrument, which enables
Banking Sector: 4R’s approach of Recogni- collateralised short term borrowing and lending through
tion, Resolution, Recapitalisation and sale/purchase operations in debt instruments.

Reforms to clean and strengthen the Under a repo transaction, a holder of securities sells them to
an investor with an agreement to repurchase at a predeter-
balance sheet of the banking system mined date and rate.
resulted in; Government Securities (G-Secs): G-Sec is a tradeable instrument
issued by the Central Government or the State Governments. It
Improvement in the asset quality of the acknowledges the Government’s debt obligation.
Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCB).
Treasury Bills (T-bills): They are short term G-Secs issued by
The Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) the Government of India and are presently issued in three
ratio decreased from 8.2% in 2020 to 5.0% tenors, namely, 91 day, 182 day and 364 day.

in 2022, which is a seven year low. State Development Loans (SDLs): Dated Government securi-
ties issued by the State Government.
Credit Growth and Recovery

Non-food credit by the Banks has been Increasing credit disbursed to and by NBFCs
growing in double digits since April 2022. Aggregate Credit by NBFCs
35 6
There is a consistent rise of NBFCs’ credit 30 Credit to NBFCs (% of GDP, RHS)
5
₹1 Lakh Crore

as a proportion to GDP 25 4
Percent

The recovery rate for the Banks through 20

3
15
Insolvency and Bankruptcy (IBC) was high- 10 2
est in FY22 compared to other channels. 5 1
0 0
Development in Capital Markets FY13 FY15 FY17 FY19 FY21 HI:FY23

Primary Market: The number IPOs almost doubled and the total funds rose by the companies increased
by almost three times (Compared to FY22). The year also witnessed the largest IPO ever in the history
of India.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 8468022022 6/16
 [Link]

Secondary Market: In spite of the global Know the Term

volatility, the Indian stock markets outper-
Insurance penetration: It refers to the ratio of total insurance
formed their global peers by huge margin. premiums to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in a year.
Developments in the Insurance Market: India Insurance density: It refers to the ratio of insurance premium to
is one of the fastest-growing insurance mar- population, i.e.; insurance premium per capita and is measured in
US Dollar, as they reflect the level of development of the insur-
kets in the world and its life insurance premi-
ance sector in a country.
um has registered YoY growth of 10.2%.
Insurance penetration and insurance density has been steadily increasing between FY13 to FY 22.
Pension Sector: The number of pension subscribers has multiplied over three-fold between FY18 to FY22.

Chapter 5: Prices and Inflation: Successful Tight-Rope Walking

Consumer Price Inflation (CPI): The CPI in India went
through 3 phases in 2022, which
Inflation
peaked at 7.8% Average, in per cent
CPI
holding phase at 7.0% and Combined 13.0

declined to around 5.7% by year end. 11.5

6.2 5.5 6.8

Wholesale Price Inflation (WPI): WPI started to increase in 4.8
2022 with a peak value of 16.6% in May 2022 (as economic 1.3 WPI
1.7
activities resumed post pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine
2019- 2020- 2021- 2022-23
conflict alleviated it more) and it slipped to 5.0% by year end. 20 21 22 (Apr-Dec 2022)
WPI and CPI trends: Since 2021, there had been a divergence
between the WPI and the CPI indexes, followed by a trend of
convergence.
Reasons for divergence: The difference in Know the Term
relative weights of the two indexes and the Consumer Price Inflation (CPI): The index numbers used to calcu-
lagged effect of imported input costs on late the retail inflation of a nation constitute the CPI, which is
retail prices. also known as the "market basket", and is responsible for tracking
the shift in prices at the level of the household.
Reasons for convergence: A cooling in WPI Wholesale Price Inflation (WPI): The index numbers used to
inflation of commodities such as crude oil, measure the change in the overall price of goods before they are
iron, aluminium etc. along with the rise in sold at retail prices constitute the WPI.
CPI inflation (fuelled by the rise in services Housing Price Index (HPI): It represents the price changes in
cost). residential housing properties in 50 cities across 18 States which
is compiled and published by National Housing Bank.
Domestic Retail Inflation: Retail inflation
was mainly driven by higher food inflation. Prices And Inflation:
Successful Tight-
Most States witnessed higher rural inflation than urban Rope Walking
inflation due to marginally higher food inflation in rural
Inflation has come off its peak,
areas. moderation in Global Comodity prices
Govt measures to ensure domestic supply and
Housing Price Indices (HPI): There is an overall increase in contain inflation:
composite HPI assessment and HPI market prices, which Import duty on major inputs-ferronickel, coking coal, PCI
coal cut were brought to zero
indicates a revival in the housing finance sector.
Phase wise reduction in excise duty of petrol and diesel
Policy intervention by the government in housing sector
Waived customs duty on cotton
and low home loan interest rates propped up demand and
attracted buyers in the affordable segment in FY23. Prohibition on export of wheat

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 8468022022 7/16
 [Link]

Chapter 6: Social Infrastructure and Employment: Big tent

The share of expenditure on social services in the Trends in social service sector expenditure by General Government
total expenditure of the Government increased to (Combined Centre and States)
26.6% in FY23. Total Expenditure (in lakh crore)

The share of expenditure on health in social services Expenditure on Social Services (in lakh crore)
Expenditure on Social Services (as % of GDP)
has increased from 21% in FY19 to 26% in FY23. Expenditure on Social Services (as % of total expenditure)
90 30
Improving Human Development Parameters 80 25.2 25.4 25.2 74.5 26.1
80.1 26.6
25
70 23.3

₹ in lakh crore
23.3 63.5

Percent
20
India ranked 132 out of 191 countries in the 60
50.4
54.1
50 15
2021/2022 HDI report.
45.2
40 10
30 8.2 8.3
16.4% of the population in India are multi-dimen- 20
6.7 6.8 6.8
14.8
7.5
19.4 21.3 5
12.8 13.6
sionally poor (UNDP’s Multi-dimensional Poverty 10
11.4
2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 RE 2022-23 RE
0

report). Source: Reserve Bank of India, Budget Documents of Union and State Governments.

Aspirational Districts Programme: It was observed

that many Aspirational Districts have performed
better than non-aspirational districts in the context of Key usages of Aadhaar
financial inclusion. Aadhaar – Usage in DBT.
Aadhaar Enabled Payment Systems.
Labour Reform Measures: Majority of the states have JAM (Jan-Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile) trinity
adopted all the four labour codes. One Nation One Ration Card Scheme.
Over 28.5 crore unorganised workers have been regis- PM Kisan Samman Nidhi
tered on eShram portal (a National database of unor- Co-WIN
ganised workers) with major enrolments from Agricul- Face Authentication
ture, domestic workers and construction workers.

Aadhaar: 318 Central schemes and over 720 state DBT schemes are notified under section 7 of the Aadhaar
Act, 2016.
Employment Trends

Parameters Trends

Labour Markets Recovered beyond pre-Covid levels, in both Unemployment rate declining from
urban and rural areas. 8.3% to 7.2% by Mid-2022.

Worker population Improved for both males and females in both rural and urban areas. (Periodic
ratio Labour Force Survey (2020-21))
Female Labour The Survey highlights measurement issues in calculating Female Labour Force
Force Participation Participation Rate.
Rate (LFPR)
Employment in the Steady upward trend with food products industry (11.1%) employing the most as per
organised manufac- the Annual Survey of Industries.
turing sector
Pension subscrip- There is a net increase in the subscriptions of EPF and the National Pension Scheme,
tions as compared to the FY21.
The number of persons demanding work under MGNREGS was seen to be around
MGNREGS pre-pandemic levels and around 70.6 lakh works were completed so far in FY23.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 8468022022 8/16
 [Link]

Ensuring School Education

The enrolments increased across all levels of schooling i.e., Primary, Upper-Primary, Secondary, and Higher
Secondary except for the Pre-Primary level (reduced from 1.1 crore to 1 crore in FY22).
School dropout rates at all levels have witnessed a steady decline for both boys and girls.
Pupil-teacher ratio improved from 34 in FY13 to 26.2 in FY22 at primary level and substantially in other
levels too.
Higher Education
The total enrolment in higher education has increased to nearly 4.1 crore in FY21 from 3.9 crore in FY20.
Female enrolment has increased to 2.0 crore in FY21 from 1.9 crore in FY20.
The total number of faculties in Higher Education is around 15.5 Lakhs of which about 57.1% are male and
42.9% are female.
Skill Development
Periodic Labour Force Survey, highlights that the formal vocational/technical training among youth (age 15-
29 years) and the working population (age 15-59 years) have improved in FY21 over FY19 and FY20.
About 1.1 crore persons have been trained under PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana)
21.4 lakh apprentices have been engaged by Industries, since the launch of the National Apprenticeship
Promotion Scheme.
724 District Skill Committees have been constituted under Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for
Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) initiative.
Health
Central and State Government's budgeted expenditure on health sector touched 2.1% of GDP in FY23 (BE)
and 2.2% in FY22 (RE) against 1.6% in FY21.
Out of-Pocket Expenditure as a percentage of Total Health Expenditure has declined substantially from
64.2% in FY14 to 48.2% in FY19.
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Under Five mortality rate (U5MR) and neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) have
shown a steady decline.
Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries have reached nearly 22 crore with over 1.54 lakh Health and Wellness Cen-
tres operationalized across the country.
Social Protection
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana: Around 14.96 crore persons have been enrolled and about 6.4
Lakh claims have been paid under the scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana: Around 32.1 crore persons have been enrolled cumulatively and
about 1.1 Lakh claims have been paid under.
PM Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi Scheme: Around 45 Lakh loan applications have been sanctioned in
all, out of which around 39 lakh loans have been disbursed.
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana: More than 38.4 crore loans have been sanctioned through this scheme.
Rural Economy
Around 65% of the entire population of the country live in rural areas, of which nearly 47% of them are
dependent on agriculture.
The quality of rural lives, including, inter alia, access to electricity, presence of improved drinking water
sources, coverage under health insurance schemes, have improved significantly (National Family Health
Survey 2019-21)
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission: The Mission has mobilised a total of 8.7
crore women from poor and vulnerable communities into 81 lakh SHGs.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 8468022022 9/16
 [Link]

Rural Housing
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana –Gramin: A total of 2.7 crore houses have been sanctioned and 2.1 crore
houses have been completed so far under the scheme.
Drinking Water and Sanitation
Jal Jeevan Mission: As a result of the mission, of the 19.4 crore rural households, 11.0 crore households are
getting tap water supply in their homes.
JALDOOT App: A total of around 3.7 Lakh wells have been measured and their water level is updated in Cen-
tral records.
Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen): About 1.2 Lakh villages have been declared ODF plus.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands has declared all its villages as ODF plus model, thus becoming the first
Swachh, Sujal Pradesh.
LPG connections
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0, Swachh Indhan Behtar Jeevan: the LPG coverage improved from 62% in
2016 to 99.8% in 2021.
Rural connectivity
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana: Since inception it has led to creation of roads measuring 7.2 Lakh kms
and 7,789 Long Span Bridges.
Electricity
SAUBHAGYA- Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana and Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana
scheme has successfully completed its objective of universal household electrification.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 8468022022 10/16
 [Link]

Chapter 7: Climate change and environment: Preparing to face

the future
India is one of the most vulnerable regions to Energy Transition for a Cleaner Tomorrow
climate change. Although it contributes only
about 4% of cumulative global emissions (for
1850-2019). Sovereign
Green Bond
India declared the Net Zero Pledge to achieve a National Action
National Green
Hydrogen RBI auctioned
Plan on Climate Share of
net zero emissions goal by 2070. Change renewables in
Mission two tranches of
Updating Renewable $4,000 crore
installed
Progress on India’s Climate Action Existing NDC's electricity Capacity worth bonds in
Eight missions 5- year and 10 -
capacity addition of
to address Mass
about 125 GW year category
India achieved its target of 40% installed electric climate movement for PLI scheme for
concerns 'LIFE-Life Style Solar PV
capacity from non-fossil fuels ahead of 2030. for Modules,
Environment Semiconductor
manufacturing
Estimated installed capacity from non-fossil
fuels to be more than 500 GW by 2030. This
could result in a decline of the average emission
rate by around 29% by 2029-30, compared to National Action Plan for Climate Change
2014-15. National Solar
Solar power capacity of 61.62 GW installed by October 2022
Mission

India to reduce the emissions intensity of its National Mission

for Enhanced
PAT Cycle-VII notified in October 2021 for energy saving
target of 6.63 Million Tonnes of Oil Equivalent (MTOE)
GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels. Energy Efficiency

National Mission 721 km of metro rail network made operational by August 2022.
About 50% of cumulative electric power on Sustainable 62.79 lakh individual household toilets and 6.21 lakh
Habitat community and public toilets constructed by April 2022
installed capacity to come from non-fossil
fuel-based energy resources by 2030 National Mission
626.96 crore for afforestation targets over an area of 2.1 lakh ha
for a Green India

Difficulties in implementation of Climate change National Water

Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch The Rain 2022
Mission
policies- National Mission on Created and strengthened 12 Centres of Excellence for
Strategic Knowledge
climate change (June 2021)
Citizens in developed countries are reluctant to for Climate Change

change their lifestyles. National Mission for

Sustaining Himalayan
Inter-University Consortium
8 Major R&D Programmes initiated
Lack of availability of rare earth elements (REE) Ecosystems

and critical minerals (CM). National Mission for

Sustainable
Key targets for FY 2022-2023 covering 0.15 lakh ha under
organic farming and 10 lakh ha under micro irrigation
Agriculture
Developments related to other Environmental
Issues
India's
India achieved the goal of doubling the tiger
initiatives at
numbers in 2018, four years before the targeted Global Level
year 2022.
A ban was imposed on the manufacture, import,
stocking, distribution, sale, and use of identified
single-use plastic items. The International
Coalition for Leadership Group
Disaster Resilient for Industry
Solar Alliance (ISA)
The Government published the Battery Waste Infrastructure Transition (LeadIT)

Management Rules, 2022 and notified the

E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
National Green Hydrogen mission: Green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric
Tonne) per annum to be developed by 2030.
Cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports over ₹1 lakh crore and creation of over 6 lakh jobs by 2030.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 8468022022 11/16
 [Link]

Chapter 8: Agriculture and Food management: From Food Security

to Nutritional Security
The performance of the agriculture and allied sector has
been buoyant over the past several years. Agriculture and
Enhanced access to credit Allied Activities
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility extended to fisheries and Growth Rate of GVA at Basic Prices
animal husbandry farmers in 2018-19.
Agriculture credit was about 13% more than the target in
2021-22. 2019-20 5.5%
Private investment in agriculture increases to 9.3% in
2020-21. 2020-21* 3.3%
Allied Sectors
The livestock sector grew at a CAGR of 7.9% during
2022-23* 3.0%
2014-15 to 2020- 21, and its contribution to total agricul-
ture GVA is about 30.1% in 2020-21.
The fisheries sector annual growth rate has been about 7% 2023-24@ 3.5%
since 2016-17 and has a share of about 6.7% in total agri- *1st Revised Estimates **Provisional Estimates
culture GVA. #1st Advance Estimates

The dairy sector is the most critical component of the livestock sector, employing more than eight crore farm-
ers directly.
Cooperatives hold the key to rural economic transformation.
Agriculture And Food Management:
There are 8.5 lakh registered cooperatives in the coun- From Food Security To Nutritional Security
try, and 98% of villages are covered by Primary Agricul- MSP for all mandated crops fixed at 1.5 times of all India
ture Credit Societies (PACS). weighted average cost of production since 2018

Around 19% of agriculture finance is through coopera-

Continued growth in institutional credit to agricultural
tive societies. sector

Food Processing Sector: The food processing industries

315.7 million tonnes of foodgrains produced in India in
sector has been growing at an average annual growth rate 2021-22
of around 8.3%.
11.3 Cr Farmers covered under PM-KISAN for financial
The value of agri-food exports, including processed food support
exports, was about 10.9% of India's total exports during
2021-22. Post-Harvest Support and Community Farms via sanction
of 13,681 crores under AIF
Food Security: Free foodgrains to about 81.4 crore benefi-
ciaries under the National Food Security Act for one year National Agriculture Market Scheme (e-NAM) covering
from January 1, 2023. 1.74 crore farmers and 2.39 lakh traders

India stands at the forefront to promote millets through the International Year of Millet’s initiative.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 8468022022 12/16
 [Link]

Chapter 9: Industry: Steady Recovery

The industry sector contributed about 30% of the
total gross value added in the country during FY12 Industrial Growth
and FY21 and employed over 12.1 crore people. Growth Rate of GVA at Basic Prices
Overall Gross Value Added (GVA) by the Industrial
Sector (for the first half of FY 22-23) rose 3.7%, -1.4% 2019-20

which is higher than the average growth of 2.8%

achieved in the first half of the last decade. -3.3% 2020-21*

Demand Stimulus to Industrial Growth:

Robust growth in Private Final Consumption 2021-22** 10.3%

Expenditure.
Export stimulus during the first half of the year. 2022-23# 4.1%
Increase in investment demand triggered by *1st Revised Estimates
**Provisional Estimates #1st Advance Estimates
enhanced public capital expenditure.
Strengthened bank and corporate balance sheets.
The supply response of the industry to the
demand stimulus has been robust.
Sector-wise FDI Equity Inflows in 2022-23 during
April-September 2022
PMI manufacturing has remained in the
1% Services
expansion zone for 18 months since July 7%
4%
Computer Software & Hardware
2021, and the Index of Industrial Production 5%
Telecommunications
22%
(IIP) grows at a healthy pace. 5% Trading
Automobile
The eight core industries’ growth was steady, 18%
Construction (Infra) Activities
reflecting a broad momentum in industrial 34% Chemicals (Other Than Fertiliser)
Drugs & Pharma.
activity. 4%
Others
Credit to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterpris-
es (MSMEs) has grown by an average of
around 30% since January 2022.
Know the Term
Credit to the large industry has been showing dou- Flipping: The process of transferring the entire owner-
ble-digit growth since October 2022. ship of an Indian company to an overseas entity,
accompanied by a transfer of all IP and all data hither-
FDI inflow in Manufacturing Sector: Annual FDI to owned by the Indian company.
equity inflows in the manufacturing sector have
been steadily increasing over the last few years.

India became the 3rd largest automobile market (in Dec 2022), surpassing Japan and Germany in terms of
sales.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows into the Pharma Industry have risen four times, from US $180 million
in FY19 to US $699 million in FY22.
To enhance integration in the global value chain, ‘make in India 2.0’ is focusing on 27 sectors.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 8468022022 13/16
 [Link]

Chapter 10: Services: Source of Strength

Performance of Services Sector
India’s services exports remained resilient due to
Service Sector Growth
Growth Rate of GVA at Basic Prices
higher demand for digital support, cloud services,
and infrastructure modernization.
India was among the top 10 services exporting 2019-20 6.3%
countries in 2021.
Its share in world commercial services exports -7.8% 2020-21*
increasing from 3% in 2015 to 4% in 2021.
Credit to services sector has grown by over 16% 2021-22** 8.4%
since July 2022.
Robust expansion in PMI services, indicative of 2022-23# 9.1%
service sector activity, observed since July 2022.
*1st Revised Estimates
**Provisional Estimates
#1st Advance Estimates
Performance of Services Sector

Sectors Trends Other Details

Real Estate (50% growth between According to JLL’s 2022 Global Real Estate Transparency
2021 and 2022) Index, India’s real estate market transparency is among
the top ten most improved markets globally.
Tourism and (Has shown growth) India is ranked 10th in the Medical Tourism Index FY21.
Hotel Industry

Information Tech-
nology and Business (15.5% growth between IT services constitute the majority share in revenue
Process Manage- 2021 and 2022) (greater than 51%).
ment (IT-BPM)

E-Commerce (Has shown growth) E-commerce market is projected to grow at 18% annual-
ly through 2025.

Digital Financial (Has shown growth) India took the lead with the fintech adoption rate of
87%, substantially higher than the world average of 64%
as per the latest Global FinTech Adoption Index.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Services

Know the Term
The World Investment Report 2022 of UNCTAD
places India as the 7th largest recipient of FDI in Fintech (Financial Technology): It refers to software
and other modern technologies used by businesses
the top 20 countries in 2021.
that provide automated and improved financial
In FY22 India received the highest-ever FDI inflows services.
of US$ 84.8 billion including US$ 7.1 billion FDI
equity inflows in the services sector.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 8468022022 14/16
 [Link]

Chapter 11: External Sector: Watchful and Hopeful

Trends in Merchandise Trade: All-time high annual mer-
chandise export of US$ 422.0 billion in FY22.
Top Remittance Recipients During 2022
Petroleum products, gems & jewellery, organic &
inorganic chemicals, drugs & pharmaceuticals were India 100

among the leading export items. Mexico 60

Trends in Services export: India’s services exports stood China 51

Estimated figures
at US$ 254.5 billion in FY22 recording a growth of Philippines 38 in US$ Billion
23.5% over FY21. Egypt 32
Software and business services together constitute Pakistan 29
more than 60% of India’s total services exports.
France 29
Foreign Exchange Reserves Bangladesh 21
As of December 2022, Forex Reserves stood at US$ Nigeria 21
563 bn covering 9.3 months of imports. Vietnam 19
As of end-November 2022, India is the 6th largest
foreign exchange reserves holder in the world.
Remittances are the second largest major source of
external financing after service export.

Balance of Payments Know the Term

The Current Account Deficit (CAD) has
Free Trade Agreements (FTA): It is an agreement between two or
widened due rise in oil prices. more countries where the countries agree on certain obligations
that affect trade in goods and services, and protections for inves-
The surplus of the capital account was tors and intellectual property rights, among other topics.
lower than the CAD leading to a depletion Remittance: It refers to money that is sent or transferred to
of forex reserves. another party, usually overseas. Remittances can be sent via a
wire transfer,
External Debt: External debt as a ratio to Current Account Deficit (CAD): It is the shortfall between the
GDP fell to 19.2% as of end-September money received by selling products to other countries and the
2022 from 20.3% a year ago. money spent to buy goods and services from other nations.
General government debt-to-GDP ratio: It measures the gross
India has relatively low levels of: debt of the general government as a percentage of GDP. It is a key
indicator for the sustainability of government finance.
total debt as a percentage of Gross
National Income and
short-term debt as a percentage of total
debt.

Growing and Diversifying Trade

In the year 2022, India signed Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and Comprehensive Eco-
nomic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with Australia and UAE, respectively.
India diversified its markets and increased its exports to Brazil, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 8468022022 15/16
 [Link]

Chapter 12: Physical and Digital Infrastructure

Government’s Vision for Infrastructure Development: Physical Public Infrastructure
Public Private Partnerships: India Infrastructure Project Development Fund Scheme (IIPDF) Scheme with
₹150 crore outlay from FY 23-25, launched in 2022
National Infrastructure Pipeline: NIP and Project Monitoring Group (PMG) portal linked to fast-track approv-
als/ clearances for projects
National Monetisation Pipeline: FY23 target is envisaged to be ₹1.6 lakh crore (27% of overall NMP ₹ 9.0
lakh crore Target).
GatiShakti: PM GatiShakti National Master Plan creates comprehensive database for integrated planning and
synchronised implementation across Ministries/ Departments.
Electricity Sector and Renewables: As of September 2022, the government has sanctioned 59 Solar Parks (40
GW) in 16 states. Digital Public Infrastructure: Formalisation & Financial Inclusion
The total installed power capacity (industries Initial Reforms Setting stage for New Age Reforms
having demand of 1 Mega Watt (MW) and above)
Faceless Assessment,
increased from 460.7 GW on 31 March 2021 to e-way bill,FASTAG

482.2 GW on 31 March 2022. JAM Trinity

Digital Assets

Unified Payment
Making Indian Logistics Globally Competitive Interface (UPI) CO-WIN

National Logistics Policy accelerated inclusive Common Service Open Network for
Centres (CSCs) Digital Commerce (ONDC)
growth.
PM DISHA Account Aggregator (AA)
Rapid increase in National Highways (NHs) /Roads
Construction with 10457 km NHs/roads construct- Bharat Net
Open Credit Enablement
Network (OCEN)
ed in FY22 compared to 6061 km in FY16.
Digital Repository For
Services at a Financial Inclusion
click
Capacity of major ports nearly doubled in 8 years.
Robust Data Governance

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure

UPI-based transactions grew in value (121%) and volume (115%) terms, between 2019-22.
Overall tele-density in India stood at 84.8% in March 22.
200% increase in rural internet subscriptions between 2015 and 2021.
Under Account Aggregator, the consent-based data sharing framework is currently live across over 110 crore
bank accounts.

Know the Term

Digital Public Infrastructure: It refers to digital solutions that enable basic functions essential for public and private service
delivery, i.e., identification (ID), payment and data exchange systems, and governance systems (e-governance).
Digital Public Goods: They are types of open-source software, models and standards that countries can use to operationalise
their digital public infrastructure. (e.g. payment and data exchange systems).

Account Aggregator (AA): The Account Aggregator (AA) is a global techno-legal framework that enables individuals to share
their financial data quickly and securely, with their consent, with any regulated third-party financial institution of their choice.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI 8468022022 16/16
 PT 365 UPDATED PART 1
Table of Contents
1. POLITY ___________________________ 5 3.3.4. Securitization of Stressed Assets Framework
1.1. Separation of Power ________________ 5 (SSAF) _________________________________ 40
1.2. Federalism: Unique Status of Delhi ____ 6 3.3.5. RBI Related Developments ___________ 41
1.3. Speaker of the House _______________ 7 3.4. Payment Systems and Financial Markets
1.4. Deputy Speaker ____________________ 8 ____________________________________ 42
3.4.1. Municipal Bonds____________________ 42
1.5. Parliamentary Privileges _____________ 9
3.4.2. Social Stock Exchange _______________ 44
1.6. Office of Mayor ____________________ 9 3.4.3. Key Terms and Concepts in Financial
1.7. Online Gaming ____________________ 10 Markets________________________________ 44
1.8. Audit Data Standardisation _________ 11 3.5. External Sector____________________ 46
1.9. Aspirational Block Programme (ABP) __ 11 3.5.1. WTO: New Agreement on Fisheries
1.10. Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) ___ 12 Subsidies _______________________________ 46
1.11. Public Service Content ____________ 13 3.5.2. Key Terms and Concepts in External Sector
1.12. Other Important News ____________ 13 ______________________________________ 46
1.13. Errata __________________________ 17 3.6. Labour and Employment ____________ 48
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS _________ 18 3.6.1. e-Shram Portal _____________________ 48
2.1. India-Egypt_______________________ 18 3.6.2. International Labour Organization (ILO) _ 49
3.6.3. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) ____ 49
2.2. India-Qatar ______________________ 19
3.7. Innovation, Skill Development and
2.3. India-South Korea _________________ 19
Entrepreneurship _____________________ 50
2.4. India-Eurasia _____________________ 20
3.7.1. Vocational Education in India _________ 50
2.5. Indo-Russian Friendship Treaty ______ 21
3.8. Agriculture _______________________ 51
2.6. Initiative on Critical and Emerging 3.8.1. Fertiliser Sector in India ______________ 51
Technology (iCET) _____________________ 21 3.8.2. Agricultural Exports _________________ 52
2.7. Indian Diaspora ___________________ 22 3.8.3. Key Terms and Concepts in Agriculture _ 52
2.8. India and Global South _____________ 23 3.9. Industry _________________________ 53
2.9. International Financial Architecture (IFA) 3.9.1. Technical Textiles ___________________ 53
___________________________________ 23 3.10. Infrastructure____________________ 54
2.10. Wassenaar Arrangement __________ 24 3.10.1. Inland Waterways in India ___________ 54
2.11. India and UN Peacekeeping ________ 24 3.10.2. Digital Public Infrastructure __________ 55
2.12. International Organisations/Institutions 3.11. Key Reports in News ______________ 57
___________________________________ 25 3.11.1. Fostering Effective Energy Transition
2.13. Other Important News ____________ 26 Report _________________________________ 57
2.14. Places in News ___________________ 29 3.11.2. Global Risk Report 2023 ____________ 57
3.11.3. Global Economic Prospects Report ____ 57
2.15. Military Exercises in News _________ 31
3.11.4. World Economic Situation and Prospects
3. ECONOMY _______________________ 33 2023 Report ____________________________ 58
3.1. Growth, Development and Poverty 3.11.5. World Economic Outlook (WEO) ______ 58
Alleviation___________________________ 33 3.12. Miscellaneous ___________________ 58
3.1.1. Mahila Samman Savings Certificate ____ 33 4. ENVIRONMENT ___________________ 60
3.1.2. National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)
4.1. Climate Change ___________________ 60
______________________________________ 33
4.1.1. Article 6.2 Mechanism of Paris Agreement
3.1.3. Key Terms and Concepts in Growth and
______________________________________ 60
Development ___________________________ 34
4.1.2. Initiatives in News __________________ 60
3.2. Fiscal Policy ______________________ 35
4.2. Pollution_________________________ 61
3.2.1. State Finances _____________________ 35
4.2.1. Fly Ash Utilization___________________ 61
3.2.2. Government Securities (G-Secs) _______ 36
4.2.2. 1st All India Annual States' Ministers
3.2.3. Fuel Tax Rate ______________________ 36
Conference _____________________________ 62
3.3. Banking, Asset Quality, Restructuring and 4.2.3. Traditional Water Conservation _______ 63
Monetary Policy ______________________ 37 4.2.4. E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules,
3.3.1. Microfinance Sector ________________ 37 2023 __________________________________ 64
3.3.2. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) __ 38 4.2.5. Other Pollutants in News _____________ 65
3.3.3. Loan-Loss Provisions (LLPs) ___________ 39 4.3. Biodiversity ______________________ 66
4.3.1. Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) ________ 66
1
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.3.2. First Synchronized Vulture Survey _____ 66 5.4.3. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Report
4.3.3. Mangroves Ecosystem ______________ 67 ______________________________________ 97
4.3.4. Fifth International Marine Protected Areas 5.5. National Digital University (NDU) _____ 98
Congress ______________________________ 68 5.6. Draft National Medical Commission
4.3.5. Draft Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics (Amendment) Bill-2022 ________________ 98
(Preservation and Maintenance) Bill ________ 69 5.7. Euthanasia ______________________ 100
4.3.6. Protected Areas in News_____________ 70
5.8. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan
4.3.7. Species in News ____________________ 71
4.3.8. Other Related News ________________ 72
Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) ____________ 101
4.4. Sustainable Development ___________ 73 5.9. New Organ Transplantation Guidelines
4.4.1. Large Dams in India _________________ 73 ___________________________________ 101
4.4.2. International Container Transhipment Port 5.10. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) __________ 103
(ICTP) _________________________________ 73 5.11. Census ________________________ 104
4.4.3. Circular Economy __________________ 74 5.12. Other Important News ___________ 104
4.4.4. Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) 5.13. Errata _________________________ 108
______________________________________ 75 6. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ________ 109
4.4.5. Ethanol Blending ___________________ 76 6.1. Biotechnology ___________________ 109
4.4.6. Standards and Labeling Program (SLP) of 6.1.1. Stem Cells ________________________ 109
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) ___________ 77 6.1.2. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) _________ 110
4.4.7. Organic Farming Certification _________ 78
6.2. Nanotechnology _________________ 110
4.4.8. Nano Urea ________________________ 78
6.2.1. Nano Urea _______________________ 110
4.4.9. Aquaculture _______________________ 80
4.4.10. Other Related News _______________ 80
6.3. IT and Computer _________________ 111
6.3.1. MicroLEDs (Light Emitting Diode) Displays
4.5. Disaster Management ______________ 82
_____________________________________ 111
4.5.1. Glacial Lakes Outburst Floods (GLOFs) __ 82
6.3.2. Quantum Coherence _______________ 112
4.5.2. Anatolian Plate ____________________ 83
6.3.3. Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider
4.5.3. Disaster Management Plan (DMP) for Power
(DCIP) ________________________________ 113
Sector _________________________________ 83
6.3.4. Other Important News ______________ 113
4.5.4. Other Related News ________________ 84
6.4. Space Technology ________________ 114
4.6. Geography _______________________ 84
6.4.1. Gaganyaan _______________________ 114
4.6.1. Samudrayaan Mission _______________ 84
6.4.2. Chandrayaan 3 ____________________ 116
4.6.2. Global Overturning Circulation (GOC) __ 86
6.4.3. Volcanic Rocks on Moon ____________ 117
4.6.3. Heat Dome _______________________ 86
4.6.4. Earth’s Inner Core __________________ 87
6.5. NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar
4.6.5. Other Related News ________________ 87 (NISAR) Satellite _____________________ 117
4.6.6. Places in News _____________________ 89 6.5.1. Hybrid-Sounding Rocket ____________ 119
[Link]. India _________________________ 89 6.5.2. Other Important News ______________ 119
[Link]. International___________________ 89 6.6. Health__________________________ 121
4.7. Reports and Indices in News _________ 90 6.6.1. Transfat _________________________ 121
4.8. Updates _________________________ 92 6.6.2. Neglected Tropical Diseases _________ 122
4.8.1. Ladakh’s First Biodiversity Heritage Site 92 6.6.3. WHO’s Pandemic Treaty ____________ 123
4.8.2. South Africa Translocates 12 Cheetahs to 6.6.4. Vaccine-derived Poliovirus (VDPV) ____ 123
India __________________________________ 92 6.6.5. Other Important News ______________ 123
4.8.3. RBI to Issue Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) 6.7. Defence ________________________ 125
in Two Tranches of Rs 8000 Crore Each ______ 92 6.7.1. Military Applications of Drones _______ 125
4.8.4. Rooftop Solar (RTS) Programme _______ 92 6.7.2. Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in
4.9. Errata ___________________________ 92 Military (REAIM) ________________________ 126
6.7.3. Other Important News ______________ 126
5. SOCIAL ISSUES ____________________ 94
6.8. Alternative Energy ________________ 127
5.1. Women in Workforce ______________ 94 6.8.1. National Green Hydrogen Mission ____ 127
5.2. Gender Budgeting _________________ 94 6.8.2. Nuclear Energy Program ____________ 129
5.3. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups 6.8.3. Other Important News ______________ 130
(PVTG’s) ____________________________ 95 6.9. Miscellaneous ___________________ 130
5.4. Educational Reports in News ________ 96 6.9.1. Lithium Deposits in India ____________ 130
5.4.1. All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 6.9.2. Other Important News ______________ 132
2020-2021 _____________________________ 96 6.10. Errata _________________________ 133
5.4.2. Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 7. CULTURE _______________________ 134
2022 __________________________________ 97
7.1. Architecture _____________________ 134

2
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 7.1.1. Charaideo Maidams (Ahom Burial Mounds) 7.5. Roots of Democratic Values in India __ 141
_____________________________________ 134 7.6. Festivals in News _________________ 142
7.1.2. Sammed Shikhar and Shetrunjay Hill __ 134 7.6.1. Harvest Festivals of India ____________ 142
7.1.3. Purana Qila ______________________ 135 7.6.2. Other Important Festivals in News ____ 143
7.1.4. Other Important News _____________ 136 7.7. Awards in News __________________ 144
7.2. Paintings and Other Art Forms ______ 138 7.7.1. Padma Awards ____________________ 144
7.3. Personalities ____________________ 138 7.7.2. Other Awards in News ______________ 145
7.3.1. Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati ______ 138 7.8. Other Important News ____________ 145
7.3.2. Other Important News _____________ 140 7.9. Errata __________________________ 146
7.4. Monuments of National Importance _ 140

3
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1. POLITY
1.1. SEPARATION OF POWER
Why in News?
Recently, demand of executive representation in collegium system had started debate over doctrine of
separation of power in Indian Constitutional setup.

5
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Related News
National Judicial Commission (NJC) Bill 2022
• Recently, private member bill NJC Bill 2022 was introduced in Rajya Sabha.
• NJC Bill 2022 aims to regulate appointment of judges to High Courts and Supreme Court through National Judicial
Commission.
• Bill seeks to regulate the procedure to be followed by NJC:
o for recommending persons for appointment as the CJI and other Judges of SC and Chief Justices and other
Judges of High Courts.
o for their transfers and to lay down judicial standards and provide for accountability of Judges.
o establish credible and expedient mechanism for investigating into individual complaints for misbehavior or
incapacity of a judge of SC or of a HC.
o for presentation of an address by Parliament to President in relation to proceeding for removal of a Judge.

1.2. FEDERALISM: UNIQUE STATUS OF DELHI

Why in News?
In recent times, tussle is going on between UTs and Centre
affecting routine administrative work in UTs.
More about News
• In SC, a case is going on the tussle between Delhi
government and Centre over administrative control of
postings and transfers of civil servants belonging to
All India Services serving in Delhi.
• Central government stated that a Union Territory is
nothing but an extension of Union (of India).
Present Status of Delhi as UT
• 69th Amendment of Constitution in 1991 gave National
Capital of Delhi special status with its own
democratically elected government and legislative
assembly.
o Insertion of new Articles 239AA and 239AB after
Article 239A of Constitution.
o Legislative Assembly shall have power to
enumerate anything in State List or in Concurrent
List in so far as any such matter is applicable to
Union territories.
o Provided that in case of difference of opinion
between Lieutenant Governor (L-G) and his
Ministers on any matter, L-G shall refer it to
President for decision and act according to the
decision given thereon by the President.
o Public order, Police and Land in NCT of Delhi fall
within domain of Union
Government. Difference between LG power in Delhi and Puducherry
• Government of National • LG of Delhi enjoys greater powers than LG of Puducherry.
Capital Territory of Delhi o LG of Delhi has “Executive Functions” that allow him to exercise
(Amendment) Act (GNCTD) his powers in matters connected to “public order, police and land
2021 “in consultation with Chief Minister, if it is so provided under any
o Term “government” in any order issued by President under Article 239 of Constitution”.
• LG of Delhi is also guided by GNCTD (Amendment) Act 2021, and
law made by Legislative
Transaction of Business of Government of National Capital Territory of
Assembly shall mean L-G. Delhi Rules, 1993, LG of Puducherry is guided mostly by Government of
o L-G’s opinion shall be Union Territories Act, 1963.
obtained before • Articles 239 and 239AA of Constitution, as well as GNCTD
government takes any (Amendment) Act 2021, clearly underline that Delhi is a UT, where
Centre has a much more prominent role than in Puducherry.

6
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 executive action based on decisions taken by the Cabinet or any individual ministers.
o L-G will not assent to and pass on to President for consideration any Bill which “incidentally covers any
of matters which falls outside purview of the powers conferred on Legislative Assembly”.

1.3. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

Why in news?
Recently, Kevin McCarthy elected as the U.S. House of representatives Speaker.
Comparison
U.S. House of Speaker of lok sabha
representatives Speaker
• The Speaker of the • Speaker of loksabha
House is elected by a is elected by simple
simple majority during majority of members
the first session of present and voting in
Congress. the house.
• He is simultaneously • The Speaker is the
the House’s presiding Presiding Officers of
officer, party leader, the Lok Sabha.
and institution’s • The Speaker is the
administrative head, head of the Lok
among other duties. Sabha Secretariat
which functions
under his/her ultimate
control and direction.
• Constitution does not • Need to be a Lok
prevent a Sabha member to be
congressperson from elected.
nominating an
outsider.
o Speaker usually is
selected from among
the elected members
of the House.
• He is elected by the • Speaker of the Lok
house every two years. Sabha serves a five-
year term.
o Holds office from
his/her election till
immediately before
the first meeting of
the Lok Sabha after
the dissolution of
the one to which
he/she was elected.
• Speaker is second in • There is no such
line to succeed the provision for speaker
President, after Vice in India
President.

7
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 1.4. DEPUTY SPEAKER
Why in news?
SC issued notices to Centre and five states (Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and
Jharkhand) over the failure to elect Deputy Speaker.

8
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.5. PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGES
Why in the news?
Recently parts of the leader of the opposition speech
on motion of thanks on the President’s Address were
expunged. Experts cited that this is against the
Parliamentary Privileges of MP enjoyed under Article
105 of the Constitution.
About Parliamentary Privileges
• Parliamentary privileges are a legal immunity
enjoyed by members of legislatures, in which
legislators are granted protection against civil or
criminal liability for certain actions done or
statements made in course of their legislative
duties.
• Parliament is sole authority to ascertain if there
has been a breach of privilege or contempt of
House— no court is entrusted with this power.
• If presiding officer gives consent, Council can
either consider the question and come to a
decision or refer it to Committee of Privileges — a 10-member panel in Rajya Sabha and a 15-member
panel in Lok Sabha.

1.6. OFFICE OF MAYOR

Why in the news?
Recently, SC said the Constitution does not
allow nominated members of a municipality
the right to vote for selecting post of mayor.
About Indian system for Mayor
● Mayor in Municipal Corporation is
usually chosen through indirect election
by councillors from among themselves.
● Councillors act by committee, the most
powerful being the Standing Committee
with its role of steering committee
exercising executive, supervisory,
financial, and personnel powers.
● Municipal Commissioner is chief
Executive Officer and head of executive
arm of Municipal Corporation.

9
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o All executive powers are vested in Municipal Commissioner.
• The Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992 provides for elected and nominated councillors.
o Nominated councillors are to be chosen by elected councillors for their special knowledge or
experience in municipal administration.

Case for direct election

In India, mayoral electoral process has undergone some experimentation in recent decades.
• Several states like –Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu – have mayors who are elected directly.
Merits Demerits
• Speed up decision-making process. • Difficult to remove mayor if her/his behaviour
• Mayors will have a personal democratic mandate to is arbitrary or corrupt.
‘deliver change’. • Reduce role of the elected councillors.
• Strengthen democratic politics and bring fresh life to local • ‘Presidentialisation’ of mayoral leadership will
engagement. be paradoxical in a system based on collective
• Improved accountability, and clarity. decision-making.

1.7. ONLINE GAMING

Why in news
MeitY has established three Grievance Appellate
Committees (GAC) under rule 3A of IT (Intermediary
Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
More in News
• Each GACs consists of a chairperson as Ex-officio,
and two whole-time members (one is retired
member) for a term of three years from the date of
assumption of office or until further orders, whichever is
earlier.
• Role of GACs
o Oversee and revoke content moderation-related
decisions taken by social media and other internet-
based platforms.
o If a user is unsatisfied with content moderation decision
taken by a social company's grievance officer, they can
appeal to GACs within one month. GAC will have to
resolve the appeal within a month of receipt of appeal.
o Committees can seek assistance of people with
expertise and experience while dealing with users'
appeals.
o They will adopt an online dispute resolution mechanism.
Regulation of Online Gaming
• Currently, there is no dedicated regulatory body for online gaming in India.
• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is responsible for overseeing the sector, and the
Information Technology Act, 2000 governs online activities in India.
Related News
Recently, Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) released a new draft of amendments to Information Technology
(Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 regarding regulations for online gaming platforms.
Key amendments
• Online game: Game that is offered on Internet and is accessible by a user through a computer resource if he makes
a deposit with expectation of earning winnings.
• Self-regulatory body (SRB): Only games that are cleared by SRB will be allowed to legally operate in India.
• Norms for Online gaming companies
o Cannot engage in betting on outcome of games.
o Appoint a compliance officer, nodal officer (act as liaison official with government and assist law
enforcement agencies), and grievance officer (resolve user complaints).
o Mandatory KYC verification of players.

10
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.8. AUDIT DATA STANDARDISATION
Why in the news?
Recently, Comptroller and
Auditor General of India (CAG)
said that the government must
adopt audit data standards.
More on News
• CAG said that such standards
will ensure that
data/information maintained
by various departments and
agencies can be seamlessly
organised for better analysis.
Present system of Audit
• Statutory Audit: Audit conducted by CAG through agency of Indian Audit and Accounts Department.
o As per Constitution as well as by Duties, Power, and Condition of service Act, 1971, it is the function
of CAG to
✓ Audit all expenditures from Consolidated Fund of India, States and UTs with Legislature.
✓ Audit all transactions of Union and states relating to contingency funds and public accounts.
✓ CAG is empowered to inspect any office connected with the transaction to which his/ her
authority extends.
• Internal Audit: It is internal to the organization.
o It is conducted by an agency or department created by the management of the organization.
✓ It is an integral part of organization and functions directly under Chief Executive.
✓ Extent of CAG is limited to test checking of internal audit work.
Related news
International Labour Organization (ILO), Geneva has chosen CAG to serve as its external auditor for a four-year term
from 2024 to 2027.
• CAG provided specifics, stating that ILO had established a panel for nomination of an external auditor and had
requested proposals from Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs).
o SAIs are public bodies responsible for auditing government revenue and expenditure. Nearly every SAI from
UN-member country is a member of INTOSAI.
o International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) is a voluntary, non-political organization
that works to promote auditing standards, good governance of SAIs, and SAI independence, among other
work.
✓ There are seven INTOSAI Regional Organizations.
✓ The regions are AFROSAI (Africa), ARABOSAI (Middle East and North Africa), ASOSAI (Asia), CAROSAI
(Caribbean), EUROSAI (Europe and Eurasia), OLACEFS (Latin America) and PASAI (Oceania).
o CAG has been elected as Chairman of ASOSAI from 2024-2027.
• World Health Organization (2020-2023), Food and Agriculture Organization (2020-2025), International Atomic
Energy Agency (2022-2027), Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (2021-2023), and Inter-
Parliamentary Union are currently being externally audited by CAG of India (2020-2022).

1.9. ASPIRATIONAL BLOCK PROGRAMME (ABP)

Why in news?
Prime Minister launched the government’s Aspirational Block Programme (ABP), which is aimed at improving
performance of blocks lagging on various development parameters.
More on news
• It was first announced in Union Budget 2022-23 and has been mentioned in Union Budget 2023-24.
• It is based on the model of Aspirational District Programme (ADP) that was launched in 2018 and covers
112 districts across the country.

11
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Features of Aspirational Block Programme (ABP)
Specifications Detail
Coverage • Programme has been launched for covering 500 blocks across 31 states and Union Territories
initially.
• Over half of these blocks are in 6 states—Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand,
Odisha and West Bengal (in decreasing order). However, states can add more blocks to the
programme later.
Aim • Saturation of essential government services across multiple domains such as health, nutrition,
education, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and basic
infrastructure.
Key Indicators • 15 key socio-economic indicators (KSIs) under such multiple domains.
• States have flexibility to include additional state specific KSIs to address local challenges.
Periodic • KSIs will be tracked on a real-time basis and periodic rankings will be released across key
rankings thematic areas to foster a healthy and dynamic competition among the blocks.
Focus of • Improving governance to enhance quality of life of citizens in most difficult and underdeveloped
Programme blocks of India by converging existing schemes, defining outcomes, and monitoring them on a
constant basis.
Aspirational District Programme
• Aim: Launched in 2018, ADP aims to transform
112 most under-developed districts quickly
and effectively across 26 states and 1 union
territory across country.
• Focus of programme: With States as main
drivers, it focuses on strength of each district,
identifying low-hanging fruits for immediate
improvement and measuring progress by
ranking districts monthly.
• Key indicators: 49 Key Performance
Indicators (KPIs) under 5 broad socio-
economic themes - Health & Nutrition,
Education, Agriculture & Water Resources,
Financial Inclusion & Skill Development and Infrastructure.
o Delta Ranking captures incremental change in district rankings based on these KPIs.
o Baseline ranking captures district performance compared to baseline year.

1.10. VIBRANT VILLAGES PROGRAMME (VVP)

Why in news?
Cabinet approves Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) Scheme.
About VVP
• VVP, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, will provide funds for
development of essential infrastructure and creation of
livelihood opportunities along the northern land border.
o VVP (approved for 2022-23 to 2025-26 ) will cover Himachal
Pradesh (HP), Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and
Ladakh.
o Scheme will Related News
help in Village Defence Committees (VDCs)
improving • Recently, Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir agreed to set up VDCs.
quality of life of • First formed in the mid-1990s in Doda district, VDCs are a force multiplier against
people and militant attacks.
reversing o It involves residents of remote hilly villages who are trained and given
outmigration weapons to defend themselves.
adding to o They function under the direction of SP/SSP of district concerned with ex-
servicemen, ex-policemen and able-bodied youth as members on a voluntary
improved
basis.
security of
o VDCs are renamed as Village Defence Guards (VDGs) with increased payment.
border.
12
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Key Features of the Scheme
o Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by district administration with the help of Gram
Panchayats.
o Development of growth centres on Hub and Spoke Model through promotion of social
entrepreneurship, youth and women empowerment etc.
o Out of financial allocation of Rs. 4800 Crore, 2500 crore rupees will be used for roads.
o 100 % saturation of Central and state schemes will be ensured.
o No overlap with Border Area Development Programme (BADP).
✓ BADP aims to meet development needs of people living in remote and inaccessible areas situated
near international border.
✓ Outcomes expected: connectivity with all-weather road, drinking water, 24x7 electricity with
focus on Solar and wind energy, mobile and internet connectivity, Tourist/multi-purpose/health
and wellness [Link] sets USD 5 billion target in defence exports by 2024-25.

1.11. PUBLIC SERVICE CONTENT

Why in news?
Recently, advisory to telecast “Public service content” was released by Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting.
More on news
• Guidelines were stipulated in new unlinking-downlinking rules prescribed by Ministry in November 2022.
• Fresh advisory was issued after consultations with private satellite television channels and their
associations.
Key features
Content • Channel will undertake public service broadcasting for a minimum period of 30 minutes in a day
on themes of national importance and of social relevance like education, welfare of women,
protection of environment and of cultural heritage etc.
• Broadcasters have the liberty to modulate their content.
• Content can be shared between the Broadcasters.
Accounting • Channels will be required to air national interest content for 15 hours every month.
of Timing • Content need not be of 30 minutes at a stretch it can be split over smaller time slots but can’t be
done from midnight to 6 am.
Reporting • Voluntary compliance and self-certification would be the guiding principles.
• Broadcasters shall submit a monthly report on the Broadcast Seva Portal by the 7th of the
following month.
• Exemptions
o Foreign channels, downlinking in India (in languages other than those specified in the Eighth
schedule of Constitution).
o Channels broadcasting predominantly (more than 12 hours) sports and devotional, spiritual,
yoga content will be exempt from furnishing the monthly reports.
Identification • Electronic Media Monitoring Centre under Ministry shall keep the record of the content telecast
for a period of 90 days.

1.12. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Alderman • SC said that Constitution does not allow aldermans of a municipality right to vote in meetings.
• Alderman refers to a member of a city council or municipal body, with exact responsibilities
depending on location of its usage.
• According to Delhi Municipal Corporation Act of 1957, LG (of National Capital Territory of Delhi)
may nominate ten individuals who are above age of 25 to corporation.
• Aldermen play an important role in elections of Standing Committees, MCD in-house and ward
committee meeting.
National level o Setting up of three national level MSCS will help in achieving the goal of ‘Sahakar-se-Samriddhi’
Multi-State (Prosperity through Cooperation) through inclusive growth model of cooperatives.
Cooperative
Societies

13
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 (MSCS) under 3 New Significance
MSCS Act, 2002 Cooperative
bodies
National • Act as umbrella organization for exports of surplus goods/service.
Multi- State • Primary to national level cooperatives societies including primary societies,
Cooperative district, state and national level federations and MSCS can become its
Export member.
Society • Higher exports will increase production of goods and services and increase
employment opportunities.
• Increased export will promote “Make in India” thus leading to Atmanirbhar
Bharat.
National • Unlock demand and consumption of organic products in domestic and global
Multi- State markets.
Cooperative • Help farmers to get high price of organic product through aggregation,
Organic marketing, and branding.
Society • Provide institutional support for aggregation, certification, storage,
processing etc.
• Better management of entire supply chain of products.
National • Act as an apex organization for production, procurement, processing,
Multi- State branding, labelling, packaging, storage, marketing, and distribution of quality
Cooperative seeds.
Seed Society • Develop system for preservation and promotion of indigenous natural seeds.
• Increase seed replacement rate, varietal replacement rate, ensuring role of
farmers in quality seed cultivation.
• Quality seeds production reduces dependence on imported seeds, boost
• rural economy, strengthen food security.
Lokur • Experts have pointed that Office of Registrar-General of India (RGI) follows ‘obsolete’ criteria
Committee, set out by Lokur Committee to define any new community as a Scheduled Tribe (ST).
1965 • Criteria set out by Lokur Committee are indications of primitive traits, distinctive culture,
geographical isolation, shyness of contact with community at large, backwardness.
• New criteria under government consideration included
o Socio-economic, including educational, backwardness is-a-vis, rest of population of State;
o Historical geographical isolation;
o Distinct language/dialect;
o Presence of a core culture relating to life-cycle, marriage, songs, etc.
o Endogamy, or in case of exogamy, marital relationship primarily with other STs.
Horizontal • Uttarakhand Governor gave nod to 30% horizontal reservation in government jobs for
reservation and Uttarakhand women.
vertical
reservation

Commonwealt • Annual conference of 19th CPA India Region Zone III was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker
h Parliamentary (ex-officio chairman).
Association • CPA, established in 1911, is made up of over 180 legislatures (or Branches) divided up between
(CPA) nine geographic regions of Commonwealth.

14
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o Commonwealth is an association of 56 member states, majority of which are former
territories of British Empire.
• After Africa Region, India has the largest number of member Branches of CPA.
o CPA India Region is divided into 4 zones.
Joint • Parliament continues to be halt
Parliamentary over Opposition’s demand for a
Committee JPC.
(JPC)

Motion of • Article 87 deals with President's special address to houses of parliament at commencement of
Thanks first session after each general election and first session of every fiscal year.
• Following this, a ‘motion of thanks’ is moved in two Houses thanking President for his/her
address, which is then put to vote.
• MPs can express their disagreement by moving amendments to motion.
• Defeat of ‘Motion of thanks’ is seen as a defeat of the government.
Electronic • CJI announced the launch of e-SCR project to provide access to judgements to common public.
Supreme Court • E-SCR is an initiative to provide digital version of apex court’s judgments in manner as they are
Reports (e-SCR) reported in official law report ‘Supreme Court Reports’.
Project o Entire gamut of judgments from inception of SC in 1950 till date would be available freely
to lawyers and law students.
o These judgments will be accessible on Supreme Court’s website, mobile app and on
National Judicial Data Grid’s judgment portal.
Charge Sheets • SC held that charge sheet by probing agency is not a “public document”.
o It stated that putting it in public domain will violate the rights of victim, accused and
investigating agencies.
• Charge sheet refers to a formal police record showing the names of each person brought into
custody, nature of the accusations, and identity of the accusers.
• First Information Report (FIR) is a written document prepared by police when they receive
information about commission of a cognizable offence.
o Under Youth Bar Association Case (2016), SC issued directions to police to upload FIRs in
website within 24 hours except in sensitive cases like rape.
SC judgements • CJI stated that judgments delivered by SC will now be translated into four languages —Hindi,
to be available Tamil, Gujarati and Odia.
in 4 languages • CJI said that move will help in access to justice for citizens as English is not a comprehensible
language to majority of the citizens in country.
• CJI also launched an Online e-Inspection Software at Delhi High Court that will facilitate online
e-inspection of digitised judicial files through internet.
Bail Process • SC presses need for reform on bail processes.
• Bail refers to temporary release of accused in a criminal case in which court has a trial pending
and is yet to announce the judgement.
o Bail is a right if the person accused is detained or arrested for a bailable offence (Section
436 of CrPC).
o Anticipatory Bail: A person can apply for this if he/she could be arrested for a non-bailable
offense (Section 438 of CrPC).

15
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Court has power to cancel bail at any stage under sections 437 and 439 of CrPC.
o Grounds of cancellation of bail: When a person is indulged in criminal activity and misuse
of their liberty.
Judicial Review • SC stated that suitability of a candidate cleared by Collegium for appointment as a judge
cannot be a subject of judicial review.
• Judicial review is a type of court proceeding in which a judge reviews the lawfulness of a
decision or action made by a public body.
o Article 13 expressively provides for doctrine of judicial review.
• Scope of judicial review power of SC in India is narrower than that of what exists in US.
o American Constitution provides for ‘due process of law’ against that of ‘procedure
established by law’ in Indian Constitution.
Bar Council of • Supreme Court affirmed BCI’s
India (BCI) power to hold All India Bar
Examination, a test that a lawyer
has to qualify to practise law in
courts of country.
• BCI was established by Parliament
under Advocates Act, 1961 to
regulate and represent Indian bar.
• Statutory functions of BCI include
o Lay down standards of
professional conduct and
etiquette for advocates.
o Safeguard rights, privileges
and interests of advocates.
o Recognise Universities whose
degree in law shall be a
qualification for enrolment as
an advocate.
Senior • Central Government is seeking to change guidelines for designation of Senior Advocates.
Advocates o Guidelines were issued by SC in Indira Jaising vs. Union of India (2017).
• Senior Advocates are among three categories of Advocates that are entitled to practice law
before SC.
o An advocate is designated as senior by SC or a High Court based on virtue of their ability.
o Under the guidelines, they are designated by a Committee for Designation of Senior
Advocates or a Permanent Committee.
• Senior Advocate is not entitled to appear without an Advocate-on-Record in SC or without a
junior in any other court or tribunal in India.
Section 33(7) of • Supreme Court quashed the pleas to set aside Section 33(7) of RPA 1951.
Representation • Section 33(7) of RPA permits a candidate to contest any election (parliamentary, state
of People’s act assembly, biennial council, or by-elections) from up to two constituencies.
1951 (RPA) o Provision was introduced in 1996 prior to which there was no bar on number of
constituencies from which a candidate could contest.
• Issue: Burden on the exchequer, against the democratic spirit of elections.
Election • Article 324 read with Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 empowers
Commission of ECI to recognise political parties and allot symbols.
India (ECI) o Under Paragraph 15 of Order, it can decide disputes among rival groups or sections of a
decides on recognised political party staking claim to its name and symbol.
party name and • In Sadiq Ali Case (1971), SC upheld ECI’s authority to decide issues on a dispute or a merger and
symbol prescribed 3 tests to arrive at a decision:
o Test of Aims and Objectives of Party Constitution; Test of party constitution; and Test of
Majority.
• In line with Sec 29A of RPA, 1951 and Conduct of Election Rules,1961, ECI recognizes a Political
Party and allocates symbol to it.
o National Parties: These parties are allocated with a symbol, which can be used across
whole country in all elections. No other parties can use them.
o State Parties: These parties are allocated with an exclusive symbol within state.
o Independent Candidates: They can choose 3 Symbols in order of their preference (other
than national and state party’s symbol) and ECI grants one among the three.
e-Gram Swaraj • Recently, Ministry of Panchayati Raj organised a multistakeholder conference for consultation
on e-Gram Swaraj 2.0, Manthan: Charting New Paths.

16
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • e-Gram Swaraj Portal aims at capacity building of third tier of governance through
technological interventions.
o It brings better transparency in decentralised planning, progress reporting and work-
based accounting.
o Application is developed as part of Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) under e-Panchayat
Mission Mode Project (MMP).
o Core modules on portal includes Panchayat Profile, Planning, Progress Reporting and
Accounting.
Director • Nagaland has shown concern over appointment process of DGP, highest police authority of
General of State/UT’s.
Police (DGP) • DGP appointment is made on basis of Guideline issued by Supreme Court in Prakash Singh vs
appointment Union Judgement (2006).
o DGP is to be selected by state government from among three-senior most officers whose
name has been suggested by UPSC (Issued its guidelines in 2009).
o UPSC suggest names on basis of their length of service, very good record and experience
(30 years).
o DGP should have a fixed tenure of two years in the post, irrespective of retirement date.
World • World Government Summit 2023 under theme of “Shaping Future Governments” was held in
Government Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Summit 2023 • It is a global forum held annually in Dubai.
o It brings together leaders in government, business, technology, and civil society to discuss
pressing issues facing humanity and to shape future of governments worldwide.

1.13. ERRATA
PT 365 Polity (April 2022-December 2022)
• Article 5.3 DELIMITATION COMMISSION: In the Delamination commission infographics, due to a
typographical error it was wrongly mentioned as constitutional body. It should be statutory body.
• Article 6.1. MULTI-STATE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2022: In constitutional and legal
provisions related to cooperatives infographics due to typographical error information under Article 19 (1)
(C) and Article 43B (DPSP) was interchanged. Correct information is:
Article 19 (1) (C) • Forming a cooperative is a fundamental right under 97th Constitutional Amendment
Act 2011.
Article 43B (DPSP) • State shall endeavour to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning,
democratic control and professional management of cooperative societies.

17
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
2.1. INDIA-EGYPT
Why in News?
President of Egypt was the chief guest for India’s 74th Republic Day celebrations.

18
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 2.2. INDIA-QATAR
Why in news?
Year 2023 marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Qatar.

2.3. INDIA-SOUTH KOREA

Why in news?
India-South Korea diplomatic ties completed 50 years.

19
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 2.4. INDIA-EURASIA
Why in news?
Recently, several countries
including Japan, South Korea,
Australia etc. have taken
initiatives suggesting a
growing focus over better
relationship between
European and Asian countries.
Significance of Eurasia for
India
• Alternate to BRI: INSTC
(International North–
South Transport Corridor)
along with the Ashgabat
Agreement (to enhance
connectivity within the
Eurasian region) in the
long run and can act as a
counter to opaque BRI.
• Economic: India is working
towards joining the EEU to
further its contacts with
Eurasia. This will give

20
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 access to Indian goods to entire geographic space through
a single tariff, boosting exports and overall economic
growth.
• Social: Central Asian e-network by India is an attempt to
leverage its prowess in IT sector by linking India's top
hospitals and educational institutions with hubs in the
region.
o It will bridge digital divide and bolster their capacity in
areas of health and education.
• Alternate to Suez Canal: Euro-Asian inland transport links
provides an alternate to the congested Suez Canal to boost
the resilience of the inter-continental trade flows.

2.5. INDO-RUSSIAN FRIENDSHIP TREATY

Why in News?
Indo-Russian Friendship Treaty completed 30 years.
About Indo-Russian Friendship Treaty
• The 1993 ‘Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation’ replaced the 1971 Treaty of Peace, Friendship and
Cooperation between India and the Soviet Union.
○ The 1971 treaty expired as the Soviet Union or USSR ceased to exist in 1991.
• A marked departure from India’s non-alignment, the 1971 treaty was a treaty of non-aggression or a treaty
of peace against war.
• It contained security clause (Article IX) along with other provisions on Peace, Friendship and Cooperation
(see image); strengthening India’s strategic autonomy or the capacity for independent action.
• The 1993 treaty is a modified version of the treaty, and it lacks the security clause if any party faces
aggression from others.

2.6. INITIATIVE ON CRITICAL AND

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY (ICET)
Why in news?
India-US initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology
(iCET) held its inaugural meeting.

21
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 More on iCET
• iCET was launched during the Quad
summit in 2022.
• iCET aims to:
o Position two countries as
trusted technology partners by
building technology value
chains and support the co-
development and co-
production of items.
o Address regulatory
restrictions, export controls
and mobility barriers through a standing mechanism.
• Potential Benefits of iCET:
o Ease export barriers to India in critical areas such as High Performance Computing.
o Strengthen linkages between the startup ecosystems of India and USA.

2.7. INDIAN DIASPORA

Why in News?
India hosted the 17th PBD Convention in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
More in News
• Theme of PBD: "Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India's Progress
in Amrit Kaal".
• Focus country: Latin America
• Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards were also conferred in the
Convention.
About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
• The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
(PBD) is observed on 9th • The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honour conferred on
January. o a Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian Origin; or
• It commemorates the o an organisation or institution established and run by them.
• It commemorates the contribution of Indian diaspora to create a better
return of Mahatma Gandhi
understanding of India abroad, support India's causes and work for the
from South Africa to India welfare of the local Indian community.
on 9th January, 1915.
• 1st PBD Convention was organised
on 9 January 2003.
• Since 2015, PBD Convention has
been organised once every 2 years.
• Objective: To provide a platform
for the Indian diaspora across the
globe to engage with the
government and help strengthen
ties.

22
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 2.8. INDIA AND GLOBAL SOUTH
Why in news?
Voice of Global South summit was hosted by India virtually. It called for a global agenda of 'Respond,
Recognize, Respect, and Reform' to re-energise the world.

2.9. INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL ARCHITECTURE (IFA)

Why in News?
The International
Monetary Fund (IMF) has
called on the G20 nations
to strengthen
International Financial
Architecture (IFA) at 1st
G20 Finance Ministers and
Central Bank Governors
(FMCBG) meeting under
the G20’s Indian
Presidency.
About International
Financial Architecture
(IFA)
• IFA refers to ‘the
collective governance

23
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 arrangements at the international level for safeguarding the effective functioning of the global monetary
and financial systems’ (refer image).
• IFA Objective: To promote economic growth while ensuring financial stability.
○ This involves steps to reduce the probability of a crisis; contain the severity of crises when they occur;
and to insulate the global economy from contagion.
Related News
Common Framework for Debt Treatments
• First G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting agreed for the implementation of
Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond DEBT Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) of World Bank
(launched in 2020).
• About Common Framework for Debt Treatments
o It is an agreement of G20 and Paris Club countries to coordinate and cooperate on debt treatments for up to
73 low-income countries that are eligible for DSSI.
✓ It includes G20 official bilateral creditors as well like China, India, Turkey or Saudi Arabia that are not
members of Paris Club.
o It provides a deep debt restructuring, with a reduction in net present value of debt sufficient to restore
sustainability, if requested by debtor country.

2.10. WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT

Why in News?

At the 26th annual Plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), India assumed the chairmanship for one
year.

2.11. INDIA AND UN PEACEKEEPING

Why in news?
India deployed a women-only platoon of peacekeepers to the UN Mission in Abyei on the border of Sudan and
South Sudan as part of the Indian Battalion in the United Nations Interim Security Force, Abyei (UNISFA).
Key facts on India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping
• India has contributed more personnel than any other country.

24
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • India served in 49 of the 71 UN Peacekeeping missions established around the world since 1948.
o Currently, India is the fifth largest troop contributor (TCC) with 5,323 personnel deployed in 8 out of
13 active UN Peacekeeping Missions.
• Indian Peacekeepers provide many services such as medical care, veterinary support, engineering services
to the communities

• India was the first country to contribute to the

Trust Fund on sexual exploitation and abuse,
which was set up in 2016.
• Women in Indian Peacekeeping
o Women peacekeepers from India have
served in several countries, including Congo,
Liberia, South Sudan, and Haiti.
o In 2007, India became the first country to
deploy an all-women contingent to a UN
Peacekeeping Mission.
o In the year 2014, Indian cop Shakti Devi of the
Jammu and Kashmir Police, who was deployed in the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA),
was awarded the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award.

2.12. INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS/INSTITUTIONS

International • International Seabed
Seabed Authority Authority (ISA) and
(ISA) Ministry of Earth
Sciences exchanged
PMN (Polymetallic
Nodules) exploration
extension contract
• Contract for same was
initially signed in 2002
for a period of 15
years. It was extended
by ISA twice for 5
years period, during
2017 and 2022.
o India has been
assigned an area
of about 75,000
sq km in Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) for PMN exploration.
• PMN refers to small potato-like rounded accretions composed of minerals such as
manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper and iron hydroxide
o These have immense economic and strategic importance.

25
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 UN Commission for • India has been elected
Social as the Chair of 62nd
Development Session of UN CSocD.
(CSocD)

International • IMO has adopted a new

Maritime mandatory International
Organization (IMO) Code of Safety for Ships
Carrying Industrial
Personnel.
o Code will enter into
force on 1 July 2024
and enables cargo
ships and high-
speed cargo craft to
transport and
accommodate
industrial personnel
working offshore.

2.13. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

News Details
13th • India’s Minister of External Affairs reiterated that full implementation of the 13A is “critical”
Amendment for achieving reconciliation with the minority Tamil community.
(13A) to Sri • 13th A brought in after the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987, provides for the devolution of
Lanka’s power to the Tamil community.
Constitution o Sri Lanka has a long history of failed negotiations to end the Tamil claim of discrimination
by allowing some form of political autonomy.
o 13A will facilitate unity among all the communities in Sri Lanka so that they could live as
one.
India-ASEAN • Work Plan was approved at the 3rd ASEAN Digital Ministers meeting.
Digital Work • Work Plan includes capacity building and knowledge sharing in emerging areas in Information
Plan 2023 and Communication Technologies (ICT) such as AI in Cyber Security.
• It will strengthen collaboration between India and ASEAN in ICT.
Information • Information Fusion Center - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), established in 2018, is hosted by
Fusion Center - India Navy at Gurugram to
Indian Ocean further Maritime Safety and
Region (IFC-IOR) Security in Indian Ocean
Region.
o To enable better
correlation and timely
inputs, IFC-IOR also
hosts International
Liaison Officers (ILOs)
from partner nations
including Australia,
France, Italy, Japan, US,
UK.
o IFC-IOR has established linkages with several multinational maritime security centres.
Group of 77 (G- • It was established on 15 June 1964 by seventy-seven developing countries.
77): • It provides the means for the countries of the South to articulate and promote their collective
economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on all major international
economic issues within the United Nations system, and promote South-South cooperation for
development.

26
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Common • First G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting agreed for the
Framework for implementation of Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond DEBT Service
Debt Suspension Initiative (DSSI) of World Bank(launched in 2020).
Treatments • About Common Framework for Debt Treatments
o It is an agreement of G20 and Paris Club countries to coordinate and cooperate on debt
treatments for up to 73 low-income countries that are eligible for DSSI.
✓ It includes G20 official bilateral creditors as well like China, India, Turkey or Saudi
Arabia that are not members of Paris Club.
o It provides a deep debt restructuring, with a reduction in net present value of debt
sufficient to restore sustainability, if requested by debtor country.
India-EU Trade • Three working groups are formed under India-EU TTC on:
and Technology o Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity
Council (TTC) o Green and Clean Energy Technologies
o Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains
About TTC
• TTC is a strategic coordination mechanism to allow both partners to tackle challenges at nexus
of trade, trusted technology and security; deepening India-Eu bilateral relationship in these
fields.
o It is the first such mechanism for India and second for EU, after US-EU TTC.
o India-EU TTC was launched in April 2022.
India-U.S. Trade Recently, 13th Ministerial Meeting of the India-U.S. Trade Policy Forum (TPF) was organised.
Policy Forum • A new working group on “Resilient Trade” was launched that’ll provide a structured
(TPF) framework for trade-focused bilateral discussion.
• About Trade Policy Forum (TPF)
o TPF was established in 2005.
o It is a platform for continuous engagement between two countries in the area of trade
and to further the trade and investment relations.
o Under the TPF, there are working groups on five broad areas including agriculture, non-
agriculture goods, services, investment, and intellectual property.
o TPF is co-Chaired by Ministry Commerce and Industry on Indian side and USTR on
American side.
Hanley Passport • Index ranks the passports of countries according to the number of destinations their holders
Index can visit without a prior visa.
o Prepared by Henley and Partners, a London-based global citizenship and residence
advisory firm.
o Rankings are based on the analysis of data provided by the International Air Transport
Association (IATA).
• India improved its position by 2 spots from last year, and is currently ranked 85th.
o Japan topped the index.
Mutual Legal • India and Saudi Arabia are in talks to sign MLAT to obtain formal assistance from each other in
Assistance investigations related to criminal cases.
Treaty (MLAT) • MLAT is a mechanism whereby countries cooperate with one another to provide and obtain
formal assistance in investigations related to criminal cases.
• It ensures that criminals do not escape or sabotage the due process of law for want of
evidence available in different countries.
• India has so far signed MLATs with 45 countries, recently with Poland.
• Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal Ministry for concluding MLAT in Criminal Matters.
New START • Russia suspended New START treaty, last remaining major military agreement with US.
(Strategic Arms o Russia claimed that the USA had not complied with the treaty's provisions and had
Reduction attempted to undermine Russia's national security.
Treaty) • About New START
o New START is a treaty between US and Russia for reduction and limitation of Strategic
Offensive Arms.
o It entered into force in 2011 and placed verifiable limits on intercontinental-range nuclear
weapons.
o It replaced the previous START treaty (between US and erstwhile USSR) that had expired
in 2009.
o 2002 Strategic Offensive Reduction Treaty (SORT, or Moscow Treaty) entered into force
in 2003, followed New START.
o Under the agreement, both sides are committed to the following:

27
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 ✓ Deploying no more than 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads and a maximum of 700
long-range missiles and bombers.
✓ A limit of 800 intercontinental ballistic missiles in deployment.
✓ Each side can conduct up to 18 inspections of strategic nuclear weapons sites yearly
to ensure the other has not breached the treaty’s limits.
✓ In 2021, United States and the Russian agreed to extend the treaty till 2026.
UNSC (United • ISIL and Al Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UNSC has placed Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) Makki
Nations Security on its sanctions list.
Council) • UNSC Sanctions Committee is subsidiary organ of UNSC to support or implement UNSC
Sanctions decisions.
Committee o UN Charter authorizes UNSC to use a variety of measures to enforce its decisions.
✓ E.g. The ISIL and Al Qaida Sanctions Committee was established pursuant to UNSC
resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015).
It can also use Panels/Groups of Experts or other mechanisms to monitor implementation of the
sanctions.
Operation Dost • It was launched by Indian Army to extend humanitarian aid to Syria and Turkey which are
recently hit by massive earthquake.
Chicago Cabinet approved ratification of three Protocols relating to amendments in Chicago Convention.
Convention About Chicago Convention
• Chicago Convention, 1944 established core principles permitting international transport by
air.
• Articles of Convention establish privileges and obligations of all contracting States and
promote International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended
Practices adoption that regulate international air transport.
o It has 193 state parties including all UN members except Liechtenstein.
• Protocols ratified are:
o Protocol to insert
Article 3 b is to refrain
member States from
use of weapons against
civil aircraft in flight.
o Protocol to amend
Article 50 (a) for raising
strength of
International Civil
Aviation Organization
(ICAO) Council from 36
to 40.
o Protocol to amend
Article 56 raising
strength of Air Navigation Commission from 18 to 21.
Fab 4 or Chip 4 • U.S.-led Fab 4 semiconductor alliance held its first meeting.
Alliance • It is an alliance of world's top producers of semiconductors: Taiwan, United States, Japan and
South Korea.
• Chip 4 alliance was proposed by US in 2022 to enhance the "security" and "resilience" of
semiconductor supply chains, including by reducing the world's reliance on chips made in
China.
International • 18th UIC World Security Congress, jointly organized by Railway Protection Force (RPF) and
Union of International Union of Railways (UIC), concluded with adoption of ‘Jaipur Declaration’.
Railways (UIC) o Declaration outlines an actionable agenda for UIC to explore innovative approaches that
can help global Railway organizations to achieve their long-term goal of safety and
security.
o It also highlighted the commitment of UIC to provide safe and secure rail network across
globe, by activating Asia-Pacific, Latin America and African regional assemblies by 2025.
About UIC
• UIC is worldwide professional association representing railway sector for research,
development & promotion of rail transport.
• Headquarter: Paris
Doomsday Clock • Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) moved Doomsday clock to 90 seconds to midnight
largely because of mounting nuclear warfare in Ukraine.

28
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o BAS was founded in 1945 by Albert Einstein and University of Chicago scientists who
worked on Manhattan Project to build first atomic bomb.
• Doomsday Clock, created in 1947, is a design that warns the public about how close we are to
destroying our world with dangerous technologies of our own making.
o Since its debut, minute hand has been reset 25 times.
SPRINT scheme • Indian Navy has signed an agreement with Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd for armed
autonomous boat swarms under ‘SPRINT’ scheme.
• SPRINT stands for Supporting Pole-vaulting In R&D through Innovations for Defence
Excellence (IdeX), Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) and Technology
Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC).
o It aims at development of 75 indigenous technologies by industry for Navy.

2.14. PLACES IN NEWS

1. Austria (Capital: Vienna)

Context: India will sign a Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) with Austria.
• Croatia is a mountainous landlocked country of south-central Europe.
• It is the leading producer of natural magnesite, magnesium carbonate used extensively in chemical industry.
2. Siachen Glacier (Karakoram, Ladakh)
Context: Indian Army has deployed its first woman officer at Siachen.
• Siachen Glacier is the world’s highest and coldest battlefield lying between Saltoro Ridge (a subrange of
Karakorams) to west and main Karakoram Range to east.
• It is the second longest (76 km) non-polar glacier of the world, after Fedchenko Glacier in Tajikistan.
• It demarcates central Asia from the Indian subcontinent.
• It is the source for the Nubra River, a tributary of the Shyok, which is part of the Indus River system.
• In 1984, India took its control under Operation Meghdoot.
3. ABYEI (AFRICA)
CONTEXT: INDIAN ARMY HAS DEPLOYED ITS LARGEST CONTINGENT OF WOMEN PEACEKEEPERS IN A UN
MISSION AT ABYEI.
Abeyi is contentious region that is oil-rich near the demarcation line which divides Sudan and the South Sudan.
4. Suriname (Capital: Paramaribo)
Context: At the 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas event, Suriname President suggested setting up a Hindi language
training institutions in Caribbean region.
• Suriname, formerly known as Dutch Guiana, is situated on northern edge of South America.
5. Uganda (Capital: Kampala)

29
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Context: Uganda declares end to deadly Ebola outbreak.
• Uganda is the world’s second most populous landlocked country, in east-central Africa.
6. Guyana (Capital: Georgetown)
Contexts:
• Recently Cabinet approved Air Services Agreement between India and Guyana.
• India and Guyana agreed to cooperate in oil and gas sector.
o Guyana is located on the north-eastern coast of South America and is part of Guianas, an old stable
geological formation that forms a portion of the northern coast.
✓ Guianas includes Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
7. Peru (Capital: Lima)
Context: Peru has declared a state of emergency in Lima and several other regions.
• It is located on West Coast of South America, bordered by Pacific Ocean, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and
Ecuador.
8. Yemen (Capital: Sana’a)
Context: UN Yemen envoy highlighted the current absence of major fighting and its use to advance their talks
towards peace.
• Yemen is a desert country on the Southern tip of Arabian Peninsula, with Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb on its
west while Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Guardafui Channel on South.
9. Oman (Capital: Muscat)
Context: India and Oman have agreed to jointly fight all manifestations of terrorism collectively.
• Oman is oldest independent state in Arab World situated at southeastern edge of Arabian Peninsula.
10. Norway (Capital: Oslo)
Context: Norway has discovered substantial levels of metals and minerals ranging from copper to rare earth
metals on seabed of its extended continental shelf.
• Political & Boundaries
o It has Barents Sea (north), Norwegian Sea and North Sea to (west), and Skager Strait to (south).
o Norway has land borders only to east—with Sweden, Finland, and Russia.
11. Armenia (Capital: Yerevan)
Context: Azerbaijan appealed to United Nations’ highest court to urgently order Armenia to stop the laying of
land mines.
• Armenia is a landlocked country on the crossroad between Europe and Asia.
Azerbaijan (Capital: Baku)
o Azerbaijan includes within its borders the Armenian occupied enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is
the focus of intense conflict between them.
12. Lebanon (Capital: Beirut)
Context: Lebanon has devalued its official exchange rate by 90%.
• Lebanon is a mountainous nation in the Levant region, located on the eastern coastline of the
Mediterranean Sea.
13. Malawi (Capital: Lilongwe)
Context: Malawi is seeing its worst cholera outbreak with more than 1,000 deaths.
• Malawi is landlocked and located in Southern Africa in the Great Rift Valley.
14. Canada (Capital: Ottawa)
Context: Canada’s House of Commons has unanimously passed a motion to take in 10,000 Uyghur and other
Turkic Muslims who have left China.
• Located in North America, Canada is the second largest country in the World after Russia.
• Boundaries: Its southern and western border with the USA is the longest border in the world not patrolled
by military forces.
15. Argentina (Capital: Buenos Aires)
Context: Argentina seeks India’s support to deploy technologies for facilitating entrepreneurs in Argentina.
• Located in southern part of South America and shares maritime borders with Falkland Islands.
• Divided into four regions: Andes, North, Pampas, and Patagonia.
16. Finland (Capital: Helsinki)
Context: India and Finland are looking to expand ties across a range of cutting-edge technologies including
quantum computing and nuclear technology.
• Finland is a Nordic Country located in northern Europe.
• Gulf of Bothnia and Gulf of Finland are its main water bodies, leading to shared maritime borders with
Estonia.
• Part of Finland lies north of Arctic Circle, known as Upland Finland.
• It is known as land of a thousand lakes (largest is lake Saimaa).

30
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 17. Mongolia (Capital: Ulaanbaatar)
Context: 11th meeting of India-Mongolia Joint Working Group was held.
• Mongolia is a landlocked East Asian Country surrounded by Russia in the North and China in South.
• It is also known as "Land of the Eternal Blue Sky" and as "Land of the Horse".
Gobi Desert is in the south-central region.
18. Cyprus (Capital: Nicosia)
Context: Nikos Christodoulides was elected as Cyprus’s president.
• Cyprus is situated at north-eastern corner of Mediterranean
• It is the third large island in Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia.
19. Suez Canal (Africa)
Context: World’s biggest shipping company is suing its rival, seeking compensation for delays caused by a 2021
blockage of the Suez Canal.
• Suez Canal is a human-made waterway.
• It connects Mediterranean to Indian Ocean via Red Sea and provides shortest sea link between Asia and
Europe.
o It was opened for navigation in 1869 and Egypt nationalized it in 1956.
• It is one of the world’s most heavily used shipping lanes, carrying over 12% of world trade by volume, 8% of
Liquified Natural gas and 1 billion barrels of oil (everyday).
20. Portugal (Capital: Lisbon)
Context: Independent Committee for Study of Child Abuse in Catholic Church, set up by Portuguese bishops,
have reported abuse of over 4,800 children since 1950.
• Portugal is a South Western European country situated mostly on Iberian Peninsula.
It also has small archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean.
21. New Zealand (Capital: Wellington)
Context: New Zealand has declared an emergency as cyclone Gabrielle causes widespread flooding and
landslides.
• It is an island country in South Pacific Ocean, south- westernmost part of Polynesia.
• It is a remote land and lies more than 1,600 km southeast of Australia, its nearest neighbour.
• Its two main islands, North and South Islands, are separated by Cook Strait.
• It is a part of Ring of Fire -the circum-Pacific seismic belt

2.15. MILITARY EXERCISES IN NEWS

31
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Nature of exercise Name of exercise Countries involved
Domestic • TROPEX- Indian Navy’s major maritime exercise NA
• AMPHEX 2023- joint training of elements of all
three services.
• Topchi 2023 - to showcase indigenous capabilities
and strides made in achieving self-reliance in
defense sector
Bilateral Dustlik India and Uzbekistan
DHARMA GUARDIAN, Veer Guardian India and Japan
TARKASH India and US
Cyclone - I India and Egypt
Multilateral Desert flag VIII UAE, India, France, Kuwait, Australia,
UK, Bahrain, Morocco, Spain,
Republic of Korea, and USA

32
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 3. ECONOMY
3.1. GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION
3.1.1. MAHILA SAMMAN SAVINGS CERTIFICATE
Why in News?
In the recent budget, the
government announced the
new small savings scheme
“Mahila Samman Savings
Certificate” for women.
Importance of Small
Savings Schemes
• Providing a safety net
for vulnerable sections
of society, such as
senior citizens, widows, and
disabled individuals.
• Resource Mobilization for
Government: Contributing around
20% of the Centre's borrowing
requirement.
• Transfer to States: Around 75% of
net small saving collections, are
transferred to states as part of
their loans from the Centre.
• Market Implications: The
effective return on these schemes can influence the fund flow into capital and secondary markets.
National Small Savings Fund (NSSF)
• The money deposited in Small Savings schemes by individuals is directly sent to the government and deposited in
the NSSF.
• NSSF was established in 1999 within the Public Account of India and is currently administered by Ministry of
Finance under National Small Savings Fund Rules, 2001, which is derived from Article 283(1) of the Constitution.
• Objective for the formation of a dedicated fund for small savings is to de-link small savings transactions from the
Consolidated Fund of India.
• Since NSSF operates in the Public Account, its transactions do not impact the fiscal deficit of the Centre directly.
• The money in the account is generally used by the Centre and States to finance their fiscal deficit and the balance
is invested in Central and State Government Securities.
• The balances under NSSF are direct liabilities of the Centre. The NSSF flows affect the cash position of the Central
Government.

3.1.2. NATIONAL RURAL LIVELIHOOD MISSION (NRLM)

Why in News?
Recently, the Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj asserted that the target of having 10
Crore SHG members by 2024 will be achieved.
More on News
● The ministry has also signed an agreement with Meesho - an e-commerce platform - to help in marketing
of products made by SHGs under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission
(DAY-NRLM).
● NRLM and State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) have taken several steps to promote curated products
from SHGs through multiple channels such as Saras Gallery, State specific retail outlets, e-Commerce
platforms like GeM, Flipkart, Amazon.

33
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Deendayal
Antyodaya Yojana
– National Rural
Livelihood
Mission (DAY-
NRLM)
● Genesis:
NRLM was
launched in
2011 by
restructuring
the erstwhile
Swarnajayanti Grameen Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY). It was renamed as DAY-NRLM in 2015.
● Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Rural Development is implementing DAY-NRLM.
● Aim:
Alleviating
poverty and
reach out to
around 10 crore
poor
householdsby
way of
mobilizing
rural women
into
community
institutions
such as SHGs.
● Basis of the
program: DAY-
NRLM is
improving
rural
livelihoods
through the
SHG
ecosystem.
○ SHGs are
the basic
unit, along
with higher
order
structure
like SHG
federations, FPOs planned for last mile service delivery and market access.
● Status of Implementation: As of January 2023, it has mobilized a total of 8.79 Crore women into 81.61
lakhs SHGs.

3.1.3. KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS IN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

“Survival of • “Survival of the Richest: The India story” report is released by Oxfam India.
the Richest: • Key highlights of the report:
The India o Richest 1% in India own 40% of the country’s total wealth.
story” report o Indirect nature of GST and fuel taxes make them regressive.
• Measurement: The most widely cited measure of inequality of outcomes - is typically measured
by Gini coefficient.

34
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o Gini coefficient is a measure of
inequality where a rating of 0
represents total equality, with
everyone taking an equal share, and
a rating of 1 (or sometimes 100)
would mean that one person has
everything.
o Distribution of inequality in
economy represented by Lorenz
curve and degree of income
inequality measured through Gini
Coefficient.

Prajjwala • It was launched, by Ministry of Rural Development, to invite ideas, solutions and actions that
Challenge can transform rural economy.
• It is launched under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-
NRLM).
o DAY-NRLM aims at mobilizing rural poor households into SHGs and provide them long-term
support such that they diversify their livelihoods, improve their incomes etc.

3.2. FISCAL POLICY

3.2.1. STATE FINANCES
Why in News?
RBI has released its annual
publication titled “State Finances:
A Study of Budgets of 2022-23”
with the theme “Capital
Formation in India - the Role of
States”.
Key Findings of Report and
Future trends
• Aggregate Revenue Receipts
of State Governments and
UTs was 14.9% of the GDP, out of which 55% was
from own taxes.
• Aggregate Expenditure of State Governments and
UTs was 18.5% of the GDP, out of which 83% was
revenue expenditure and capital expenditure was
17%.
• Improved fiscal health of States on the back of a
broad-based economic recovery after a sharp
pandemic-induced deterioration in 2020-21.
o States’ gross fiscal deficit (GFD) is budgeted to
decline in 2022-23 due to high revenue collections.
Gross fiscal deficit = Total Expenditure - (Revenue Receipts + Non-Debt creating capital receipts).
o States’ debt is budgeted to ease in 2022-23 as against 31.1% in 2020-21. (Although improved, but it is
still higher than 20% as recommended by FRBM Review Committee.)
o Higher Budgeted Capital Outlay from states in 2022-23.
Recent Initiatives to Improve State’s Fiscal health
• Scheme for “Special Assistance to states for Capital Investment”, providing ₹1,00,000 crore interest free loan for
50-years.

35
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Reform-linked additional borrowing space to state government, allowing additional borrowing of 0.5% GSDP for
power sector reforms.
• Ways and Means Advances (WMA) limit for State Governments/UTs is reduced.
• Inclusion of off-budget borrowings in state debt positions, i.e., the borrowings from state public sector
undertakings or their special purpose vehicles (SPVs).

3.2.2. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES (G-SECS)

Why in news?
RBI issued draft norms for lending and borrowing of government securities (G-Secs).
More about news
• Aim is to facilitate wider participation in Government Securities Lending (GSL) Market.
• Key highlights of draft norms
o Eligibility: G-Secs issued by Centre (except treasury bills (T-bills)) are eligible for lending and trading
in GSL, whereas G-Sec of both Centre and States (including T-bills) shall be used as collateral under a
GSL.
o Eligible Participants: Entities eligible to undertake Repo transactions and those approved by RBI.
o Tenure: Minimum one day and a maximum of ninety days.
o Securities borrowed under a GSL transaction shall be eligible for Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) for
borrower (not for lender).
About Government Securities (G-Sec)
G- Sec is a tradeable instrument issued by Central
or state Governments. It acknowledges
government’s debt obligation.
• Such securities are short term (usually called
T-Bills, with maturities of less than one year) or
long term (usually called Government bonds
or dated securities with maturity of one year or more).
• Central Government issues both, T-bills and bonds or dated securities while State Governments issue only
bonds or dated securities, called State Development Loans (SDL).
• G-Secs carry practically no risk of default and, hence, are called risk-free gilt-edged instruments.

3.2.3. FUEL TAX RATE

Why in News?
The Centre and some states have been in conflict over
petrol and diesel prices.
Petrol/Diesel Pricing in India
• Public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)
revise the retail prices of petrol and diesel in India
on a daily basis, according to the changes in the
price of crude oil at global level.
o Price charged to dealers includes the base price
set by OMCs and the freight price.
• States apply an ad valorem VAT or sales tax on the
base price, freight charges, excise duty and dealer
commission on petrol and diesel.
o In fact, Central and state taxes form a major
chunk of the price of petrol and diesel in India.
• Central government taxes the production of petroleum products (Excise Duty) while states tax their sale
{Sales Tax/ Value Added Tax (VAT)}.
o While excise duty rates are uniform across the country, states levy sales tax/ VAT which varies across
states.

36
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o Excise duty consists of two broad components: tax
component (i.e., basic excise duty), and cess and
surcharge component.
o Of this, only revenue generated from tax
component is devolved to states. Revenue
generated by Centre from any cess or surcharge is
not devolved to states.
• Excise duty and VAT on fuel constitute an important source of revenue for both the Centre and the states.
As per the RBI’s Study of Budgets 2020-21:
o Excise duty on fuel makes up about 18.4% of the Centre’s gross tax revenues.
o Petroleum and alcohol, on an average, account for 25-35% of states’ own tax revenue.

3.3. BANKING, ASSET QUALITY, RESTRUCTURING AND MONETARY

POLICY
3.3.1. MICROFINANCE SECTOR
Why in News?
A joint study from Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) and the Association
of Microfinance Institutions of India has highlighted leading role of
Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in India’s economic growth.
India’s Microfinance Sector and MFIs
Microfinance is a form of financial service which provides small loans and
other financial services to poor and low-income households.

37
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 3.3.2. INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE (IBC)
Why in News?
To strengthen the functioning of the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code (IBC), the Ministry of Corporate
Affairs (MCA) has released proposed changes to IBC
for public comments.
About IBC and its features
• In force since 2016, IBC is India’s comprehensive
law for a time-bound, market mechanism to
address the insolvency of corporate persons,
partnership firms and individuals.
• IBC is based on four pillars of institutional
infrastructure with:
o Insolvency Professionals (IPs), members
of IP Agency (IPA), to carry out the
resolution process.
o Information Utilities (IUs) to store
details on lenders, lending terms etc. in
an electronic database to facilitate
insolvency resolution (e.g., National E-
Governance Services Limited).
o The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of
India (IBBI) to regulate functioning of IPs,
IPAs and IUs.
o Adjudicating Authority {National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT).
NCLT adjudicates insolvency resolution for companies while DRT adjudicates for individuals.
✓ National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) is the Appellate Authority for hearing appeals
against the orders passed by NCLT.
• Based on the assets value and debtor type, IBC provides for different corporate insolvency resolution
processes as:
38
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o Corporate Insolvency
Resolution Process
(CIRP).
o Pre-Packaged Insolvency
Resolution Process
(PPIRP), and
o Fast Track Corporate
Insolvency Resolution
Process (FIRP), refer
image for further details
on each resolution
process.

Key Changes Proposed in the IBC Framework

Area Proposed Changes
Technology ● Developing an e-platform to handle multiple processes under IBC.
Admission of ● Financial Creditors (FCs) to ascertain default or dispute occurrence at Information Utilities
CIRP before CIRP application.
Applications ● Adjudicating Authority (AA) to mandatorily admit application and initiate CIRP, if default is
established.
Streamlining ● Expanding the Pre-packaged Insolvency Resolution Framework (PRIRP) applicability to a
of Insolvency broader range of companies.
Resolution ● Limiting real estate cases outcomes to default projects only, formally recognizing the project-
Process wise CIRP or reverse CIRP*
● Appointment of administrator in specific CIRP by the Central government etc.
Liquidation ● Recasting liquidation process to enable Committee of Creditors (CoC) to request AA for direct
Process dissolution if liquidation is not feasible.
● CoC to supervise and support the liquidator’s functioning, and take all decisions in liquidation
by simple majority etc.

‘*’- Reverse CIRP allows promoters to infuse funds into stalled projects for resolution.

3.3.3. LOAN-LOSS PROVISIONS (LLPS)

Why in News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has floated a
discussion paper (DP) that seeks to move banks
towards an expected loss-based approach or
Expected Credit Loss (ECL) regime for provisioning.
About Loan Loss provisions (LLPs)
• To take potential loan defaults into account,
banks set aside a proportion of the loan described as Loan-Loss Provisions (LLPs).
○ LLPs, therefore, are an income statement expense set aside by banks to cover the loan losses either
completely or partially.
○ Since not all loans become impaired, LLPs (as a credit risk management tool) are used by banks to
mitigate expected losses on bank loan portfolio.
Approaches for LLPs
• Current Approach: Presently, in India, banks are required to make loan loss provisions based on an
‘incurred loss’ approach.

39
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 ○ It is a pro-cyclical prudential regime
in which banks need to provide for
losses that have occurred/incurred.
✓ Here the coverage increases
with specific provision when
loans start deteriorating and
become nonperforming.
✓ As an accounting reference, it is
promoted by International
Accounting Standard - IAS 39
Financial Instruments:
Recognition and Measurement.
✓ In 2014, the IAS 39 was
superseded by IFRS 9
(International Financial
Reporting Standards) –
changing the banks’ loan loss
provisioning practices to
expected loss-based approach.
• Proposed approach: The expected loss-
based approach is a countercyclical or
dynamic forward-looking framework
designed to build up International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
reserves of • IFRS are ‘a set of accounting standards that govern how particular types of
provisions during transactions and events should be reported in financial statements’.
the good economic • They are developed and maintained by the International Accounting Standards
times through Board (IASB) – one of the two standard setting boards of IFRS Foundation.
higher LLPs and use o International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) is the second board to set
them in the the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards.
economic downturn • The IAS, issued by the antecedent International Accounting Standards Council
by reporting lower (IASC), are endorsed, and amended by the IASB.
LLPs. o IASC was formed in 1973 and in 2001 it was replaced by IFRS.
○ It has a smoothening effect at the individual bank level and on the overall business cycle as well,
helping to avoid any systemic issues.
Potential Benefits and Concerns over ECL regime
Benefits Concerns
• Enhanced Bank Solvency • High impact of increased provisions on Bank’s capital.
• Increased Resilience of Banking System as it is • Yet to be tested at a larger level i.e., ECL research is
likely to result in excess provisions to smooth out limited to few countries such as Spain, Chile etc.
loan losses in downturns. • Its ability to generate sufficient provisions depends on
• Align India’s credit-loss provisions with global the severity and time lag of the existing crisis.
regulatory framework. • Business cycle developments, i.e., upswing and
• Increased Transparency in credit-loss provisions. downturn are hard to detect.

3.3.4. SECURITIZATION OF STRESSED ASSETS FRAMEWORK (SSAF)

Why in News?
Recently, RBI floated a discussion paper on Securitization of Stressed Assets Framework (SSAF).
About Securitization and SSAF
• Securitization refers to a process that involves pooling of loans and then selling them to a Special Purpose
Entity (SPE), which then issues securities backed by the loan pool.
o SPE, also called as Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) represents a company, trust or other entity organized
for a specific purpose.
• Securitization involves transactions which redistribute credit risk in assets by repackaging them into
tradable securities with different risk profiles (see image on how securitization works).

40
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • These assets can
be-
o Standard
assets, i.e.,
loans which
are not
classified as
non-
performing
asset (NPA)
or assets
with a
delinquency
up to 89
days, and
o Stressed
assets, i.e.,
loans
classified as NPA.
• SSAF aims to enable securitization of NPAs through the SPE route, on the lines of securitisation of
standard assets.
o Currently, in India, the Securitization of Standard Assets is allowed through the SPE route in
accordance with Basel guidelines that came into force from January 1, 2018.
o The securitization of Stressed Assets is done by licensed Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs)
under the SARFAESI Act.
o In 2019, the Task Force on Development of
Secondary Market for Corporate Loans
decided to introduce SSAF in addition to the
ARC route, similar to the framework for
securitisation of standard assets.
• Under SSAF, the NPAs originator will sell them to
an SPE by issuing securitization notes.
o The SPE, in turn, will appoint a servicing entity
to manage stressed assets, typically with a fee
structure that incentivizes them to maximize
recoveries of NPAs.
• Investors who buy securitization notes are paid based on recovery from the underlying assets using the
waterfall mechanism depending upon the seniority of the tranches.

3.3.5. RBI RELATED DEVELOPMENTS

Climate Risk • RBI released a
and discussion paper
Sustainable on Climate Risk
Finance and Sustainable
Finance
highlighting
climate-related
risks which can
impact financial
sector through:
o Physical risks
(economic
costs and
financial losses from floods, heatwaves etc.)
o Transition risks (arising from process of adjustment towards a low-carbon economy).

41
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Payment • RBI
Aggregator introduced a
PA
framework in
2020, for
regulating PA
and Payment
Gateways
(PGs), under
which eligible
entities were
required to
apply for
seeking authorisation under Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
o PAs and PGs are intermediaries facilitating payments in the online space.
Utkarsh 2.0 • Reserve Bank of India’s Medium-term Strategy Framework – Utkarsh 2.0- for period 2023- 2025
was launched.
o First strategy framework (Utkarsh 2022) covered period 2019-2022.
• Vision in Utkarsh 2.0 that will guide RBI are-
o Excellence in performance of its functions;
o Strengthened trust of citizens and Institutions in RBI;
o Enhanced relevance and significance in national and global roles;
o Transparent, accountable and ethics-driven internal governance;
o Best-in-class and environment-friendly digital and physical infrastructure;
o Innovative, dynamic and skilled human resources.
Fraud • RBI is working on setting up a fraud registry to blacklist perpetrators of online frauds and
Registry prevent use of the banking system to stash digitally defrauded amounts.
• Fraud registry mechanism would entail identifying and collecting IP addresses, email IDs and
mobile numbers that are routinely used to commit online frauds and blacklist them.
o Payment system participants will be provided access to this registry for near-real-time fraud
monitoring.
• It will ensure that perpetrators can’t open accounts in multiple banks to park ill-gotten money.
First loan • In absence of clarity from RBI, Banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) have almost
default paused tie-ups with fintech players/digital lending apps, under FLDG structure.
guarantee • FLDG is a lending model, a credit-risk sharing agreement, between a fintech and a regulated
(FLDG) entity.
• In FLDG, a third party guarantees to compensate up to a certain percentage of default in a loan
portfolio of regulated entities.

3.4. PAYMENT SYSTEMS AND FINANCIAL MARKETS

3.4.1. MUNICIPAL BONDS
Why in News?
NSE Indices Ltd., an NSE
(National Stock Exchange)
arm has introduced the
country's first ever
municipal bond index.
About Nifty India Municipal
Bond Index
● Role of the index: The new Nifty India Related News
Municipal Bond Index will track the • SEBI has launched information database on municipal
performance of municipal bonds issued by bonds.
Indian Municipal Corporations (MCs) across • Database contains a wide range of information in form
maturities and having investment grade of statistics and regulations, circulars etc. issued by
credit rating. Sebi and information to be obtained by an Issuer to tap
Municipal Bond Market.

42
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 ● Index constituents: Presently, the index has 28 municipal
bonds issued by 10 issuers all having credit rating in the AA
category.
o The index constituents are assigned weights based on
their outstanding amount.
● Base for Index: The index has a base date of January 1, 2021,
and a base value of 1,000.
● Review: The index will be reviewed quarterly.
Municipal Bonds
● Municipal bonds are issued by local government bodies, and
do not carry any government guarantee.
● Structured payment mechanism:
The interests and principal
repayment for these bonds is
done via an escrow account.
○ The municipal corporation
has to periodically move a
fixed sum of money (for
these payments) from its
revenues into the escrow
account. This provides some
assurance on the bonds being
serviced on time.
Municipal Bond Market in India
● Municipal Bond Market is
regulated by the Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in
India.
○ The Indian municipal bond
market has seen a resurgence of issuances after SEBI's Issue and Listing of Municipal Debt Securities
Regulations, 2015 came into effect.
● Financial Incentives: The Government of India has also provided incentives in the form of a lump-sum
grant-in-aid for municipal bond issuances.
● Largely investment-grade rating: 59% of municipal bonds issued received a rating of investment grade or
above, highlighting the underutilized potential for bond financing by Indian municipalities.
● Pooled Financing: There have been debates regarding use of pooled financing to encourage use of
municipal bonds.
Pooled Financing
● Pooled financing essentially
involves creation of a State
Pooled Finance Entity (SPFE),
which can be registered either
as a trust or a Special Purpose
Vehicle (SPV).
● This mechanism has
precedence in India, with many
states issuing such bonds.
● The Central government also
provided a thrust to pooled
financing by launching the
Pooled Finance Development Fund (PFDF) Scheme in 2006 to provide credit enhancement to ULBs through a
State-level pooled finance mechanism.

43
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 3.4.2. SOCIAL STOCK EXCHANGE
Why in news?
National Stock Exchange (NSE) has got
the final approval from the Securities
and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to
launch a Social Stock Exchange.
About Social Stock Exchange (SSE)
• SSE is a separate segment of the
existing Stock Exchange that can
help Social Enterprise(s) to raise
funds from public through the stock
exchange mechanism.
o SSE identifies social enterprises
as the ones engaged in creating
positive impact in the society. These are the following two forms of social enterprises:
✓ Not-for-profit organization
✓ For profit social enterprise
• Eligibility conditions for being identified as social Enterprises-
o Predominance of any of the following:
Social Enterprises
Revenue Expenditure Customer base/beneficiaries
At least 67% of its revenue of the At least 67% of the immediately Members of target population to whom
immediately preceding 3-year preceding 3-year average of eligible activities have been provided
average of revenues comes from expenditure has been incurred for constitute at least 67% of immediately
providing eligible activities to providing eligible activities to preceding 3-year average of total
members of the target population. members of the target population customer base and/or beneficiaries

o Target population refers to underserved or

less privileged population segments or
regions which have recorded lower
performance in the development priorities
of central or state governments.
• Governing council: Every SSE shall be required
to have a SSE Governing Council to have an
oversight on its functioning.
o Governing Council shall have a balanced
representation and shall comprise of
individuals with expertise in concerned
field.
• Eligible activities: Eligible activities for
demonstrating primacy of Social Impact
include, inter alia:
o Eradicating hunger, poverty, malnutrition
and inequality;
o Promoting education, employability and livelihoods;
o Disaster management, including relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities;
o Protection of national heritage, art and culture etc.

3.4.3. KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS IN FINANCIAL MARKETS

Future Contracts • SEBI has allowed futures contracts on corporate bond indices rated AA+ and above.
on Corporate • Benefits: Enhanced liquidity in the bond market, and Hedging opportunities for investors.
Bond Indices • Corporate Bond is a type of debt security issued by a firm to raise capital.
o Corporate bond index measures the changes in select corporate bonds over a period of
time.

44
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Future Contract is a legal agreement between two parties where both parties agree to buy
and sell a particular asset of specific quantity and at a predetermined price, at a specified
date in future.
Credit Default • SEBI has allowed Alternative
Swaps (CDS) Investment Funds (AIFs) to
participate in CDS.
• AIF refers to any privately
pooled investment fund,
(whether from Indian or
foreign sources), in form of a
trust or a company or a body
corporate or a Limited Liability
Partnership (LLP).
• CDS is a financial derivative
that allows an investor to swap
or offset their credit risk with
that of another investor.
o In this buyer pays an
ongoing premium. In
exchange, seller agrees to
pay security's value and interest payments if a default occurs.
• CDS is used for speculation, hedging or as a form of arbitrage.
AT1 Bonds • AT1 bonds are a type of perpetual bonds having maturity of 100 years and offer relatively
higher rates.
• They are considered quasi-equity instruments with a larger risk of investment.
• They were introduced under Basel accord and banks issue them to shore up their core
capital base to meet the Basel-III norms.
• If the capital ratios of the issuer fall below a certain percentage or in the event of an
institutional failure, the rules allow the issuer to stop paying interest or even write down
these bonds, as happened in the Yes Bank case.
• These bonds are subordinate to all other debt and senior only to equity.
• Other bonds in news:
o Yellow bonds: Comprises funds raised for solar energy generation and upstream
industries and downstream industries associated with it.
o Transition bonds: Comprises funds raised for transitioning to a more sustainable form
of operations, in line with India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions.
Gold Exchange • Gold ETFs inflow has plunged by 90% in 2022 due to rising gold prices, interest rates and
Traded Funds inflation.
(Gold ETFs) • Gold ETF is an ETF to track domestic physical gold price.
o ETF is a basket of securities that trades on an exchange just like a stock does.
• It tracks a particular index, sector, commodity, or other assets.
• Gold ETF are passive investment instruments that are based on gold prices and invest in
gold bullion.
• Backed by physical gold, Gold ETFs are listed and traded on NSE and BSE.
American • Recent data suggests that several Indian Companies have terminated their ADRs and GDRs.
depositary • Depositary Receipt (DR) is an instrument used by domestic companies to raise money
receipt (ADR) outside the country.
and Global o Both GDR and ADR are used to raise funds from foreign market.
depositary o However, ADRs are traded on US stock exchanges while GDRs are traded mostly on
receipt (GDR) European Exchanges.
o Typically, ADRs are bought by retail investors while GDRs are bought by institutional
investors.
• These shares are held by a foreign bank that provides DRs to companies in return for shares.
Follow-on Public • Recently, the Adani group called off its
Offer (FPO) FPO.
• Purpose: To diversify equity base, raise
additional capital for expansion or pay
off debt.
• Types of FPOs:
o Dilutive FPO, i.e., issuance of
additional fresh shares to the public to raise capital.

45
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Non-Dilutive FPO, i.e., issuance of existing private shares by largest shareholders.
• At-the-Market FPO, allowing companies to raise funds on the current market price of the
shares in real-time.

3.5. EXTERNAL SECTOR

3.5.1. WTO: NEW AGREEMENT ON FISHERIES SUBSIDIES
Why in News?
Recently, Switzerland became the
first WTO member to formally
submit its acceptance of the
WTO’s new Agreement on
Fisheries Subsidies.
More about News
• Agreement was adopted
during the 12th Ministerial
Conference of WTO in 2022
held in Geneva, Switzerland
under 'Geneva Package'.
• Acceptances from two-thirds
of WTO members are needed
for the Agreement to come
into effect.

3.5.2. KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS IN EXTERNAL SECTOR

Board of Trade • It was constituted in 2019 by merging Council for Trade Development and Promotion with
Board of Trade.
• Members- Board includes participants from states, union territories, and senior officials
from public and private sectors.
• Function: To advise Government on policy measures connected with the Foreign Trade
Policy in order to achieve the objectives of boosting India’s trade; and provide a platform
to state governments and UTs for articulating state-oriented perspectives on Trade Policy.
US becomes India’s • As per the latest data from Ministry of Commerce, US was India’s top trading partner in
top trading partner 2021-22, surpassing China.
o UAE was the third largest trading partner of India followed by Saudi Arabia, Iraq and
Singapore.
Open Access (OA) • OA is a movement that makes online publications immediately available free of charge
movement and free of most copyright and licensing restrictions.
• It is supported and put into practice by several countries and institutions, as demonstrated
by number of institutional signatories of Budapest Open Access Initiative (BOAI) and
Berlin Declaration on OA to Knowledge.
• UNESCO supports unrestricted OA which promotes the principle of openness, an
essential element of progress.
Reverse flipping • Economic Survey
2022-23 states that
start-ups are
exploring "reverse-
flipping".
• Flipping is the process
of transferring entire
ownership of an
Indian company to an
overseas entity.
o It is generally
accompanied by a transfer of all intellectual property and data owned by an Indian
company.
o It effectively transforms an Indian company into a 100% subsidiary of a foreign entity.

46
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Reverse Flipping is the process of shifting the domicile of those companies back to India
who flipped earlier.
Angel tax • The government has proposed to bring foreign investors under the ambit of the angel tax
which hitherto applied to Indian residents.
• About Angel tax:
o It was introduced in 2012 is levied on the capital raised by startups from angel
investors.
✓ Angel investors are wealthy private investors focused on financing small business
ventures in exchange for equity.
• It aims to deter the generation and use of unaccounted money through the subscription
of shares of a closely held company at a value that is higher than the fair market value of
the firm's shares.
Society for • Recently, Russia has proposed RBI for usage of “The System for Transfer of Financial
Worldwide Messages” (SPFS) as an alternative to SWIFT.
Interbank Financial • SPFS is the Russian equivalent of SWIFT developed in 2014, after the US government
Telecommunication threatened to disconnect Russia from the SWIFT system.
s (SWIFT)

Export-Import Bank • Recently, Minister of Finance announced the setting up of a subsidiary of EXIM Bank at
of India (EXIM Bank) GIFT City in Gujarat.

International IP • India ranked 42nd on International IP Index released by US Chambers of Commerce.

Index • Annual Index evaluates protection of Intellectual Property (IP) rights in 55of world’s
leading economies, together representing around 90% of global GDP.
o U.S topped the index.
• Key Findings for India
47
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Improved enforcement against copyright-infringing content and provides a best-in-
class framework to promote better understanding and utilisation of IP assets.
• Concerns: Dissolution of IP Appellate Board (2021), under-resourced and overstretched
judiciary, limited framework for the protection of biopharmaceutical IP rights etc.

3.6. LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

3.6.1. E-SHRAM PORTAL
Why in news?
e-Shram portal has highlighted the plight of
unorganised/informal sector in India as well as the
sharp social disparities.
About e-Shram Portal
• It was launched by the Union Ministry of
Labour and Employment (MoLE) in 2021 for the
welfare of unorganized sector workers who are
not members of the EPFO or ESIC.
• Objectives of e-Shram Portal
o Creation of a centralized database of all
unorganized workers (UWs) including
Construction Workers, Migrant Workers,
Gig and Platform workers, Street Vendors,
Domestic Workers, Agriculture Workers,
etc., to be seeded with Aadhaar.
o Improve implementation efficiency of the
social security services for the UWs.
o Sharing of information in respect of
registered UWs with various stakeholders
such as Ministries/ Departments/ Boards/
Agencies/ Organisations of the Central &
State Governments through APIs for delivery of various social security and welfare schemes being
administered by them.
o Portability of the social security and welfare benefits to the migrant and construction workers.
o Providing a
comprehensive
database to
Central and
State
Governments
for tackling any
National Crises
like COVID-19 in
future.
• Other features of e-
Shram portal
o Any UW aged
between 16 to
59 is eligible to
register on the
e-Shram portal.
o Universal
Account
Number (UAN)
containing a 12-digit unique number is issued to each UW after registration on e-Shram portal.

48
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o Registration on e-Shram portal is free.
o Accidental Insurance cover of 2 Lacs for registered workers under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha
BimaYojana (PMSBY) and premium for the first year will be borne by MoLE.
✓ The person should be between 18 – 59 years to be eligible for PMSBY through e-Shram
registration.

3.6.2. INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION (ILO)

Why in news?
Recently, ILO’s
Monitor on the World
of Work was
released.
Key Findings
• Number of hours
worked globally
dropped, which
is equivalent to
deficit of 112
million full-time
jobs.
• Informal women workers have been hit harder than their male counterparts.

3.6.3. PERIODIC LABOUR FORCE SURVEY (PLFS)

Why in News?
The National Statistical Office (under the Ministry of Statistics and Implementation) has released 5th annual
PLFS, covering the period from July 2021 to June 2022.

49
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 About PLFS
• It was launched in 2017 with twofold objective of:
o Estimating the key employment and unemployment indicators (viz. Worker Population Ratio (WPR),
Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Unemployment Rate (UR)) in the short time interval of three
months for the urban areas only in the ‘Current Weekly Status’ (CWS).
o To estimate employment and unemployment indicators in both ‘Usual Status’ (principal activity
status + subsidiary economic activity status) and CWS in both rural and urban areas annually.
• PLFS categorizes the workforce into Self-employed, regular wage/salaried workers and casual labourers.

3.7. INNOVATION, SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

3.7.1. VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN
INDIA
Why in News?
National Institute of Transforming India (NITI) Aayog
in its report ‘Transforming Industrial Training
Institutes’ proposed to set-up a separate central
board for recognition of vocational education.
More on News
• The proposed central board will be on the lines
of an education board such as the Central Board
of Secondary Education (CBSE).
About Vocational Education (VE)
• VE is formally known as Vocational Education and
Training (VET) or Career and Technical Education
(CTE).

50
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • It prepares learners for jobs that are based in manual or practical activities, traditionally non-academic
and totally related to a specific trade, occupation or vocation.
• It also has a component of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
o It evaluates and recognises skills and knowledge acquired outside the classroom (informal learning
or learning through work).
o It is a component of PMKVY in India.
New Education Policy (NEP), 2020 on Vocational Education
• The NEP states that “at least 50% of learners” going through the school and higher education system “shall have
exposure to vocational education”.
• Concerted curricular and pedagogical initiatives, including the introduction of contemporary subjects, such as
Artificial Intelligence, Design Thinking, Holistic Health, Organic Living, etc. at relevant stages shall be undertaken
to develop these various important skills in students at all levels.
• Every student will take a fun year-long course, during Grades 6-8, that gives a survey and hands-on experience of
a sampling of important vocational crafts, such as carpentry, electric work, metal work, gardening, pottery
making, etc.
• ‘LokVidya’, i.e., important vocational knowledge developed in India, will be made accessible to students through
integration into vocational education courses.
• MoE will constitute a National Committee for the Integration of Vocational Education (NCIVE).

3.8. AGRICULTURE
3.8.1. FERTILISER SECTOR IN INDIA
Why in News? Related News
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PM-KSK)
launched Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan • Government plans to develop more than 3.25 lakh fertiliser shops
across the country as PM-KSK under Ministry of Chemicals &
Urvarak Pariyojana - One Nation One
Fertilizers.
Fertiliser scheme.
• PM-KSK will help in:
About the scheme o Catering to a wide variety of needs of the farmers and
provide agri-inputs (fertilisers, seeds, implements),
• ONOF aims at marketing fertilisers o Testing facilities for soil, seeds, and fertilisers;
in the country under ‘Bharat’ brand o Generate awareness among farmers;
name. o Provide information regarding various government schemes.
• Under the
scheme, all
subsidised soil
nutrients - urea,
di-ammonium
phosphate (DAP),
Muriate of Potash
(MOP), and NPK -
will be marketed
under the single
brand Bharat.
o The uniform
design of
bags across
the country
will now
mention them
as 'Bharat
Urea', 'Bharat
DAP', 'Bharat
MOP', 'Bharat
NPK' and so
on.
o It is applicable to all fertiliser companies, State Trading Entities and Fertiliser Marketing Entities.
51
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Scheme outlines the specifications of the new packaging for companies-
o The new “Bharat” brand name and PMBJP logo will cover 2/3rdof the front of the fertiliser packet.
o Manufacturing brands can display their name, logo, and other information on the remaining
1/3rdspace.

3.8.2. AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS

Why in News?
Exports of agricultural produce through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development
Authority (APEDA) touched a record high.

3.8.3. KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS IN AGRICULTURE

Breed-Wise • Based on 20thLivestock Census, the report was released by the Union Minister of Fisheries,
Report of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Livestock and • It highlights the significance of upgradation of livestock and stresses on its utility.
Poultry o Livestock as well as poultry birds were counted according to their breeds as recognized by
National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).
o For the first time breed wise data was collected by using digital modes.
• Key highlights of the report
o The Exotic and Crossbred animals contribute nearly 26.5% of the total cattle population
whereas 73.5% are Indigenous and Non-descript cattle.
✓ Census defines “Exotic” cattle as “the animals which have their origin in other
countries”.
• Crossbred Jersey has the highest share in total Exotic/Crossbred cattle and Gir, Lakhimi and
Sahiwal breeds have major contributions in total Indigenous Cattle.
J-Form • Punjab will be the first state in the country to provide “digitized form J” in real-time to farmers
from this Rabi procurement season.
• ‘J form’ is the sale receipt of a farmer’s agricultural produce in mandis (grain market) which acts
as an income proof for a farmer who sells his crop.

52
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Earlier issued manually by arthiyas (commission agents), the J-Forms act as a record of land
under cultivation for wheat and paddy crops. It can be used for raising finance, IT waivers,
subsidy claims, farmers’ insurance etc. and can be stored in DigiLocker.
Tractorisation • The National Council of Applied Related Term
Economic Research’s (NCAER)
• Package of Practice (PoP): PoP refers to process of
report on “Making India a Global
increasing agricultural output by implementing
Powerhouse on Farm Machinery
scientific farming methods in place of conventional
Industry” was recently released.
farming practices.
• The report highlighted that Farm
mechanisation in India is marked by ‘tractorisation’.
o India’s farm equipment market is 7% of the global market, with more than 80% of the value
contribution coming from tractors.
• The report insisted the need to focus on the non-tractor farm machinery development.
Agriculture • Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare signed a MoU with Digital Green enterprise to build
Extension a national level digital extension platform.
System o Platform will host a digital library of curated multi-format multi-lingual content and will
help deliver curated content to farmers on time.
• Agriculture extension system bridges the gap between research labs to a farmer’s field.
• It offers advice and information to help them solve their problems, increase the efficiency of the
family farm, increase production etc..
Climate smart • Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) scientists have developed three climate-smart
varieties of varieties of wheat.
wheat o These varieties are characterised by “mild vernalisation requirement” i.e., need for a certain
minimum period of low winter temperatures for initiation of flowering.
• Three varieties are: HDCSW-18 (officially notified in 2016), HD-3410 and HD-3385.
o HD-3410 (released in 2022), has higher yield potential (7.5 tonnes/hectare) with lower plant
height (100-105 cm).
o Among these, HD-3385 is least lodging-prone and most amenable for early sowing.
• Lodging refers to permanent displacement of aboveground parts of a crop from its upright
position.

3.9. INDUSTRY
3.9.1. TECHNICAL TEXTILES
Why in news? National Technical Textile Mission (NTTM)
Recently the Ministry of Textiles issued two • Launched by: Ministry of Textiles.
guidelines under the Flagship Programme of • Aim: To make India as a global leader in Technical
National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). Textiles and increase the use of technical textiles in
the domestic market.
About the Guidelines • Target: Domestic market size of technical textile to
$ 40-50 Billion by 2024 with average growth rate of
• Two Guidelines included: 15-20% per annum.
o General Guidelines for Enabling of Academic • Focus
Institutes in Technical Textiles- for Private& o Develop usage of technical textiles in various
Public Institutes. flagship missions, programmes.
o General Guidelines for Grant for Internship o To facilitate market development, market
Support in Technical Textiles (GIST). promotion, international collaborations,
• Under Education, Training, and skilling investment promotion.
component of NTTM, goal is to enhance the
level of education and exposure to prospective
Indian Engineers/Professionals in Technical
Textiles.
• General Guidelines for Enabling of Academic
Institutes in Technical Textiles- for Private &
Public Institutes-
o It will enable New Technical Textiles Degree Programme (UG & PG) and updating of existing
conventional degree programmes with new papers of Technical Textiles.
o Funding provision

53
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 ✓ Assistance for introducing full course in technical textiles up to 20 crores in PG course and up
to 10 Crores at UG level.
• General Guidelines for Grant for Internship Support in Technical Textiles (GIST)-
o Grant of up to INR 20,000 per student per month shall be provided to the empanelled companies for
providing internships to [Link] students of relevant Departments/Specializations in Public/ Private
Institutes.

3.10. INFRASTRUCTURE
3.10.1. INLAND WATERWAYS IN INDIA
Why in news? Jal Marg Vikas project (JMVP).
Recently, Prime minister unveiled inland • Implemented by:
waterways projects worth over ₹1000 crore to o Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
o Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) with
increase transport, trade & tourism in eastern
support of the World Bank.
India. • Aims: To develop the stretch between Varanasi to Haldia
More in news (on National Waterway 1) for navigation of large vessels
weighing up to 1500-2000 tonnes.
• Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal in West • Other features:
Bengal was inaugurated under Jal Marg o IWAI came into existence in 1986, primarily for the
Vikas Project with cargo handling capacity development and regulation of inland waterways for
of around over 3 Million Metric Tonnes Per shipping and navigation.
Annum (MMTPA). o Multi-Modal Terminals are a part of Jal Marg Vikas
• Maritime Skill Development Centre for the project (JMVP).
o Haldia MMT is one of the three Multi-Modal Terminals
Northeast was inaugurated in Guwahati.
being constructed on Ganga, 2 other MMTs
• Foundation stone for a ship repair facility constructed in Sahibganj and Varanasi under the
and an elevated road at Pandu Terminal in project.
Guwahati was laid.
• More than 60 community jetties are being constructed along the river Ganga to boost economic activities
and improve the livelihoods of local communities in the region.

54
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Potential of Inland Water Transport (IWT)
• National Waterways Act 2016 declares a total of 111
National Waterways.
• Inland Water Transport in India has only 0.5% of total
transport; compared to 42% in Netherlands, China 8.7%;
USA 8.3% and Europe 7%.
o Road has freight movement around 65% and Rail has
around 27%.
• As per Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 document, cargo
movement on National Waterways is targeted as 200
MMT by 2030.

3.10.2. DIGITAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Why in news?
Bank for International Settlements (BIS) endorsed India’s Data Empowerment Protection Architecture
(DEPA).
About DEPA
• DEPA is a joint public-private effort for an improved data governance approach. It creates a digital
framework that allows users to share their data on their own terms through a third-party entity, Consent
Managers.
• DEPA’s first application has been in the financial sector, for greater inclusion and economic growth.
o It is being tested in the health sector, as well as others.
o It forms the final layer of India Stack, a set of APIs that allows governments, businesses, startups, and
developers to utilise a unique digital infrastructure aimed at presence-less, paperless, and cashless
service delivery.

55
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 About Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) are solutions and systems that enable the provision of essential society-
wide functions and services in public and private sectors.
o This includes digital forms of identification and verification, civil registration, payment (digital
transactions and money transfers), data exchange, and information systems.
o DPI was introduced in India in 2009 when Aadhaar was first launched.

• Digital public goods (DPGs) are types of open-source software, models and standards that countries can
use to operationalise their DPI. Examples of DPGs include India Stack, UPI, Aadhaar etc.
56
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 3.11. KEY REPORTS IN NEWS
3.11.1. FOSTERING EFFECTIVE ENERGY TRANSITION REPORT
• Released by: World Economic Forum (WEF)
• About the report:
o The report uses ‘Energy Transition Index’ to benchmark countries' energy transition progress annually
on the three dimensions of energy triangle and the enabling dimensions for transition (see image).
o Energy transition refers to
shift from fossil-based
systems of energy
production and
consumption to renewable
energy sources like wind
and solar.
• Key Findings of the report
o Energy transition not
keeping pace with growing
climate urgency.
o Lack of access to an
affordable energy supply
has emerged as a key threat
to a just transition.
o Dual diversification (of
supply source and supply
mix) is key to strengthening
countries’ energy security.

3.11.2. GLOBAL RISK REPORT 2023

• Released by: World Economic Forum (WEF).
• About the report:
o Report is published annually based on Global Risks Perception Survey.
o It highlights key risks across five categories: Economic, Environmental, Geopolitical, Societal and
Technological.
o Global risk is defined as possibility of occurrence of an event or condition which, if it occurs, would
negatively impact a significant proportion of global GDP, population, or natural resources.
• Key findings
o Top 5 risks for India are Digital inequality, Geopolitical contest for resources, Cost-of-living crisis, Debt
crises, Natural disasters, and Extreme weather events over short and medium term.
o Cost of living dominates global risks in next 2 years while climate action failure dominates next
decade.
o Technology such as AI, quantum computing and biotechnology, etc. will exacerbate inequalities and
digital divide.

3.11.3. GLOBAL ECONOMIC PROSPECTS REPORT

• Released by: World Bank
• About the report:
o Flagship report (issued twice a year) examines global economic developments and prospects, with a
special focus on emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).
• Key Projections:
o Global GDP Growth: 1.7% in 2023 - third-weakest pace since 1993, overshadowed only by 2009 and 2020
global recessions.
✓ India is expected to grow at 6.6% in 2023.
o Reasons for slowdown: Elevated Inflation, Higher interest rates, reduced investment and disruptions
caused by Russia-Ukraine war.

57
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Any additional adverse shocks could push the global economy into recession.
✓ Recession is a significant, pervasive, and persistent decline in economic activity – at least for two
consecutive quarters of negative GDP for most analysis.

3.11.4. WORLD ECONOMIC SITUATION AND PROSPECTS 2023 REPORT

• Produced by: United
Nations Department of
Economic and Social
Affairs (UN-DESA), in
partnership with UN
Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCTAD)
and five UN regional
economic commissions.
• Key highlights
o COVID-19 pandemic
and war in Ukraine
battered world
economy in 2022.
o World output growth is projected to decelerate.

3.11.5. WORLD ECONOMIC OUTLOOK (WEO)

• Released by: International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• About the report: The IMF releases the WEO twice every year, in April and October, apart from updating
it twice — in January and July.
o Other reports by IMF: Global Financial Stability Report
• Key findings
o World economy to grow 2.9% in 2023.
o Recession risks have subsided, and central banks are making progress in controlling inflation.
o India will stay the world’s fastest growing major economy in 2023 and 2024.
o Growth in India is set to decline from 6.8 percent in 2022 to 6.1 percent in 2023.

3.12. MISCELLANEOUS
Central • A five-member committee, led by V K Paul (member NITI Aayog), is formed by the government
Committee on to review pharma marketing practices.
Pharma o It will examine the provisions government departments have to regulate pharmaceutical
Marketing marketing practices.
o It will also recommend 'legally enforceable’ mechanisms to regulate the marketing
practices.
• Currently, the Universal Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) of 2015 governs
the conduct of pharmaceutical companies on various aspects such as:
• Medical representatives, textual and audio-visual promotional materials, samples, gifts, etc.
Domestic • SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank have continued to remain
Systemically Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs).
Important • D-SIBs are those interconnected entities, whose
Banks (D- failure can impact the whole of the financial system
SIBs) and create instability i.e., they are ‘too big to fail’.
o Concept of D-SIBs was adopted in aftermath of
2008 financial crisis.
o In order to be listed as D-SIB, a bank needs to
have assets that exceed 2 percent of national
GDP.
• RBI first issued the framework for dealing with D-
SIBs in 2014.
o D-SIBs framework requires RBI to disclose the
names of banks designated as D-SIBs starting

58
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 from 2015 and place these banks in appropriate buckets depending upon their Systemic
Importance Scores (SISs).
o Based on bucket in which D-SIB is placed, additional common equity (CE) requirement has
to be applied to it.
Purchasing • According to S&P Global India Manufacturing PMI, India’s manufacturing sector recorded
Manager's highest output in December 2022, since February 2021.
Index (PMI) • PMI is an economic indicator, which is derived after monthly surveys of different companies.
o It shows trends in both manufacturing and services sector.
o PMI is a number from 0 to 100. PMI above 50 represents an expansion, under 50 represents
a contraction, and reading at 50 indicates no change.
o PMI Data is published by Japanese firm Nikkei but compiled and constructed by Markit
Economics.

59
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4. ENVIRONMENT
4.1. CLIMATE CHANGE
4.1.1. ARTICLE 6.2 MECHANISM OF PARIS AGREEMENT
Why in news?
Union government has finalised a list of activities to
facilitate transfer of emerging technologies and mobilise
international finance in India.
More on the news
• Earlier, National Designated Authority for
Implementation of Paris Agreement (NDAIAPA) was
notified.
• NDAIAPA is mandated to decide type of projects that
may take part in international carbon market under
Article 6 mechanisms.
About Article 6
• Article 6 of Paris Agreement allows countries to voluntarily cooperate with each other to achieve
emission reduction targets set out in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
o Under this, countries will be able to transfer carbon credits earned from reduction of greenhouse
gases (GHG) emissions to help countries meet climate targets.
o Article 6.2 creates basis for trading in GHG emission reductions.

4.1.2. INITIATIVES IN NEWS

Initiative Details
Giving to Amplify • Launched by: World Economic Forum
Earth Action • Aim: To help unlock $3 trillion of financing needed each year to reach net-zero, reverse
(GAEA) nature loss and restore biodiversity by 2050.
• Global initiative is to fund and grow new and existing public, private and philanthropic
partnerships (PPPPs) and is supported by more than 45 partners (including India’s HCL
Technologies).
Glasgow Financial • According to a report, GFANZ members are continuing to finance expansion of coal, oil and
Alliance for Net fossil gas industries.
Zero (GFANZ) • GFANZ is the world’s largest coalition of financial institutions committed to transitioning
global economy to net-zero greenhouse gas emission.
• Aim: To coordinate efforts across all sectors of the financial system to accelerate the
transition to a net-zero global economy.
• Launched in 2021 by UN Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance and COP26
presidency, in partnership with UNFCCC Race to Zero campaign.
• It has over 550 members from 50 jurisdictions.
Global Climate • Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton announced GCRF in partnership with Self
Resilience Fund Employed Women’s Association (SEWA).
(GCRF) o GCRF will work to tackle challenges faced due to rising temperatures due to climate
change.
• SEWA is the single largest women worker’s Central trade union in India founded in 1972,
in Ahmedabad by Elaben Bhatt.
o It has been working to improve the livelihoods of poor self-employed women
workers from informal economy through various initiatives using technology,
technical training, etc.
International • India hosted 9th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable in association with IEF
Energy Forum (IEF) in Bengaluru.
o Theme for this roundtable was “Mapping new pathways for energy
security, inclusive growth and energy transitions”.

60
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • IEF is world's largest international organization of energy ministers from 72 countries
(including India) and includes both producing and consuming nations.
o Member countries are signatories to IEF Charter, which outlines framework of global
energy dialogue through this inter -governmental organization.
o HQ: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Inclusive Forum on • Inaugural meeting of IFCMA (India also participated) was held recently.
Carbon Mitigation • IFCMA is a new forum by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Approaches (OECD).
(IFCMA) • Aim: To help improve global impact of emissions reduction efforts through better data
and information sharing, evidence-based mutual learning etc.
• Objective of IFCMA is to take stock of mitigation policy instruments that countries use to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and estimate emissions that these instruments relate to.
• It will also develop a methodology to assess effects of mitigation policies on emission
reductions at the country level.
Environment and • First G20 ECSWG meeting concluded in Bengaluru with all G20 countries.
Climate • Group has committed to work towards objective of priority areas of:
Sustainability o Arresting Land Degradation
Working Group o Accelerating Ecosystem Restoration and Enriching Biodiversity
(ECSWG) o Promoting a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Blue Economy and
o Encouraging Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy
• ECSWG aims to collectively define a new development paradigm that supports stable and
sustainable climate, environment, and biodiversity.

4.2. POLLUTION
4.2.1. FLY ASH UTILIZATION
Why in News? Key Highlights of 2021 Notification
Recently the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and • Introduction of Polluter Pays Principle with a
Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released notification on fly fine for non-achievement of targets.
• Role of CPCB to review ways to utilise fly ash.
ash utilization.
• Earlier, a 4-year cycle was present for
More on news utilisation of fly ash. This notification reduced
it to 3 years.
• The amendments are made under the power
conferred on the central government under Environmental Protection Act 1986.
• There have been various notifications for Fly Ash Utilization. Starting with 1999, the most recent ones
being in the year 2021 and 2020.
Key Highlights of the Amendments
• Compliance of fly ash utilization targets extended to new thermal power plants established on or after
the publication of fly ash utilization rules 2021.
○ New Thermal Power Plants (TPP) to achieve 100% fly ash utilization in a time period of 4 years.
○ It is similar to the targets of thermal power plants operating at 60% of their capacity which is to be
calculated from 1st April 2022.
• Definition of legacy ash: All ash stored in ash ponds/dykes other than currently operational ones shall be
treated as legacy ash.
• Legacy ash stored with the TPPs have to be fully utilized within a period of 10 years.
○ This period is to be calculated from 1st April 2022 and such utilization is over and above the fixed
utilization targets for that year.
• Reclamation activity allowed in solar and wind power plants as per the guidelines issued by the Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
○ Earlier it was only allowed in green belts and plantations.
• Time period for carrying out stabilization and reclamation activities increased to three years (earlier only
one year).
○ A certificate needs to be obtained from CBCP for the same.
• Permits existing TPPs (earlier only newly established TPPs were allowed) to set up a temporary ash pond
of the size (0.1 hectare per MegaWatt).

61
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 ○ This provision is not applicable to TPPs established before 3rd November 2009.
• Competent Authority for Certification: CPCB along with Central Electricity Board shall provide guidelines
for safe management and certification of all existing and new, operational and reclaimed and stabilized
ash ponds.
○ This is to be done within three months from the date of publication of ash utilization policy 2021.
○ 2021 rules did not clarify which ash ponds were to be certified which is now being clarified by this
amendment.
• Ban on establishing or designating any new operational ash ponds by any coal and lignite based TPPs
from.
• Mandatory usage of fly ash based construction material for both public and private construction lying
within a radius of 300 Kms from a coal or lignite based TPPs.,
○ This is to be at a rate not more than the price specified by
✓ Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
✓ Concerned Public Works Department (PWD)
✓ Price of alternative products, if not mentioned in the Schedule of Rates.

4.2.2. 1ST ALL INDIA ANNUAL STATES' MINISTERS CONFERENCE

Why in news?
1st All India Annual States' Ministers Conference
on "Water Vision@2047" was recently held in
Bhopal.
More about news
• Following initiatives were launched during it:
o National Framework on Reuse of Treated
Wastewater.
o National Framework for Sedimentation
Management.

62
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 ✓ Sedimentation management enables optimal utilization of reservoir capacity. It focuses on
Adaptive structural and functional measures.
o Best practices under Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain
✓ ‘Catch the rain’ aims to nudge Rainwater Harvesting Structures with people’s active participation.
o Inauguration of a sub-portal of ‘Jal Itihas’ under WRIS
portal.
✓ Jal Itihas showcases selected water heritage
structures more than 100 years old.
✓ India- Water Resources Information System
(WRIS) provides a single window solution for all
water resources data and standardized
information.
o ‘Water Vision Park’ was proposed to be established to
promote idea of afforestation to achieve goal of
water conservation.
o Also, key features of Water and Allied Resources
Information and Management (WARMIS) were
highlighted like Unified data repository, Intelligent
Insight into data etc.
• These initiatives will bring in synergies between different
government programmes /schemes in terms of planning, process, and implementation.
Related news
Sponge City
• Recently, Urban flooding seen in Auckland and sponge city concept can avoid such future disasters.
• Sponge city: A city that is designed to passively absorb, clean, and use rainfall in an ecologically friendly way that
reduces dangerous and polluted runoff.
o In early 2000s, Chinese architect Kongjian Yu created the concept of “sponge city”.
o Concept incorporates green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavements to absorb and filter water.
River Cities Alliance (RCA)
• DHARA 2023 (Driving Holistic Action for Urban Rivers), annual meeting of RCA members, was held.
o DHARA provides a platform to co-learn and discuss solutions for managing local water resources.
• RCA is a dedicated platform for river cities to ideate, discuss and exchange information for sustainable
management of urban rivers.
o It focuses on three broad themes- Networking, Capacity Building and Technical Support.
• RCA includes cities from both Ganga basin and non- Ganga basin states.
• RCA is a successful partnership of Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Rejuvenating Watershed for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development (REWARD) scheme
• Officers from Sub-Saharan countries will visit Karnataka to learn from its experience of REWARD Scheme.
• REWARD Scheme was launched to help national and state institutions adopt improved watershed management
practices.
o Scheme is an agreement between World Bank, Government of India, Karnataka and Odisha.
• Watershed is geographical area drained by a watercourse and is considered an useful planning unit for integrated
water and land resource management.
• Effective watershed management can help enhance livelihoods in rainfed areas, while building a more resilient
food system.

4.2.3. TRADITIONAL WATER CONSERVATION

Why in news?
Traditional Water conservation paper was released by Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister.
More on the news
• Paper highlights need for revival of water conservation in India as
o Annual water availability per person has decreased from 5200 cubic metres in 1951 to 1486 cubic
metres in 2021.
o India is now top groundwater extractor in world, accounting for 25% of the worldwide total.
o Over 70% of our water sources are contaminated.

63
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.2.4. E-WASTE (MANAGEMENT) AMENDMENT RULES, 2023
Why in news?
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEF&CC) has notified E-waste (management) Rules
2023, in the exercise of the powers conferred by the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Key Provisions mentioned in E-waste (management)
Rules 2023
• Seek amendment to E-waste (management) Rules
2022 which shall come into force from the 1st April,
2023.
• Adds two substances to the exemptions listed in
Schedule II of E-waste (management) Rules
2022 as follows:
o Cadmium and lead in Solar panels/cells,
solar Photovoltaic panels/cells/ modules.
o Lead in Medical Devices (with the
exception of all implanted and infected
products).
• Every producer shall provide the detailed
information on the constituents of the
equipment and their components or
consumables or parts or spares.
o This information would be provided along
with a declaration of conformance to the
reduction of hazardous substances
provisions as and when required by the Central Pollution Control Board.

64
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 4.2.5. OTHER POLLUTANTS IN NEWS
Pollutant Detail
Vinyl • Cash of a train carrying toxic chemicals including Vinyl Chloride in Ohio, US has sparked health and
Chloride environmental concerns.
• Vinyl chloride is a carcinogenic gas mostly used to make Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). It is associated
with increased risk of liver cancer and oral cancers.
• Burning Vinyl Chloride releases phosgene and hydrogen chloride (HCL) into the air.
o Phosgene is a highly toxic, colourless gas with a strong odour that can cause vomiting and
breathing troubles. It was used as a chemical weapon in World War I.
• HCL is a gas with strong odour and causes skin, eye, nose and throat irritation.
Uranium • A recent report by Central Groundwater Board highlighted that 12 states have uranium levels
beyond permissible limits in their groundwater.
o Safe levels prescribed by World Health Organization is 30 parts per billion (ppb).
• Punjab is worst-affected state followed by Haryana.
• Causes of uranium contamination: Natural uranium content in aquifer rocks, overexploitation of
groundwater, bicarbonates used to bring uranium out of source rocks etc.
• Adverse health Effects of uranium contamination: Impaired renal function and kidney disease,
bone toxicity etc.
Bisphenol A • Recent study has
(BPA) highlighted
Chemical accelerated
breeding in
mosquitoes due
to presence of
Bisphenol A in
urban drains.
• Bisphenol A or
BPA is a chemical
produced in large
quantities for use
primarily in
production of
polycarbonate
plastics.
o It is
commonly
used in
shatterproof
windows,
eyewear,
water
bottles, and epoxy resins.
• It can leach into food and beverages as well, exposing adults to ill effects of it such as high blood
pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
o It can disrupt the endocrine system by interfering with hormones and affects brain and
prostate gland of foetuses, infants and children.
Mercury in • Gabon, Jamaica, and Sri Lanka unite to remove mercury from hazardous skin lightening products.
skin • Minamata Convention on Mercury has set a limit of 1mg/1kg (1ppm) for mercury in skin lightening
lightening products.
products o Mercury is a shiny, silver-white metal, referred to as quicksilver, and is liquid at room
temperature.
o Mercury is a hidden and toxic ingredient in skin lightening creams.
• Exposure to mercury may cause: irritation to the eyes, skin, and stomach; cough, chest pain, or
difficulty breathing, insomnia, irritability, indecision, headache, weakness or exhaustion, and
weight loss.
• Other heavy metal in cosmetics: Aluminium compounds are colorants in lip glosses, and nail
polishes; Lead in lipsticks etc.

65
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.3. BIODIVERSITY
4.3.1. ASIAN WATERBIRD CENSUS (AWC)
Why in news?
Asian Waterbird Census (AWC)
2023 is being conducted in India.
About AWC
• An annual event, it is a citizen
science programme
supporting conservation and
management of wetlands
and waterbirds.
o AWC is part of global
International Waterbird
Census (IWC)
coordinated by Wetland
International (WI). It
was initiated in 1987 in
Indian subcontinent.
• In India, AWC is jointly
coordinated by Bombay
Natural History Society
(BNHS) and WI (global not-
for-profit organisation).
o BNHS, formed in 1883, is
a non-governmental
organization engaged in conservation of biodiversity research.
o BNHS has been designated as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by Department
of Science & Technology.

4.3.2. FIRST SYNCHRONIZED VULTURE SURVEY

Why in News?
Recently, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka began the first
synchronised vulture survey in select regions of the Western
Ghats.
More about News
• A tripartite coordination meeting in the Mudumalai Tiger
Reserve in Tamil Nadu, decided to organise the first
synchronised vulture survey in the Western Ghats to avoid
duplications.
• It will be conducted after dividing the
Wayanad landscape, where the bird
species are frequently sighted, into 10
locations.
o The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary,
contiguous to the tiger reserves of
Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka
and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu, is the
lone region where vultures thrive in
the State.

66
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Related information
Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre (VCBC), Pinjore
• Recently, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change paid his maiden visit to vulture conservation
and breeding centre, Jatayu, situated in Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary near Pinjore in Panchkula.
• VCBC is a joint project of the Haryana Forest Department and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), a NGO.
o It is a collaborative initiative to save the three species of vultures, the White-backed, Long-billed and Slender-
billed, from looming extinction.
o The funding for running this centre is also received from international conservation bodies like UK Royal
Society for Protection of Birds and the Darwin Initiative of Survival of Species.
• Other such initiatives have also been taken like “vulture restaurants” in Gadchiroli, Nashik and Thane circles in
the Maharashtra, where carcasses free of diclofenac are provided.
Diclofenac
• Diclofenac is toxic to vultures even in small doses, causing kidney failure.
• It results in uric acid accumulating in the birds' blood and crystallizing around their internal organs—a condition
called visceral gout.

4.3.3. MANGROVES ECOSYSTEM

Why in news?
Union Budget 2023-24 announced MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes)
scheme.
More about news
• MISHTI scheme aims at mangrove plantation along the coastline and on salt pan lands.
• Mangrove plantations will be taken up through the convergence of job guarantee scheme MGNREGS,
Compensatory Afforestation Fund, and other funding sources.

67
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Related news: Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystem (SAIME) Initiative
• New initiative of sustainable shrimp cultivation provides hope for mangrove restoration in Sundarbans.
• SAIME is a community-based pilot project in West Bengal under which farmers are planting mangrove trees around
shrimp ponds.
o Generally, mangrove forests are cleared to cultivate shrimps in the areas.
o It is being conceived by Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS), Global Nature Fund and others.

4.3.4. FIFTH INTERNATIONAL MARINE PROTECTED AREAS CONGRESS

Why in news?
Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) concluded in Vancouver, Canada.

68
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 About IMPAC5
• A global forum that brings together ocean conservation professionals and high-level officials to inform,
inspire and act on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
o Aims to protect 30 percent of global ocean by 2030.
o Supported Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, “Our Ocean, Our Future, Our
Responsibility” Call for Action and Ocean Conservation Pledge.
o Was jointly hosted by Host First Nations (Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh) together with
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
(CPWS) and Province of British Columbia.
• MPA is a section of ocean where a government has placed limits on human activity.
o Currently, an estimated 7.65% of ocean is covered by MPAs.
o Important MPAs (coastal or marine) of India are as given in image.
✓ They are notified as either ‘national parks’ or ‘wildlife sanctuaries’ under Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972.
Related news: Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Framework
• Country’s first Marine Spatial Planning framework was launched in Puducherry.
• MSP Framework, part of a pact under Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Initiative, was launched to balance growth
alongside sustainable management of ocean resources and coastal environment preservation.
o Framework is a collaboration between Norwegian Environment Agency, Ministry of Earth Sciences, National
Centre for Coastal Research and UT of Puducherry.
• MSP is a process of analysing and allocating spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas
to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives.
o Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO help countries by providing a step-by-step guide
for ecosystem-based MSP.

4.3.5. DRAFT GEO-HERITAGE SITES AND GEO-RELICS (PRESERVATION AND

MAINTENANCE) BILL
Why in news?
The draft Bill was published by Ministry of Mines in December 2022, provides for declaration, preservation,
protection and maintenance of geo-heritage sites and geo-relics of national importance for geological
studies, education, research etc.

69
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Key Highlights of the Draft Bill
• Authorising Central Government to:
o Declare a geo-heritage site to be of
national importance.
o Acquire area under a geo-heritage
site under provisions of Right to
Fair Compensation and
Transparency in Land Acquisition,
Rehabilitation and Resettlement
Act, 2013.
o Declare area around each geo-
heritage site as prohibited area
and regulated area.
• Penalties for destruction, removal,
defacement, misuse of geo-heritage sites and geo relics.
About Geo-heritage sites
• Sites of rare and unique geological and geomorphologic significance having geomorphological,
mineralogical, petrological, paleontological, and stratigraphic significance including caves, natural rock-
sculptures etc.
• Geo-relics are any relic or material of geological significance or interest like sediments, rocks, minerals,
meteorites or fossils.
• Geological Survey of India (GSI) has declared 32 geo-heritage sites, including Fossil Parks (e.g. Siwalik
Fossil Park, Himachal Pradesh); Geological Marvels (e.g. Lonar Lake, Maharashtra), Rock Monuments
(e.g. Peninsular Gneiss, Karnataka) etc.
o GSI is an attached office under Ministry of Mines.

4.3.6. PROTECTED AREAS IN NEWS

Protected Area Details
Keoladeo National • Rajasthan has proposed to construct a zoo inside this park popularly known as Bharatpur
Park bird sanctuary.
• Location: Bharatpur in Rajasthan
• Other Important features:
o A Ramsar as well as a World Heritage Site.
o Due to its strategic location in the middle of Central Asian migratory flyway and
presence of water, large congregations of ducks, geese, coots, pelicans and waders
arrive in the winter.
o Wetlands of Keoladeo are not natural, they are dependent on monsoon and on water
pumped in from outside.
• Forest type: Dry deciduous type, woodlands, grasslands, wetlands & woodland swamps.
• Fauna and Flora: Some 364 species of birds, including rare Siberian crane, pelicans, eagles,
wagtails, spotted bill duck, white breasted kingfisher, moor hen, painted stork, etc.
Kawal Tiger reserve • More than 340 birds of different species (including rare peregrine falcon) enumerated in
water bodies of Kawal Tiger Reserve during the Asian Water Bird Census 2023.
• Geographical location and other Important features: Located in the Telangana, forming
part of the Deccan peninsula-central highlands.
o Nestled in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges.
o Have linkages with the Tadoba-Andhari (Maharashtra) and Indravati (Chhattisgarh)
tiger reserves.
• River: Godavari
• Forest type: Dense forests, grasslands, open areas, rivers, streams and water bodies.
• Fauna and Flora: Nilgai, chinkara, black buck, sambar, spotted deer, wild dog etc. Teak,
Bamboo, Mahua etc.
Saman Bird • There has been a decline in the number of migratory bird species at Saman Bird sanctuary.
sanctuary • Geographical location and other Important features: Located in Mainpuri district of Uttar
Pradesh.
• Other Important features:

70
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o A Ramsar site.
o A seasonal oxbow lake on the Ganges floodplain and is heavily reliant on south-
westerly monsoon.
o Sanctuary regularly provides refuge to over 50,000 waterbirds and is particularly
important as a wintering site for many migrants.
• Fauna: Vulnerable species including sarus crane (Grus antigone) and greater spotted eagle
(Aquila clanga).

4.3.7. SPECIES IN NEWS

Species Details
Indian Star Tortoise • A recent study has revealed that genetic diversity of the species as well as habitat has
(Geochelone elegans) suffered major losses because of rampant illegal trade.
• Protection Status:

• Characteristics:
o Have distinct star-like markings on the shell to help this tortoise more easily blend
in with its surroundings.
o Popular in the world's trade in exotic pets due to attractive markings on its shell.
• Habitat: Found in dry lowlands of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Malabar Tree toad
• Malabar Tree toad found in Mollem National Park.
o Mollem National Park is located in Sanguem taluk in Goa close to the border with
Karnataka.
o This park also has several temples dating back to the Kadamba Dynasty.
• Protection Status:

• Characteristics:
o Believed to be the only toad to dwell on high canopies.
o It finds mention in the updated checklist on Indian Amphibians released by the
Zoological Survey of India(ZSI).
• Habitat: Found in a forest along the western ghats in wet hollows.
Noble’s Helen Butterfly • Noble’s Helen, a swallowtail butterfly disappearing from its previously known ranges
has been sighted in India for the first site.
• The species was recorded at Namdapha National Park of Arunachal Pradesh.
o Park is named after Namdapha river that flows in a North-South direction of Park.
• Butterflies are considered vital indicators representing state of biodiversity and key
ecosystem functions.
• Distribution: Myanmar, Yunnan and Hubai regions of China, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam
and Thailand.
Omorgus Khandesh • Omorgus Khandesh is a new beetle species, belonging to Trogidae family, discovered
from Western Ghats in India.
o Beetles of this group are sometimes called hide beetles as they tend to cover their
body under soil and hide.
• Beetle is important for forensic science as it helps detect the time of death of an
animal or human.
• It is necrophagous (feeds on dead animal flesh) and is, therefore, also called a keratin
beetle.
Rhododendrons • As per Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas are home to
more than one-third of all types of rhododendrons found in India.
• Rhododendron, meaning rose tree in Greek, is a genus of flowering plants. It is native
to temperate regions of Asia, North America, and Europe.
o It is considered an indicator species for climate change.
o Habitat range: Subtropical and temperate to subalpine and alpine ecosystems.

71
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Health benefits: Prevention and treatment of diseases associated with heart,
dysentery, diarrhoea, etc.

4.3.8. OTHER RELATED NEWS

News Details
Wildlife • Also Known as Rhino Bond, WCB is a five-year $150m sustainable development bond, to
Conservation Bond protect and increase black rhino populations in two protected areas in South Africa.
(WCB) • WCB is an outcome-based World Bank structured bond that channels private capital to
finance conservation activities.
• Together with financing from Global Environment Facility (GEF), WCB transfers project
risk from donors to investors.
o It is part of GEF’s Blended Finance initiative that shows how innovative finance can
work to combat global environmental degradation.
Nature Risk Profile • UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and S&P Global have launched Nature Risk Profile.
(NRP) • NRP is aimed at enabling financial sector to measure and address nature-related risk by
providing scientifically robust and actionable analytics on nature impacts and
dependencies.
o Its methodology is based on Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF),
adopted in December 2022.
o GBF includes a target for governments to take legal, administrative or policy
measures to encourage and enable businesses to regularly monitor, assess, and
transparently disclose their risks, dependencies and impacts on biodiversity.
Government • The Centre has exempted road, rail, and transmission line projects from having to deposit
modified wildlife 2% and 0.5% of total project cost towards cost of Wildlife Management Plan (WMP) and
fund rules for key Soil and Moisture Conservation Plan (SMCP).
infra projects o WMP and SMCP are prepared in accordance with conditions stipulated by Ministry of
Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• Earlier, MoEF&CC made it mandatory for all projects to deposit this cost for obtaining final
forest clearance under Forest Conservation Act (FCA) 1980.
o Now cost for WMP and SMCP will be proportionate to extent of forest land involved
instead of total project cost.
• FCA regulates deforestation in the country. It was enacted after State Governments failure
resulted in diversion of forest land without any regard to environmental consideration.
o It prohibits felling of forests for any non-forestry use without prior clearance by the
central government.
o Clearance process includes seeking consent from local forest rights-holders and from
wildlife authorities.
World Wetlands • The day is celebrated every year on 2nd February to create awareness about conservation,
Day, 2023 significance and the role of wetlands in the protection of biodiversity.
• Theme “It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration”.
• With 75 Ramsar sites covering over 13 lakh Hectares, India has the largest number of
Wetlands in South Asia.
Turnersuchus • Palaeontologists have discovered fossils of the ancient ‘marine crocodile Turnersuchus
hingleyae hingleyae’, which is the only complete thalattosuchian of its age.
(Thalattosuchian) o Thalattosuchian are ancient cousins of modern-day crocodiles.
• Its age dates back to the early Jurassic, Pliensbachian period, which was about 185 million
years ago.
• As per Palaeontologists, they first appeared in the Triassic and survived the end-Triassic
mass extinction.
Dickinsonia • An alleged fossil discovered near Bhopal about 2 years ago and thought to be of an extinct
Dickinsonia turned out to be an impression of a decayed beehive
• Dickinsonia is considered to be Earth’s oldest animal, dating back 570 million years ago (late
Ediacaran period).
o It is an extinct genus of a basal animal (animals which have radial symmetry in their
body plans).
o It is considered an integral links between early, simple organisms and then explosion
of life in Cambrian Period that was around 541 million years ago.
o Dickinsonia has been found in Australia, Russia, Ukraine, China.

72
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 4.4. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
4.4.1. LARGE DAMS IN INDIA
Why in news?
A new study by
United Nations
highlighted that
around
3,700 dams in
India will lose 26
per cent of their
total storage by
2050 due to
accumulation of
sediments.
More about news
• The study by
the United
Nations
University Institute on Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) shows that large dams in 150
countries will lose 26 per cent of their total storage by 2050 due to sediment trapped in them.
o Trapped sediment has already robbed roughly 50,000 large dams worldwide of an estimated 13 to 19
per cent of their combined original storage capacity.
• Earlier in 2015, Central Water Commission had reported that among 141 large reservoirs which are over 50
years old, one quarter had lost at least 30 per cent of their initial storage capacity.

4.4.2. INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TRANSHIPMENT PORT (ICTP)

Why in News? Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Waterways has invited bids for the ₹41,000- (MoEF&CC) gave environmental clearance for the Rs
72,000 crore development project on Great Nicobar Island.
crore mega International Container
• The project is to be implemented in three phases over the
Transhipment Port (ICTP) at Great Nicobar. It next 30 years.
is being planned for the Galathea Bay of Great • The project includes proposals of a greenfield city, ICTP, a
Nicobar Island. greenfield international airport, a power plant, and a
More on News township for the personnel who will implement the project.

• ICTP being planned is part of the holistic development of Great Nicobar Island.
• It will be completed in four phases. Phase 1 will create a handling capacity of 4 million TEUs, increasing to
16 million TEUs in the ultimate stage of development.
o A twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) is an approximate unit of measure used for cargo containers.
• Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (Kolkata-based) is the nodal agency for the implementation.
• Public Private Partnership (PPP) will be encouraged for this project via Landlord model.
o Under Landlord Port model, the port authority acts as regulatory body and as landlord, while port
operations (especially cargo handling) are carried out by private companies.

73
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.4.3. CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Why in news?
United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) India launched a campaign to drive
inclusive circular economy.
More on the news
• It is launched in partnership with
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and
will focus on:
o End-to-end management of plastic
waste by promoting segregation of
waste at source and collection of
segregated waste.
o Setting up Material Recovery
Facilities (MRFs) or Swachhata
Kendras for recycling all kinds of
plastic waste along the value chain.
o Social Inclusion of 20,000 Safai Saathis or waste pickers through access to government welfare
schemes and linkages etc.
o Building capacities of Urban Local Bodies for adopting MRFs model for plastic and dry waste
management.
• Initiative is a scale-up of existing partnership under UNDP’s flagship Plastic Waste Management
Programme to develop a sustainable model for plastic waste management in India.
o It promotes collection, segregation, and recycling of all plastics to move towards a circular economy.

74
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • An alternative to current linear economy, circular economy is a model of production and consumption,
which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and
products as long as possible to:
o Extend life cycle of products.
o Reduce waste to a minimum by creating further value.

4.4.4. ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG)

Why in news?
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed Framework on ESG (Environmental, Social and
Governance) Disclosures, Ratings and Investing.
More on the news
• Proposed ESG disclosures by listed entities, ESG Ratings in securities market and ESG Investing by Mutual
Funds will facilitate balance between transparency, simplification and ease of doing business in ESG
domain.
• Key provisions of proposed framework

ESG • Updating Business

Disclosures Responsibility and
Sustainability Reporting
(BRSR) to incorporate
missing Key Performance
Indicators KPIs in BRSR core.
o BRSR establish links
between financial
results of a business
with its ESG
performance.
• Mandating reasonable
assurance of KPIs in BRSR
core through glide path approach.
• Introduce a limited set of ESG disclosures for supply chain.

ESG Ratings • Inclusion of 15 ESG parameters with an Indian context by ESG Rating Providers (ERPs) in ratings.
o This includes Indian standards like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, more
comprehensive gender diversity, etc.
• ERPs also provide Core ESG rating based on information/reports that are assured/audited/verified.

ESG • Asset Management Companies (AMCs)/Mutual Funds should provide better clarity on 'in favor' or
Investing 'against' votes cast on resolutions due to any ESG reason.
• To mitigate mis-selling and Greenwashing, an ESG scheme should invest at least 65% of its asset
under management (AUM) in companies reporting on comprehensive BRSR and providing
assurance on BRSR Core disclosures.

About ESG
• ESG is a framework that helps stakeholders understand how an organization is managing risks and
opportunities related to environmental, social, and governance criteria.
o Environmental criteria consider how a company performs as a steward of nature.
o Social criteria examine how it manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers,
communities where it operates etc.
o Governance deals with a company’s leadership, audits, internal controls, shareholder rights etc.
• In 2021, SEBI issued new sustainability reporting requirements under Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Report (BRSR).
o BRSR aims to establish links between financial results of a business with its ESG performance.
o BRSR was made mandatory for top 1,000 listed entities (by market capitalisation) from 2022–23.
• BRSR seeks disclosure from listed entities on their performance against nine principles of ‘National
Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct’ (NGBRCs).

75
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • International
Financial
Services
Centres
Authority has
also issued a
framework for
disclosure by
Fund
Management
Entities for ESG
Schemes.

Related news: Green Debt Securities (GDS).

International Organization of Securities Commissions
• In exercise of powers conferred under SEBI Act, 1992, (IOSCO)
SEBI (Issue and Listing of Non- Convertible Securities)
• An international body that brings together
(Amendment) Regulations, 2023 amends 2021
world's securities regulators and is recognized as
regulations to expand the definition of scope of Green
global standard setter for securities sector.
Debt Securities (GDS).
• SEBI is a member of IOSCO Board.
o The move will help align extant framework for GDS
with updated Green Bond Principles (GBP)
recognised by IOSCO.
• Green debt security defined as a debt security issued for raising funds to be utilised for projects like renewable and
sustainable energy, clean transportation, sustainable waste management etc.
• Concepts of blue, yellow and transition bonds were also incorporated under GDS.
o Blue bonds: Funds raised for sustainable water management including clean water and water recycling, and
sustainable maritime sector including shipping, fishing, ocean energy and mapping etc.
o Yellow bonds: Funds raised for solar energy generation and upstream industries and downstream industries
associated with it.
o Transition bonds: Funds raised for transitioning to a more sustainable form of operations, in line with India’s
Intended Nationally Determined Contributions.

4.4.5. ETHANOL BLENDING

Why in News?
Recently, Petrol blended with 20% ethanol was
rolled out at select petrol pumps in 11 states and
union territories.
More in News
• At present, 10% ethanol is blended in petrol
(10% ethanol, 90% petrol) and the government
is looking to double this quantity by 2025.
o In June 2022, India achieved an average
blending rate of 10% ethanol in petrol.
• In the first phase, 15 cities will be covered and
in the next two years it will be expanded
throughout the country.
What is ethanol Blending?
• Ethanol-blended petrol primarily is a biofuel
that is obtained from an organic source like
sugarcane, maize, wheat, etc
o Since it is plant-based, it is considered to be a renewable fuel.
• The ‘National Policy on Biofuels’ notified by the Government in 2018 envisaged an indicative target of 20%
ethanol blending in petrol by year 2030.

76
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o However, the
target of 20%
ethanol
blending (E20)
was advanced
from 2030 to
2025-26.
• The Oil Marketing
Companies are to procure ethanol from domestic sources and blends ethanol at its terminals.
o Government has notified administered price of ethanol since 2014.
o Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) is the nodal department for promotion of fuel
grade ethanol producing distilleries in the country.
Related news
Methanol blended Diesel (MD15)
• Demo-run of Vessel powered by Methanol blended Diesel (MD15) named SB Gangadhar in Guwahati, Assam was
held in run-up to India Energy Week 2023 (IEW 2023).
o IEW 2023, first major event under India's G20 Presidency, follows PM’s pledge at COP26 to cut India's emissions
to net-zero by 2070.
o IEW 2023 is held under Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
• Methanol (CH3OH), also known as wood alcohol, is a low carbon
hydrogen carrier fuel produced from high ash coal, agricultural
residue, CO2 from thermal power plants and natural gas.
o Has properties similar to ethanol.
o Used in various products, including plastics, paints, cosmetics etc.
• Significance of Methanol economy for India
o Blending of 15% methanol in gasoline can result in at least 15%
reduction in import of gasoline/crude oil.
o Would bring down GHG emissions by 20% in terms of particulate
matter, NOx, and SOx.
o Although slightly lower in energy content than petrol and diesel,
methanol can replace these fuels in transport sector, energy
sector and retail cooking.
o Cost to convert vessels to run on methanol is significantly less
than other alternative fuel conversions.
Global International Biofuel Alliance (GIBA)
• GIBA was launched by India during India Energy Week 2023.
• GIBA will help create a favourable ecosystem for promoting development and deployment of biofuels with key
stakeholders including US, Brazil, EU, IEA etc. as a clean mobility alternative under India’s G20 Presidency.
• Biofuel is defined as liquid, solid, or gaseous fuel produced by conversion of biomass such as bioethanol from sugar
cane or corn, charcoal or woodchips, and biogas from anaerobic decomposition of waste.

4.4.6. STANDARDS AND LABELING PROGRAM (SLP) OF BUREAU OF ENERGY

EFFICIENCY (BEE)
Why in news?
Ceiling fans have come under the ambit of mandatory
star labelling of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
About Standards and Labeling Program
• Launched in 2006, under Energy Conservation Act,
2001.
• Under it, a Star Rating was introduced on
appliances for visual representation of appliance’s
efficiency, i.e.:
o Lowest energy consumption appliances having
highest star and highest energy consumption
having the least star.

77
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o It is mandatory for several appliances including Frost Free and Direct Cool Refrigerator, LED Lamps,
Room AC (Variable and Fixed speed), Color TV, Refrigerators, TFL, Stationary Storage Type Electric
Water Heater etc.

4.4.7. ORGANIC FARMING CERTIFICATION

Why in News?
Ministry of Commerce and Industry has begun adopting additional onsite
measures to check field-level irregularities in organic farming certification.
More about news
• This includes verification of organisations that certify organic farming.
• The development follows “various irregularities being observed in the certification activities”.
Benefits of Organic Farming
• On Environment: Prohibits Use of Harmful Pesticides; Maintains a Healthy Soil; Reduces Erosion; Provides
Cleaner Water; Stimulates Biodiversity.
• On Farmers: Reduces the input cost of farmers; Attract more customers.
• For Consumers: No health risk; Higher levels of vitamins, minerals, healthy fatty acids and phytonutrients.

4.4.8. NANO UREA

Why in news?
Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers has inaugurated
the IFFCO Nano Urea Liquid Plants at Aonla and Phulpur in
Uttar Pradesh.
More on news
• These two plants would expand the current production
capacity of nano urea.
• At present, the capacity of nano-urea production is over
50 million bottles per year.
• There is no government subsidy on nano urea and hence
there will be huge savings for the government.
About nano fertiliser
• Nanofertilizers are defined as materials in the nanometer scale, usually in the form of nanoparticles, containing
macro and micronutrients that are delivered to crops in a controlled mode.
• Categories of nanofertilizers based on the type of formulation:

78
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o nanoscale fertilizer, which corresponds to the conventional fertilizer reduced in size typically in the form of
nanoparticles;
o nanoscale additive fertilizer, is a traditional fertilizer containing a supplement nanomaterial; and
o nanoscale coating fertilizer, refers to nutrients encapsulated by nanofilms or intercalated into nanoscale
pores of a host material.

Related news
Nano-Diammonium Phosphate (DAP)
fertilizer
• The Ministry of Agriculture has allowed
IFFCO and Coromandel International to
start production of nano-DAP for three
years that would be available from the
2023 kharif season.
• Nano-DAP is a next-generation fertilizer
with nanoparticles of Nitrogen and
Phosphorus, i.e., particles with size
between 1 to 100 nanometres.
o DAP is a phosphate-based fertilizer
manufactured by reacting
Ammonia with Phosphoric acid,
containing Nitrogen and
Phosphorus.
• More than half of the country’s DAP
requirements are imported, and the main sources are West Asia and Jordan.

79
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Essential plant nutrients and their roles
• Three primary macronutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K).
• Three secondary macronutrients: calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S).
• Nine Micronutrients: boron (B), chlorine (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn),
molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni).

4.4.9. AQUACULTURE
Why in news?
Union Minister of
Fisheries, Animal
Husbandry and Dairying
inaugurated and
launched three national
flagship programmes
for aquaculture sector.
Three programmes are:

Name Details Importance

Genetic • Program sanctioned with an outlay of Rs.25 • Shrimp farming sector mostly
Improvement crores under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada depends on one exotic Specific
Programme of Yojana (PMMSY). Pathogen Free stock of Pacific white
Indian White shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) species.
Shrimp (Penaeus • Program will help to break single
indicus) species dependence and promote
indigenous species vis-à-vis exotic
shrimp species.
Phase 2 National • NSPAAD Phase 2 has been sanctioned under • Will strengthen farmer-based
Surveillance PMMSY. disease surveillance system.
Programme on o Phase 1 is being implemented since 2013. • Help in reduction of revenue losses
Aquatic animal • Envisages development of National due to diseases and will increase
Diseases Information System on Aquatic Diseases and exports.
(NSPAAD) trained ‘disease diagnostic personnel’ with
involvement of states.
Launch of Shrimp • Product charges differential premium based • Help in establishing farmers’ access
Crop insurance on location and requirements of individual to insurance and institutional credit
product developed farmer from 3.7 to 7.7 % of input costs. facilities.
by ICAR-CIBA • Farmer will be compensated to tune of 80 % • Will help in doubling farmers’ income
loss of input cost in the event of total crop loss in much faster time frame.
(more than 70%).

4.4.10. OTHER RELATED NEWS

News Details
World • Summit is TERI’s (the Energy and Resources Institute) annual flagship multistakeholder
Sustainable event.
Development o TERI is an independent, multi-dimensional organization, with expertise in research,
Summit 2023 policy, consultancy and implementation.
• One of the independently convened event in Global South that brings together world leaders,
thinkers, scientists, industry etc. to work towards long-term solutions for planet’s health.
• Examined topics such as finance, science, technology and innovation, sustainable
consumption, inclusive energy transitions etc.
Environmental • New logo of EIACP released.
Information, • Environmental Information System (ENVIS) is renamed as EIACP.
Awareness, • EIACP serves as a one stop platform for dissemination of environmental information,
Capacity informed policy formulation on various facets of environment and facilitation of alternate
Building and livelihoods through green skilling.
Livelihood • EIACP conducts Environmental Awareness Programs to School Children, Colleges and
Programme Universities on Environmental Important Days.
(EIACP)

80
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • As per the mandate of EIACP, the activities of the Programme Centres are to be aligned with
Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) introduced by India at COP 26 in Glasgow.
SDG Agrifood • FAO and SEED partnership launched the Programme.
Accelerator o SEED is a global partnership for action on sustainable development and green economy.
Programme o It was founded by UN Environment Programme (UNEP), UN Development Programme
(UNDP) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• SDG Agrifood Accelerator Programme is designed to help agrifood system start-ups develop
their businesses while contributing to UN’s SDGs.
• Operating across Africa and Asia, 12 SMEs who joined the Programme will be supported in
three areas: financial readiness, innovation potential, and market reach.
Climate Smart • Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) scientists have developed three climate-smart
Varieties of varieties of wheat.
Wheat o These varieties are characterised by “mild vernalisation requirement” i.e., need for a
certain minimum period of low winter temperatures for initiation of flowering.
• Three varieties are: HDCSW-18 (officially notified in 2016), HD-3410 and HD-3385.
o HD-3410 (released in 2022), has higher yield potential (7.5 tonnes/hectare) with lower
plant height (100-105 cm).
o Among these, HD-3385 is least lodging-prone and most amenable for early sowing.
✓ Lodging refers to permanent displacement of aboveground parts of a crop from its
upright position.
Bio-Fertilizers • Biofertilizers are microorganism-containing substances that, when added to soil, increase
fertility and promote plant growth.
o Biofertilizers are live microbial products which does not contain any nutrients.
• There are 11 bio-fertilizers notified under Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985 viz.
• Rhizobium, Azotobactor, Azospirillum, Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria, Mycorrhizal Bio-
fertilisers, Potassium Mobilizing Bio-fertilizers (KMB), Zinc Solubilizing Biofertilizers (ZSB),
Acetobactor, Carrier Based Consortia, Liquid Consortia, and Phosphate Solubilising Fungus.
National • Under AgriEnIcs programme of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY),
programme on Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Kolkata has developed:
Electronics and o Technology for Air Quality Monitoring System (AI-AQMS v1.0) for outdoor quality
ICT applications monitoring,
in Agriculture o Biosensing based EDC detection system (MEAN) to detect Endocrine Disrupting
and Chemicals in aquatic ecosystems.
Environment • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances in environment (air, soil, or water
(AgriEnIcs) supply), food sources, personal care products, and manufactured products that interfere with
normal function of our body’s endocrine system.
• AgriEnIcs programme aims to solve problems in Agriculture and Environment domain by
using Electronics and ICT technologies.
• It encourages participation of innovative minds of India through AgriEnIcs Grand Challenge.
Eastern • Prime Minister stated that centre is
Rajasthan Canal committed to ensure regular supply
Project (ERCP) of water In 13 Rajasthan districts
under ERCP.
• ERCP aims to harvest surplus water
available during rainy season in rivers
in southern Rajasthan, such as
Chambal and its tributaries Kunnu,
Parvati, and Kalisindh.
o This water will be used in water-
scarce south-eastern districts
(13 districts) of state.
• Project was approved by Central
Water Commission in 2017.

Sunni Dam • Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the investment for 382 MW Sunni Dam
Hydro Power Hydro Electric Project in Himachal Pradesh by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited.
Project, • Sunni dam hydroelectric project is a run of river type scheme designed to harness hydropower
potential of Satluj river.

81
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o It is part of Luhri project, which is designed to comprise three hydropower dams: Luhri
Stage-I, Luhri Stage-II, and Sunni dam.
• It envisages construction of a high concrete gravity dam across river Satluj and an
underground power house on right bank.

4.5. DISASTER MANAGEMENT

4.5.1. GLACIAL LAKES OUTBURST
FLOODS (GLOFS)
Why in news?
A recent study conducted by scientists at Newcastle
University in the UK revealed that about 3 million
Indians reside in regions that are susceptible to
glacial lake floods (GLOFs).
More about the study
• Around 15 million people across the world face
the risk of sudden and deadly flooding from glacial
lakes, which are expanding and rising in numbers
due to global warming.
• More than half of those who could be impacted
live in four countries: India, Pakistan, Peru and
China. India and Pakistan make up one-third of
the total number of people globally exposed to
GLOFs.
• Populations in High Mountains Asia (HMA) - a
region stretching from the Hindu Kush all the way
to the eastern Himalayas -are the most exposed
and on average live closest to glacial lakes with
around one million people living within 10 km of
a glacial lake.
About Glacial Lakes and GLOFs
• Glacial lakes are large bodies of water that sit in
front of, on top of, or beneath a melting glacier.
o As they grow larger in size, they become more
dangerous because glacial lakes are mostly
dammed by unstable ice or sediment composed of loose rock and debris.
o Due to global warming glaciers are retreating and glacier lakes are expanding in the size and numbers.
• Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is a sudden release of a significant amount of water retained in a glacial
lake, irrespective of the cause.

82
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Related news: Thwaites Glacier
• Scientists have found that warm water is seeping into weak spots of Thwaites glacier, thereby inducing the melting
at a faster pace.
• Thwaites Glacier - nicknamed the Doomsday Glacier- is widest glacier on earth and a part of West Antarctic ice
sheet.
• Ice loss in the glacier currently contributes to 4% of the global sea-level rise.
• If it collapses, it would lead to an increase in global sea level of at least 65 cms.

4.5.2. ANATOLIAN PLATE

Why in news?
Powerful earthquakes in Turkey
and Syria leaving over 3,800 dead.
More on the news
• Hit initially by a magnitude
7.8 earthquake, dozens of
aftershocks followed the
initial quake.
• Region where earthquake has
struck lies along a seismic
fault line called Anatolia
tectonic block that runs
through northern, central,
and eastern Turkey.
o Seismicity in this region is
a result of interactions
between African, Eurasian, and Arabian plates.
o Arabian plate is known to be pushing northward,
which results in a slight westward movement for
Anatolian plate, where Turkey is located.
• One of the largest strike-slip earthquakes to occur in
recent times, it struck along East Anatolian Fault Zone.
o Strike-slip faults are vertical (or nearly vertical)
fractures where blocks have mostly moved
horizontally.
o In these faults, two plates move parallel but in
opposite direction from one another.
• Turkey bridges continents of Europe (via. Eastern Thrace) and Asia (via. Anatolian Plateau); divided by
Dardanelles, Sea of Marmara, and Bosporus Strait.
o It is surrounded by Bulgaria and Greece in Northwest; Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran to east;
and Syria and Iraq to South.

4.5.3. DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN (DMP) FOR POWER SECTOR

Why in news?
Central Electricity
Authority released
disaster management
plan (DMP) for power
sector.
About DMP
• Provides a
framework to
utilities in power
sector to evolve a

83
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 proactive and integrated approach to strengthen disaster mitigation, preparedness, emergency
response, and recovery efforts.
o Growth of power sector is directly correlated with economic growth of the country and any
disruption due to disaster creates severe hardship to human beings.
• Under Section 37 of Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005 every Ministry/ Department of Government of
India shall prepare a DMP.
o DMP is also consistent with Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), COP21 and PM’s
Ten Point Agenda for DRR.

4.5.4. OTHER RELATED NEWS

FireAId project • A recent report by WEF highlighted that its FireAId initiative was helpful in managing
wildfire in several regions of Turkey.
o In 2021, average annual global cost of wildfires was around $50 billion and released an
estimated 6,450 megatonnes of CO2 into atmosphere.
• Launched in January 2022 by World Economic Forum (WEF), FireAId project (using AI
system) aims to allow better prediction of wildfires and more efficient use of resources
during firefighting operations.
o FireAID predictions reduced both response time and risk to firefighters.
• AI was used to develop a digital twin for fire management, which helped firefighters in
testing hypotheses of intervention measures and observing their outcomes in simulations.
o A digital twin is a virtual representation of an object or system, is updated from real-
time data, and uses simulation, machine learning and reasoning to help decision-
making.
Cyclone Freddy • It is a tropical cyclone that hits Madagascar and Mozambique.
• Tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm originating over tropical oceans from where it
draws the energy to develop.
• It has a low-pressure center and clouds spiralling towards eyewall surrounding the "eye"
normally calm weather conditions and free of clouds.

4.6. GEOGRAPHY
4.6.1. SAMUDRAYAAN MISSION
Why in news?
Union ministry of earth sciences recently shared
details of Samudrayaan Mission.
More about news
• Samudrayaan Mission is aimed to develop a
self-propelled manned submersible
(MATSYA 6000) to carry three human
beings to a water depth of 6,000 meters for
deep ocean exploration.
o MATSYA 6000 is being developed by
National Institute of Ocean
Technology, Chennai.
o It has has developed 6000m depth
rated Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
and various other underwater instruments such as Autonomous Coring System (ACS), Autonomous
Underwater Vehicle (AUV) and Deep Sea Mining System (DSM) for the exploration of deep sea.
• It has an endurance of 12 hours of operational period and 96 hours in case of emergency. It is being
developed under Deep Ocean Mission (DOM).
About Deep Ocean mission
• Union cabinet approved deep ocean mission in 2021 with a total budget of ₹4,077 crore for five years.
• Aim: To explore Deep Ocean for resources and develop deep sea technologies for sustainable use of
ocean resources.

84
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o The part of the ocean that lies below a depth of 200 metres is defined as the deep sea.
o Considering importance of oceans on sustainability, UN declared 2021-2030 as Decade of Ocean
Science for Sustainable Development.
• It is a mission mode project to support Blue Economy initiatives. Blue economy is sustainable use of ocean
resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean
ecosystem.
• Mission is to be implemented under aegis of Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Related news: International Seabed Authority (ISA) and Ministry of

Earth Sciences exchanged PMN (Polymetallic Nodules) exploration
extension contract
• The contract for same was initially signed in 2002 for a period of
15 years. It was extended by ISA twice for 5 years period, during
2017 and 2022.
o India has been assigned an area of about 75,000 sq km in
Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) for PMN exploration.
• PMN refers to small potato-like rounded accretions composed
of minerals such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper and iron
hydroxide

85
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.6.2. GLOBAL OVERTURNING CIRCULATION (GOC)
Why in news?
New studies conducted to understand modern form of Global overturning circulation (GOC).
About GOC
• Equatorward transport of cold, deep waters and poleward transport of warm, near-surface waters.
o Responsible for transport of carbon and heat among ocean basins and between ocean and
atmosphere.
• GOC is a system of two connected overturning cells:
o Upper cell is linked to formation of North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) and its shallower return flow
to form Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).
o Lower cell (referred as Southern Ocean Meridional Overturning Circulation) is associated with
formation of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) and its return flow as Pacific Deep Water (PDW).
• Studies have indicated that tectonically driven changes in ocean gateways such as closure of Central
American Seaway (CAS), since late Miocene period, had impacted GOC.
o CAS is a body of water that once separated North America from South America.
• Now, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research reconstructed Deep Water Circulation record of
Indian Ocean and provided evidence in support of theory that closure of CAS led to evolution of modern
form of GOC.
o Indian Ocean does not have any major deep-water formations of its own. It acts only as a host for
both GOC components.

4.6.3. HEAT DOME

Why in news?
Heat-spewing anticyclone over North-West India
has led to unusual heat in February.
More on the news
India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts
that it is likely to recede from land and back off
into Central Arabian Sea soon, making way for
moisture-laden western disturbance and
associated cloud cover with rain or snow in
Western Himalayas and adjoining plains.
About Heat dome
• A high-pressure circulation in atmosphere which acts like a dome or cap, trapping heat at surface and
favoring heatwave formation
o Occurs when hot ocean air is trapped over a large area.
• Typically, heat domes are tied to the pattern of jet stream (fast winds high in atmosphere that generally
runs west to east).
o Normally, jet stream has a wavelike pattern, meandering north and then south and then north again.
o When these meanders in jet stream become bigger, they move slower and can become stationary and
resulting into heat domes.
o Hot air typically rises into atmosphere, but dome’s lid causes air to sink. As air sinks, it compresses
and becomes warmer that causes temperature in dome to rise continually.
• Impact of heat dome: Affect sessional agricultural products; Increased risk of wildfire, heat-related
illnesses such as heat rash, heat stroke, heat exhaustion etc.
Related news: InfoCrop simulation model
• Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) conducted a first-of-its-kind experiment to quantify the impact of hot
weather on crop yield in Punjab and Haryana by using InfoCrop Version 2.1.
• InfoCrop version 2.1 is India’s only dynamic crop simulation model, developed by IARI in 2015, that study the long-
term impact of climate change and crop management practices on yield.

86
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o It has life cycle data for almost all local varieties of 11 crops: paddy, wheat, maize, sorghum, pearl millet,
pigeon pea, chickpea, soybean, groundnut, potato and cotton.
o In InfoCrop, Parameters (updated at regular intervals) deal with aspects of
✓ Weather (precipitation, temperature etc.); Crop growth (grain characteristics, leaf growth etc.); Soil
(water holding characteristics, pH levels etc.); and Pests and crop management (organic matter, fertiliser
and irrigation).

4.6.4. EARTH’S INNER CORE

Why in news?
Scientists discovered new layer at Earth’s
inner core.
More on the news
• Discovered by Australian National
University seismologists, ‘solid metallic
ball’ is deep inside inner core of Earth,
dubbed as “innermost inner core”.
o It is solid due to high pressure deep
within the Earth that stops iron
alloy from melting.
o It is a crystallized structure within
inner core’s innermost region that
is different from outer layer.
o First hypothesised about 20 years ago, it was identified through data gathered from seismic waves
caused by earthquakes.
• So far, four layers of Earth's structure had been identified (refer image). This includes:
o Crust: Topmost or outermost layer of earth which makes up 1% of Earth Volume. It has two parts -
thinner Oceanic Crust and thicker Continental Crust.
o Mantle: Solid/plastic layer of earth which makes up about 84% of Earth Volume. It is divided in two
parts - Upper Mantle and Lower Mantle. Uppermost mantle and crust constitute lithosphere.
o Outer core: Liquid portion of core, composed of 80% iron along with nickel and some other lighter
elements.
o Inner core: Solid portion of core, composed of Iron and nickel with presence of heavy elements like
gold, platinum, palladium, silver and tungsten.
• Significance of Fifth Layer
o Provide information on past events on Earth that happened hundreds of millions to billions of years
ago.
o Provide a new way to probe Earth’s inner core and its centremost region.
o Inform on evolution of earth’s magnetic field etc.

4.6.5. OTHER RELATED NEWS

Mammatus • NASA has released picture of Mammatus
clouds clouds, hovering over Nebraska, US.
• Mammatus clouds generally appear in
connection with substantial
cumulonimbus clouds, but they have also
been sighted to form on other cloud
types, such as stratocumulus, altostratus,
and altocumulus.
o Turbulence within cumulonimbus
often leads to formation of
Mammatus clouds, particularly on bottom of projecting anvil as it quickly descends to
lower altitudes.
o Their shapes can vary greatly, from typical bulging shape to a more elongated tube
dangling from the cloud above
New Plateau • A rare low-altitude basalt plateau has been discovered in Thane region in Western Ghats (a
Type Discovered global biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage site in India).

87
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 From o This is the fourth type of plateau to be identified in the region; previous three are
Maharashtra laterites at high and low altitudes and basalt at high altitudes.
o 76 species of plants and shrubs
from 24 different families have
been found.
• Plateaus are dominant landscapes in
Western Ghats. They are classified as
a type of rocky outcrop.
• Rocky outcrops are geological
features that protrude above the
surface of surrounding land.
o They are formed by weathering
that happens at different rates,
causing the less weathered rock to remain exposed.
o They are found on all continents, in most climate zones and vegetation types.
• Significance of rocky outcrops
o Support high levels of species diversity and endemism.
o They have seasonal water availability, limited soil and nutrients, making them ideal to
study effects of climate change on species survival.
o They provide critical breeding sites for many top order mammalian and avian predators;
nesting sites for colonial species such as seabirds, bats and swifts.
‘Atmospheric • A powerful storm is heading towards California, threatening the state with flooding,
River’ Storm landslides, high winds and power outages.
• About Storm
o Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow regions in the atmosphere like rivers in the sky that
transport most of the water vapour outside of the tropical region to higher latitudes.
o When the atmospheric rivers make landfall, they often release this water vapour in the
form of rain or snow.
• Most Atmospheric River are weak systems, but larger Atmospheric River can create extreme
rainfall and floods, causing catastrophic damages.
Ram Setu • Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s
bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals
between Pamban Island or
Rameswaram Island, off the south-
eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, and
Mannar Island, off the north-western
coast of Sri Lanka.
o Recently, Tamil Nadu assembly
also passed a resolution urging
Centre to resume work on
Sethusamudram Ship Canal
project (SSCP).
• National heritage status is sought in
the backdrop of SSCP that envisages
dredging of a ship channel across the
Palk Straits between India and Sri
Lanka.
o Two channels were suggested -
one across Adam's Bridge and
another through Palk Bay.
o SC, in 2007, had stayed the work
for project and Centre was also willing to explore another route to SSCP without
damaging Ram Setu.
• Significance of SSCP
o Reduce steaming distances between east and west coasts of India.
o Strengthen national security by improving navigation for Indian coast guards and naval
ships.
• Concerns raised against SSCP
o Would destroy natural barrier between Bay of Bengal and Palk Bay.
o Oil and marine pollution associated with shipping traffic will aggravate ecological stress
in region.
o Threats to coral reef platforms in Gulf of Mannar.

88
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 4.6.6. PLACES IN NEWS
[Link]. INDIA

[Link]. INTERNATIONAL

89
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.7. REPORTS AND INDICES IN NEWS
LiFE Lessons From • Released by: International Energy Agency (IEA)
India • Report examines how India has integrated several policies in its energy transition strategy
that are aligned with LiFE initiative.
o LiFE mission was launched by Prime Minister of India at COP 26 in 2021 to bring
individual behaviours at forefront of global climate action narrative.
• Key highlights
o Annual global CO2 emissions will fall by 2 billion tonnes in 2030 on adoption of LiFE
(Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) measures.
o LiFE measures would save consumers globally around $440 billion in 2030.
o India’s economy is already 10 percent more energy efficient than both global and G20
average.
o India took less time to go from half to full electricity access than other major
economies.
o Around 60% of emissions saving by LiFE measures could be directly influenced or
mandated by governments.
Climate Inequality • Released by: World Inequality Lab.
Report 2023 • Aims to shed light on various dimensions of climate inequality and suggest pathways to
tackle climate inequalities.
• Key Highlights of the report
o Top 10% of global carbon emitters generate almost half of all greenhouse gas
emissions.
o Difference between carbon emissions of the rich and poor within a country is now
greater than differences in emissions between countries.
Global Assessment • Released by: Food and Agriculture Organisation
of Soil Carbon in o It was funded by FAO LEAP Partnership, a multi-stakeholder initiative to improve
Grasslands environmental sustainability of livestock sector.
• It measured stocks of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) in both semi-natural and managed
grasslands.
• Key highlights of Assessment
o Grasslands, contain approximately 20% of world’s SOC, have suffered losses because of
human activities such as intensive livestock grazing, agricultural activities etc.
o Most of world’s grasslands have a positive carbon balance, meaning land is stable or
well-maintained.
o However, negative carbon balance was found in East Asia, Central and South America,
and Africa south of Equator.
o SOCs are not included in national climate plans due to lack of incentives for farmers to
improve management
About Grasslands
practices and
• Grasslands are generally open and continuous, fairly
difficulty in accurately
flat areas of grass. Grasslands are found on every
monitoring SOC
continent except Antarctica.
stocks.
About SOC • There are two main kinds of grasslands: tropical
and temperate.
• Carbon held within the soil
that is measurable.
• Helps in improving soil
biological, chemical, and
physical properties, water-
holding capacity, and
structural stability.
• A cost-effective nature-
based solution to mitigate
effects of climate change
by reducing atmospheric
carbon dioxide.

Gross Domestic • Released by: Cross Dependency Initiative (a global organisation specialising in climate risk
Climate Risk analysis), It is the world's 1st index assessing physical environment risk to built
environments.

90
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Physical Climate Risk refers to vulnerability from several climate change events including
heat waves, coastal flooding, forest fire, soil movement, riverine and surface flooding etc.
• Key Findings:
o India, China and U.S are home to 80% of most vulnerable cities and centres of economic
activity.
o 9 States, including Bihar, UP, Assam, Rajasthan etc. from India are among world’s top
50 regions.
• Jiangsu and Shandong of China topped it.
Climate • Released by: Observer Research Foundation
Performance • Aims to evaluate performance of G20 countries in climate change mitigation.
Index (CPI) • On CPI, India ranks first among all G20 members in terms of overall climate performance.
o India’s rank is attributed to factors like significantly low per capita contributions to
emissions, Very limited share in legacy emissions relative to its population needs etc.
• Note: It is different from Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) published by German
Watch, New Climate Institute and Climate Action Network.
Global Sea-Level • Released by: World
Rise and Meteorological Organisation
Implications (WMO)
Facts and Key highlights of report:
Figures • Sea levels rose 4.5 mm a year
on average between 2013 &
2022, the highest ever.
o It is over three times
higher than the rate at
which they rose between
1901 and 1971.
• Sea-level rise is not globally
uniform and varies regionally.
• India, China, Bangladesh, and
Netherlands face the highest
threat of sea-level rise globally.

Ozone Recovery • Released by: WMO, UNEP, NOAA, NASA and European Commission.
Assessment • Key Findings:
Report, 2022 o Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) levels in 2022 are back to those observed in 1980
before ozone depletion was significant.
o Thickness of ozone layer expected to return to 1980 values around 2066 in the
Antarctic, around 2045 in the Arctic region.
Urban Forestry • Produced in framework of Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Green Urban Oases
and Urban Programme, launched to improve resilience of dryland cities by tackling climate, health,
Greening in food and economic challenges.
Drylands Report o Program contributes to FAO’s Green Cities initiative that was launched in 2020 to
improve livelihoods and well-being of urban and peri-urban populations in at least 100
cities around the world in next three years.
• Key highlights: Some 35% of the world’s largest cities (including New Delhi, Cairo etc.) are
built in the world’s drylands facing a high risk of social, environmental, and economic crisis
as they grow.

Innovation in • Released by: Marico Innovation Foundation and developed in association with Indian
Plastics, The Institute of Science and Praxis Global Alliance
Potential and o It examines plastic waste management ecosystem in India to identify challenges and
Possibilities opportunities with special emphasis on business and technological innovations.
• Key findings of report
o India produces 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste in a year, only 30 percent of it is
recycled. Rest of plastic waste is sent to landfills or aquatic dumps.
o Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu together contribute 38 percent to total plastic
waste generated in India.
o 94% of recycled plastic waste is shredded in India using mechanical recycling method.

91
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.8. UPDATES
4.8.1. LADAKH’S FIRST BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITE
• Local Biodiversity Management Committee, SECURE Himalaya
concerned panchayat, along with SECURE • A joint project of Ministry of Environment,
Himalaya Project recently resolved to declare Yaya Forest and Climate Change and United Nations
Tso as Ladakh’s first biodiversity heritage site Development Programme (UNDP), funded by
(BHS). Global Environment Facility.
• Yaya Tso is a nesting habitat for a large number of • Aimed at conservation and protection of the
birds and animals, such as the bar-headed goose, high-altitude ecosystems of the Himalayas.
black-necked crane and brahminy duck.
• It is one of the highest breeding sites of the black-necked crane in India.

4.8.2. SOUTH AFRICA TRANSLOCATES 12 CHEETAHS TO INDIA

• India and South Africa signed a MoU on Cooperation on Re-introduction of Cheetah to India with an aim
to expand cheetah meta-population and to reintroduce cheetahs to a former range state.
o Cheetahs were made available by Phinda Game Reserve, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Waterberg
Biosphere, Kwandwe Game Reserve and Mapesu Game Reserve and will join Cheetahs relocated to
Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh (from Namibia).
o Plan is to translocate a further 12 annually for next eight to 10 years.

4.8.3. RBI TO ISSUE SOVEREIGN GREEN BONDS (SGRBS) IN TWO TRANCHES OF

RS 8000 CRORE EACH
• RBI will issue 5-year and 10-year green bonds of Rs 4,000 crore each in current financial year.
• Green bonds are bonds issued by any sovereign entity, inter-governmental groups or alliances and
corporates with the aim that proceeds of bonds are utilised for environmentally sustainable projects.
o SGrBs were announced in Union Budget 2022-23 and framework for SGrBs was issued (by Ministry of
Finance) in November 2022.
• SGrBs by RBI will be
o Issued through Uniform Price Auction and 5% will be reserved for retail investors.
o Eligible for Repo and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) purpose.
o Eligible for trading in the secondary market.
o Designated as specified securities for investment in Government Securities by non-residents.

4.8.4. ROOFTOP SOLAR (RTS) PROGRAMME

• Ministry of New & Renewable Energy stated that there will be a uniform rate of central financial
assistance (CFA) for installation of residential RTS projects under second phase of programme.
• Government, in 2015, approved Grid Connected Rooftop and Small Solar Power Plants Programme for
installation of 4,200 MW RTS plants in the country by year 2019-20.
o In 2019, Phase-II was approved for achieving cumulative capacity of 40 GW RTS plants by 2022
(extended till 2026).
o Presently, different CFA/Subsidy rate is provided (based on kilowatt requirements) to the residential
electricity consumers under RTS programe.

4.9. ERRATA
PT 365 Environment (April 2022-December 2022)
• Article 3.2.10 Species in News, the information on size of Asiatic lions and African lions was reversed due
to a typographical error. The correct information is that Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than
African lions.
• Article 4.1. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2022, In “India's Performance on SDGs” infographic,
due to a typographical error SDG 13 has been incorrectly mentioned as "No Poverty". The correct
information is SDG 13 refers to Climate Action.

92
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
93
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 5. SOCIAL ISSUES
5.1. WOMEN IN WORKFORCE
Why in News?
President in her recent speech asserted that low
participation of women in the work force is a
major hindrance in the overall development of
the country.

5.2. GENDER BUDGETING

Why in News?
Recently, in Union Budget 2023, gender budgeting is pitched as a powerful fiscal innovation for women’s
empowerment

94
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 More on News
• Government recognizes the importance of Nari Shakti (women power) during the Amrit Kaal (the 25-year-
long lead-up to India@100).
• Government focus is inclusive development, which is also the first “saptarishis” or the seven principles
guiding the outlook.
• The estimated Gender Budget stood at 4.96% of the total expenditure this year, compared to 4.33% 2022-
23.

About Gender Budgeting (GB)

• It entails dissection of the Government budgets to establish its gender differential impacts.
• It seeks to ensure that gender commitments are translated in to budgetary commitments.
• It is not an accounting exercise but an ongoing process of keeping a gender perspective in
policy/programme formulation, its implementation and review.
• Currently, India’s gender Budget remains concentrated in five key Ministries:
o Rural Development.
o Women and Child Development.
o Agriculture.
o Health and Family Welfare.
o Education.
• Also, it has remained in the range of 4 to 6% of the total expenditure and less than 1% of its GDP.
Discrepancy in Counting the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFRR)
• Experts have highlighted three main measurement issues which leads reduce the overall FLFRR. These include
o Overly broad categories,
o Reliance on a single question to categorise labour force status, and
o Narrow approach of limiting productive work to labour force participation.
• According to International Labour Organisation (ILO) research, female LFPR was 56.4 % in India for 2012, against
the far lower official estimate of 31.2 % for 2012.

5.3. PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TRIBAL GROUPS (PVTG’S)

Why in News?
In the 2023-24 Union Budget, Pradhan Mantri PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) Development
Mission (PMPDM) was announced for the socio-economic development of the group.

95
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 About PMPDM Mission
• It has been launched as part of ‘Reaching the Last Mile’, one of the seven Saptarishi priorities enlisted in
the Budget.
o ₹15,000 crore will be made available to implement the Mission in the next three years under the
Development Action Plan for the Scheduled Tribes.
• It will empower the PVTGs with safe housing, clean drinking water, education,
• nutrition, road and telecom connection and livelihood.
About Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
• PVTG (earlier known as Primitive
Tribal Groups) is the category within
Scheduled Tribes created on the
recommendation of Dhebar
commission (1973).
• Initially there were only 52 tribal
group as PVTG’s but their raised to 75
PVTGs out of 705 Scheduled Tribes.
• PVTGs reside in 17 States and UT of
Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• The highest number of PVTGs are found in Odisha (13) followed by Andhra Pradesh (12).
• Currently some PVTGs are vulnerable to extinction like Onge and Andamanese. Apart from this, low levels of
literacy (10 to 44%) is also prevalent.
• Also, they face certain administrative hurdles like Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 provides for only 4 hectares land
allocation to them.
o Plus, the PESA (Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas Act) has not been operationalised adequately in
areas with PVTGs.
Other Initiatives for PVTG’s
• Indigenous and Tribal Populations Convention, 1957 has been adopted by the International Labour Organisation
(ILO).
• Community Development Program, Multipurpose Tribal Blocks, Tribal Development Block, Tribal sub-Plan (TSP)
etc.
• Restricted Area Permit i under the Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963.
• Scheme for Development of Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Groups (2008) for housing, agriculture, roads, energy,
etc.
Related News
Hakku Patra
• The PM has recently distributed the Hakku patra to the members of Banjara tribes in Karnataka.
o The Banjaras (also known as Lambadi, Gour Rajput, Labana) are a historically nomadic trading caste who may
have origins in the Mewar region of Rajasthan.
• Hakku Patra a legal document that details a person’s legitimate inheritance or ownership of a particular property.

5.4. EDUCATIONAL REPORTS IN NEWS

5.4.1. ALL INDIA SURVEY ON HIGHER EDUCATION (AISHE) 2020-2021
Why in news?
Ministry of Education (MoE) released All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-2021.
More on news
• AISHE has been conducted since 2011 by MoE covering all higher educational institutions located in
country.
o For the first time, Survey collected data using an entirely online data collection platform through
Web Data Capture Format (DCF).
o DCF was developed by Department of Higher Education through the National Informatics Centre
(NIC)

96
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Key Findings
Specification 2020-21 Trend w.r.t 2014-15
Total student enrolment: UP, Maharashtra, TN, are top 3 States. 4.14 crore 21% rise
Female enrolment 2.01 crore 28% rise
Percentage of female enrolment to total enrolment 49% 4% rise
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): Percentage of students belonging to 27.3 3-point rise
eligible age group (18-23 years) enrolled in Higher Education
Gender Parity Index (GPI): Ratio of female GER to male GER Increased from 1 in ----
2017-18 to 1.05
• Institutes of National Importance (INIs) • 149 • Almost doubled
• Enrolment in INIs • 61 % (75)
• Increased
Female per 100 male faculty 75 Increased (63)

5.4.2. ANNUAL STATUS OF EDUCATION REPORT (ASER) 2022

Why in news?
Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2022 was
released by NGO Pratham.
About the report
• ASER (first conducted in 2005) is an annual, citizen-
led household survey to understand whether
children in rural India are enrolled in school and
whether they are learning.
• ASER 2022 is first field based 'basic' nationwide ASER
since 2018.
o In ASER 2022, around 7 lakh children in age group
of 3 to 16 years were surveyed to record their
schooling status and assess their basic reading
and arithmetic skills.

5.4.3. FOUNDATIONAL LITERACY AND NUMERACY REPORT

Why in news?
The second edition of the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy report of the Economic Advisory Council to
the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has been released.
More on news
• The report was prepared by the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC) — the Indian wing of the Institute for
Strategy and Competitiveness at Harvard Business School.
• Report presented an index on the overall state of FLN across children aged below ten years.
• It compares states on 36 indicators across five key domains.
Key findings of the report
Literacy Numeracy States’ performance
• Punjabi language has the best • 42% of the students meet • Key high performing states: Punjab
performance the global minimum topped all key indicators; Rajasthan
• Only Telugu and Mizo have more proficiency and Sikkim also performed well in
than 30% students who meet • Higher percentage of girl some parameters
Global Proficiency Level. student’s performed low as • Key underperforming states:
• Tamil, Konkani, Assamese and compared to the boys Meghalaya, Telangana and Uttar
Bodo language have the poorest Pradesh performed poorly on various
performance parameters

97
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Snapshot of Key Reports
Report Released by Class Methodology Frequency
Annual Status NGO Pratham Estimates of Face to face Annually
of Education children’s schooling interactions with
Report (ASER) status for all children children and teachers
aged 3-16 in rural India annually
National Ministry of Education Evaluates learning MCQs based, Once every
Achievement outcomes of students conducted three years
Survey (NAS) in Classes III, V, VIII
and X
Foundational Institute for Competitiveness --- Data from: UDISE+, Once every
literacy and (IFC), and EAC-PM (Economic NSSO, NFHS, NAS, two years
numeracy Advisory Council to Prime budget (Biennial)
(FLN) report Minister)
Foundational MoE and NCERT in Only for grade III One-to-one interviews --
Learning collaboration with States/UTs students with each participant
Study (FLS) and supported by UNICEF

5.5. NATIONAL DIGITAL UNIVERSITY (NDU)

Why in news? Samarth Portal
Framework of National Digital University • Sponsored by Ministry of Education under the National Mission
(NDU), as envisioned under the National on Education through Information and Communication
Technology, NMEICT-II (now NMEICT-III) scheme in 2019.
Education Policy, 2020 was revealed.
• It integrates technology and allows HEIs to deploy a digital
About NDU and its framework framework for planning, management, delivery, and
monitoring of education services in a seamless manner.
• NDU is a university designed to bring
together various higher educational institutions (HEIs) for providing online higher educational courses.
Framework for NDU
• Online Courses: Offered by partner institutes (both private and public universities).
• Functioning Model: Hub-and-spoke model where the courses will be offered ‘Study Webs of Active-
Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM)’ portal.
o IT and administrative services will be provided through the government’s Samarth portal.
• Courses type: The students can opt for certificate, diploma, or degree courses.
o Credit based university degree: Courses will
hold a certain number of credits.
✓ Students will be eligible for a degree from
a particular institute on accumulating 50%
of the credits.
o NDU degree: If a student earns credits from
multiple institutions and crosses the credit
threshold, the degree awarded will be by
NDU.
• Number of seats: There will be an unlimited
number of seats for every course.
• ABC system: Use of standardised Academic Bank
of Credits (ABC) system, established by the
University Grants Commission (UGC) to facilitate
academic mobility.

5.6. DRAFT NATIONAL MEDICAL COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL-

2022
Why in News?
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has proposed a draft amendment, to the existing
National Medical Commission Act-2019.

98
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Reasons for the Introduction of Amendment Bill
• To Streamline the process by replacing the existing National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences,
which currently conducts the NEET-PG and the Exit tests.
• To ease the litigation burden by altering the jurisdiction limits to Delhi HC.
• Ethics and Medical Registration Board or the National Medical Commission as the appellate body, over
the decisions of the State Medical Councils in cases of medical negligence.

99
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 5.7. EUTHANASIA
Why in News?
Recently, Supreme Court simplified its rules on
passive euthanasia.
Background
• In a 2018 judgement (Common Cause v Union
of India), SC had recognised the right to die
with dignity as part of Article 21 of the
Constitution.
o It had, accordingly, upheld the legal
validity of passive euthanasia.
• It was argued that the directions had become
virtually unenforceable owing to the
complexity of the procedure prescribed by
SC.
o Thus, necessary amendments
were sought to make the
judgement ‘workable’.
• Accordingly, several changes were
introduced by the five-judge bench
in the guidelines laid down in 2018
with respect to the execution and
enforcement of advance medical
directives, as well as the procedure
for passive euthanasia.
o Advance medical directives or
living will is a legal document
that extends a person’s
autonomy and control over their
healthcare decisions in the event they become incapacitated.
Key aspects of the Judgment
Specification Now Earlier (2018)
Living will An attestation by a notary or a gazetted Attestation or countersign by a judicial
officer to be sufficient for living will magistrate is mandatory
Access to living Living will to be a part of national health Living will was kept in the custody of district
will record which can be accessed by Indian court
hospitals

Primary board to 3 doctors including the treating physician and 2 At least 4 experts from general medicine
examine patient other doctors with 5 years of experience in cardiology, neurology, nephrology psychiatry or
condition speciality oncology with overall standing of at least 20
years
Time taken to Primary/secondary board shall decide 48 hrs on No specific time period
decide on withdrawal of further treatment
withdrawal of
life support
Secondary board Hospital must immediately constitute a The district court had to constitute a secondary
secondary board of medical experts board of medical experts
Surrogate More than one guardian or close relative can Only one guardian or close relative was to be
decision-maker be named. named.
Before a final opinion consent of all the Before a final opinion, the consent of the
nominees will be taken. guardian or close relative would also be taken.

100
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Role of district This requirement has been deleted. Judicial magistrate to forward a copy of the
court registry document to the registry of the jurisdictional
district court, which would have to retain the
document in the original format.
Ascertaining Treating physician to execute the advance Treating physician had to execute the advance
authenticity directive after ascertaining its authenticity directive after ascertaining its authenticity from
with reference to the digital records of the the judicial magistrate.
executor, or from the custodian of the
document appointed by the local government
body.
Appeal before If permission to withdraw treatment was If permission to withdraw treatment was
High Court denied a writ petition at the jurisdictional High denied a writ petition at the jurisdictional High
Court can be filed. Court can be filed.

5.8. AYUSHMAN BHARAT PRADHAN MANTRI JAN AROGYA YOJANA

(AB PM-JAY)
Why in news?
National Health Authority (NHA) has introduced new system under
AB PM-JAY to grade hospital performance.
More on news
• New initiative will introduce the concept of ‘value-based care’,
where payment will be outcome based and providers will be
rewarded according to quality of treatment delivered.
• It aims to focus on measuring the performance of hospitals from
volume of services provided to value of healthcare services
under AB PMJAY.
o Performance of AB PM-JAY empaneled hospitals will be
measured based on five performance indicators (refer image).
o Performance shall be made available on public dashboard that will help beneficiaries to make an
informed decision.
About AB PMJAY
• It was launched as a component of the Ayushman Bharat as recommended by the National Health Policy
2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
o Another component of the Ayushman Bharat is Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) to deliver
Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC).
• Insurance Coverage: It provides a cover of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary
care hospitalization.
• Funding pattern: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme
o Funding pattern is in ratio of 60:40 for States and UTs with legislature; 90:10 for North Eastern States
and three Himalayan States (J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand), and 100% for UTs without
legislature.
• Beneficiaries: Identification of beneficiaries is done on the basis of Socio Economic Caste Census, 2011.
o No cap on family size and age in scheme.
o Covers pre-existing diseases and benefits are available across country.
• Nodal Body: National Health Authority is implementing agency.

5.9. NEW ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION GUIDELINES

Why in News?
In a recent move aimed at improving the organ donation and transplantation system in India, the Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) has introduced several changes to the National Organ Transplantation
Guidelines.

101
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 New Guidelines
• Upper limit changed: Removed age cap of 65 years for
receiving an organ from a dead donor. However,
preference will still be given to younger recipients.
• Removed domicile requirement: Now, needy patient can
register to receive an organ in any state and will be able
to get the surgery done there.
• No Registration fee: States have been asked not to
charge recipients for registration on waiting lists for
organs.
• Benefits of changes: Ease process of organ
transplantation and donation, benefits to end-stage
patients suffering from organ-related diseases.

102
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 5.10. JAL JEEVAN MISSION (JJM)
Why in news?
For Jal Jeevan mission, Budgetary allocation has been raised
by 27% for financial year 2023-24 (FY24).
About Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
• In 2019, Government of India restructured and
subsumed the ongoing National Rural Drinking Water
Programme (NRDWP) into JJM.
• Objectives
o To provide Functional Household Tap Connection
(FHTC) to every rural household i.e., Har Ghar Nal Se
Jal (HGNSJ) by 2024.
o To prioritize provision of FHTCs in quality affected
areas, villages in drought prone areas etc.
o To provide functional
tap connection to
Schools, Anganwadi
centres, Health centres
etc.
o To monitor
functionality of tap
connections.
o To assist in ensuring sustainability of water supply system.
o To bring awareness on various aspects and significance of safe drinking water etc.
Reforms taken under Jal Jeevan Mission
• Focus Reorientation:
Shift of focus for
water supply from
‘habitations to
households’.
• Capacity Building:
Training and skilling
programme to build
the capacity at local
level to ensure
service delivery.
• Sustainability:
Community ownership to ensure ‘long-term sustainability’ and major roles to Self-Help Groups (SHGs),
NGOs, , etc.
o 50% members of VSWC/ Pani Samitis are to be women and proportionate representation of weaker
sections of society.
• Incentivisation: Performance grant as incentive to States/ UTs based on nation-wide functionality
assessment.
• Technological interventions: A dedicated ‘Mobile App’ for stakeholders; geo-tagging every asset created;
Linkage of tap connection with Aadhar number of the ‘head of household’ etc.
Related news
Jal Jan Abhiyan (JJA)
• Prime Minister virtually inaugurated Jal Jan Abhiyan in Rajasthan.
• JJA is jointly run by Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Brahma Kumaris organization.
o It is a positive initiative towards water conservation to save humans and humanity.
• Campaign is based on idea that goal of water conservation can be achieved only by creating collective
consciousness among people towards water conservation.

103
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 5.11. CENSUS
Why in news
According to the Office of the Registrar General and Census
Commissioner of India, Census is postponed by at least 4
years to 2024-25.
More on news
• Citing the on-going COVID pandemic, the office of RGI
has extended the deadline of freezing of
administrative boundaries to June 30, 2023 (extended
multiple times since COVID).
o As per Rule 8 (iv) of Census Rules, 1990, the
boundaries of the administrative units shall be
frozen from the date intimated by the Census
Commissioner, which shall not be earlier than one year from the Census reference date.
o As general elections are scheduled for early 2024, it would not be possible to conduct Census
operations before polls.
About the Census Process
• The responsibility of conducting the decadal census rests with the Office of the Registrar General and
Census Commissioner of India, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Before every Census, the states are required to provide information to the RGI on changes in the number
of administrative units like towns, districts, etc.
o The number of districts changed from 640 in 2011 to 736 in 2022.
• Then the Census Operations is carried out in two phases: -
o House listing and Housing Census- As per the recent amendments to Census Rules this phase also
carries enumeration of National Population Register (NPR).
o Population Enumeration- During this each person is enumerated and her/his individual particulars
(Age, Marital status, Religion, etc).
Related news
Caste Census
• Recently, Supreme Court declined to entertain petitions against caste-based census in Bihar.
About Caste Census
o Caste Census is the caste-wise tabulation of population in the census exercise.
o Every Census in independent India from 1951 to 2011 has published data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes, but not on other castes.
o Before that, every Census until 1931 had data on caste.
o Earlier in 2011 attempt was made towards Caste Census by conducting the Socio Economic and Caste Census
(SECC).
o Rohini Commission was another attempt by categorization within OBCs for better targeted service delivery.

5.12. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Women in • Recently, SC
Judiciary had an all-
woman
bench which
was only the
third time in
its history.
• Only three
times (2013,
2018, 2022) in
history of SC
all women
benches
were formed.
104
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • This third all women benches heard transfer petitions involving matrimonial disputes and bail
matters.
• Supreme court currently has only 3 women judges, and the country will get its first woman Chief
Justice only in 2027.
Section 497 • SC in its clarification to 2018 judgement ruled that armed forces can take action against their
of Indian officers for adulterous acts.
Penal Code • SC in 2018 judgement decriminalized adultery by striking down Section 497 of IPC dealing with
(IPC) the offence of adultery, holding it unconstitutional.
• Section 497 imposed culpability on a man who engages in sexual intercourse with another man’s
wife. Women were exempted from such prosecution.
Family Courts • Madras HC quashed a Khula (divorce) certificate issued to a woman by Shariat Council of Tamil
(FC) Nadu.
o HC asserted that only judicial forums were empowered to pass a decree to dissolve a
marriage under Section 7(1)(b) of Family Courts (FC) Act, 1984.
• FC Act, 1984 was enacted for establishment of FCs to promote conciliation, and secure speedy
settlement of disputes relating to marriage and family affairs and for related matters.
o State Government may, with concurrence of HC, appoint one or more persons to be Judge
or Judges of a FC.
Grameen • Ministry of Skill development and Entrepreneurship facilitated 200 tribal women under Grameen
Udhyami Udyami Programme.
Programme • Programme aims to build skills and spirit of entrepreneurship among tribal communities for their
inclusive and sustainable development.
• Programme is held under Sansadiya Sankul Pariyojana (SSP) which aims to expand rural and local
economy, enhance employment opportunities, conservation of natural resources, etc.
Children • SC ruled that Children’s right not to have their legitimacy questioned frivolously is part of their
Identity and Privacy Rights. Also, SC stated that
Right to o Genetic information is personal and intimate, and
Privacy o Family courts should direct for a DNA test to ascertain paternity of a child only in expedient
situations and in interest of justice, as a last resort.
• Right to Privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 (Justice
K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd) vs Union of India).
• UN Convention on Rights of the Child also recognises rights of privacy, autonomy and identity
of children.
Draft • It has been framed by the National
guidelines on Commission for Protection of Child
assessing if Rights (NCPCR) for Conducting
minors can Preliminary Assessment under Section 15
be tried as of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection
adults of Children) Act, 2015.
o It is in compliance with Supreme
Court directive (Barun Chnadra
Thakur vs Master Bholu).

World Social • Published by: he UN Department for Economic

Report 2023: and Social Affairs (DESA)
Leaving no • Report builds on framework of Madrid
one behind in International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA).
an ageing o MIPAA was adopted at second World
world Assembly on Ageing in April 2002.
• Key Findings
• Number of persons aged 65 years or older is
expected to double over next three decades
surpassing 1.6 billion in 2050.

105
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Northern Africa and Western Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are expected to experience fastest
growth.
• Poverty levels at older ages are typically higher among women.
Rat-hole • A High Court appointed committee has refuted Meghalaya Government’s estimate of coal
mining extracted before National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in April 2014.
• Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, which workers (often
children) enter and extract coal.
o It is mostly practiced in Meghalaya because of thinness of coal found there.
• In 2019, Supreme Court stated that if coal mining is done under Mines and Minerals (Development
and Regulation) Act and Mineral Concession Rules 1960, NGT ban will not be applicable.
Manual • Kerala became the first state in the country to use robotic technology to clean all its commissioned
Scavenging manholes.
• The robotic scavenger ‘Bandicoot’ to clean sewages functions in a similar way such as a person.
• It has features of being waterproof, HD vision cameras, and sensors that can detect harmful gases
inside the manholes.
Lokur • Experts have pointed that Office of Registrar-General of India (RGI) follows ‘obsolete’ criteria set
Committee, out by Lokur Committee to define any new community as a Scheduled Tribe (ST).
1965 • Criteria set out by Lokur Committee are indications of primitive traits, distinctive culture,
geographical isolation, shyness of contact with community at large, backwardness.
• New criteria under government consideration included socio-economic (educational,
backwardness), historical geographical isolation, etc.
Jadui Pitara: A • It is a play-based Learning-Teaching Material tailored for children between the age group of 3-8
Learning - years.
Teaching • It is developed under the National Curriculum Framework is available in 13 Indian languages.
Material • It comprises of playbooks, toys, puzzles, posters, flash cards, etc.
(LTM)
PARAKH • The Educational
(Performance Testing Service (ETS),
Assessment, which administers
Review and international tests like
Analysis of TOEFL, TOEIC, GRE,
Knowledge and PISA among
for Holistic others in more than
Development) 180 countries, has won
the bid to set up
PARAKH.
• PARAKH has been
launched as part of the
implementation of the
National Education
Policy (NEP)-2020.
• PARAKH will work on setting norms, standards and guidelines for student assessment and
evaluation for all recognised school boards in the country.
School Health • Almost three years after its implementation, program has less than 50% uptake and so far only 15
& Wellness States have started classroom sessions with students.
Programme • School Health & Wellness Programme
o It has been incorporated under Ayushman Bharat Programme.
o It is being implemented in government and government aided schools in districts (including
aspirational districts).
o Two teachers, preferably one male and one female, in every school are designated as “Health
and Wellness Ambassadors” to transact with school children for one hour every week.
Higher • HEFA has fallen way short of government’s target of mobilising Rs 1 lakh crore by 2022.
Education
Financing
Agency
(HEFA)

106
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 National • The
Assessment benchmarks
and manual is its
Accreditation secret ledger
Council of maximum
(NAAC) scores it
releases new awards to
benchmark institutions
that line up for
assessment.
• These will act
as a
barometer,
allowing institutions to identify the areas need to be worked upon.
Study Webs of • With 2.4 crore enrolments, government-run SWAYAM has outperformed any other e-Learning
Active platform.
Learning for o SWAYAM is a repository of more than 300 high quality Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC)
Young that are developed by academicians from top ranked institutions and are offered free of
Aspiring cost.
Minds • A learning system based on formalised teaching but with help of electronic resources is known
(SWAYAM) as E-learning.
o India is one of the biggest market for e-learning with revenue projected to reach US$ 4.73bn
in 2023.
Mission • Launched by: Ministry of Rural development and Panchayati Raj
Antyodaya o It aims to assess the outcome of various development schemes in rural areas.
Survey (MAS) o Survey-2022 Questionnaire has 183 indicators and 216 data points covering 21 areas.
2022-23 o Areas covered in survey include fisheries, agriculture, fuel and fodder, good governance,
roads, etc. Questionnaires are to be prepared in 13 languages.
Prajjwala • Launched by: The Ministry of Rural Development under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National
Challenge Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
• Aim: To invite ideas, solutions and actions that can transform rural economy.
o DAY-NRLM aims at mobilizing rural poor households into SHGs and provide them long-term
support such that they diversify their livelihoods, improve their incomes etc.

107
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 5.13. ERRATA
PT 365 Social Issues (April 2022-December 2022)
• Article 1.3 SURROGACY (REGULATION) RULES, 2022: it has been mentioned that commercial surrogacy
could be penalised by imprisonment upto 5 years and a fine upto Rs 5 lakh. Please note that this penalty
may extend to imprisonment upto 10 years and a fine upto Rs 10 lakh.

108
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 6. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
6.1. BIOTECHNOLOGY
6.1.1. STEM CELLS
Why in News?
Recently, third patient was reported being cured of HIV
after a stem cell transplant (SCT).
More on News
• A bone-marrow transplant (also called SCT) from
people carrying a specific HIV-resistant genetic
mutation called CCR5-delta 32 genetic mutation was
used.
o HIV mainly attacks CD4 immune cells (type of
white blood cell) in human body, thereby reducing
a person’s ability to fight off secondary infections.
o CCR5 receptors on surface of CD4 immune cells act
as a doorway for HIV virus.
• A bone marrow transplant is a procedure that infuses healthy blood-
forming stem cells into body to replace bone marrow that's not
producing enough healthy blood cells.
o It can be autologous (use cells from your own body) or allogenic
(use cells from a donor).
About stem cells
• Special human cells that can develop into many different cell types.
• Provide new cells for the body as it grows and replaces specialized
cells that are damaged or lost.
• Two unique properties that enable them to do this:
o They can divide repeatedly to produce new cells.
o As they divide, they can change into
the other types of cells that make up the body.
• Stem Cell Classification: refer infographic.

109
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Status in India
• Fall under definition of ‘Drug’ as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940.
o Categorized as ‘Investigational New Drug or Investigational New Entity when used for clinical application.
• Various guidelines released so far
o Draft Guidelines for Stem Cell Research/Regulation (2002)
o Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Therapy (2007)
o National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research (NGSCR)- 2017
✓ As per these guidelines, only bone marrow/hematopoietic SCT for blood disorders (including blood
cancers and thalassemia) is permitted in compliance with NGSCR 2017.
• Some hospitals providing SCT in India are AIIMs, New Delhi, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai etc.

6.1.2. MITOCHONDRIAL DNA (MTDNA)

Why in News?
Delhi police recently used DNA Mitochondrial profiling to establish the victim
identity.
More on News
• Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profiling is a method used by forensics
scientists to examine biological items of evidence from crime scenes to
determine mtDNA sequence from samples such as hair, bones, and teeth.
o Typically, these items contain low concentrations of degraded DNA,
making them unsuitable for nuclear DNA examinations.
About Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
• mtDNA is circular, double stranded, and inherited maternally.
o It is found in mitochondria - a subcellular organelle located within the cell and functions to produce
energy (powerhouse of cell) for various tissues of body.
• It can play an important role in missing person investigations, mass disasters etc. with limited biological
material (or Nuclear DNA) as:
o Mitochondrial division is disassociated from cellular division and is stimulated by energy demand, i.e.
cells with greater energy requirement have greater number of these organelle.
o Also, it has high copy number as most human cell contain hundreds of mtDNA genomes copies against
two copies of Nuclear DNA in nucleus.
✓ High copy number increases the likelihood of recovering sufficient DNA from samples even if
they are highly degraded by environment or time.

6.2. NANOTECHNOLOGY
6.2.1. NANO UREA
Why in News? About nano fertiliser
Union Minister of Chemicals and • Nanofertilizers are defined as materials in the nanometer scale,
Fertilizers has inaugurated the IFFCO usually in the form of nanoparticles, containing macro and
micronutrients that are delivered to crops in a controlled mode.
Nano Urea Liquid Plants at Aonla and
Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh.
About Nano Urea
• Nano Urea is a Nanofertilizers (refer
box) that contains nano nitrogen
particles of size range 20-50 nm
dispersed in water.
o Total nitrogen concentration in
one bottle of Nano Urea (liquid) is
4 % (40,000 ppm).
o The fertilizer has been patented and sold by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO).

110
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Formation: Process uses “organic polymers” that keeps the ‘nano’ particles of nitrogen stable and in a
form that can be sprayed onto plants.
• Subsidy: There is no government subsidy on nano urea.
• Relevance of Nano-urea
o Reduces the requirement of conventional Urea by 50% or more.
o Nano-urea has Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of more than 80%.
✓ The quantum effects of nanoparticles and the increased surface area helps to deliver more
nitrogen.

6.3. IT AND COMPUTER

6.3.1. MICROLEDS (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE) DISPLAYS
Why in News?
Recently various electronic companies are showing their interest in MicroLED (mLED or µLED) display
technology.

111
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 6.3.2. QUANTUM COHERENCE
Why in News?
Recently an international team of scientists made
a breakthrough in retaining the quantum
coherence of quantum dot spin qubits.
About Quantum Coherence
• It is the Ability of a quantum state to maintain
its entanglement and superposition in the
face of interactions.
o It deals with the idea that all objects have
wave-like properties.

112
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Spin-photon interfaces are elementary building blocks for quantum networks.
o These allow converting stationary quantum information (such as the quantum state of an ion or a
solid-state spin qubit) into light (namely photons) that can be distributed over large distances.
• A major challenge is to find an interface that is both good at storing quantum information and efficient
at converting it into light.
• Optically active semiconductor quantum dots are the most efficient spin-photon interface known to date
but extending their storage time beyond a few microseconds is difficult.
o Recent research improves the storage of quantum information beyond hundred microseconds.
• Quantum dots (QDs) are a unique type of nanocrystalline semiconductor whose electronic and optical
properties are dependent on the size and shape of the dots.

6.3.3. DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDER (DCIP)

Why in News?
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released consultation paper on Digital Connectivity
Infrastructure Provider (DCIP) Authorization under Unified Licence (UL).
About Digital Connectivity Infrastructure
• TRAI is seeking views to introduce DCIP authorization under UL regime as it underlined the importance
of robust Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) in economic development.
o UL offers service-wise authorizations, where licensees establish networks and use them to provide
services.
• Importance of DCI
o Increases productivity and provides amenities that enhance quality of life. It is used for financial
services, e-governance, tele-medicine etc.
o Helps in implementation of various government schemes under Digital India, Make in India,
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission etc.
• Earlier, National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP-2018) emphasized on DCI under ‘Propel India’
mission.
o NDCP-2018 envisages enabling unbundling of different layers (e.g., infrastructure, network, services,
and applications layer) through differential licensing.
• DCIP will work at infrastructure and network layer; creating neutral third-party entities which can create
passive and active DCI.
o Currently, Infrastructure Providers Category-I (IP-I) rolls out passive infrastructure while active
infrastructure creation is permitted to Telecom Service Providers only.
✓ Passive Infrastructure refers to physical space, e.g., telecom towers, fiber distribution hub etc.
while Active infrastructure refers to active elements such as antennas, back-haul connectivity etc.
• DCIPs can lease/rent/sell their infrastructure only to such entities which are licensed under Indian
Telegraph Act.
• Potential Benefits Of DCIP: Increased common sharable DCI and network resources, cost reduction,
attract investment, strengthen service delivery segment, etc.
Related News
Broadband Definition change
• Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has notified the change in definition of Broadband.
• Now, Broadband is defined as a data connection that can support interactive services including Internet access.
o It has the capability of the minimum download speed of 2 Mbps to an individual subscriber from the point of
presence (POP) of the service provider.
• Earlier, connections with 512 Kbps were called Broadband Connections.

6.3.4. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Large Language • Meta Platforms has released Large Language Model Meta AI (LLaMA).
Models (LLMs) o LLaMA is a foundational language model developed to assist researchers in subfield of
Artificial Intelligence (AI).
o It is a collection of language models.
• LLMs are AI systems that consume massive volumes of digital text from internet sources such
as articles, news reports, and social media posts.

113
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o These digital texts are used to train software that predicts and produces content from
scratch based on prompts and queries.
o These models can help in writing essays, composing social media posts.
Neural • Neural Networks are behind working of recently unveiled Chatbots like ChatGPT and Bard.
Networks • Neural networks are a type of machine learning algorithm modelled after structure and
function of the human brain.
o They are composed of layers of interconnected nodes, called neurons, that process and
transmit information.
o They learn skills by analyzing vast amounts of digital data.
• They can be trained to perform a wide range of task:
o Convolutional neural networks are used for image and pattern recognition/ computer
vision.
o Recurrent neural networks use series of data to make predictions about future outcome.
Bhasini Mission • Government integrates Bhasini Mission's capabilities with the UPI ecosystem to make digital
payments through UPI 123 Pay available in more than 20 local Indian language.
• Bhashini Mission was launched by Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
o It is a local language translator mission that aims to break the barrier between various
Indian tongues by using technology.
o This platform will make Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP)
resources available to Indian MSMEs, startups and innovators in public domain.
o Bhashini platform is interoperable and will catalyze entire Digital Ecosystem.
USB (Universal • Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced standard for USB Type-C port, plug and
Serial Bus) cables used in electronic devices like mobile phone, laptop etc.
• It aims to provide
common charging
solutions for various
electronic devices
sold in country by
March 2025.
• USB (an industry
standard) is used for
connecting a wide
variety of devices to a
processor.(Refer
image for different
USB Types).
• BIS also published standards for digital television receivers with built-in satellite tuners and
video surveillance security systems
Data embassies • Union Budget 2023 -24 announced for setting up data embassies at GIFT City in Gujarat.
• Data embassy refers to server resources owned and maintained by a nation-state outside its
territorial boundaries, according to its own laws.
o It will ensure normal functioning of a state and its digital services in case of situations like
cyberattack or natural disaster.
o They have diplomatic immunities from local laws on principles of the Vienna Convention
on Diplomatic Relations, 1961.
• Estonia was first country to set up data embassy outside its territory in Luxembourg in 2017.

6.4. SPACE TECHNOLOGY

6.4.1. GAGANYAAN
Why in news?
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), along with the Indian Navy, has carried out initial recovery trials
of the Crew Module for the Gaganyaan Mission.

114
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
115
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 6.4.2. CHANDRAYAAN 3
Why in News?
Several critical steps that are necessary for the
successful launch of Chandrayaan 3 were
successfully conducted recently.
More about the News
• The three possible landing sites for the mission
are also finalized between Manzius U and
Boguslawsky M craters in the South Polar
Region of the moon.
• The proposed lander has successfully
completed the crucial Electro - Magnetic
Interference and compatibility test.
• The Flight acceptance hot test, for the Cryogenic engine to be used in the mission was also successfully
conducted.

Modules of Chandrayaan 3
• Lander Module: Consists of-
o Radio anatomy of Moon bound hypersensitive ionosphere and atmosphere (RAMBHA): To measure
the near surface plasma density and its changes with time.
o Chandra’s
Surface Thermo
physical
Experiment: To
measure the
thermal
properties of
the lunar
surface in the
polar region.
o Instrument of
Lunar Seismic
Activity (ILSA):
To measure the
seismicity and
determine the
lunar crust and
mantle.

116
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o LASER Retroreflector array: To understand the dynamics of the Moon system.
• Rover module: Consists of-
o LASER Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS): To derive the chemical composition and infer
mineralogical composition of the Lunar surface.
o Alpha particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS): To determine the composition of the lunar soil and rocks
at the landing site.
• Propulsion module: Consists of-
o Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth (SHAPE): To probe into the Exoplanets which would
qualify for habitability in future.
• Launch Vehicle (earlier called GSLV – Mk III): Consists of-
o 3-stage launch vehicle consisting of Cryogenic Upper Stage, Solid Rocket Boosters and Core Liquid
Stage.
o Carrying capacity of 8 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 4 tonnes to Geo Transfer Orbit (GTO).
Why the South Pole of the Moon is chosen as the preferred landing site?
• Shadow area: much larger than that at North Pole. Also, there is a possibility of the presence of water in areas
around it.
• Craters: that are cold traps and contain a fossil record of the early Solar System.
• Untapped Resources: Regolith in region has traces of hydrogen, ammonia, methane, sodium, mercury and silver.
• Positional advantage: make it a suitable pit stop for future space exploration.

6.4.3. VOLCANIC ROCKS ON MOON

Why in News?
Scientists from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL),
Ahmedabad (India), US and Japan have announced new
discovery about origin of volcanic rocks on moon.
About the Discovery
• Scientists found a unique group of ancient lunar
basaltic meteorites with very low KREEP.
o KREEP is acronym for a place that has deposits
of potassium (K), rare earth elements (REE) and
phosphorus (P).
o Samples studied for discovery were Asuka-
881757 found at Antartica, Kalahari 009 found at
Kalahari Desert, and samples collected by
Russian Luna-24 mission.
• This suggests that meteorites studied have come
from a region different from PKT (Procellarum KREEP Terrane).
• Study shows that these basalts are result of low-pressure melting in the Moon whereas basalts in PKT
regions are a result of localized radioactive melting.
o PKT regions are rich in radioactive elements that provided heat to melt rocks resulting in KREEP rich
basalts.
• Further, it shows that these basalts originated from a cool, shallow, and compositionally distinct part of
lunar interior.
• Mare regions of Moon which is on near side of Moon consists mainly of basalt rocks.
o Near side of moon (always visible from Earth) is divided into light areas called Lunar Highlands and
darker areas called Mare.

6.5. NASA-ISRO SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (NISAR) SATELLITE

Why in News?
Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has received the NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) satellite from
the U.S. space agency.

117
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 About NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) Satellite Frequency Bands
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory
being jointly developed by NASA
and ISRO.
• Mapping and Data: Will map the
entire globe in 12 days and provide
spatially and temporally consistent
data for understanding changes in
Earth’s ecosystems, ice mass, etc.
• Instruments: It consists of both L-
band and S-band synthetic
aperture radar (SAR) instruments,
which makes it a dual-frequency • L band radars operate on a wavelength of 15-30 cm and a
imaging radar satellite. frequency of 1-2 GHz. L band radars are mostly used for clear air
o SAR payloads mounted on turbulence studies.
Integrated Radar Instrument • S band radars operate on a wavelength of 8-15 cm and a frequency
of 2-4 GHz.
Structure (IRIS) and the
o Because of the wavelength and frequency, S band radars are
spacecraft bus are together not easily attenuated.
called an observatory. o This makes them useful for near and far range weather
o NASA is to provide the L-band observation.
radar, GPS, a high-capacity o The drawback to this band of radar is that it requires a large
solid-state recorder to store antenna dish and a large motor to power it.
data, and a payload data
subsystem.
o ISRO is to provide the S-band radar, the GSLV
launch system and spacecraft for the mission.
• NISAR is expected to be launched in January 2024
from Satish Dhawan Space Centre into a near-polar
orbit.
o After the commissioning period, the L-band radar
will be used by NASA for minimum of three years.
o S-band radar will be used by India for a period of
five years.
Significance of the mission: High Precision and
Resolution, Large Imaging Area, Observing Indian Coasts
and Antarctica.

118
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 6.5.1. HYBRID-SOUNDING ROCKET
Why in News?
India’s first hybrid-sounding rocket launched by private players from Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu.
More on News
• Martin Foundation, in association with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Space Zone
India, launched the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission- 2023.
o Rocket can be used for research in weather, atmospheric conditions and radiations.
About Sounding Rockets
• Sounding rockets are one or two stage solid propellant rockets used for probing upper atmospheric
regions (Aeronomy) and for space research.
o They can also be used to test or prove prototypes of new components or subsystems intended for
use in launch vehicles and satellites.
o Sounding rockets take their name from the nautical term "to sound," which means to take
measurements.
o Hybrid-rocket uses different propellants, i.e., one solid and other being either gas or liquid.
• In 1963, Indian Space Programme started with first sounding rocket launch from Thumba Equatorial
Rocket Launching Station (TERLS), Kerala. Thumba was selected as it is close to magnetic equator.
• In 1967, ISRO launched its own version of sounding rockets - Rohini RH-75.
o In 1975, ISRO consolidated all sounding rocket activities under Rohini Sounding Rocket (RSR)
Programme.
About Rohini RH- 200
• RH-200 (meteorology purpose) is one of three sounding rockets currently operational with ISRO, the
other two being RH-300 Mk 2 and RH-560 Mk 2 (both for Aeronomy).
o 200 in the name denotes rocket’s diameter in millimeters (mm).
• Rh-200 rocket used polyvinyl chloride (pvc) based propellant. In 2020, first rh-200 used a new propellant
based on hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (htpb).

6.5.2. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Space Objects
Jupiter Moons • Jupiter, with 92 moons, beats Saturn to become planet with most moons.
• Jupiter is home to first moons discovered in our solar system, functions like a mini solar
system.
• Jupiter's four largest moons are called Galilean satellites: Lo, Europa, Ganymede, and
Callisto.
o Lo is most volcanically active body in solar system.
o Europa's surface is mostly water ice.
o Ganymede is largest moon in solar system and is only moon known to have its own
internally generated magnetic field.
o Callisto's surface is extremely heavily cratered and ancient.
Quaoar • New study has found that
dwarf planet Quaoar has a
Saturn-like ring of dust and
debris that defies rules of
physics.
• The rings are found outside
its Roche limit.
o Roche limit is minimum
distance to which a large
satellite can approach its
primary body (like Moon
and Earth) without being
torn apart by tidal forces.

119
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Quaoar (discovered in 2002) is the seventh largest of known dwarf planets.
• It is a trans-Neptunian object, i.e., it orbits Sun beyond its outermost planet Neptune.
• Dwarf planet is defined as a celestial body that - orbits sun, has enough mass to assume
a nearly round shape, has not cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit and is not a
moon.
RR Lyrae Stars • More than 200 distant variable stars known as RR
Lyrae stars discovered in Milky Way's stellar halo, a
spherical cloud of stars surrounding the galaxy.
o RR Lyrae stars are known for their fluctuating
brightness, therefore helping in measuring
distances.
• A galaxy is a huge collection of gas, dust, and billions
of stars and their solar systems, all held together by
gravity.
o Galaxies can be spiral, elliptical or irregular.
o Our galaxy, Milky Way (spiral in shape), also has
a supermassive black hole in the middle.
Small Magellanic • NASA's James Webb telescope has found a star formation (Called NGC 346) in a dynamic
Cloud (SMC) cluster that lies within SMC.
• Visible to the naked eye from southern hemisphere, SMC is smaller of the two irregular
galaxies that make up Magellanic Clouds.
o These two galaxies orbit the Milky Way once every 1,500 million years, and each
other once every 900 million years.
• Magellanic Clouds were formed at about same time as Milky Way Galaxy, approximately
13 billion years ago
Meteorids • Five new meteorites were found in the in the Blue Ice region of Antarctica.
• Meteoroids are objects in space that range in size from dust grains to small asteroids.
o When meteoroids enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speed and burn up, the fireballs
or shooting stars are called meteors.
o When a meteoroid survives a trip through the atmosphere and hits the ground, it’s
called a meteorite.
Aubrite meteorite • Analysis has revealed that Diyodar meteorite of 2022 (fell in Gujarat) was India’s first
aubrite in 170 years.
• Aubrites, a type of meteorite, are coarse-grained igneous rocks formed in oxygen-poor
conditions; containing a variety of exotic minerals that are not found on Earth.
o E.g. mineral heideite was first described in Basti meteorite.
• Around 90% of Diyodar meteorite was composed of orthopyroxene.
o Pyroxenes are silicates consisting of single chains of silica tetrahedra (SiO 4).
Orthopyroxenes are pyroxenes with a certain structure
✓ Pyroxenes such as diopside and jadeite have been used as gems.
Wolf 1069 b • Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet Wolf 1069b which is orbiting a red dwarf star
Wolf 1069.
o An exoplanet is any planet beyond our solar system.
o Red dwarfs are stars with very low mass and are generally referred to as coolest
stars.
• It is orbiting in its star’s habitable zone (Goldilocks zone), making it a prime candidate for
liquid water to potentially exist on its surface.
• It is tidally locked to its parent star, meaning one side is always in daylight and other is
always in darkness.
Others
Solitary Wave (SW) • Indian scientists reported first evidence of the presence of SW in Martian
magnetosphere with help of data recorded by the MAVEN spacecraft of NASA.
o SW are Distinct electric field fluctuations (bipolar or monopolar) that follow
constant amplitude-phase relations. Their shape and size are less affected during
their propagation.
• Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) explore the Mars atmosphere,
ionosphere and how they interact with Sun and solar wind.
Shukrayaan- I • ISRO’s Venus mission may be delayed until 2031.
o In 2031, Earth and Venus would be aligned in manner that it would require minimum
amount of propellant for spacecraft to enter Venus orbit.

120
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Shukrayaan I will be
an orbiter mission. Its
scientific payloads
include high-
resolution synthetic
aperture radar and
ground-penetrating
radar.
o Mission is
expected to
study Venus’s
geological and
volcanic activity,
emissions on
ground, wind
speed, cloud
cover, and other
planetary
characteristics from an elliptical orbit.
• Other mission to Venus: Venera program (Russia); Akatsuki project (Japan); VERITAS i.e.,
Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, and Spectroscopy, Mariner 2 and
Magellan (NASA); EnVision mission (Europe) etc.
World’s First 3D- • Agnikul-Cosmos, a space-tech startup incubated in IIT-Madras, has successfully
printed rocket engine conducted the flight acceptance test for its 3D printed rocket engine “Agnilet”.
o It is a semi-cryogenic engine, which uses a mixture of liquid kerosene at room
temperature and super cold liquid oxygen as fuel.
• Agnilet Engine will power the company’s launch vehicle, Agnibaan, which can carry
payloads of up to 300kg to a low-earth orbit.
o Launch of Agnibaan will be the second by a private firm -- after Hyderabad-based
Skyroot Aerospace’s Viksram-S, which took place in November 2022.

Atacama Large • A research team from Italy has detected an elusive black galaxy, dubbed 'invisible galaxy'
Millimetre/ using ALMA.
Submillimeter Array • ALMA is a state-of-the-art telescope to study light from some of the coldest objects in
(ALMA) the Universe.
• This light has wavelengths of around a millimetre, between infrared light and radio
waves, and is therefore known as millimetre and submillimetre radiation.
o Light at these wavelengths comes from some of the earliest and most distant
galaxies in the Universe.
• ALMA is an international collaboration including teams from Europe, Japan, US, Canada,
Chile etc.
Doppler Weather • India Meteorological Department (IMD) will cover the entire India under a DWRs network
Radars (DWRs) by 2025.
• A Doppler Radar is a specialized radar that uses Doppler effect to produce velocity data
about objects at a distance.
o Doppler effect refers to change in wave frequency during the relative motion
between a wave source and its observer.
• DWRs are used to locate precipitation, calculate its motion, and estimate its type.

6.6. HEALTH
6.6.1. TRANSFAT Partially Hydrogenated Oils (PHO)
• About: PHO are solid at room temperature and prolong
Why in News? the shelf life of products.
• Use: For deep frying and as an ingredient in baked goods.
Recently, WHO released a report titled
• Other: First introduced in early 20th century as a
Countdown to 2023: WHO report on global replacement for butter and lard.
trans-fat elimination 2022. o They are not a natural part of the human diet and
Key highlight of the report are fully replaceable.

• Mandatory TFA limits or bans on partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) are currently in effect for 3.4 billion
people in 60 countries.
121
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • In 2022, three countries – Global Initiative
India, Oman and Uruguay • REPLACE initiative: By WHO for elimination of industrially produced TFA
– implemented best- from the food supply by 2023.
practice TFA policies. • WHO Certification Programme for Trans Fat Elimination: to recognize
countries that have eliminated industrially produced TFA from their national
About Transfat food supplies.
• Trans fat, or trans-fatty
acids, are unsaturated
fatty acids that come from
either natural or industrial
sources.
o Naturally occurring
trans-fat come from
ruminants (cows and
sheep).
o Industrially produced
trans-fat are formed in
an industrial process
that adds hydrogen to
vegetable oil converting the liquid into a solid, Best-practice TFA policy
resulting in “partially hydrogenated” oil (PHO). The two best-practice policies for TFA elimination are:
• Use of trans fats has been popular because they are • Mandatory national limit of 2 g of industrially
inexpensive, have a longer shelf life, and can produced TFA per 100 g of total fat in all foods.
improve the texture and taste of foods. • Mandatory national ban on the production or
• Trans fats increase bad cholesterol, i.e., Low use of PHO as an ingredient in all foods.
Density Lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol and decrease High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol, which
can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Experts recommend limiting consumption of trans fat (industrially produced and ruminant) to less than
1% of total energy intake, which translates to less than 2.2 g/day for a 2,000-calorie diet.

6.6.2. NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES

Why in News?
World Health Organization (WHO) released
Global report on neglected tropical diseases
2023.
About Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)
• NTDs are a diverse group of 20 conditions
mainly prevalent in tropical areas.
• Caused By: a variety of pathogens including
viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins.
• NTDs flourish mainly in areas where access
to clean water and sanitation is scarce –
worsened by climate change.
• India has the world's largest absolute
burden of at least 10 major NTDs, including
dengue, lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, visceral
leishmaniasis or kala-azar and rabies.
o However, India has already eliminated
several NTDs, including guinea worm,
trachoma, and yaws.

122
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 6.6.3. WHO’S PANDEMIC TREATY
Why in News? International Health Regulations (IHR)-2005
• It is the mechanism through which the WHO has handled the
Recently, WHO members held the first pandemics in the recent past, the outbreak of COVID-19, has
round of negotiations towards the highlighted the flaws it contained and hence the call for a New
pandemic treaty. Pandemic Treaty, became more prominent.
More about the News • These are an instrument of international law that is legally-binding
on 196 countries, including the 194 WHO Member States.
• WHO is leading two major • They create rights and obligations for countries, including the
international initiatives to requirement to report public health events at regular interval.
address on the threat of future • The Regulations also outlines the criteria to determine whether or
pandemics. not a particular event constitutes a “public health emergency of
o First initiative: Involves international concern”.
revising the International Health Regulations (IHRs) to improve global health alerts' speed and
efficiency.
o Second initiative: Involves negotiating a new Pandemic Treaty to provide a more efficient and
equitable response to pandemics in the future.
About the Pandemic Treaty
• WHO published a ‘zero-draft’ of the pandemic treaty.
o It will entail for global- and national-level pandemic preparedness.
o The draft opens the path to major multilateral negotiations and has invited inputs from member
groups.
o It aims to prevent pandemics, save lives, reduce disease burden and protect livelihoods, through
strengthening the world’s capacities for preventing, preparing for and responding to, and recovery
of health systems from, pandemics.

6.6.4. VACCINE-DERIVED POLIOVIRUS (VDPV)

Why in News?
A WHO committee, after looking into updates from several countries, stated that while risk of global spread
of wild poliovirus remains, risk of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) ones is higher.
About vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV)
• Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system. There are 3 types of
wild polio virus – type 1, type 2, and type 3.
o Only type 1 wild poliovirus remains in circulation.
• There are two types of vaccinations that work against poliovirus: inactivated poliovirus (IPV) and oral
poliovirus (OPV).
o IPV is produced from wild-type poliovirus strains that have been inactivated (killed) with formalin.
o OPV contains an attenuated (weakened) vaccine-virus, which activates an immune response in the
body.
• However, OPV can lead to rare emergence of VDPVs when there is prolonged circulation or replication of
the vaccine virus.
o Types of VDPVs: circulating VDPV (cVDPV), immunodeficiency VDPV (iVDPV), and ambiguous VDPV
(aVDPV).
o VDPVs are mostly found in children with immune-deficiency and among populations with low
immunity levels.
• In 2014, India was officially declared polio-free, along with the rest of the South-East Asia Region.

6.6.5. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Diseases
Lymphatic • Recently, Mass Drug Administration (MDA) was launched by Union Ministry of Health and
Filariasis (LF) Family Welfare to eliminate LF by 2027, three years ahead of the global target.
• LF or elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease. Infection is usually acquired in childhood
causing hidden damage to the lymphatic system.

123
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Symptoms: Abnormal enlargement of body parts.
o Caused by: Nematodes (roundworms) of family Filariodidea.
o Transmitted by: Mosquitoes including Culex, Anopheles and Aedes.
o Global initiative: Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by the WHO
Measels and • India had set a target to eliminate Measels and Rubella (vaccine-preventable diseases) by
Rubella 2023 (missed earlier deadline of 2020).
o Measles is caused by a virus that specifically infects the respiratory system.
o Rubella is caused by a virus that invades lymph nodes, eyes and skin.
• Steps taken by India
o Mission Indradhanush to ramp up vaccinating the unvaccinated population.
o National strategic plan for measles and rubella elimination.
o Introduced rubella-containing vaccine (RCV) into the routine immunisation programme.
o A nationwide measles-rubella supplementary immunisation activity (SIA) catch-up
campaign.
Norovirus • Kerala confirmed cases of Norovirus.
• Norovirus is a highly contagious animal-borne disease that can be transmitted through
contaminated water and food.
o Virus is capable of surviving low temperatures, and outbreaks tend to be more common
during winter and in colder countries.
• Norovirus causes gastrointestinal illness, including inflammation of lining of stomach and
intestines, severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Alzheimer's • US Food and Drug Administration has granted approval to Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab
disease (marketed as Leqembi) that has shown to slow cognitive decline in patients in early stages
of the illness.
• Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink
(atrophy) and brain cells to die.
o It is the most common cause of dementia — a continuous decline in thinking,
behavioral and social skills.
• Lecanemab aims to slow the progression of disease by removing clumps of beta-amyloid
— considered one of the main causes of Alzheimer’s disease — from the brain.
XBB.1.5 • First case of XBB.I .5 variant is detected in Gujrat.
• It is a new recombinant strain—is highly immune evasive and appears more effective at
binding to cells than related subvariants.
o A recombinant strain is where related viruses exchange genetic material to create
offspring with genetic material from both parent viruses.
• Omicron subvariants XBB.1.5, BQ.1.1, BQ.1, BA.5, and XBB are causing almost all Covid-19
infections at present.
Controlling diseases
Dar-es-Salaam • It is a declaration on ending AIDS in children by 2030.
Declaration • The Declaration was announced at the first ministerial meeting of the Global Alliance to end
AIDS in Children, which brings together the 12 African countries with UNAIDS and other
health agencies.
eSanjeevani • eSanjeevani has provided services to 10 crore beneficiaries.
• eSanjeevani- National Telemedicine Service of India- is world’s largest telemedicine
implementation in primary healthcare.
o It is an e-health initiative of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
o It is a part of Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission.
o It is an alternative to conventional physical consultations via digital platform.
• It comprises two Verticals:
o ESanjeevani Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centers’ (HWCs): Bridge rural-
urban digital health divide by providing assisted teleconsultations to beneficiaries of
Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
o eSanjeevaniOPD: Caters to citizens in both rural and urban alike.
Miscellaneous
Immune • Recently, Scientific studies have found that immune imprinting can make bivalent boosters
Imprinting less effective.
o Bivalent boosters are variant-specific booster shots of vaccines to develop better
immunity against coronavirus.
• Immune imprinting is a tendency of the body to repeat its immune response based on the
memory of first infection through infection or vaccination.

124
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o Imprinting acts as a database for immune system, helping it put up a better response to
repeat infections.
o This makes the variant specific booster dose less effective.
• Concept of immune imprinting came to light for the first time in 1947.
Lead Poisoning • As per study conducted by NITI Aayog and Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
in 2022, 23 states exceed the permissible blood lead level of 5 µg/dL margin.
• Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in Earth’s crust.
• Source of lead poisoning
o Occupational sources: Mining, painting, glass manufacturing, pottery, smelting etc.
o Non occupational sources: Traditional medicine, vehicular exhaust, painted toys,
contaminated soil, dust and water etc.
• Impact of Lead poisoning: Damage to brain and nervous system, slowed growth and
development, learning problems, Hearing/speech problems leads to reduced intelligence,
lower educational attainment etc.

6.7. DEFENCE
6.7.1. MILITARY APPLICATIONS OF
DRONES
Why in News?
Indian armed forces have floated the idea for
integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or
drones in its combat systems.
Drone systems in Indian Military
• Swarm Drones: Inducted by Indian Army, are
useful in combat operations for surveillance
inputs and undertaking close reconnaissance.
• Switch VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing)
UAVs: useful in remote areas and difficult terrains.
In 2021, Army signed a contract with Mumbai
based ideaForge for these drones.
• Indigenous Drones:
o DRDO Lakshya and DRDO Nishant: Used for aerial
reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
o DRDO TAPAS UAV (Rustom-II): India’s Tactical
Advanced Platform for Aerial Surveillance (TAPAS)
Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV (in
user trial stage).
• Imported drones in India:
o Israel’s Searcher and Heron UAVs: They are capable
of all-weather surveillance. Some variants of Heron
can be armed when needed.
o Predator armed drones and MQ-9B Sea Guardian
drones: India and USA are moving closer to sign deal
for these two drones.
Defence systems against drones
• Naval Anti Drone System (NADS): First indigenously developed comprehensive anti-drone system developed by
DRDO.
o It has capabilities for both hard kill (attacking vital drone components) and soft kill (misguiding, signal
jamming etc.).
• DRDO’s D-4 Drone System: Acquired by all three forces, it can detect, identify, and neutralize different types of
drones within a 4 km radius.
• Indrajaal: Indigenous autonomous drone defence dome developed by a private Indian firm Grene Robotics.
• Israel’s SMASH 2000 Plus system: Being used by Indian Navy, this system is installed mainly on assault rifles
providing hard kill option.

125
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Drone Regulations in India
Drone Rules 2021 • Guidelines by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for use of civil drones.
• Places restrictions on operating drones in certain areas (Red Zones).
• Provides for registration and licensing of drones and training of operators.
• It follows the principle of No Permission – No Take-off (NPNT) and permission is required
before every operation of a drone.
Digital Sky • Online platform hosted by DGCA for drone management.
Platform • It includes interactive airspace map with marking of red, yellow and green zones.
• Platform deals with drone flight plans and permissions to fly.
National Counter • Being framed by Indian government, these will include rules about setting up Air Traffic
Rogue Drone Police, and use of drones in emergency situations etc.
Guidelines • These will outline means of detection, interruption and destruction of rogue drones.
Regulations on • In 2022, government banned the import of drones, except for research and development,
drone market defence and security purposes. However, drone components can be imported.
• Government approved a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones and their
components.

6.7.2. RESPONSIBLE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN MILITARY (REAIM)

Why in News?
World’s first international summit on
Responsible use of Artificial
Intelligence in Military (REAIM) 2023
held in Hague, Netherlands.
About REAIM
• It's the first global attempt to
prevent proliferation of Lethal
Autonomous Weapons (LAWS)
and insert ethics, moral factor into
rapidly developing weaponisation
technology that has potential for
cataclysmic damage.
• Role of AI in military domain
o Training and simulation to provide battlefield experience to soldiers.
o Surveillance, specifically in difficult to reach border regions, to provide situational awareness.
o Offensive capabilities, such as autonomous armed drones, which can execute targets.
o Reconnaissance and tactical support in combat situations such as targeted strikes.
• Concerns associated with use AI in military
o Ethical risks,Data biases.
• Steps taken by India to increase usage of AI in military
o Dedicated labs in DRDO for application orientated research in AI in different domains.
o Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) enables AI based processes in defence Organisations.

6.7.3. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Weapons
LORA (Long- • Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has signed an MoU with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for
Range Artillery) domestic manufacture and supply of its LORA Weapon System (LORA) for Indian Tri-services.
Weapon System • LORA is a short-range, road-mobile, ground and sea-launched solid fuelled ballistic missile
developed and operated by Israel.
o LORA system provides ballistic assault capabilities for multiple ranges (maximum range
280km) with a precision level of 10 meters CEP (Circular Error Probability).
o It uses Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System and TV for terminal
guidance, with possible in-flight maneuvering capability.
o It can carry a warhead of upto 600 kg.
Others
Electronic • At Aero India 2023, Ministry of Defense has launched the Indian Air Force e-MMS and SAMAR
Maintenance (System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment & Rating) portal.

126
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Management • E-MMS is one of the largest and technologically complex digital Enterprise Asset
System (e-MMS) Management solutions implemented in world.
and SAMAR o It is a software that helps an organization track the status of maintenance tasks, and
portal schedule equipment repairs.
• SAMAR is a portal of DRDO’s Aeronautical Research and Development Board (AR&DB) and
is an outcome of DRDO and Quality Council of India (QCI).
o It is the benchmark to measure the competency of defence manufacturing enterprises.
SPRINT scheme • Indian Navy has signed an agreement with Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd for armed
autonomous boat swarms under ‘SPRINT’ scheme.
• SPRINT stands for Supporting Pole-vaulting In R&D through Innovations for Defence
Excellence (IdeX), Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) and Technology
Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC).
o It aims at development of 75 indigenous technologies by industry for Navy.
KAVACH-2023 • All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Bureau of Police Research and
Development (BPR&D) and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) jointly launched
KAVACH- 2023.
• KAVACH- 2023 is a national level hackathon to identify innovative ideas and technological
solutions for addressing cyber security and cybercrime challenges of 21st century.
o It’ll be conducted in two phases. Youth from educational institutions and registered
start-ups participated in it.
o Prize money worth Rs. 20 Lakh will be awarded to winning teams.
Sainya • Indian Army conducted the second edition of Hackathon.
Ranakshetram 2.0 • Its objective is to seek solutions to operational cyber challenges and to reduce development
Hackathon time for innovative solutions in the field of Cyber Security.

6.8. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

6.8.1. NATIONAL GREEN HYDROGEN MISSION
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet has
recently approved the
National Green Hydrogen
Mission.
Sub-Components of the
Mission
Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy
(MNRE) is to formulate
the guidelines for the
implementation of the
mission.
• Strategic
Interventions for
Green Hydrogen
Transition Programme (SIGHT): to provide incentives for targeting domestic manufacturing of
electrolysers and for production of Green Hydrogen.
• Pilot projects: in emerging end-use sectors, supporting large scale production or utilization of Hydrogen
will be identified and developed as Green Hydrogen Hubs.
• Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP): Public-Private Partnership framework for R&D.
• Skill Development programme.
Advantages of Hydrogen: High calorific value, alternative to coke and coal in steel production, fuel cells in
electric vehicles etc.
Constraints in using hydrogen: high cost of electrolyser technology, high price of green hydrogen, difficult
to transport and store etc.

127
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Electrolyser
• An electrolyser is a device capable of splitting
water molecules into their constituent
Oxygen (O2) and Hydrogen (H2) atoms.
• The splitting of the O2 and H2 atoms by
application of electrical energy is
called electrolysis.
Types of Electrolysers
• Solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC)
• Alkaline electrolyser
• Proton exchange membrane (PEM)

128
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Related news: Hydrogen Blending
National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) started India’s
first green hydrogen blending operation in piped natural gas (PNG)
network.
About Hydrogen blending
• Process of integration of concentrations of hydrogen into existing
natural gas pipelines and the resulting blends can be used to
generate heat and power.
o Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB),
regulatory body has given approval for 5% vol./vol. blending of
green hydrogen with PNG to start with and it would be scaled phase wise to reach 20%.
• Depending on production methods, hydrogen can be grey, blue, green, pink etc.

6.8.2. NUCLEAR ENERGY PROGRAM

Why in News?
Haryana’s first nuclear power plant will be set up in Gorakhpur village.
More on News
Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) will have two units of 700 MWe capacity each of
Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR).

129
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 6.8.3. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
Virtual power • Companies including GM,
plants (VPPs) Ford, Google would work
together to establish
standards for scaling up use of
VPPs.
• VPP is a network of
decentralized power-
generating units that pool
together thousands of energy
resources like electric vehicles
(EVs) or electric heaters.
o VPPs use advanced
software to react to
electricity shortages with
techniques like switching
households' batteries
from charge to discharge
mode or prompting
electricity-using devices
to back off their
consumption.
• VPPs will enable grid planners
to better manage growing
electricity demand and make sure grid stays reliable even in extreme weather challenges and
aging infrastructure.
Tritiated • Fukushima to release radioactive contaminated water which was stored at Fukushima Daiichi
water Nuclear Power Plant on Japan's east coast due to tsunami.
o Before it is stored, wastewater produced at Fukushima is treated to remove almost all
radioactive elements including cobalt 60, strontium 90 and caesium 137.
o But tritium—a radioactive form of hydrogen—is left behind.
• When one of hydrogen atoms in water is replaced by tritium, it forms radioactive tritiated
water.
• Tritiated water is chemically identical to normal water, which makes separating it from
wastewater expensive, energy intensive and time consuming.
Muons • Scientists used muons to examine the fortress wall of Xi’an city.
• Muons are subatomic particles created when particles in Earth’s atmosphere collide with
cosmic rays.
o About 10,000 muons reach every square metre of Earth’s surface a minute.
o These particles resemble electrons but are 207 times as massive.
o As they are heavy, they can travel through hundreds of metres of rock.
• Cosmic Rays are clusters of high-energy particles that move through space at just below speed
of light.

6.9. MISCELLANEOUS
6.9.1. LITHIUM DEPOSITS IN INDIA
Why in News?
Geological Survey of
India has for the first-
time established
Lithium inferred
resources (G3) of 5.9
million tonnes in
Salal-Haimana area of
Reasi District of
Jammu & Kashmir.

130
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 More on News
• The discovery is ‘inferred’ or preliminary, the lowest of the three levels of estimations of a mineral
deposit and the second of the four stages of exploration, as per the UNFC 1997.
• This may be the
Mineral exploration stages
seventh largest deposit • According to the United Nations Framework for Classification for Reserves
of the rare element, and Resources of Solid Fuels and Mineral Commodities (UNFC 1997), resources
accounting for roughly are categorized using the three essential criteria affecting their recoverability:
5.7% of all the reserves o Economic and commercial viability (E).
in the world. o Field project status and feasibility (F).
• Previously, in India, o Geological knowledge (G).
lithium reserves have • Under the Geological Knowledge, the exploration for any mineral deposit
been reported from involves four stages: reconnaissance survey (G4), preliminary exploration
(G3), general exploration (G2) and detailed exploration (G1).
Karnataka’s Mandya
district.

Global Distribution of
Lithium
• Though found on
each of the six
inhabited
continents, Chile,
Argentina, and
Bolivia —
together referred
to as the “Lithium
Triangle”— hold
more than 75% of
the world’s
supply.

• Significance of Lithium find: Reducing import dependency, strengthen India’s National Mission on
Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage, Strengthening of critical mineral supply chain for emerging
technologies etc.
• Risks from lithium mining in the region: High risk in ecologically sensitive Himalayas, Environmental
pollution, extracting lithium from its ore is highly water-intensive, CO2 Emissions etc,

131
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 6.9.2. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
Doomsday Clock • Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) moved Doomsday clock to 90 seconds to midnight
largely because of mounting nuclear warfare in Ukraine.
o BAS was founded in 1945 by Albert Einstein and University of Chicago scientists who
worked on Manhattan Project to build first atomic bomb.
• Doomsday Clock, created in 1947, is a design that warns the public about how close we are
to destroying our world with dangerous technologies of our own making.
o Since its debut, minute hand has been reset 25 times.
Phosphor-Gypsum • National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to explore use of phosphor-gypsum in highway
construction.
• Phosphor-gypsum is a waste by-product from the processing of phosphate rock in plants
producing phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers.
• It is contaminated by various impurities, both chemical and radioactive, and is usually
stockpiled within special areas.
o Because of contamination, only around 15% of world phosphor-gypsum production is
recycled.
Amorphous ice • Scientists have created a new type of ice, called medium-density amorphous ice, that
matches the density and structure of water.
• Significance: Helps in studying water’s mysterious properties like Ice is less dense than its
liquid form — an unusual property for a crystal.
• Amorphous ice consists of water molecules arranged in a disordered state, with no large-
scale regularity to their orientations or positions.
o This kind of ice is most often found in space, comets, interstellar clouds etc.
• Crystalline ice consists of water molecules arranged in a geometrically repeating pattern,
either cubic or hexagonal.
o Almost all of the ice in natural environment of Earth (e.g. in snow, in polar caps) is
crystalline ice.
Marconi prize • Indian Computer scientist Hari Balakrishnan has been awarded 2023 Marconi Prize.
2023 • Marconi Prize is a top honour for computer scientists and is awarded by US based Marconi
Foundation annually.
o It is given to those who have made a significant contribution to increasing digital
inclusivity through advanced information and communications technology.
o It includes a $100,000 honorarium and a work of sculpture.
Indian Science • PM inaugurated 108th Indian Science Congress at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur
Congress University.
Association (ISCA) o Theme: “Science Technology for Sustainable Development with Women
Empowerment”
• ISCA owes its origin to the initiative of two British Chemists, namely, Professor J. L.
Simonsen and Professor P.S. MacMahon.
• It aims to promote cause of science in India by holding annual congress, publishing such
proceedings, journals and securing and managing funds for promotion of science.
• The first meeting of the Congress was held in 1914 at Calcutta.
SMART (Scope • SMART program has been launched by National Commission for Indian System of Medicine
for (NCISM) and Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under Ministry of
Mainstreaming Ayush (MoA).
Ayurveda o It is aimed to boost scientific research in priority healthcare research areas like Iron
Research in Deficiency Anaemia, Obesity, etc. through Ayurveda colleges and hospitals.
Teaching o It will motivate teachers for taking up projects in designated areas of healthcare
Professionals) research and create a large database.
program • NCISM is a statutory body established under MoA through NCISM Act, 2020 for regulating
medical education.
• CCRAS is an Autonomous body of MoA for undertaking, coordinating, formulating,
developing and promoting research on scientific lines in Ayurvedic Sciences.
Genetically • US scientists field-tested GE version of American chestnut tree (named as Darling 58).
Engineered (GE) • GE tree is a tree whose DNA has been modified using genetic engineering techniques. In
trees most cases, it introduces novel traits to plants which do not occur naturally within species.
• Significance of GE Trees: Fight climate change, boost production, economic benefits for
timber, pulp and paper industry etc.

132
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • India has been experimenting with GE variety of rubber tree by inserting additional copies
of gene MnSOD (manganese-containing superoxide dismutase) which enables plant to
tolerate extreme climatic stress.

6.10. ERRATA
PT 365 Science & Technology (April 2022-December 2022)
• Article 2.3 Fifth Generation (5G) (Section- About 5G Technologies): Due to a typographical error, it was
written that - “Beamforcing a laser beam between transmitting entity and the user”. Kindly note that, the
correct term is - “Beamforming a laser beam between transmitting entity and the user”.

133
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 7. CULTURE
7.1. ARCHITECTURE
7.1.1. CHARAIDEO MAIDAMS (AHOM BURIAL MOUNDS)
Why in News?
India has decided to nominate Assam’s Charaideo
Maidams or Moidams (Ahom Burial Mounds) for the
UNESCO World Heritage Centre for the year 2023.
About Charaideo Maidams
• Mounds containing the remains of the royalty of the
Ahom dynasty.
• Location: along the foothills of the Patkai range. These
are commonly known as the Pyramids of Assam.
• Source of Information: Changrung Phukan (canonical
text developed by Ahoms) provides detail about
the different aspects of the Maidams.
• Structure
o They are vaulted chamber. They are often
double storied.
o Hemispherical mud-mound layers of bricks
and earth is laid at the top.
✓ And, the base of the mound is reinforced
by a polygonal toe-wall and an arched
gateway on the west.
o Each vaulted chamber has a centrally raised
platform where the body was laid.
o Several objects used by royal family like
royal insignia, objects made in wood or ivory
or iron, gold pendants, etc. were also buried
with them.
• Decline of this Burial System: After 18th century,
many converted to Buddhism and others
adopted Hindu method of cremation.
o Then, they began entombing the cremated
bones and ashes in a Maidam.
Phases of Maidams Construction
Period 13th CE to 17th CE 18th CE Onwards
Material Wood was used as the primary material for Stone and burnt bricks of various sizes were
Used construction. used for construction.

7.1.2. SAMMED SHIKHAR AND SHETRUNJAY HILL

Why in News?
Jain community organised protests across the country over the
religious site of Sammed Shikhar on Parasnath hill in Jharkhand and
Shetrunjay hill in Palitana of Gujarat.
More on News
• In Jharkhand, issue is about Sammed Shikharji in Parasnath hill
being declared a tourist spot and an eco-sensitive zone.

134
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • In Gujarat, the row is over the vandalising of Adinath Dada’s Pagla, a marble carving representing the feet
of Lord Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankar.
o Jain community also expressed their concern over the illegal commercialisation, mining of
Shatrunjaya Hill.
Santhals assert their claim over Parasnath Hill
Sammed Shikhar • Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change banned
sale of liquor and non-vegetarian food within 10 km radius of the
• Also known as Sammet Shikharji Parasnath hill.
(literal meaning is venerable peak) • Decision was opposed by the Santhals, the largest tribal community
or Shikharji. of Jharkhand.
o It is also called ‘Siddha o They consider Parasnath hill as their Marang Buru (hill deity).
Kshetra’ and ‘Tirtharaj’ in o This decision will affect their religious rituals such as animal
Jainism, which means, ‘King sacrifice.
of Pilgrimages’. • During British Period, the dispute between Santhal and Jains over
Parasnath hill was heard by Privy Council.
• Situated on the Parasnath hill in
o The Council ruled in the favour of the Santhal Tribe.
Jharkhand.
o Named after the 23rd Jain
tirthankara ‘Parshvanatha’.
• It is believed that 20 of the 24 Jain
Tirthankars (Except bhagvan
Rishabdev, bhagavan Vasupujaya,
bhagvan Nemihatha and bhagvan
Mahavira) have attained salvation
at this Shikhar.
o Tirthankara means “full moon”,
which is a metaphor for Keval
Gnan.
o A Tirthankar is not an
incarnation of the God.
• Shikharji is worshiped by both
Digambaras and Svetambaras.
• Shikharji is also part of ‘Svetambara
Pancha Tirth’ (five principal
pilgrimage shrines), the other four
are Ashtapad, Girnar, Dilwara
Temples of Mount Abu and
Shatrunjaya.
Shetrunjay hill
• Situated at Palitana in Bhavnagar
district of Gujarat.
• Also known as Pundarikgiri (named
after Pundarika, grandson of
Adinath).
• It is situated on the banks of the Shetrunji River.
o It rises at Chachai hills in Gir Forest of Junagadh district.
o It is an east flowing river and empties into Gulf of Cambay.
• Adinath or Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara delivered his first sermon at this hill.
• The temples over the hill were built in the eleventh and twelfth century.

7.1.3. PURANA QILA

Why in News?
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reopened trenches excavated earlier at Purana Qila to find first occupants.
More about News
• ASI undertook excavations in 1969-73, 2013-14 and 2017-18.

135
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Identified as ancient settlement of Indraprastha (capital of Pandavas), a continuous habitation of
2,500 years was established in earlier excavations.
• Findings from earlier excavation include:
o Painted grey ware from 900 BC, an earthen
pottery sequence from Maurya to Shunga,
Kushana, Gupta, Rajput, Sultanates, and
Mughal periods.
o Artefacts such as sickles, parers, terracotta
toys, kiln-burnt bricks, beads, terracotta
figurines, and seals.
About Purana Qila
• Purana Qila was built by Mughal Emperor
Humayun as a part of his new city of Dinpanah in
the 16th century.
o Apart from archaeology, textual sources such
as Ain-i-Akbari of Abul Fazal (16th century),
mention that fort was built at site of Indraprastha.
• Architectural features of Purana Qila Complex
Qila-e-Kuhna mosque • Built by Sher Shah. It reflects a transitional stage between architecture of Lodhis and
Mughals.

Sher Mandal • Built by Sher Shah, an octagonal structure built in red sandstone and decorated with
white and black marble inlay.
• Humayun made it into a library and died after falling from the steps of this structure.

Other structures • A Baoli for managing water supply and a hammam (bathhouse) is also present.
• Lal Darwaza and Khairul Manazil are also considered part of this complex.
• Three majestic Gateways: Bada Darwaja, Humayun Darwaza, and Talaqi Darwaza.
• Wide moat linked to river Yamuna.

7.1.4. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Excavation at Harappan • Excavations at Juna Khatiya
site in Gujarat village (Kutch district) found
rows of graves with skeletal
remains, ceramic pots, beaded
jewellery, animal bones etc.
o These are from 3,200 BCE to
2,600 BCE, (pre-urban
Harappan).
• Key findings
o No major habitation
discovered.
o Site demonstrates
transition from earth-
mound burials to stone
graves.
o Pottery like those
excavated from early
Harappan sites in Sindh and
Balochistan.

136
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o Pebbles of local rock, basalt, etc and clay was used.
• Major burial practices of Indus Valley Civilization
o Although varied across sites, there were three known types of burial customs:
complete burial, fractional burial, and urn burial (Burial of the ashes after
cremation).
o Most common burial method was placing body with head towards north in a
simple pit or brick chamber.
o Grave goods including food, pottery, and ornaments can be found along with the
body.
o Lothal provides evidence of burial of pairs of male and female together.
Keeladi Excavations • Keeladi is a hamlet in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu. It is located, near temple city of
Madurai, along the Vaigai river.
• 2015 excavations at Keeladi prove that an urban civilisation existed in Tamil Nadu in
Sangam age.
o Sangam age in ancient Tamil Nadu was believed to be from third century BCE to
third century CE.
o Based on Keeladi findings Archaeologists have pushed Sangam age further back.
Buddhist monastery • Excavations revealed Buddhist monastery complex at Bharatpur, West Bengal.
complex • Other Findings during earlier excavations at location
o A Buddhist stupa.
o Black and red ware pottery from Chalcolithic or Copper Age.
o Sculptures of Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra (also known as 'earth witness'
mudra) -- with all five fingers of the right hand extended to touch the ground.
✓ It symbolizes Buddha's enlightenment under bodhi tree, when he
summoned the earth goddess, Sthavara, to bear witness to his attainment of
enlightenment.
Khajuraho Group of • Parrot lady (returned by Canada in 2015) has been housed at
Monuments museum in Khajuraho.
o It is a 12th-century idol that belongs to Khajuraho, a town
in Madhya Pradesh famous for its temples associated with
erotic art.
• Khajuraho Group of Monuments
o A UNESCO World Heritage Site, there were originally a
group of Hindu and Jain temples, currently only 20 temples survive.
o Temples (Nagara-style) at Khajuraho were built during Chandella dynasty, which
reached its apogee between 950 and 1050 .
Saptakoteshwar Temple • 350-year-old Saptakoteshwar temple of Narve in Bicholim, Goa, has been restored by
ASI.
• Saptakoteshwar is the deity of the royal dynasty of Goa Kadamba.
o It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
o Shivaji Maharaj had renovated this laterite cave shrine into a full- fledged temple
in 1668.
Jatar Deul Temple • Outer wall of Jatar Deul temple is gradually eroding due to climate change induced
air salinity.
• Jatar Deul is an 11th century ancient terracotta temple in West Bengal’s Sundarbans.
o It is a Shiva temple and is the tallest standing temple in Sundarbans on the bank
of Moni River.
o It has a curvilinear tower like temple architecture of Nagara order of Odisha
temples.
o It has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by ASI.
First G 20 tourism • India will highlight the most successful and innovative initiatives under rural tourism
ministerial meeting at and archaeological tourism like -
the Rann of Kutch o Ladpura Khas village of Madhya Pradesh: In this village, government developed
homestays in villages under the Responsible Tourism Mission of the State.
o Khonoma village of Nagaland: Present the model of Ecotourism Management
Board that develops Rural Tourism Products and promotes responsible travel.
o Dholavira site in Gujarat: Southern centre of the Harappan civilisation and World
Heritage Sites since 2021.

137
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 7.2. PAINTINGS AND OTHER ART FORMS
Thullal • Ottanthullal (or Thullal) is a recite-and-dance art-form of Kerala that is
famous for its humour and social satire.
o It was introduced in 18th century by legendary poet Kunchan Nambiar.
• It is marked by its simplicity as opposed to more complex dance-forms like
Kathakali and Koodiyattam.
• Thullal performer is supported by a singer who repeats the verses and is
accompanied by an orchestra of mridangam or thoppimaddalam
(percussions) and cymbals.
• It has spawned into three separate versions which include Ottanthullal,
Seethankan thullal and Parayan thullal.

Mohiniyattam • Famous Mohiniyattam exponent Kanak Rele passed away.

• Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form of Kerala.
• It is performed by women in honour of god Vishnu in his incarnation as
enchantress Mohini.
o Conventionally a solo dance performed by female artists, it emotes a
play through dancing and singing.
o Instruments used: Maddalam, Mridangam, Veena, Kuzhitalam or
Cymbals, Edakka etc.
o It has its roots in sage Bharata Muni’s text called ‘Natya Shastra’.
• 8 Classical dances are Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi,
Sattriya, Mohiniyattam and Manipuri.
Etikoppaka Toy • C.V. Raju, the craftsman involved in Etikoppaka wooden toy craft, has been
conferred Padma Shri.
• Etikoppaka toys of Andhra Pradesh received Geographical Indication (GI)
tag in 2017.
• Wood for toys is sourced from locally grown ankudu or Wrightia tinctoria
trees and is soft in nature.
• Art of toy making is also known as Turned wood Lacquer craft.
• Toys are made with natural colors with lacquer coating, providing high gloss
and shiny surfaces.

7.3. PERSONALITIES
7.3.1. MAHARISHI DAYANAND SARASWATI
Why in News?
The Prime Minister inaugurated the
year-long celebrations
commemorating the 200th birth
anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand
Saraswati.

138
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
139
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 7.3.2. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
Goswami Tulsidas • Ramcharitmanas poem was written in Awadhi dialect in 16th century by Goswami
Tulsidas. It is based on sage Valmiki’s great epic Ramayana.
o Poen is divided into seven chapters (Kand) that tell the story of Lord Ram from
birth to his becoming King of Ayodhya.
• Goswami Tulsidas was a Brahmin and his original name was Ram Bola Dubey.
o He is believed to have been born in Rajapur in today’s Banda district in UP.
o He composed Ramcharitmanas on the bank of Ganga in Varanasi.
o He lived in the time of Emperor Akbar.
Rani Velu Nachiyar • Rani Velu Nachiyar, also known as Veeramangai (brave women in Tamil language) was
daughter of King Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Setupathy of Ramanathapuram.
• She became the queen of Sivaganga estate (in present day Tamil Nadu) from 1780-1790.
• She built an army of women called Udaiyaat.
• She was the first queen to wage war against East India Company.
• She formed an alliance with Hyder Ali against British in 1780.

Santh Sevalal Maharaj • Ministry of Culture has announced a year-long commemoration of birth anniversary of
Banjara Dharmaguru Santh Sevalal Maharaj.
• Born in 1739 in Shivamogga district of Karnataka.
• He was a social reformer and spiritual teacher of Banjara Community.
o Spread across India, Banjara Community is a nomadic community with nearly 10-12
crore population.
o They are classified as SC, ST and OBC in different states.
• Having sound knowledge in Ayurveda and Naturopathy, he eradicated myths and
superstitions prevalent among forest dwellers and nomadic tribe.
Veer Narayan Singh • Government of Chhattisgarh named “Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International
Cricket Stadium” to honour him.
• He was a landlord from Sonakhan, Chhattisgarh.
• He spearheaded the 1857 war in Chhattisgarh. He is also considered as "The 1st
Chhattisgarhi freedom fighter".
• His ancestors were from the Gond tribe. Later on, they changed their affiliation from
the Gond to the Binjhwar tribe .
Hemu Kalani • Born in Sindh region of United India, he was a revolutionary and a freedom fighter
during the Indian Independence Movement.
• Also known as Bhagat Singh of Sindh, he joined Swaraj Sena (a youth organization).
• He distributed anti-British literature and also joined the Quit India Movement in 1942.
• In 1942, he attempted to derail and loot the British train loaded with weapons to crush
the ongoing Balochistan agitation.
o But he was caught and hanged at the young age of 19 years.

7.4. MONUMENTS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE

Why in news?
Recently, the Economic Advisory Council to
the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has released its
report ‘Monuments of National Importance
(MNI): Urgent Need for Rationalization’.
India’s Cultural Heritage and Provisions for its
Protection
• Legal protection to MNIs: Article 49
directs the state to protect monuments
and places and objects of national
importance across the country.
○ Accordingly, the Ancient Monuments
and Archaeological Sites and Remains
Act, 1958 (AMASR Act, 1958) was
enacted.

140
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 ○ The AMASR Act (amended in 2010) provides for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments
and archaeological sites and remains which are deemed or declared to be of ‘national importance’
under the law (refer image).
• Management of MNI: Ministry of Culture manages all the Centrally Protected Monuments (CPMs) of
National Importance, through the Archaeological Survey of India.
○ National Monuments Authority (NMA), established in 2010 under ‘The Ancient Monuments and
Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010’, helps Central Government
in grading and classifying Monuments of National Importance (MNI).
○ NMA also looks after the limits of prohibited and regulated areas.
✓ Prohibited Area, i.e., 100-meter (m) radius of the monument having a ban on construction
activities, and
✓ Regulated Area, i.e., 200 m further away from prohibited area with regulations on construction.
• Over 60% of MNIs are in just five states (Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and
Maharashtra).

7.5. ROOTS OF DEMOCRATIC VALUES IN INDIA

Why in News?
In a recent episode of Mann ki Baat PM while observing that India is a democratic society by nature stated that
democracy has been an integral part of our daily lives for centuries.
Institutions/practices mentioned by PM
Particulars About
• Dated around 920 A.D in reign of Parantaka Chola-I (907-955 AD).
• It is an ancient Chola village once known as Chaturvedimangalam and is located near Chennai
Uthiramerur in Tamil Nadu.
Inscriptions • Chola self-government was built upon 'general assemblies' or 'sabhas' or 'maha sabha' of
villages.
• As per Uthiramerur inscriptions on Chola Kudavolai Election System, every village was
categorised as kudumbu (ward in modern day parlance) where representatives of general
assembly were elected.
• Qualification for contesting: Must own land, own a house built on legally owned site, have
knowledge of 'Mantrabrahmana’, and above 35 years of age and below 70 years.
• Disqualification: of elected members for acts of misconduct included accepting bribes,
misappropriating else’s property.
• Established to facilitate gathering Lord Basaveshwara (1105-1167)
for philosophy and experience.
• Anubhava Mantapa was one of the
earliest Parliament in history of
mankind.
o Prabhudeva, a great Yogi, was
Anubhava the President and Lord
Basava acted as the Prime • He was a 12th century poet and born in
Mantapa of Lord
Minister. Karnataka.
Basaveshwara
• Only difference between the • Known for Socio-Religious Reforms, Anubhava
present-day parliament and Mantapa, Vachana Literature and Lingayat
Anubhava Mantapa is that Movement in south India.
members were not elected by • Basava Purana, written by Palkuriki Somanatha in
people but were picked up or 13th-century, holds full account to Basavanna’s
nominated by higher authorities life and ideas.
of Mantapa.
• It ruled the region comprising present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh from 12th to 14th
Kakatiya centuries, with Warangal as Capital.
Tradition • There were elected committees in the villages to look after installation and maintenance of
tanks, canals, and reservoirs.
• Bhakti movement facilitated the accommodation of interpretations of freedom and equality
Bhakti and paved the way for the emergence of a secular democratic society.
movement • It also aimed at supporting the cause of establishing egalitarian society, women
empowerment, and community development based on social democracy.

141
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 7.6. FESTIVALS IN NEWS
7.6.1. HARVEST FESTIVALS OF INDIA
• Makar Sankranti is major harvest festival
celebrated across India and different states
celebrate festival under different names,
traditions, and festivities.
o Festival is dedicated to Sun God, Surya and
marks the first day of sun’s transit into
Makara (Capricorn).
o Makar Sankranti heralds end of winter and
start of longer days as sun moves northward.

142
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 7.6.2. OTHER IMPORTANT FESTIVALS IN NEWS

Gangasagar Mela • West Bengal demanded a national status for Gangasagar mela.
• It takes place every year on the island of Gangasagar in state's 24 South
Parganas.
o Devotees gather at confluence of Ganga and Bay of Bengal to take a sacred
dip during Makar Sankranti (mid-January).
o Gangasagar is an island in Ganges delta located on continental shelf of Bay
of Bengal.
o It is said to be India's second largest pilgrimage gathering after Kumbh
Mela.
Gaan Ngai Festival • Zeliangrong community of Manipur celebrates Gaan Ngai festival.
o It is the biggest post-harvest and cultural festival across the state.
• Zeliangrong community comprises three Naga tribes - Rongmei, Liangmai, and
Zeme tribes- living at tri-junction of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
o Zeliangrong is Southern group of Naga languages belonging to Tibeto-
Burman languages under Sino-Tibetan Language Family.
o In Nagaland, Liangmais and Zeme are recognised as Zeilang.
o Rongmei Nagas are also known as Kabui.
Parshuram Kund Festival • Parshuram Kund Festival held in Arunachal Pradesh.
o It is an annual religious fair when pilgrims come for a holy dip at Parshuram
Kund on Makar Sankranti.
o Parshuram, son of Sage Jamadagni, was sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• Parshuram Kund is a sacred pond located in Tailung area of Mishmi plateau in
lower reaches of Lohit River in Lohit District.
• Kund falls within Kamlang Reserve Forest Area and is surrounded by dense
forest of Rudraksha trees of Elaeocarpaceae family.
Joon Beel Mela • This mela is organised annually on Magh Bihu (celebrated in the (mid-January),
in the Morigaon District of Assam.

143
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Organised under the traditional king of the Tiwa tribe called Gobha Deoraja
that once ruled the area.
o Magh Bihu is a traditional harvest festival of Assam.
• It has kept alive the system of barter as a means of procuring goods.
• Tribal communities like Tiwa, Karbi, Khasi, and Jaintia from nearby hills
participate in the fair.
Siang Unying Festival • Siang Unying Festival is an important festival of Adi community was celebrated
at Boleng, Arunachal Pradesh.
o It is celebrated to mark beginning of Adi community’s new year i.e., arrival
of spring season; and to strengthen the bond among community.
• Adi constitutes a major group that inhabit lower part of Lower Dibang Valley
district especially Roing and Dambuk areas.
o Adis are basically dependent on agriculture. Both wet rice cultivation and
shifting cultivation are practiced.
o Padams, Milangs, Komkars, Minyongs and Pasis collectively call themselves
as Adi meaning hill people.
Attukal Pongala • The Attukal Pongala held in Attukal Temple, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala).
• It is the largest congregation of women for a festival in the world.
o Pongala, which means 'to boil over’, is the ritual in which women prepare
sweet payasam and offer it to the Goddess or ‘Bhagavathy’.
• 'The ten-day-long celebration commences in the Malayalam month of
Makaram-Kumbham (Feb - March) on the Karthika star.

7.7. AWARDS IN NEWS

7.7.1. PADMA AWARDS
Why in News?
Padma Awards were presented by President.

144
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 7.7.2. OTHER AWARDS IN NEWS
Param Vir • On Parakram Diwas, 21 largest unmanned islands of Andaman &
Chakra Nicobar Islands were named after 21 Param Vir Chakra (PVC)
(PVC) awardees.
o Parakram Diwas is celebrated on occasion of the birth
anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
• PVC is India's highest military decoration, awarded for displaying
distinguished acts of valor during wartime.
o It was designed by Mrs. Savitri Khanolkar.
• Cast in bronze, it carries state emblem at centre on a raised circle
surrounded by four replicas of Indra's Vajra, flanked by sword of
Shivaji.
o Major Somnath Sharma (Posthumous) was first PVC awardee.
Jeevan • President approved conferment of Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2022.
Raksha • Awards is given to a person for meritorious act of human nature in saving the life of a person.
Padak Series o It is given in three categories, namely Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak; Uttam Jeevan Raksha
of Awards- Padak and Jeevan Raksha Padak.
2022 o Persons of all walks of life are eligible for these awards.
o It can also be conferred posthumously.

7.8. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Ganjam kewda • There is a rising demand for kewda oil from Odisha’s Ganjam region.
• Ganjam kewda (Pandanus fascicularis) oil is steam-distilled from the flower of aromatic
screwpine plant and used as an aromatic in the food industry and other sectors.
o Male spike is attractive for its characteristic aromatic odour, whereas female spike is
odourless and develops into a woody drupe.
• It is registered under Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,
1999.
Yuva Sangam Portal • Yuva Sangam registration portal was launched.
• It is an initiative of Government of India to strengthen people to people connect especially
between youth belonging to North Eastern India and other States.
• It will focus on conducting exposure tours of youth between 8 North Eastern States and
other States.
• It is conceptualized under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) in collaboration with various
other ministries and departments such as Culture, Tourism, Railways etc.
o EBSB aims to promote mutual understanding between people of different states/UTs
through state/UT pairing.
Runestone • Archaeologists in Norway have claimed to found
the world’s oldest runestone (Stone with runic
inscriptions.
o Inscriptions are up to 2,000 years old and
date back to earliest days of history of runic
writing.
• Runes are the characters in several Germanic
alphabets that were used in northern Europe
from ancient times until the adoption of Latin
alphabet.
o They have been found on stones and different household object.
o Early runic inscriptions were written from right to left like the earliest alphabets.
Hakku Patra • The PM has recently distributed the Hakku patra to the members of Banjara tribes in
Karnataka.
• Hakku Patra
o It is a legal document that details a person’s legitimate inheritance or ownership of a
particular property.
o With the help of this document, the bearer is eligible to purchase and sell land to which
the title deed is granted by the government.
o The Banjaras, are also known as Lambadi, Gour Rajput, Labana.
o They are a historically nomadic trading caste who may have origins in the Mewar
region of Rajasthan.

145
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 7.9. ERRATA
PT 365 Culture (April 2022-December 2022)
• Article 1.4. QUTB SHAHI ARCHITECTURE: The map showing Qutb Shahi Dynasty, the region was
incorrectly indicated as undivided Andhra Pradesh. The correct map is given below.
• Article 2.2. TOYS OF INDIA: In the Indian Toys Map, Choppu Saman has been incorrectly mentioned in
Telangana. The correct information is Choppu Saman is from Tamil Nadu.

146
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Copyright © by Vision IAS
All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission of Vision IAS.
147
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Table of Contents
1. INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD ______ 4 5.7. Places in News ____________________ 45
1.1. India-China _______________________ 4 6. INDIA-EUROPE ____________________ 47
1.1.1. One-China Policy ____________________ 5 6.1. India- European Union _____________ 47
1.1.2. One Country, Two Systems ____________ 6 6.2. INDIA-UK ________________________ 49
1.2. India-Pakistan _____________________ 7 6.3. India- France _____________________ 51
1.2.1. Indus Water Treaty __________________ 7 6.4. India- Germany ___________________ 51
1.2.2. The Shimla Agreement _______________ 9 6.5. India-Denmark ____________________ 52
1.2.3. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 10
6.6. Other Important News _____________ 52
1.2.4. Gilgit Baltistan Region _______________ 10
6.7. Places in News ____________________ 53
1.3. India-Bangladesh __________________ 11
1.4. India- Nepal ______________________ 12 7. INDIA-AFRICA ____________________ 55
1.5. India-Sri Lanka ____________________ 13 7.1. India-Mauritius ___________________ 55
1.5.1. Katchatheevu island ________________ 14 7.2. IBSA Trilateral Ministerial Commission 56
1.6. India-Afghanistan _________________ 15 7.3. Places in News ____________________ 57
1.7. India-Maldives ____________________ 16 8. INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND
1.8. Other Important News _____________ 17 ORGANIZATIONS ____________________ 60
1.9. Places in News ____________________ 18 8.1. The United Nations ________________ 60
2. INDIA-SOUTHEAST ASIA ____________ 20 8.1.1. United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
2.1. India-Myanmar ___________________ 20 ______________________________________ 60
8.1.2. United Nations Security Council(UNSC) _ 61
2.2. India-Vietnam ____________________ 21
8.1.3. UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
2.3. India-Thailand ____________________ 22 ______________________________________ 61
2.4. Other Important News _____________ 22 8.1.4. United Nations Human Rights Council
2.5. Places in News ____________________ 23 (UNHRC) _______________________________ 62
3. INDIA-WEST ASIA__________________ 25 8.1.5. Other Important News Related to UN __ 63
3.1. India-Israel _______________________ 25 8.2. Group of 20 (G20) _________________ 64
3.1.1. Two State Solution _________________ 26 8.3. QUAD ___________________________ 66
3.2. India-Saudi Arabia _________________ 26 8.4. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
3.3. India-UAE ________________________ 27 ____________________________________ 67
3.4. India- Israel- United Arab Emirates - USA 8.5. South Asian Association for Regional
(I2U2) ______________________________ 28 Cooperation (SAARC) __________________ 69
3.5. Gulf Cooperation Council ___________ 29 8.6. Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
3.6. Places in News ____________________ 29 Technical and Economic Cooperation
4. INDIA-RUSSIA and Central Asia ______ 31 (BIMSTEC) ___________________________ 70
4.1. Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) _______ 31 8.7. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
4.2. Geneva Conventions and Russia-Ukraine ____________________________________ 71
war ________________________________ 32 8.8. BRICS ___________________________ 72
4.3. India-Turkmenistan ________________ 32 8.8.1. New Development Bank _____________ 73
4.4. International North-South Transit Corridor 8.9. Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(INSTC) _____________________________ 33 (ASEAN) _____________________________ 74
4.5. Chabahar Port ____________________ 34 8.10. Group of Seven (G7) ______________ 76
4.6. Places in News ____________________ 35 8.11. Non-Aligned Movement ___________ 77
5. INDIA-INDO-PACIFIC _______________ 37 8.12. Southern African Development
5.1. INDIA-US ________________________ 37 Community (SADC) ____________________ 78
5.1.1. 2+2 Dialogue ______________________ 38 8.13. Multilateral
5.2. India-Japan ______________________ 39 Organisations/Platforms/Conventions in News
5.3. India Australia ____________________ 40 (Of which India is a Member/Participating/
5.4. Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Signatory) ___________________________ 79
Prosperity (IPEF) ______________________ 41 8.14. Multilateral Organisations/Platforms in
5.5. Bay of Bengal _____________________ 42 News (Of which India is not a
5.6. Other Important News _____________ 42 Member/Participating) ________________ 81

1
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 9. ISSUES RELATED TO SECURITY _______ 82 9.7. Other Important News _____________ 88
9.1. Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)_ 82 10. MISCELLANEOUS _________________ 91
9.2. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) 83 10.1. Indian Antarctic Act, 2022 __________ 91
9.3. INTERPOL ________________________ 85 10.2. Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI)
9.4. Financial Action Task Force __________ 86 ____________________________________ 92
9.5. Mission DefSpace _________________ 86 10.3. Other Important News ____________ 93
9.6. Defence Acquisition Procedure, 2020 _ 87 11. MILITARY EXERCISES IN NEWS ______ 96

2
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
3
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 1. INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD
1.1. INDIA-CHINA
Why in news?
Recently, border clashes have been reported along the
Line of actual control (LAC) in Tawang sector of Arunachal
Pradesh.
India China border dispute
• The border between India and China is not clearly
demarcated throughout and there is no mutually
agreed Line of Actual Control (LAC) along certain
stretches.
o LAC came into existence after the 1962 Indo China
war.
• India-China border is divided into three sectors, viz.
Western, Middle and Eastern (Refer map):
Region Dispute India’s stand China’s stand
Western sector Boundary dispute in this sector pertains to the India uses the China doesn’t recognize
(Ladakh) Johnson Line proposed by the British in the Johnson Line Johnson Line and instead
1860s that extended up to the Kunlun and claims accepts McDonald Line which
Mountains and put Aksai Chin in the then Aksai Chin as puts Aksai Chin under its
princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. its own. control.
Middle Sector In this sector dispute is a minor one. Here LAC is India and China have exchanged maps on which
(Himachal the least controversial except for the precise they broadly agree.
Pradesh and alignment to be followed in the Barahoti plains.
Uttarakhand)
Eastern Sector Disputed boundary in this sector is over the India asserts that according China asserts that
(Arunachal McMahon Line (in Arunachal Pradesh) decided to the line, Tawang Tract is Tawang Tract is
Pradesh and in 1914 in a meeting of Representatives of China, a part of India (according to part of its
Sikkim) India, and Tibet in Shimla. 1951 position). territory.

4
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.1.1. ONE-CHINA POLICY
Why in news? India’s Policy on Taiwan
• India follows the “One China” policy since 1949 and has no
US house speaker recent visit to Taiwan was formal ties with Taiwan yet.
seen by China as being in contravention to • Also, in 1995 India and Taiwan established offices in each
One China Policy. other country for diplomatic functions with focus on-
Commerce, Culture and Education.
More on news
• However, from 2010 India stopped the use of “One China” in
• The US has maintained a ‘One China’ the backdrop of increased Chinese aggressions at the Line of
policy since the 1970’s, recognising Actual Control.
Taiwan as part of China. But it has • Since then, India has signed a Double-Taxation Avoidance
unofficial ties with Taiwan as well, a Agreement and a Bilateral Investment Treaty with Taiwan.
strategy known as strategic or deliberate ambiguity.
o The island of Taiwan is part of the so-called "first island chain", which includes a list of US-friendly
territories that are crucial to US foreign policy.
What is One-China Policy?
• It is a policy of acknowledging that there is only one Chinese government as opposed to separate Chinese
states.
• Further under this principle, countries also consider disputed territories of Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong and
Xinjiang to be an inseparable part of mainland China.

5
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 About First Island Chain
• First Island Chain comprises the Kuril
Islands, the Japanese Archipelago,
Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, northwest
Philippines and ending at Borneo.
• This chain is the first line of defence and
serves as the maritime boundaries
between the East China Sea, Philippine
Sea, South China Sea and the Sulu Sea.
• In this chain are located the Bashi
Channel and the Miyako Strait which
are critical chokepoints for China.
• It is a part of Island Chain Strategy
(refer image) formulated by the US in
1951 to contain the erstwhile USSR and
China with a string of naval bases in the western Pacific region to restrict sea access to these two
countries.

1.1.2. ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS

Why in News?
China marked the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's
return and emphasized Beijing's control over Hong
Kong under One country, two systems (OCTS).
Background of OCTS
• It was originally proposed to unify China and
Taiwan but rejected by Taiwan.
• The idea resurfaced when China started talks
with Britain and Portugal, who were governing
Hong Kong and Macau, respectively, as colonies.
About OCTS
• Under this, China proposed that, Hong Kong,
and Macau, can have different economic and
political systems from that of mainland China,
while being part of China.
• Both regions became Special Administrative
Regions of China with their own currencies,
economic and legal systems,
o However, defence and foreign affairs
would be decided by China.
• Also, Hong Kong has freedom of assembly
and speech, and some democratic rights,
which are not available in mainland China.
o These freedoms are protected by the
Basic Law, a mini constitution that guides
relationship between Hong Kong and
China.
o Basic law is valid for 50 years, till 2047
for Hong Kong and 2049 for Macau. But
it is unclear what will happen after this
term.

6
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.2. INDIA-PAKISTAN

1.2.1. INDUS WATER TREATY

Why in news?
India issued notice to Pakistan to modify Indus Waters
Treaty.
More on news
• The notice opens up the process for making changes to
the treaty for the first time since it was signed.
• India is seeking modifications in the treaty to make it
easier for Pakistan to enter into intergovernmental
negotiations, within 90 days, and rectify the 'material
breach' of IWT.
• The notice was issued in line with Article XII (3) of the
treaty, which states: “The provisions of this Treaty may
from time to time be modified by a duly ratified treaty
between the two Governments.”

7
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 About the Indus Water Treaty (IWT)
• IWT was signed in 1960, between India and Pakistan and brokered by the World Bank.
• Objective: The treaty fixed and delimited the rights and obligations of both countries concerning the use
of the waters of the Indus River system.
o It consists of six main rivers with numerous tributaries.
• Provisions for sharing of river water:
o All the water of the eastern rivers – Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi which amounts to around 33 million acre-
feet (MAF) annually — is allocated to India and is for unrestricted use.
o And the water of western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab which is around 135 MAF annually has
been assigned mostly to Pakistan.
✓ India has the right under the Treaty to generate hydroelectricity through run-of-the-river
projects on the western
rivers. These are subject to
specific criteria for design and
operation.
✓ Indian hydro-electric power
(HEP) projects on tributaries
of Chenab River: Pakal Dul,
Kiru, Lower Kalnai and Ratle.
✓ Run-of-the-river
hydroelectricity project is a
type of hydroelectric
generation plant whereby
little, or no water storage is
provided.
• Other Provisions:
o It provided for the funding and
building of dams, link canals, barrages, and tube wells—notably the Tarbela Dam on the Indus River
and the Mangla Dam on the Jhelum River.
o The treaty required the creation of a Permanent Indus Commission, with a commissioner from each
country, to maintain a channel for communication and to try to resolve questions about
implementation of the treaty. In addition, a mechanism for resolving disputes was provided.

8
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 India’s current mechanism of cooperation in river water sharing with other countries

Countries Mechanism for cooperation

India-Nepal • The Kosi Treaty of 1954, under which the embankments in Nepal were established and
maintained.
• The Mahakali Treaty pertains to sharing water of Mahakali river.
India-China • Memorandum of Understanding upon provision of Hydrological Information of the River
Brahmaputra.
• Memorandum of Understanding on Hydrological Data Sharing on River Sutlej.
• Expert-Level Mechanism to discuss interaction and cooperation on provision of flood season
hydrological data and emergency management.
India- • The Ganges Treaty is an agreement to share surface waters at the Farakka Barrage near their
Bangladesh mutual border.
• System of Transmission of flood forecasting data on major rivers like Ganga, Teesta,
Brahmaputra, and Barak during the monsoon season.
India- • Comprehensive Scheme for Establishment of Hydro-meteorological and Flood Forecasting
Bhutan Network on rivers Common to India and Bhutan.
• A Joint Group of Expert (JGE) on Flood Management.

1.2.2. THE SHIMLA AGREEMENT

Why in news?
The Shimla Agreement completed 50 years.
About Shimla Agreement
• It was signed on 2nd July 1972 between India and Pakistan.
• It laid a comprehensive blueprint for good neighborly relations between the countries.
• It was signed to reverse the consequences of the 1971 war.
• Key Principles of Shimla Agreement
o Charter of the United Nations shall govern the relations between the two countries.
o Mutual commitment to the peaceful resolution of all issues through direct bilateral approaches.
o To build the foundations of a cooperative relationship with special focus on people-to-people
contacts.

9
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o To uphold the inviolability of the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, which is a most important
Confidence Building Measures between India and Pakistan, and a key to durable peace.
o Respect for each other’s national unity, territorial integrity, political independence and sovereign
equality.
• While India has faithfully observed the Shimla Agreement principles, Pakistan did not live up to its initial
promises as:
o It keeps raising the Kashmir issue at international forums and involves third parties to find a solution.
o Frequent Line of Control Violations.
• Apart from Shimla agreement, Lahore Declaration (1999) reiterated, among other things, that the Kashmir
issue needed to be resolved bilaterally.

1.2.3. CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC)

Why in news?
China and Pakistan have decided to invite interested
third country to join the CPEC project and are also
planning to expand CPEC projects to Afghanistan.
About CPEC Project
• CPEC is a 3,000-km long route of infrastructure
projects connecting Pakistan’s Gwadar port in
Balochistan to China’s northwestern Xinjiang
region.
• CPEC is a part of China’s most ambitious project
‘Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
o The BRI, launched in 2013, aims to link
Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region,
Africa and Europe with a network of land
and sea routes.
• It will pave the way for China to access the
Middle East and Africa from Gwadar Port,
enabling China to access the Indian Ocean and in return China will support development projects in
Pakistan to overcome the latter’s energy crises and stabilising its faltering economy.
• India has repeatedly registered its protests over CPEC.

1.2.4. GILGIT BALTISTAN REGION

Why in news?
Recently, demonstrations have erupted in Gilgit-
Baltistan due to a dearth of fuel, food, and electricity.
History
• Gilgit was part of the princely state of Jammu &
Kashmir.
• Following the India-Pakistan ceasefire of 1949,
“provisional government” of “Azad Jammu &
Kashmir” ceded administration of Gilgit-Baltistan
to Pakistan.
• In 2021, India criticised Pakistan for its attempt to
accord provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan.
o UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including
‘Gilgit-Baltistan’, are an integral part of India by
virtue of the accession of Jammu & Kashmir to Union of India (1947).
• The area’s strategic importance for India has increased in light of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
agreement.

10
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.3. INDIA-BANGLADESH
Why in News? Other Major Connectivity Projects between the two countries:
Recently, India and Bangladesh • Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) connecting
announced several initiatives to the inland waterways of India and Bangladesh for commerce and
trade.
further cooperation between two
o Second addendum to the protocol included two new routes
nations. (Sonamura-Daudkandi on river Gomti and extension of Dhulia
Key decisions/initiatives announced to Godagiri up to Aricha on river Padma), five new ports of call
and two extended ports of call.
• Comprehensive Economic o India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline Project, will connect Siliguri
Partnership Agreement (CEPA): (West Bengal) and Parbatipur (Dinajpur district of Bangladesh) to
Both sides will soon commence provide a stable supply of diesel.
negotiations on a CEPA. o Railway link between Chilahati (Bangladesh) and Haldibari (India).
o CEPA is a bilateral agreement o Feni Bridge (Maitree Setu) over the Feni river connects Subroom
(Tripura) and Ramgarh (Bangladesh).
that covers trade in goods and
o Chattogram and Mongla Ports in Bangladesh are used by India for
services, investment,
transporting goods to bordering North Eastern States.
competition and intellectual o Agartala-Akhaura rail link is also expected to open up markets of
property rights (IPRs). India's north-eastern states for Bangladesh.
• Water sharing Signed MoU on
sharing of waters of Kushiyara river, first such pact since signing of Ganga water treaty in 1996.
o Kushiyara forms on India-Bangladesh border as a branch of Barak River, when Barak separates into
Kushiyara and Surma.

11
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Connectivity projects
o Inauguration of Rupsha bridge, a key part of Khulna-Mongla Port rail project.
o Khulna Darshana railway link project upgrading existing infrastructure from Gede-Darshana (India) to
Khulna (Bangladesh).
o Parbatipur -Kaunia railway line will connect to existing border rail at Birol (Bangladesh)-Radhikapur
(West Bengal).
• Others: Maitree power plant at Rampal, Khulna is being set-up as Indian Development Assistance under
Concessional Financing Scheme (CFS).
o Under CFS, Government of India has been supporting Indian Entities bidding for strategically
important infrastructure projects abroad.

1.4. INDIA- NEPAL

Why in news?
India, Nepal ink eight pacts.
Key decisions under the pacts
• Railways: Cross-border railway line linking Jaynagar in Bihar to Kurtha in Nepal (the first broad-gauge
passenger rail link between the two sides).
• Power: India handed over the Solu Corridor, a 90-km, 132 kV power transmission line built under an Indian
line of credit.
o Inaugurated the Kataiya-Kusaha and Raxaul-Parwanipur cross-border power transmission lines.
o Both sides will expedite implementation of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose project.
• Connectivity: inked an agreement for the construction of a bridge over the river Mechi (part of the Asian
Development Bank’s South Asian Sub-Regional Economic Cooperation Road connectivity programme).
• Nepal joined India led International Solar Alliance.
• Launched India’s RuPay card in Nepal (RuPay is live in Bhutan, Singapore and the UAE also).
Other recent developments
• India International Centre for Buddhist Culture & Heritage: Indian PM Laid foundation of India
International Centre for Buddhist Culture & Heritage by International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), India
in Lumbini, Nepal.
• Sister cities: India and Nepal agreed in principle to establish sister city relations between Lumbini
(birthplace of Lord Buddha) and Kushinagar (death place of Lord Buddha).
• Sapta Kosi dam project: India, Nepal agree to take forward Sapta Kosi high dam project (on Saptakoshi
river) to control floods in south-east Nepal and northern Bihar and to generate hydropower.
o India is also involved in other projects such as the Mahakali Treaty (6,480 MW), the Upper Karnali
Project (900 MW) and the Arun - III projects (900 MW) in western and eastern Nepal, respectively.
• West Seti and Seti River (SR6) projects: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between
Nepal and India to develop the West Seti and Seti River (SR6) projects (a tributary of Karnali River ) which
was abandoned by China.
• MoU with Nepal on biodiversity conservation Transboundary Protected Areas (TPA) with Nepal. For ex:
o Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) located in the northeast corner of Nepal near the border with
India and Tibet.
o Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) spread across the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar,
and the low-lying hills of Nepal.
o Sacred Himalayan Landscape whose 74% area falls in Nepal, 25% falls in Sikkim of India and the
remaining falls in Bhutan.

12
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.5. INDIA-SRI LANKA
Why in news?
India and Sri Lanka have signed a MoU for the Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) to set up a state of the art Maritime
Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo.

More on news
• MRCCs are part of an international network under the UN’s International Maritime Organisation to
monitor the sea lanes with the objective of swift response to emergencies, such as vessels in distress,
rescue and evacuation of people, and prevention of and containing environmental disasters such as oil
spills etc.
• Each country is responsible for its own Search and Rescue Region.
• MRCC is co-ordinated by the Navy or Coast Guard in each country.
o In India, the Coast Guard is the co-ordinating agency.

13
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 1.5.1. KATCHATHEEVU ISLAND
Why in News?
During Prime Minister’s visit to Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu Chief
Minister has asked for retrieval of Katchatheevu Island from
Sri lanka.
About Katchatheevu island
• Katchatheevu is a small uninhabited island in Palk Strait,
which connects the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea.
o Katchatheevu island was formed due to volcanic
eruptions in the 14th century.
o It was jointly administered by India and Sri Lanka
during British rule.
• The Kachchatheevu issue emerged when both the
countries signed four Maritime Boundary Agreements between 1974-76.
o The island became part of Sri Lanka according to India-Sri Lanka Agreements
o However, the continuing dispute is over Sri Lanka repeatedly denying access to Indian fishers to rest
and dry their nets, as provided under the 1974 Accord.
14
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.6. INDIA-AFGHANISTAN
Why in news?
India has reopened its Embassy in Kabul after
nearly ten months of Taliban takeover of
Afghanistan.
Other facts on India in Afghanistan after
Taliban takeover
• India conducted Operation Devi Shakti to
evacuate people including its citizens and
Afghan partners from Afghanistan after
the Taliban takeover.
• At Fourth Regional Security Dialogue on
Afghanistan in Dushanbe (Tajikistan), the
Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) called for enhancing Afghanistan’s capability to counter terrorism.
• India had earlier taken a strong position against any kind of engagement with Taliban. However,
considering its own geopolitical and strategic interest, India is engaging with Taliban but on its own
terms.

15
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 1.7. INDIA-MALDIVES
Why in news?
Recently, India, Maldives signs six agreements in the area of cyber security, disaster management, social
housing etc. to maintain stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
Other recent developments
• India announced a US$ 100 million fresh line of Credit for the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP).
o GMCP is an India funded infrastructure project to link Male with its nearby islands of Villingli,
Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.
• Both countries have signed a security cooperation pact with a credit line from India for capacity building
in the maritime domain.
• Maldives is part of the Colombo Security Conclave (Initiated by India) which envisages peaceful
cooperation in Indian Ocean along with Sri Lanka and Mauritius.
• National College for Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE), India's largest grant project in Maldives was
recently inaugurated in Addu City, Maldives.
• Maldives President issues decree banning ‘India Out’ campaign.
o ‘India Out’ campaign was regarded as an organised campaign that aims to disrupt relations between
the two countries by inciting unrest.
o One of the reasons for this was cooperation between the two sides in 2021 to develop a harbour on
the Uthuru Thilafalhu (UTF) atoll for the Maldivian coast Guard as it was rumoured that there were
Indian military personnel stationed there.

16
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.8. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
Trans-Himalayan China and Nepal agreed to build the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity
Multi-Dimensional Network.
Connectivity About The Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network
Network • The Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network (THMCN) also referred as
the Trans-Himalayan network is an economic corridor proposed in 2019
between Nepal and China as a part of China's Belt and Road Initiative.
• The corridor aims to enhance connectivity in ports, roads, railways, aviation, and
communications.
• The THMCN aims to pave the way for more integration between China and the rest of
South Asia, solidify border controls and aid in the economic development and integration
of China’s TAR.
Global Security • It is an initiative proposed by China.
Initiative • According to China, the new Global Security Initiative will work against the Cold War
Mentality or hegemonism, power politics and bloc confrontation.
• It will counter the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, Quad (India, US, Australia and Japan grouping)
and AUKUS (Australia, UK and US).
Porcupine strategy • Taiwan is focusing on porcupine strategy to fight back in case China attacks it.
• Porcupine is a strategy of asymmetric warfare focused on fortifying a weak state’s
defences to exploit enemy’s weaknesses rather than taking on its strengths.
o It was proposed in 2008 by US professor William S Murray.
• Aim is to make Taiwan’s defence so secure that any attacker faces a ruinous cost.
• Three defensive layers in this approach are:
o Outer layer is about intelligence and reconnaissance.
o Guerrilla warfare at sea.
o Innermost layer relies on geography and demography of island.
Spectrographic • Tensions between India and China is worrying Indian scientists involved in SING project.
Investigation of • SING is a collaboration between Indian Institute of Astronomy (IIA) and the Russian
Nebular Gas (SING) Academy of Sciences for designing payloads for Tiangong (China's new permanent space
project station).
• SING primarily deals with sending and positioning a spectrograph, an instrument that
splits light into constituent frequencies and wavelengths, to study ultraviolet radiation.
Wolf Warrior • Wolf-warrior diplomacy describes offensives by Chinese diplomat to defend China’s
diplomacy national interests, often in confrontational ways.
o Wolf Warrior diplomacy symbolises an aggressive and confrontational, even hostile,
type of diplomacy on a public stage, including on social media.
o Wolf-warrior diplomacy is evidenced not only in combative words but aggressive
actions.
• From China’s perspective, wolf-warrior diplomacy is a direct response to “unfair”
approaches by other countries, especially the U.S., toward China and the Chinese people.
China-Plus-One • India could emerge as semiconductor manufacturing hub as part of 'China Plus One'
strategy diversification strategy.
o China-Plus-One, is a business strategy to avoid investing only in China and diversifying
business into other countries.
o It started becoming popular in 2018 and gained prominence after the Covid outbreak.
Asian Clearing Union • RBI announced that all eligible current account transactions including trade transactions
with Sri Lanka may be settled in any permitted currency outside the Asian Clearing Union
(ACU, an initiative of UNESCAP, 1974) mechanism until further notice.
o ACU’s objective is to facilitate payments among member countries for eligible
transactions on a multilateral basis, thereby economising on the use of foreign
exchange reserves and transfer costs.
o Asian Monetary Unit (AMU) is the common unit of account of ACU and is
denominated as ‘ACU dollar’, ‘ACU euro’ and ‘ACU yen’.

17
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 1.9. PLACES IN NEWS

Sr. No. Place

1. West Seti Dam (Nepal)
Context: MoU was signed between Nepal and India to develop the West Seti dam and Seti River (SR6)
projects.
• Seti (meaning white river), also known as Seti Gandaki, is a Western Nepal river which originates at
Annapurna Massif.
• It cuts through the Mahabharat range before joining the Trishuli River as a left bank tributary near
Devghat area.
2. Lumbini (Nepal)
Context: Prime Minister of India visited Lumbini, Nepal for the first time in the last few decades.
• Lumbini is famous for birthplace of Lord Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, born in 623 B.C.
• Located in Terai plains of southern Nepal or Rupandehi district of Nepal, 125 kms from Gorakhpur in
Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
• Site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage centre.

18
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Protected by Ancient Monument Preservation Act 1956.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Gogra-Hotsprings area
Context: India and China’s troops begin disengagement from Patrolling Point (PP) 15 in Gogra-Hot Springs
in eastern Ladakh.
• Earlier, China had refused to pull back its troops from Hot Springs and Gogra Post which, along with
Depsang Plains, remain the friction points between the two sides.
• PP15 is located in an area known as Hot Springs, while PP17A is near an area called the Gogra post.
o Both are close to Chang Chenmo River in Galwan in eastern Ladakh.
o Area is north of Karakoram Range of mountains, which lies north of Pangong Tso lake, and
southeast of Galwan Valley.
4. Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie Road (DSDBO)
Context: The 225-km road connects Leh to the Karakoram Pass - separating Ladakh from China’s Xinjiang
province.
• DS-DBO road provides connectivity to the India's northernmost outpost of Daulat Beg Oldi.
• It has the world’s highest airstrip, originally built during the 1962 war but abandoned until 2008.
• The DSDBO highway provides the Indian military access to the section of the Tibet-Xinjaing highway
that passes through Aksai Chin. The road runs almost parallel to the LAC at Aksai Chin.
5. Pangong Tso
Context: The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed the building of a second bridge on the Pangong Tso
lake close to 2020 border standoff.
• Pangong Tso, meaning high grassland lake in Tibetan, is the world's highest saltwater lake situated at
a height of 4,350 m situated in the Himalayan range on India-China Border.
• It is an endorheic (sinking) lake and out of its total length of around 160 km, one-third lies in India
(Ladakh region) while the remaining two-thirds lie in China.
• It is known to change colors, appearing blue, green and red at different times.
6. Shinku La Pass
Context: Border Roads Organisation will build the world’s highest tunnel at Shinku La Pass to connect
Himachal to Ladakh under Project Yojak by 2025.
• It is located between Zanskar Valley in Ladakh and Lahaul Valley in Himachal Pradesh.
• The world’s longest tunnel is the Atal tunnel at Rohtang.
7. Mana La (Mana Pass), Uttrakhand
Context: PM laid foundation of connectivity project from Mana Village (Chamoli District) to Mana Pass.
• Mana Pass (Ht. 18,192 ft) is the last point between India and China Border and an ancient trade route
between India and Tibet.
• It is also known as Dungri La and located within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
• Mana village rests on the banks of River Saraswati and is home to the Bhotias (Mongol tribe).
8. Nechiphu Tunnel
Context: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) conducted final break through blast of Nechiphu Tunnel.
• Nechiphu tunnel is located along the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang Road, which connects Balipara in
Assam to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh bordering China.
• It has been completed under the Project Vartak of BRO

19
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 2. INDIA-SOUTHEAST ASIA
2.1. INDIA-MYANMAR
Why in news?
Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change has
suggested to create
Myanmar/ Malaysia-India-
Singapore Transit (MIST)
corridor in Chennai for Coastal
Regulation Zone (CRZ)
clearance.
More on news
• MIST is an international
submarine cable
communication network
that will traverse undersea
to connect India with
Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
o It will provide secure, reliable, robust and affordable telecom facilities in Asia with main trunk route
being from Tuas in Singapore to Mumbai in India.
o MIST cable system has a total length of 8,100 km.

20
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 2.2. INDIA-VIETNAM
Why in news?
India and Vietnam sign mutual
logistics agreement.
More on news
• India and Vietnam have
signed a logistics support
pact to allow militaries of
both sides to use each
other's bases for repair and
replenishment of supplies.
o The MoU on mutual
logistics support is the
first such major
agreement that Vietnam has signed with any country.
• Other major agreements
o Joint Vision Statement on defence partnership towards 2030 to enhance the scope and scale of
existing defence cooperation.
o Early finalisation of the 500-million-dollar Defence Line of Credit extended to Vietnam.
o India’s Defense Minister visited Tran Quoc Pagoda, a revered Buddhist temple which reaffirmed age-
old civilizational and people-to-people linkages.

21
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 2.3. INDIA-THAILAND
Why in news?
India and Thailand complete 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties.

2.4. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Digital Nomad Visa • To deal with the economic impacts of Covid-19, Indonesia has announced DNV for
(DNV) travellers, to attract more foreign tourists.
o DNV would allow remote workers to stay tax-free.
• Digital Nomads: They are people who work remotely while travelling to different places
and spending their earned income in the country they are travelling to.
• They embrace a location-independent, technology-enabled lifestyle that allows them to
travel and work remotely, anywhere in the Internet-connected world.
Eastern Waterways • Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways plans to develop Eastern Waterways Connectivity
Connectivity Transport Grid (EWCTG) to boost regional integration and trade with South Asia and
Transport Grid Eastern South Asia.
(EWCTG) o EWCTG, part of India’s Act East policy, builds on the existing network of India-
Bangladesh protocol route.
o This will be linked further to Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
Andaman-Aceh Link • India-Indonesia joint task force reviewed challenges in forging connectivity between
Andaman and Nicobar Islands (A&N) and Aceh province.
• Envisioned in 2018 under “Shared Vision of Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific”,
Andaman-Aceh Link connects the Sabang city of Aceh Province, Indonesia with A&N-
Islands.
o Around 90 nautical miles from A&N, the Great Channel (or the Six Degree Channel)
separates Nicobar from Aceh Province.
• Sabang overlooks the Andaman Sea and Strait of Malacca, making it strategically
important for India with other benefits like boosting tourism in A&N.

22
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 2.5. PLACES IN NEWS

23
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 S.N. Place
1. Philippines (Capital: Manila)
Context: India, Philippines to expand ties in fintech, education and defence.
• Also, Bongbong Marcos Jr is set to be the new President of Philippines after Rodrigo Duterte.
• The Philippines is an archipelagic nation with over 7,000 islands with the 5th largest coastline in the world
(36, 290 km) with no shared land border with any country.
• It shares maritime borders with China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Palau, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
2. Strait of Malacca
Context: India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) between Indian and Indonesian Navy was
conducted in Andaman Sea and Straits of Malacca.
• Strait of Malacca is a waterway connecting Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) and South China Sea (Pacific
Ocean).
o It is crucial to flow of global trade as it provides shortest sea route between Indian Ocean and Pacific
Ocean.
o Roughly a quarter of all oil transported by sea passes through the straits.
3. Cambodia (Capital: Phnom Penh)
Context: China is set to build its second foreign outpost (First at Djibouti) at Ream Naval Base of Cambodia on
the Gulf of Thailand.
● Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country surrounded by Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. The Gulf of Thailand
gives it maritime access.
● Angkor Wat, an ancient temple complex built by Suryavarman II, located in northern Cambodia is the
world’s largest religious structure.

24
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 3. INDIA-WEST ASIA
3.1. INDIA-ISRAEL
Why in news?
India-Israel Defence Ministers held bilateral talks
where India-Israel Vision on Defence Cooperation
was adopted for enhancing cooperation in the field of
Futuristic Defence Technologies.
Other initiatives with Israel
• India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological
Innovation Fund (I4F)
o I4F is a cooperation between India, and Israel
to promote, facilitate and support joint
industrial R&D projects between companies
from India and Israel to address the
challenges in the agreed ‘Focus Sectors’.
• Both countries have signed a three-year work program (2021-2023) for development in Agriculture
cooperation to benefit local farmers.
• India and Israel are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement.

25
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 3.1.1. TWO STATE SOLUTION
Why in news?
At a recent UNSC session, India asserted that long-term peace in Israel and Palestine can be achieved through
negotiation on the Two-State Solution.
About Two-State Solution
• It means that an independent, sovereign Palestine state and an independent, sovereign Israeli state would
coexist in peace.
• Two State Solution was agreed upon in 1991 during US mediated Madrid Peace Conference.
India’s Israel-Palestine Policy
• India voted against the creation of Israel in historic Palestine in 1947 in the UN General Assembly.
• During the Cold war era, India remained a strong supporter of Palestinian freedom, taking a moral and
legal position against the Israeli occupation, in line with international laws and norms.
• India established full diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992.
• since 2018, India is adopting a de- hyphenation policy which meant that India’s relationship with Israel
would stand on its own merits, independent and separate from India’s relationship Palestine.

3.2. INDIA-SAUDI ARABIA

Why in news? Related News
Recently, the Ministerial meeting of Middle East Green Initiative (MGI)
India-Saudi Arabia Strategic • MGI 2022 summit was held recently.
Partnership Council (SPC) was held. • It is a Saudi Arabia led regional dialogue on climate launched in 2021 to
bring together leaders from across the MENA region (Middle East/North
More on news Africa) and beyond.
• SPC was instituted in 2019 • Aims of MGI
during the visit of Indian Prime o Reducing carbon emissions from regional hydrocarbon production by
Minister to the Kingdom of more than 60%.
Saudi Arabia. o Plant 50 billion trees across the Middle East and restore an area
• It has two main pillars i.e. equivalent to 200 million hectares of degraded land.
Political, Security, Social and • It can help in reducing global carbon levels by 2.5%
Cultural Committee and Committee on Economy and Investments.

26
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 3.3. INDIA-UAE
Why in news?
India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
(CEPA) entered into force.
More in News
• It is expected to increase the total value of bilateral trade in
goods to over US$100 billion and in services to over US$15
billion within five years.
• The CEPA is likely to benefit about $26 billion worth of Indian products that are currently subjected to 5%
import duty by the UAE.
• Around 90% of products exported from India to UAE will attract zero duty.
• Provides for a permanent safeguard mechanism to deal with sudden surge in imports of any product.
27
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Automatic registration and marketing authorisation of Indian generic medicines, once they are approved
in developed countries.
• It also has stringent 'rules of origin' reflecting requirements for substantial processing of up to 40% value
addition.

3.4. INDIA- ISRAEL- UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - USA (I2U2)

Why in news?
Abraham Accords
Recently, the first Leaders’ Summit of I2U2 • Abraham Accords is a series of peace agreements
(India, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and United between Israel and several Arab countries, UAE being
States) was held virtually. the first.
o In 2020, it was mediated by USA between UAE,
About I2U2 Bahrain and Israel.
• I2U2 was first mentioned in October 2021, • The name “Abraham” refers to the great father of the
following the Abraham Accords between faith of the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam.
Israel and UAE, to deal with issues
• It’s a symbolic title that promotes unity between Arabic
concerning maritime security,
and Jewish people by recognizing the shared patriarch.
infrastructure, and transport in region.
o It was established as an international forum to discuss common areas of mutual interest, strengthen
economic partnership in trade and investment in respective regions and beyond.
o The I2U2, referred to as the ‘West Asian QUAD’.
o I2U2 lacks a military angle and focuses on the economy.

28
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • It has identified six areas of cooperation in water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food
security.
o It intends to mobilize private sector capital and expertise to help modernize infrastructure, low
carbon development pathways for industries, improve public health, and promote development of
critical emerging and green technologies.

3.5. GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL

Why in news?
India’s bilateral trade with Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC)
grows at rapid pace.
• Significance of India-GCC
relations
o Trade and Commerce:
GCC is currently India’s
largest trading partner
bloc with bilateral trade
in FY 2021-22 valued at over USD 154 billion.
o India-GCC does not have a FTA.
o GCC along with Iraq accounted for nearly one-fifth of India’s total trade in 2021-22.
o Energy Security: GCC’s substantial oil and gas reserves are of utmost importance for India’s energy
needs. Saudi Arabia & UAE are the leading sources of Crude Oil imports for India.
o Remittance: GCC countries accounted for more than 50% of total remittance flow into India.
o Expatriate population: UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait together account for over half of all non-resident
Indians (NRIs).

3.6. PLACES IN NEWS

29
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 S.N. Place
1. Red Sea
Context: The US Navy has created a new task force with allied countries to patrol the Red Sea amid the Yemen War.
• Red Sea is the world's northernmost tropical sea between Asia and Africa- connecting the Gulf of Suez and
Gulf of Aqaba in the North with the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb in South.
• Part of the Great Rift Valley, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti lies on its Western Shore, and Yemen and Saudi
Arabia lies on the Eastern Shore.
• Due to high heat and lack of precipitation, it has high salinity.
• The Red Sea is also the world's northernmost tropical sea and part of Global 200 ecoregions from World
Wildlife Fund (WWF).
2. West Bank
Context: Israel court paves way for eviction of 1,000 Palestinians from West Bank area.
• Location
o West Bank is a landlocked territory of Palestine, which is to the west of the Jordan River.
o It is bounded by Israel on the north, west and south. On the east lies Jordan country.
o Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war, and Palestinians want it to form the main part of
their future state.
o Presently there are approx. 132 Israeli settlements and 124 unauthorized settlements, along with military
outposts.
3. Nagorno-Karabakh Region
Context: Armenia is witnessing growing anti-govt unrest over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
• Political & boundaries
○ It is a disputed territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
○ Conflict- Karabakh Armenians demands transferring Karabakh from Soviet Azerbaijan to Soviet Armenia.
○ The Minsk Group was created by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to
facilitate talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict.
✓ The Group was co-chaired by Russia, the United States and France.
4. Türkiye, erstwhile Turkey (Capital: Ankara)
Contexts:
• 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and western Syria leading to widespread damage and thousands of
fatalities.
• UN has changed the name of Turkey to Türkiye after the Turkish Government requested it to do so.
• President of Turkey approved the changes in Electoral Laws to bolster his rule.
• Türkiye is a large peninsula that bridges continents of Europe (via. Eastern Thrace) and Asia (via. Anatolian
Plateau).
• Geographical Features:
o It constitutes major part of Anatolia plateau.
o It is predominantly mountainous country, and lowland is confined to coastal fringes.
o Narrows straits include Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, and Dardanelles—are known collectively as Turkish
straits part of it.
5. Jordan (Capital: Amman)
Context: Amid challenges to fertilizers, India and Jordan have signed current year and long term MoUs for assured
fertilizers supply to India.
● Jordan is a Middle Eastern Country located in the Arabian Peninsula.
● Al-Aqabah, only port of Jordan, provides a short coastline to Jordan at the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea).
6. Qatar (Capital- Doha)
Context: India’s Vice President visited Qatar. Also, Centre recently organized Virtual Networking Meet for
Geographical Indication Products with Qatar.
o Qatar is an independent emirate (an Arabic Islamic monarchy) on west coast of the Persian Gulf.
7. Syria (Capital: Damascus)
Context: US airstrikes hit militia-controlled areas in Syria.
• Political and Boundaries:
o It is located on east coast of Mediterranean Sea in southwestern Asia.
o Its area includes territory in Golan Heights that was annexed by Israel in 1981.

30
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 4. INDIA-RUSSIA AND CENTRAL ASIA
4.1. EASTERN ECONOMIC FORUM (EEF)
Why in news? Initiatives by India in RFE region
• NITI Aayog and Ministry for Development of the
Prime Minister virtually attended the seventh Russian Far East and Arctic are working on a plan to
Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) hosted by Russia in develop the Arctic and Russia’s Far East between
Vladivostok. 2020 and 2025.
• India offered a $1 billion line of credit to develop
About Eastern Economic Forum (EEF)
infrastructure in the region.
• The EEF was established in 2015 to encourage • Oil and Natural Gas Corporation purchased stakes in
foreign investments in the Russia’s Far East the Sakhalin-1 project in the region.
(RFE) region. • India, Japan and Russia concluded their first Track II
• EEF displays the economic potential, suitable negotiations about joint Far East projects.
business conditions and investment opportunities in the region.
• The forum aimed at connecting the Far East with the Asia Pacific region.
• About Russia’s Far East (RFE) Region:
o Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD) is the easternmost part of Russia and borders the Pacific and the
Arctic ocean, and five countries (China, Japan, Mongolia, the United States and the North Korea).
o The region encompasses 1/3rd of Russia’s territory and is rich with natural resources such as fish, oil,
natural gas, wood, diamonds, coal and other minerals.
o The Russian government has strategically developed the region with the aim of connecting Russia to
the Asian trading routes.
o China: It is the biggest investor in the region (account for 90% of the total investments). Followed by
South Korea and Japan.

31
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.2. GENEVA CONVENTIONS AND RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
Why in News?
Russian troops were accused of violating Geneva conventions in ongoing war.
About Geneva Conventions
• Geneva Conventions are a set of four treaties (formalised in 1949) and three additional protocols.
o Geneva Conventions have been ratified by 196 states, including all UN member states.
o Three Protocols have been ratified by 174, 169 and 79 states respectively.
Geneva convention What it covers?
First • Protects wounded and sick soldiers on land during war.
• Also extends to medical and religious personnel, medical units, and medical transport.
Second • Protects wounded, sick and shipwrecked military personnel at sea during war.
• Also extends to hospital ships and medical transports by sea.
Third • Applies to prisoners of war, including a wide range of general protections such as humane
treatment, maintenance, and equality across prisoners etc.
Fourth • Protects civilians, including those in occupied territory.
Three Additional Protocols
Protocol I and II • They strengthen the protection of victims of international (Protocol I) and non-
international (Protocol II) armed conflicts and place limits on the way wars are fought.
Protocol III • Created an additional emblem, the Red Crystal, which has the same international status as
the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems.

4.3. INDIA-TURKMENISTAN
Why in news? Major Initiatives with Central Asian Countries
President of India paid a state visit to • Connect Central Asia Policy: A broad-based approach including
Turkmenistan which is the first ever political, security, economic, and cultural connections.
• International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC): It
visit by an Indian President to
encompasses ship, rail and road routes connecting India with
Turkmenistan. Russia, Central Asia and Europe via Iran. India is also planning to
About India-Turkmenistan relations include Chabahar port in the INSTC framework.
• TAPI (Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India) project:
• Archaeological finds in south The project aims to transport 33 billion cubic metres of gas from
Turkmenistan have revealed Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh gas field to Afghanistan, Pakistan and
contacts with Indus Valley finally India through the proposed 1814-km long pipeline, also
Civilization. called the ‘Peace Pipeline’.
• ‘Turkmen Gate’ built in Delhi in • Ashgabat Agreement (India joined in 2018): It aims to establish
1650’s also testifies to centuries- an international multimodal transport and transit corridor
between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf.
old ties between India and
Turkmenistan.
• India was one of the first countries to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence in 1991 and establish
formal diplomatic relations in 1992.
• Central Asia’s first Yoga and Traditional Medicine Centre was inaugurated in Ashgabat in July 2015.

32
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 4.4. INTERNATIONAL NORTH-SOUTH TRANSIT CORRIDOR (INSTC)
Why in news?
Iran started transfer of Russian goods to India
by using International North-South Transit
Corridor (INSTC).
About INSTC
• INSTC is a 7200 km multi-modal
transportation network, first envisaged in
2000 by Russia, India and Iran, to promote
transportation cooperation among the
Member States.
o INSTC connects Indian Ocean and
Persian Gulf to Caspian Sea via Iran
and is then connected to Saint Petersburg and North European via Russia.
o Currently, it has 13 members: India, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Turkey,
Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Ukraine and Syria.
• INSTC Significance for India
o Will cut down the transportation costs of goods (by almost 30%) as well transportation time (almost
half compared to suez canal) between India and Russia.
o Reduce carriage cost between India and Russia by 30% and bring down transit time to less than 25
days compared to 40 days.
o Will help India to gain smooth access into Central Asia and beyond and will help to expand trade and
investment links.
o Reduce dependence on current trading partners, especially energy connectivity, through
realignment of supply chains.
o It is also being seen as India’s answer to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
o India’s corridor to energy-rich Central Asia, Arctic, Nordic and Baltic region.

33
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Other Planned Corridors Connecting India with Russia and Europe
o Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor connecting India-Russia.
o India’s Arabian-Mediterranean (Arab-Med) Corridor connecting India with mainland Europe via
Piraeus port of Greece and Middle East.

4.5. CHABAHAR PORT

Why in news?
Recently, India observed 'Chabahar Day' where
India and Iran reviewed the progress of Chabahar
port and the INSTC transcontinental trade route.
More about Chabahar Port
• Chabahar Port is located in Sistan and
Baluchestan province in the South-eastern
part of Iran, on the Gulf of Oman.
• It is the only deep-sea port in Iran with direct
ocean access.
• Its geographic proximity to countries such as
Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, as well as its
status as a key transit center on the burgeoning International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
• India, Afghanistan and Iran signed a deal to establish the International Transport and Transit Corridor
(Chabahar Agreement) in 2016.
o This involved construction of a rail line from
Chabahar port to Zahedan along the border
with Afghanistan and linking it to the Zaranj-
Delaram Highway, as an alternate trade
route to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
o Zaranj-Delaram Highway in Afghanistan is a
215 km long highway that was already built in
Afghanistan through assistance provided by
India.
• India aims to make Chabahar Port a transit hub under the International North-South Transport Corridor
(INSTC) to reach out to CIS countries.
India’s other cross border connectivity initiatives
• The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Facility: The sea, river, land transport system linking Indian ports and
Sittwe port in Myanmar and then through riverine transport and by road to Mizoram (India).
• The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project: The 1360 km cross-border transportation network would
link Moreh (India) to Mae Sot (Thailand) through Bagan (Myanmar).
• The Mekong India Economic Corridor: The corridor proposes to connect Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) with Dawei
(Myanmar) via Bangkok (Thailand) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and further linking it to Chennai (India).
• The Stilwell Road (the Ledo Road and the Burma Road): The WW II overland road linking Ledo in Assam (India) to
Kunming in Yunnan (China) through Myanmar.
• The Delhi-Hanoi Railway Link: It proposes to link India with Vietnam via Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and
Singapore.
• The Tamu-Kalewa-Kalemyo Friendship Road: The 160 km cross-border road from Tamu to Kalemyo in Myanmar’s
Sagaing Region and forms part of the India-Myanmar Thailand Trilateral Highway.
• The Rhi-Tiddim Road in Myanmar: The 80 km cross-border road from Rhi to Tiddim in Myanmar’s Chin State.
• The BCIM Economic Corridor: The cross-border transportation network linking China’s Kunming to India’s Kolkata
from Myanmar and Bangladesh.

34
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 4.6. PLACES IN NEWS

35
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Sr. Place
No.
1. Tajikistan (Capital - Dushanbe)
Context: Recently, Indian envoy handed over the India-Tajikistan Friendship Hospital (ITFH) in Bokhtar to the
Tajikistan side.
• Political boundaries: Tajikistan is a landlocked Central Asian country sharing its borders with Kyrgyzstan,
Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and China.
• Topography: 93% of its land is mountainous with Alay Range in North and Pamir Mountains (part of the roof
of the world, High Asia) in the southeast as main mountain ranges.
2. Kyrgyzstan (Capital: Bishkek)
Context: Recently, people were killed and injured in violent border clashes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
• Political boundaries
o Located in Central Asia.
o Bounded by Kazakhstan (northwest and north), China (east and south), and Tajikistan (south) and
Uzbekistan (west).
3. Uzbekistan (Capital Tashkent)
Context: Recently, unrest broke out in the Karakalpakstan region of Uzbekistan over plans to curtail its autonomy.
o Also, at least 18 children died in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand allegedly after consuming India-manufactured
syrup due to ethylene glycol.
• Uzbekistan is a doubly landlocked Central Asian Country
o Doubly Landlocked means that it is surrounded by countries that are themselves landlocked.
o Globally, only two nations are doubly landlocked with Liechtenstein as the other one.
4. Kazakhstan (Capital- Nursultan)
Context: A sharp and sudden spike in fuel prices triggered a national crisis in Kazakhstan.
• Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia and the ninth largest in the world.
5. Kherson
Context: The proxy government in the Kherson region announced that all newborns would be granted Russian
citizenship.
● Also, Russia has installed a new administration and started to introduce the Rouble as a currency in Kherson
Region of Ukraine.
● Kherson is an important port city in Southern Ukraine, which is situated on the Dnieper River that flows into
the Black Sea.
● In 1778, it became the first naval base and shipyard of the Russian Navy on the Black Sea Coast.
● It became the first major urban centre to fall under the Russian forces during the ongoing invasion of
Ukraine.
6. Transnistria Region
Context: Russia is opening a new front on Ukraine’s western border, in Transnistria region of Moldova.
• Location: On east bank of Dniester River.
• Boundary: Lies between Moldova to its west and Ukraine towards its east.
• Often described as a “remnant of the Soviet Union”.
• It is not recognised as independent by Russia and its economy is dependent on Russia for subsidies and free
gas.
• Majority of people in Transnistria speak Russian and use cyrillic script like Russians.
7. Snake Island
Context: Ukraine has caused significant losses to Russian military in airstrikes on Snake Island.
• Zmiinyi Island, also known as Snake or Serpent Island.
• It is a small piece of rock less than 700 metres from end to end, that has been described as being “X-shaped”.
• Located 35 km from coast in Black Sea, to east of mouth of Danube and roughly southwest of port city of
Odessa.
• There are no snakes on Snake Island.
• It belongs to Ukraine.
8. Kerch Strait
Context: During ongoing Russia Ukraine war, blast took place on Kerch Bridge, connecting Russia with Crimea.
• Also known as the Crimean Bridge, the Kerch Bridge is Europe’s Longest Bridge built over the Kerch Strait.
• The Kerch Strait is located between the Kerch Peninsula of Crimea from the Taman Peninsula of Russia’s
Krasnodar Krai.
• It connects the Sea of Azov with Black Sea.

36
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 5. INDIA-INDO-PACIFIC
5.1. INDIA-US

37
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 5.1.1. 2+2 DIALOGUE
Why in news?
The fourth ‘2+2’ dialogue between India and
the United States was held in Washington DC.
Key highlights
• Both sides look forward to India’s co-
hosting of the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs
Conference (IPACC) and Indo-Pacific
Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS) in
2023.
• Both countries looked forward to
expansion of the USAID-supported
COVID-19 Learning Exchange virtual
platform to include programs for more population groups and allow cities and health officials to share
best practices.
• Discussed NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, planned for launch from India in 2023.
• To revitalise the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) with joint projects on advanced,
emerging and critical military technologies.
o India and USA signed project agreement for Air-launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (ALUAV) under
DTTI.
Related News
Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA)
The US House of Representatives passed a legislative amendment that exempts India from economic sanctions under
the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for purchasing the S-400 missile defence
system from Russia in 2018 to help deter aggressors like China.
• CAATSA is a law that came into effect in the US in 2017 and was meant to punish countries having deep
engagements with Russia, North Korea, and Iran using economic sanctions.
o However, the application of CAATSA is not limited to the S-400, and may include other joint ventures for
manufacturing or developing weapons in the future, or any other kinds of major deals with Russia.
o The US has already imposed sanctions on Turkey under CAATSA for purchase of S-400 missile systems from
Russia.
• S-400 is a mobile long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system.
o S-400 Triumf has the capability to protect against almost all sorts of aerial attacks, including drones, missiles,
rockets and even fighter jets.

38
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 5.2. INDIA-JAPAN
Why in news?
Recently, the India and Japan completed 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations.

39
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Related News
• Former Japan Prime Minister (PM) Shinzo Abe Assassinated
o India finds a special mention in his book Utsukushii Kuni E (Toward a Beautiful Country).
• His contributions to India-Japan Relationship
o Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India-Japan for Peace and Security in the region,
o Under Abe, Japan made for a tenth of India’s FDI with support for major projects including the Mumbai-
Ahmedabad High-speed rail corridor.
o He supported India’s entry into four international export control regimes with increased cooperation in
defence equipment and technology
• For his contributions, Indian Government gave the prestigious Padma Vibhushan to him in 2021.

5.3. INDIA AUSTRALIA

Why in news?
India Australia Economic and Cooperation Trade
Agreement (ECTA) recently came into force.
About Economic Cooperation and Trade
Agreement (ECTA)
• ECTA provides an institutional mechanism to encourage and improve trade between two countries and
covers almost all tariff lines dealt by India and Australia.
• It is the first trade agreement of
India with a developed country after
more than a decade.
• After India-UAE Comprehensive
Economic Partnership Agreement,
ECTA will be the second trade
agreement for India that will be
operationalized this year.
Key provisions of the agreement
• Provide zero-duty access to 96
percent of India’s exports to
Australia including shipments from
key sectors such as engineering
goods, gems and jewellery, textiles
etc.
• Indian graduates from STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics) will be granted
extended post-study work visas.
• Australia agreed to amend its
domestic tax law to stop taxation of
offshore income of Indian firms
providing technical services in
Australia.
• A separate Annex on Pharmaceutical
products which will enable fast-track
approval for patented generic and
biosimilar medicines.
• Covers areas like Rules of Origin, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Dispute Settlement,
Movement of Natural Persons etc.
Other Recent developments:
• Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Indian Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and Australia
for Technical Cooperation for Australia-India water security initiative (AIWASI) to support cooperation between
Australia and India on urban water security and management.
• Cooperation in joint projects involving Rare Earth Minerals like lithium and cobalt.

40
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 5.4. INDO-PACIFIC ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK FOR PROSPERITY (IPEF)
Why in News?
Recently, India agreed to be a part of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

41
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 5.5. BAY OF BENGAL
Why in news?
Recently, Nalanda University has launched multidisciplinary
research Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies (CBS) on occasion
of World Maritime Day (29th September).
More on news
• Opening of CBS was announced by India at 4th BIMSTEC
(BoB Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and
Economic Cooperation) Summit in Nepal in 2018.
• CBS will offer collaborations in areas such as geo-
economics and geopolitics, ecology, trade and
connectivity, maritime security and law, cultural
heritage, and blue economy to generate opportunities
for Bay region.
• This will strengthen India’s overall framework for
maritime engagement.
Initiative taken by India with respect to BoB
• Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): It is led by Indian Navy that provides a platform for military leaders
of region to discuss regional challenges. For e.g. terrorism, piracy etc.
• Naval exercise: India hosts exercise MILAN, a biennial naval exercise among the littoral navies of BoB,
Southeast Asia, and Indian Ocean community to enhance better understanding among navies of the
region.
• White Shipping agreements: It allows for exchange of information on commercial shipping.
o India currently has White Shipping agreements with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka and has
ongoing conversations to sign the agreement with Thailand and Indonesia.
• Tsunami warning system: National Tsunami Early Warning Center been set up at INCOIS (Indian National
Center for Ocean Information Services), Hyderabad, to provide early warning in case of a Tsunami and
avoid devastation caused by 2004 tsunami.
• Project Mausam: Initiative of Ministry of Culture to collaborate with several countries of Indian Ocean
region to understand the knowledge and manipulation of monsoon winds in pre-modern period.

5.6. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

AUKUS • China has
reportedly
withdrawn its
draft
resolution
against AUKUS
grouping at
the
International
Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA).
o This has
come in
the
backdrop
of India's
"deft and impactful" diplomacy whereby India helped many smaller countries take a clear
stand on the Chinese proposal.
• AUKUS is a new three-way strategic defence alliance between Australia, the UK and US.
o Key objective – build a class of nuclear-propelled submarines, work together in the Indo-
Pacific region, where the rise of China is seen as an increasing threat, and develop wider
technologies.

42
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Partners in the • As a response to China’s aggressive outreach to Pacific Island states, the US - along with
Blue Pacific’ Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Japan - announced a new PBP initiative.
(PBP) o Earlier, China had released a draft agreement called “Common Development vision” that
spoke about China wanting to expand law enforcement cooperation with pacific nations.
• About PBP:
o It is a 5-nationinformal mechanism to support Pacific islands and to boost diplomatic,
economic ties in the region.
o It aims to enhance “prosperity, resilience, and security” in the Pacific through closer
cooperation.
o It will “elevate Pacific regionalism”, and forge stronger ties with the Pacific Islands Forum.
o Its areas of cooperation includes climate crisis, connectivity and transportation, maritime
security etc.
Reciprocal • Recently, Japan, Australia sign Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA)
Access • RAA is a new agreement to cooperate closely on defence to bolster security ties against the
Agreement backdrop of rising Chinese military and economic might in the Indo-Pacific region.
(RAA)
India, UAE and India, UAE and France to hold their maiden Trilateral meeting
France Trilateral • Objective of the meet is to explore potential cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region including
meet in Maritime Security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Blue Economy,
Regional Connectivity, Cooperation in Multilateral Fora, Energy and Food Security, Startups
etc.
• India-UAE-France Trilateral and its Significance
o Boost the cooperation in the Indo-Pacific under the trilateral framework.
o Advance strategic autonomy in the Western Indian Ocean Region or Arabian Sea to ensure
energy and regional security.
o Critical for India’s global footprint as well as the success of India’s Act East Policy, Look
West Policy, Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) etc.
o Opportunity to work towards shared goals of ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’.
Minerals • India raised concern over not being part of the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP).
Security • MSP is an international partnership for stable and diverse mineral supply chain.
Partnership o MSP ensures that critical minerals are produced, processed, and recycled to support the
ability of countries to realize full economic development benefit of their geological
endowments.
o It involves 11-members i.e. Korea, US, Canada, Japan, Germany, UK, EU Commission,
Finland, France, Australia, and Norway.
o Alliance will focus on supply chains of minerals such as Cobalt, Nickel, Lithium and also 17
“rare earth” minerals.
Indo-Pacific • As part of their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, India and France agreed to work towards the
Trilateral establishment of an Indo-Pacific Trilateral Development Cooperation Fund
Development o This fund aims to support India-based innovators and start-ups in taking their innovations
Cooperation to third countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Fund o It will also explore opportunities to undertake development projects under the
framework of the International Solar Alliance and its STAR-C project.
• India's Global Innovation Partnership (GIP) launched with the UK will provide a template to
use the TDC Fund for trilateral projects with other countries like Japan, Germany, France and
the EU.
• India's contribution to GIP will be channelized through the TDC Fund.
US-India • Ministerial dialogue of US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (USISCEP) held in USA.
Strategic Clean • The revamped USISCEP was launched in accordance with U.S.-India Climate and Clean Energy
Energy Agenda 2030.
Partnership • The partnership continues to advance energy security and innovation; scaling up emerging
(USISCEP) clean energy technologies; and deploying technical solutions through 5 pillars:
o Responsible Oil and Gas Pillar
o Power and Energy Efficiency Pillar
o Renewable Energy Pillar
o Sustainable Growth Pillar
o Emerging Fuels and technologies.
Comprehensive U.K.’s application to join CPTPP is underway.
and Progressive
Agreement for
Trans-Pacific

43
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Partnership
(CPTPP)

Investment • India and USA have signed an IIA superseding the 1997 IIA between the two nations.
Incentive • IIA has been signed, to keep pace with the additional investment support programmes,
Agreement (IIA) offered by DFC (a development finance agency of USA), such as debt, equity investment,
feasibility studies for potential projects and grants etc.
o IIA is legal requirement for DFC, to continue providing investment support in India.
o DFC or their predecessor agencies are active in India since 1974 and have so far provided
investment support worth $5.8 billion.
Friend-shoring US Keen to Deepen India Ties Under ‘Friend-
Plan shoring’ Plan
• Friend-shoring is pitched (by US) as a means
to insulate global supply chains from
external disruption or economic coercion.
• Idea is for a group of countries with shared
values to deploy policies encouraging
companies to spread manufacturing within
that group.
o Sectors under importance are
semiconductor industry, green
energy, telecommunications and
mineral industries.
• Significance of Friend-shoring
o Will prevent nations (like China and
Russia) from unfairly leveraging their
market position in key raw materials, technologies or products to disrupt global economy.
o Diversifying global supply chains that will also help businesses become more resilient to
external shocks.

44
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 5.7. PLACES IN NEWS

S.N. Place
1. Solomon Islands (Capital: Honiara)
Context: A recent document revealed that Solomon Islands and China reached a deal for an unprecedented
level of security cooperation.
• Physical location: Solomon Islands are an archipelagic state in Melanesia, located in southwest Pacific
Ocean.
• Neighbours: It is situated to the southeast of Papua New Guinea and to the northwest of Vanuatu.
2. Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)(Capital: Palikir)
Context: FSM is experiencing an outbreak of Covid-19, after two and a half years of successfully protecting itself
from the virus.
• Political Boundaries:
o It is a sovereign island nation and an associated state of the United States.
o Divided into 4 island states: Chuuk , Kosrae, Pohnpei (Ponape) and Yap
o Maritime neighbours: Marshall Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea and Guam.

45
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 3. East Timor (Capital: Dili)
Context: ASEAN has agreed in principle to admit East Timor as the group's 11th member.
• East Timor is Officially called the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
• Location: Southeast Asia, on the southernmost edge of the Indonesian archipelago, northwest of
Australia.
o Bordered by Indonesia in west.
4. Fiji (Capital: Suva)
Context: Sitiveni Rabuka became Fiji's Prime Minister
• Situated in the south pacific, Fiji is referred to as “300 islands in the sun”.
• It is an island group located in Oceania between Hawaii and New Zealand.
• Three biggest islands: Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni.
5. Kuril Islands
Context: As per Japan, the disputed islands are illegally occupied by Russia.
• Japan have called these islands - the Northern Territories - while Russia calls them the southern Kurils.
o Japan claims the Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and Habomai islands in Kuril Island chain.
• Location: Chain of volcanic island archipelago stretches north across the Pacific Ocean from the Japan’s
Hokkaido to the southernmost tip of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.
o It separates the Sea of Okhotsk from the Pacific Ocean.

46
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 6. INDIA-EUROPE
6.1. INDIA- EUROPEAN UNION
Why in news?
India and the European Union (EU) concluded the first round of negotiations of Bilateral Trade and
Investment Agreements (BTIA).
More about news
• Talks on BTIA, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was resumed after a gap of about nine years since the
earlier negotiations were left off in 2013 due to difference in the scope and expectations from the deal.
o FTA involves agreements on trade, investments and Geographical Indications (GI).
• Significance of India-EU FTA
o It will help Indian exporters gain competitive advantage in EU markets while helping domestic
manufacturers get cheaper access to imports from EU.
o EU is considered India’s main source of technology transfer and development. FTA will provide boost
to Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
o EU is also looking for a large market as intra-EU trade remains stagnant and trade with the UK shrinks.
India and EU
• India’s bilateral trade with EU amounted to
USD 116.36 billion in 2021-22.
• Besides FTA, negotiations were also launched
for a stand-alone Investment Protection
Agreement (IPA) and a Geographical Indicators
(GIs) Agreement.
o GI pact will establish a transparent and
predictable regulatory environment,
to facilitate trade of GI products.
• Both sides have agreed to institute the EU-India
Trade and Technology Council for strengthening economic and technological ties.
• India and the European Commission agreed to launch India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC)
o This strategic coordination mechanism will allow both partners to tackle challenges at nexus of trade,
trusted technology and security, and thus deepen cooperation in these fields between EU (European
Union) and India.
o 1st for India and 2nd for EU (after the US-EU TTC of 2021), TTC signifies enhanced political value of
India in uncertain global strategic environment.

47
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 48
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 6.2. INDIA-UK
Why in news?
Various initiatives have been signed between India and UK in the recent times.
Area of Major Agreement/Development
Cooperation
Trade and • Target to conclude the majority of talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of October
prosperity 2022.
• Finalisation of India-UK Global Innovation Partnership (GIP) implementation arrangements to
scale up climate-smart inclusive innovations from India to third countries in Asia, Africa and the
Indo-Pacific.
Defence and • UK announced an open general export license to facilitate technology engagement with India.
Security • Establishment of a Joint Working Group on India-UK Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership.
• Joint Cyber Statement to deepen cooperation across cyber governance, deterrence and
strengthening cyber resilience.
• Agreed to constitute a sub-group on countering extremism in order to further enhance
cooperation.
UK India • It was announced recently by United Kindom Prime Minister.
Young • Under the scheme, UK will offer 3,000 places to 18–30-year-old degree-holding Indian nationals
professional to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
scheme • It was signed as part of the UK-India Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP).
• The scheme will commence in early 2023 and be on a reciprocal basis.
UK-NITI • In the backdrop of COP 26 President visit to India, NITI Aayog launched two initiatives namely,
Aayog o E-AMRIT (Accelerated e-Mobility Revolution for India's Transportation) mobile application
collaborative to raise awareness on electric mobility.
initiatives on o Report on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Reuse supported by UK’s Green Growth
electric Fund Technical Cooperation Facility.
mobility • Report aims to promote battery recycling of current and evolving battery technologies.
• ACC are new generation technologies that can store electric energy either as electrochemical or
as chemical energy and convert it back to electric energy as and when required.
Others • MoU on Cooperation on Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership between Department of
Atomic Energy, Government of India and Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy,
UK.
• Strategic Tech Dialogue- Ministerial-level dialogue on new and emerging communication
technologies such as 5G, AI etc.

49
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 50
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 6.3. INDIA- FRANCE
Why in news?
Indo-French dialogue on bilateral defence cooperation concludes in Paris.

6.4. INDIA- GERMANY

Why in News?
India, Germany Sign $10.5 Billion Green Deal (Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (SDGs)) to
Boost Clean Energy Use.
More on news
• Various deliverables under the partnership include:
o Develop an Indo-German Green Hydrogen Roadmap.
o Establish an Indo-German Renewable Energy Partnership with focus on innovative solar energy and
other renewables.

51
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Establish a lighthouse cooperation on “Agroecology
and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources”.
o Deepen cooperation in restoring forest landscapes
under the Bonn Challenge.
o Furthering Collaboration on Green Energy Corridors,
e.g. Leh-Haryana transmission line and project of
carbon neutral Ladakh.
• Other initiatives:
o Indo-German Partnership on Green Urban Mobility to
support the integration of sustainable modes of
transport, such as metros, light metros etc.
o NITI Aayog-BMZ Dialogue aimed at strengthening SDG
localization at the city level.
o Indo-German Energy Programme (IGEN) to support
the implementation of the Energy Conservation Act,
2001
o In June 2022, India and the G7 had agreed to work towards a Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP)

6.5. INDIA-DENMARK
Why in news?
India, Denmark to further strengthen Green Strategic Partnership (GSP) in the recent meeting.
About GSP
• GSP, established in 2020, is a 5-year action plan for green growth and focuses on green hydrogen,
renewable energy, circular economy, water management etc.
o It specifically focuses on an ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement and the UN SDGs.
• Other outcomes of the India-Denmark meeting
o Launched “India Green Finance Initiative” to finance green projects in India for accelerating green
growth and job creation in India
o India agreed to join the International Centre for Anti-Microbial Resistance (ICARS) as mission partner.
✓ ICARS is a One Health research partnership platform to support the development and
implementation of context-specific and cost-effective solutions to tackle Anti-Microbial
Resistance in Low and Low Middle Income Countries.
o Denmark confirmed its accession to the Global Digital Health Partnership (GDHP).
✓ GDHP is a collaboration of governments and territories, government agencies and the WHO,
formed to support the effective implementation of digital health services.
✓ India is a part of GDHP.

6.6. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Global Gateway It is European Union (EU’s) €300 billion
infrastructure fund plan to counter China’s Belt
and Road Initiative (BRI).
• Plan promises to promote high social,
environmental, fiscal and labour standards.
• Other initiatives for Infrastructure
development
o Build Back Better World (B3W)
initiative: launched during the G-7 meet,
is a values-driven and transparent
infrastructure partnership to help
narrow USD 40+ trillion infrastructure
needs in the developing world.
o Asia-Africa Growth Corridor: an Indian-
Japanese collaborative vision regarding
development, connectivity and
cooperation between Asia and Africa.

52
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 6.7. PLACES IN NEWS

S.N. Place
1. Nordic Countries
Context: India and Nordic countries are going to host the 2nd India-Nordic Summit at Copenhagen, after the
1st summit of 2018 in Stockholm.
• Nordic countries represents the five countries of Nordic region, i.e. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland
and Iceland. It also includes:
o Faroe Islands and Greenland as part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and
o Aland which is part of Finland.
• All of them have Scandinavian roots and share a similar state, law and culture.
2. Poland (Capital: Warsaw)
• Context: India and Poland have signed a mutual legal assistance treaty on criminal matters.
• Political boundaries:
• Located on the Baltic Sea, Poland shares maritime borders along Denmark and Sweden and
• Territorial boundaries with: Belarus, Czechia, Germany, the Kaliningrad Oblast, an exclave of Russia,
Lithuania, Slovakia and Ukraine.
3. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Capital: Sarajevo)
Context: The European Union has agreed to grant membership candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

53
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Bosnia and Herzegovina is a Balkan country situated in Southeastern Europe.
o Earlier, it was a state of the Federation of Yugoslavia.
• It is bordered by Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro.
o The Adriatic Sea gives it maritime access.
4. Croatia (Capital: Zagreb)
Context: Croatia switched to Euro (bidding farewell to its Kuna Currency) and joined Europe's passport-free
Schengen Zone.
• Situated in southeast Europe, Croatia lies on the north western edge of Balkan Peninsula.
o River Danube (2nd biggest river of Europe, after Volga), forms its far north-eastern border with
Serbia.
5. Lithuania (Capital: Vilnius)
Context: The Cabinet has approved the opening of a new Indian Mission in Lithuania in 2022.
• Lithuania is the largest and most populous Baltic Country situated in North Eastern Europe.
• It shares a maritime border with Sweden.
6. Belarus (Capital: Minsk)
Context: The 11th Session of India-Belarus Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific,
Technological and Cultural Cooperation was held.
• Belarus is an Eastern Europe country, erstwhile part of USSR.
• It is the largest landlocked country in Europe.
7. Ireland (Capital: Dublin)
Context: Indian-origin Leo Varadkar has returned as Ireland’s Taoiseach (PM) in rotation agreement.
• Political boundaries
o Island nation on western Europe, lying west of Great Britain.
o Second-largest Island of Europe, after Great Britain.
8. Kosovo (Capital: Pristina)
Context: Kosovo closed its main border crossing with Serbia amid ethnic tensions.
• Kosovo is a landlocked country in Balkans region of Europe.
• Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008, after years of strained relations between
its Serb and mainly Albanian inhabitants.
9. Scotland (Capital: Edinburgh)
Context: Scotland has announced a fresh independence referendum vote on October 2023.
• Aslo, Scotland votes to lower age to legally change gender.
• In 2014 referendum, Scottish voters rejected independence, with 55% saying they wanted to remain part
of the United Kingdom (UK).
• UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Located in Northern Europe, Scotland makes up around one-third of Great Britain island.
10. Gibraltar
Context: British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar has officially been declared a city after a 180-year delay.
• Gibraltar was ceded to Britain (in 1713) under a peace treaty signed following War of Spanish Succession.
11. Nord Stream pipeline
Context: Recently, 4th leak was discovered in the two damaged offshore pipelines that comprise the crucial
Nord Stream pipelines (Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2), designed to carry gas from Russia to Europe via the
Baltic sea.
• Nord Stream 1 is a 1,224 km underwater gas pipeline running from Vyborg in northwest Russia to Lubmin
in northeastern Germany via the Baltic Sea.
Nord stream 2 run from Ust-Luga in Russia to Greifswald in Germany through the Baltic Sea.

54
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 7. INDIA-AFRICA
7.1. INDIA-MAURITIUS
Why in news?
Recently, India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation
and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) entered into force.
About CECPA
• CECPA is the first trade Agreement signed by India with a
country in Africa.
• It covers Trade in Goods, Rules of Origin, Trade in Services,
Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Dispute
Settlement, Movement of Natural Persons, Telecom,
Financial services etc.

55
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 7.2. IBSA TRILATERAL MINISTERIAL COMMISSION
Why in news?
10th India-Brazil-South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA) Trilateral Ministerial Commission (ITMC) held in
September 2022.

56
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 7.3. PLACES IN NEWS

S.N. Place
1. South Africa (Capital: Pretoria(administrative), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial))
Context: South Africa has witnessed worst civil unrest since 1994.
• The Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho is landlocked by South African territory in the south-east.
2. Burkina Faso (Capital: Ouagadougou)
Contexts:
• Recently, Burkina Faso witnessed a coup by military.
• A military court in Burkina Faso handed down a life term to former president.
• Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in Western Africa.
3. Tanzania (Capital: Dar es Salaam (administrative captial), Dodoma (legislative capital))
Context: Samia Suluhu Hassan became the first female President of Tanzania.
• Tanzania, country in East Africa, includes the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia.
o Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania is the highest point in Africa.
o Lake Victoria (the world's second-largest freshwater lake) is located in north Tanzania.
4. La Reunion Island (Capital Saint-Denis)
Context: Recently, the navies of India and France carried out the 2 nd joint patrol in South-Western Indian Ocean
from the French Island of La Reunion.
• It is a part of the Mascarene group of Islands and one among the 12 French overseas territories located in
Western Indian Ocean- southwest of Mauritius and east of Madagascar.
• It is elliptical in shape and of volcanic origin.

57
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 5. Senegal (Capital: Dakar)
Context: India signed three MoUs with Senegal for cultural exchange, cooperation in youth matters and visa-
free regime for officials.
• Senegal is an African country located on the bulge of West Africa.
6. Madagascar (Capital: Antananarivo)
Context: Recently, India and Madagascar signed a MoU on tele-education and tele-medicine.
• Madagascar is an island country, which is located in the southwestern Indian Ocean, separated from the
African coast by Mozambique Channel.
o It is the fourth-largest island in the world.
• It shares maritime borders with Comoros, France (Mayotte and Réunion), Mauritius, Mozambique and
Seychelles.
7. Ethiopia (Capital: Addis Ababa)
Context: A peace deal between Ethiopian Government and Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has been
signed.
• Ethiopia It is a landlocked country on the Horn of Africa split by the Great Rift Valley.
• Ethiopia was at a risk of a civil war with continued fighting between the Ethiopian government and rebel
Tigray forces.
8. Somalia (Capital: Mogadishu)
Context: Siege of an upscale hotel in Somalia by al-Shabab ended after a 30-hour ordeal.
• Somalia is the easternmost country of Africa, lying on the Horn of Africa Peninsula in Northeastern Africa.
• Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean provides maritime connectivity to it.
• Equator passes through Somalia.
9. Algeria (Capital: Algiers)
Context: India is in talks with Angola and Algeria to procure liquefied natural gas (LNG) on long-term contracts.
• It is situated in North Africa.
• The Sahara Desert and its extreme climate dominate the country.
10. Gambia (Capital: Banjul)
Context: After WHO, India has launched an investigation on death of children in Gambia due to Indian Cough
Syrup.
• Gambia is the smallest non- island country of mainland Africa.
• Capital, Banjul is situated where Gambia River flows into Atlantic Ocean.
• Surrounded by Senegal on three sides and Atlantic Ocean as its maritime access.
11. Equatorial Guinea (Capital: Malabo)
Context: Equatorial Guinea President, world's longest serving president (in power since 1979), won the 6th term.
• Equatorial Guinea is an oil rich small tropical country on the west coast of Africa with five islands including
Bioko, where its capital is located.
o The mainland is known as Rio Muni.
o It shares maritime borders with Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe.
12. Central African Republic (Capital: Bangui)
Context: Central African Republic seeks Indian investments to mine gold, uranium.
• It is a Landlocked country located in centre of Africa.
13. Zimbabwe (Capital: Harare)
Contexts:
• Inflation soars more than 130% in Zimbabwe.
• Zimbabwe debuts gold coin as legal tender to stem inflation and boost currency.
• It is a landlocked country of southern Africa lying north of Tropic of Capricorn.
• Lake Kariba is world’s largest reservoir by volume.
14. Republic of Congo (Capital: Brazzaville)
Context: Republic of Congo has got its first ever Marine Protected Areas (a section of the ocean human activity
is limited).
• Republic of Congo was formerly part of the French colony of Equatorial Africa.
• It is the only place to find the Bonobo(species of chimpanzee is considered to be the closest relative to
human beings).
15. Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) (Capital: Kinshasa)
Context: DRC is going to auction forest land to oil companies.
• DRC is located in Central Africa and is the second largest country on continent.
• It is home to one of the largest old-growth rainforests on Earth.
• It houses Virunga National Park, the world’s most important gorilla sanctuary.
16. Tunisia (Capital: Tunis)
Context: Political protests have erupted in Tunisia’s capital against the President over a planned referendum on
constitutional changes and firing of dozens of judges.

58
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Tunisia is a North African country sharing its land borders with Libya and Algeria.
o Along with Morocco and Mauritania, these five countries are known as Maghreb countries.
o In 2011, the Arab Spring started in Tunisia as the Jasmine Revolution.
17. Kenya (Capital: Nairobi)
Context: ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) is in talks with investment in onshore oil projects in Kenya.
• Also, William Ruto was declared winner of Kenya presidential election amid dispute.
o Lake Turkana: World's largest permanent desert lake and world's largest alkaline lake is located in
Kenya.
o Lake Victoria: Largest Lake of Afric is shared with Uganda and Tanzania .
18. Ghana (Capital: Accra)
Context: Ghana initiated talks with the International Monetary Fund to support a government economic
program.
• Ghana is a country of western Africa, situated on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea.
• Gold Coast is a former British colony in West Africa known as the Republic of Ghana.
19. Sudan (Capital: Khartoum)
Context: As per UN, the tribal clashes in Sudan’s war-ravaged Darfur region killed around 100 people.
● Sudan is a Northeast African Country sharing borders with 7 countries (Egypt, Libya, Chad, Central African
Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea).
o South Sudan was separated from it in 2011.
20. Mozambique (Capital: Maputo)
Context: Amid growing acts of terrorism, India and Mozambique agreed to step up counter-terrorism efforts
and initiate de-radicalisation measures.
• Mozambique is situated in Southern Africa, sharing its borders with six African countries: Tanzania,
Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Eswatini.
• Zambezi River, largest African river and The Limpopo River, which cuts the Tropic of Capricorn twice, flows
through the country.

59
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 8. INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND
ORGANIZATIONS
8.1. THE UNITED NATIONS
Why in news?

India has proposed reforms in United

Nations via NORMS (New Orientation
for Reformed Multilateralism) to
determine a global order that best
reflects contemporary realities.
More about NORMS
• NORMS envisages reform in all
three pillars of the current
multilateral architecture (peace
and security, development, and
human rights), with the UN at its centre.
• It calls for a representative multilateral structure which is needed to address emerging challenges such
as terrorism, radicalism, pandemics, threats from new and emerging technologies and so on.
• India proposed the idea while presiding on the UN Security Council open debate on 'Maintenance of
International Peace and Security’.

8.1.1. UNITED NATIONS

GENERAL ASSEMBLY (UNGA)
Why in news?
Recently, UNGA adopted some important
resolutions.

Key Resolutions
Access to clean and • It is not legally binding.
healthy • It was not included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.
environment as • India has voted in its favour.
Universal Human • Earlier in 2021, the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva passed a resolution recognising
Right. access to a healthy and sustainable environment as a universal right.
• 50 years ago, the United Nations Conference on Environment in Stockholm concluded in
1972 with a resolution placing environmental issues at global forefront.
Resolution on • It was sponsored by India.
multilingualism • Resolution encourages UN to continue disseminating important communications in official
that mentions as well as non-official languages, including Hindi.
Hindi language for • Six official languages of UN are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish
first time.
Resolution for • The resolution was submitted by Nigeria on behalf of a consortium of 54 African countries.
developing an o The aim is to end global tax abuse by multinational enterprises and the super-rich.
international tax • The decision is likely to mark the beginning of the end of the OECD’s (Organisation for
co-operation Economic Co-operation & Development’s) 60-year reign as the world’s leading rule maker
framework on global tax.
• In 2021, 136 countries reached an agreement on ‘Two-Pillar Solution' spearheaded by OECD.
o Pillar One: Covered taxation in digital economy giving taxing rights & allocation of
profits of global giants to countries where customer base is important.
✓ In all, taxing rights over $125 bn were to be reallocated annually for 100 of world's
most profitable MNEs to consumer-centric countries.
o Pillar two: Sought for a global effective minimum tax rate of 15%, with a mechanism for
tax back by another country if the if the minimum rate was not adhered to.

60
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 8.1.2. UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL(UNSC)
Why in news?
Five countries elected to serve on UN Security Council (UNSC).
More on news
• Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland were elected to UNSC as non-permanent members
for 2023-2024 term.
o They will replace India, Ireland, Kenya,
Mexico and Norway (term ending at the
end of 2022).
✓ India was a non-permanent
member of UNSC for eight terms,
latest in January 2021.
• Other non-permanent members are:
Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana and UAE.

Other Recent development at UNSC

Recently, the G4 countries have
highlighted the need for urgent reforms
in United Nations Security Council
(UNSC).
• The process of UNSC Reforms is
being presently discussed under the
Inter-Governmental Negotiation
(IGN) framework of the UN General
Assembly.
o Except China all permanent
members of the UNSC have
bilaterally expressed support
for India’s candidature to a permanent seat in an expanded UNSC.
• India is also working alongside other reform-oriented countries through its membership in G-4 and the L.69 Group.

8.1.3. UN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (ECOSOC)

Why in news?
India gets elected to four UN
Economic and Social Council
(ECOSOC) bodies.
More on news
• India was elected to the UN
ECOSOC for the term 2022-24,
last year, in the Asia-Pacific
States category along with
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and
Oman.

61
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Four bodies of ECOSOC are:
Body Function
Commission for Social Development To advise ECOSOC on social policies of a general character and, in particular,
on all matters in the social field not covered by the specialised inter-
governmental agencies.
Committee on Non-Governmental Consideration of applications for consultative status and requests for
Organisations reclassification submitted by NGOs and consideration of quadrennial reports
submitted by NGOs.
Commission on Science and Holds an annual intergovernmental forum for discussion on timely and
Technology for Development (CSTD) pertinent issues affecting science, technology and development.
Committee on Economic, Social and Monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social
Cultural Rights (CESCR) and Cultural Rights by its state parties.

8.1.4. UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (UNHRC)

Why in news? United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
UNGA adopted a resolution suspending Russia • A global organization dedicated to saving lives,
protecting rights and building a better future for
from the UNHRC over its war in Ukraine.
refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless
More on news people.
• Created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second
• UNGA, by a two-thirds majority of the World War.
members present and voting, may suspend
the rights of membership in the Council of a member of the Council.
o Abstentions do not count and the resolution requires two-thirds of yes/no votes to be adopted.
• Before Russia, Libya was the last
member to be suspended in
2011.
What are human rights?
• These universal rights are
inherent to us all, regardless of
nationality, sex, national or
ethnic origin, color, religion,
language, or any other status.
• They range from the most
fundamental – the right to life –
to those that make life worth
living, such as the rights to food,
education, work, health, and
liberty.
• Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (UDHR), adopted by the
UN General Assembly in 1948,
was the first legal document to
set out the fundamental human
rights to be universally
protected.
• UDHR, together with the 2
covenants make up the International Bill of Rights. They are
o International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights, and
o International Covenant for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

62
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 8.1.5. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS RELATED TO UN
India-UN Recently India-UN
Development Development
Partnership Partnership Fund
Fund celebrated 5 Years of
South-South
Collaboration

63
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 United Nations • UN
Commission on Economic
Status of and Social
Women (CSW) Council
(ECOSOC)
adopted a
resolution
to remove
Iran from
CSW.

Nansen Refugee • Angela Merkel, former Chancellor of Germany, has won 2022 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award
Award for protecting refugees at Syria crisis.
• Award, established in 1954, honor individuals, groups or organizations who go above and
beyond call of duty to protect refugees, internally displaced or stateless people.
o It is named after Norwegian explorer, scientist, diplomat and humanitarian Fridtjof
Nansen.
o He was first High Commissioner for Refugees for League of Nations and won Nobel
Peace Prize in 1922.
o First Laureate: Eleanor Roosevelt, first chair of the UN in 1954.

8.2. GROUP OF 20 (G20)

Why in news?
The 17th G20 summit concluded recently with the
adoption of Bali declaration.
More on News
• The motto for this G-20 summit was Recover
Together, Recover Stronger.
• Also, India took over the presidency of G20
from Indonesia.
Key Highlights of the Bali Declaration-2022
• The Group highlighted its differences in the
on-going war in Ukraine and asked for India’s G -20 Presidency
• The theme of India’s Presidency - “Vasudhaiva
Russia’s complete withdrawal from the
Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One
territories of Ukraine. Future”
• Group also reassured its Commitment to • The theme affirms the value of all life on the planet
secure Global Food security. Earth and spotlights LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment),
o The Group welcomed the Black Sea Grain both at the level of individual lifestyles as well as
initiative brokered by Turkey and UN. national development.
✓ It is an MoU signed between Russia • Logo: it draws inspiration from India’s national flag. It
and UN Secretariat to allow export juxtaposes planet earth (reflecting India’s pro-planet
from Russia and Ukraine on food approach to life) with the Lotus (reflecting growth
products and fertilizers, to ease the amid challenges).
• India has created a new working group on disaster risk
tension in the region.
reduction to encourage collective work by the G20.
• The Group has welcomed the provision of
additional financial resources, to assist in financing critical gaps in implementing International Health
Regulations (2005)
o It also applauded the establishment of a new Financial Intermediary Fund for Pandemic PPR (the
‘Pandemic Fund’) hosted by the World Bank.

64
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Other Related News
Sherpa Track • India underlined significance of Global South at first G20 Sherpa track meeting under its
Presidency.
• Sherpas’ Track involves technical and policy analyses by working groups comprising officials
from each member country and international organisations.

65
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o It focuses on development-oriented issues such as agriculture, fighting corruption etc.
• Sherpa is a personal representative of the leader of a member country at an international
Summit meeting such as G8, G20 etc.
o It is derived from Nepalese Sherpa people, who serve as guides for mountaineers.
G20 Finance • First G 20 Finance track meeting was held in Bengaluru.
Track • Finance track is led by Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of G20 countries.
o It provides an effective forum for global economic discourse and policy coordination.
o It focus on managing global debt vulnerabilities, advancing financial inclusion, financing
for climate action and SDGs etc.
o Other track under G20 is sherpa track which oversees negotiations, discussion agenda and
coordinates substantive work.
Urban-20 • Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is organizing U20 event.
(U20) • U20 provides a platform for cities from G20 countries to facilitate discussions on various
important issues of urban development including climate change, social inclusion etc. and
propose collective solutions.
• It facilitates a productive dialogue between the national and local governments and helps
promote the importance of urban development issues in the G20 agenda.
G20 Digital Ministry of Electronics and Information and Technology (MeitY) launched G20 Digital Innovation
Innovation Alliance (DIA).
Alliance (DIA) About G20-DIA
• Its objective is to identify, recognize, and enable the adoption of innovative and impactful
digital technologies developed by start-ups, from G20 nations as well as the invited non-member
nations.
• It seeks digital solutions in the six themes viz. Agri-tech, Health-tech, Ed-tech, Fin-tech, Secured
Digital Infrastructure, and Circular Economy.

8.3. QUAD
Why in news?
4thQUAD Leaders’
Tokyo Summit 2022
concluded.
• Key highlights of 4th
QUAD Summit
o Quad nations
agreed to
create an Earth
observation-
based
monitoring and
sustainable
development
o framework to combat illegal, unregulated and unprotected (IUU) fishing.
✓ It will include sharing of space-based civil Earth observation data and a "Quad Satellite Data
Portal” to aggregate links to respective national satellite data resources.
o To extend over 50 billion USD of infrastructure assistance and investment in the Indo-Pacific, over
the next five years.
o Strengthen the capacities of countries in need to cope with debt issues under the G20 Common
Framework.
✓ Also, promote debt sustainability and transparency through Quad Debt Management Resource
Portal.
o Launched Quad Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Package (Q-CHAMP) with mitigation and
adaptation as its two themes.
o Established Quad Partnership on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) in the Indo-
Pacific to strengthen collaboration and effectively respond to disasters in the region.
o To initiate the first-ever Quad Cybersecurity Day to help individuals across Quad, the Indo-Pacific
region, and beyond to better protect themselves from cyber threats.

66
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 8.4. SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION (SCO)
Why in news?
22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) took place in
Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Key highlights of the meeting
• Samarkand declaration was
adopted.
• SCO Presidency was handed over to
India and India will host the SCO
2023 summit.
• Varanasi, was declared as the SCO
Tourism and Cultural Capital for
2022-2023 to promote the rich
heritage and the tourism potential
of SCO member states.
• Iran was accepted as a permanent member of the SCO.
• India’s take in the Summit:
o Food Security: India emphasised the initiative to promote millets and address issues related to food
security.
o Traditional Medicine: India to take initiative for new SCO working group on traditional medicines.

67
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 68
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 8.5. SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION
(SAARC)
Why in news?
Recently, South Asian University (SAU) in Delhi, an international university established under the South Asian
Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) witnessed month long student protests.

Related News
Currency Swap Agreement (CSA)
• RBI has signed a Currency Swap Agreement (CSA) with Maldives Monetary Authority under SAARC Currency
Swap Framework.
o CSA between the two countries is an agreement or contract to exchange currencies with predetermined
terms and conditions.

69
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • SAARC Currency Swap Facility came into operation in 2012 with to provide a backstop line of funding for short
term foreign exchange liquidity requirements or balance of payment crises till longer term arrangements are
made.
o The drawals can be made in US Dollar, Euro or Indian Rupee.

8.6. BAY OF BENGAL INITIATIVE FOR MULTI-SECTORAL TECHNICAL

AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION (BIMSTEC)
Why in News?
Experts have suggested that there is a need to look for better Regional Forum like BIMSTEC for the South
Asian region.

70
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 8.7. NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION (NATO)
Why in news?
NATO Summit was held recently in Madrid (Spain) amid Russia-Ukraine War.
Some Key outcomes of the summit
• NATO approved the new Strategic Concept, which describes how NATO will address threats and
challenges in its security environment in coming years.
o The document defines Russia as the most significant and direct threat to NATO‘s security.
o For the first time, NATO recognised China’s threat to the alliance’s security, interests and values.
• NATO Membership Invitations for Finland and Sweden, after Turkey lifted its veto on their membership.
• Launch of the NATO Innovation Fund, which will invest EUR 1 billion over the next 15 years in start-ups
developing dual-use emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence.

71
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 8.8. BRICS
Why in news?
Recently, 14th BRICS Summit, convened under the Chairmanship of China, in virtual format.
Highlights of the Summit
• Theme of the summit was- "Foster High-quality BRICS Partnership, Usher in a New Era for Global
Development”
• BRICS Leaders adopted the ‘Beijing Declaration’.
• India proposed initiatives: India called for strengthening of the BRICS Identity and proposed
establishment of Online Database for BRICS documents, BRICS Railways Research Network, and
strengthening cooperation between MSMEs.
o India will be organizing BRICS Startup event this year to strengthen connection between Startups in
BRICS countries.
• Denial of Safe Haven to Corruption: BRICS welcomed the BRICS Initiative on Denial of Safe Haven to
Corruption which further strengthen anti-corruption capacity building.

72
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 8.8.1. NEW DEVELOPMENT BANK
Why in news?
New Development Bank
(NDB) has announced the
launch of its Indian Regional
Office (IRO) in Gujarat
International Finance Tec-
City (GIFT City).
More about BRICS NDB
• The New Development
Bank (NDB) is a
Multilateral
Development Institution
(MDI) established by
BRICS countries – Brazil,
Russia, India, China, and South Africa during the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza (2014).
• The Bank’s membership is open to members of the United Nations.
o NDB has admitted four new members in 2021: Bangladesh, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
and Uruguay.
• Purpose: With an authorized capital of US$ 100 billion, NDB supports public and private infrastructure and
sustainable development projects in BRICS nations, and other emerging and developing economies.
• Governance Structure: It functions through a Board of Governors, a Board of Directors, a President and
Vice-Presidents, with the President being elected from one of the founding members on a rotational basis.

73
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 8.9. ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN)
Why in news?
India co-chaired special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers (Delhi Dialogue) virtually with Singapore.
Highlights of the meeting
• The Year 2022 was announced as India-ASEAN Friendship Year on account of 30th anniversary of India-
ASEAN partnership.
• The focus of the meeting was to review the progress of cooperation under all three pillars of Partnership
–economic and socio-cultural, political-security, and also on taking steps for further implementation of
ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2021-2025).

74
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
75
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 8.10. GROUP OF SEVEN (G7)
Why in news?
Indian PM participated in the G7 summit, recently held in Germany.
Highlights of the summit
• G7 leaders launched Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) scheme to mobilise USD
600 billion by 2027 to deliver transparent and game-changing infrastructure projects in developing and
middle-income countries, in a move
o PGII is being considered as a rebranding of Build Back Better World initiative (rolled out at G7 summit
last year) and is seen as a counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
• G7 agreed on Establishing a Climate Club to support the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.

76
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Related News
India, with G7 countries and four invited countries (Argentina, Indonesia, Senegal, South Africa) signed the ‘2022
Resilient Democracies Statement (RDS)’.
• Countries affirm their commitment to work towards equitable, inclusive and sustainable solutions to global
challenges (climate change, COVID-19) and reaffirm to the rules- based international order.
• Principles of RDS
o Global Responsibility- To promote respect for other states’ territorial integrity and sovereignty; supporting
democracy worldwide and free & fair elections etc.
o Information Environment- protecting freedom of expression and opinion online and offline; ensuring open,
free, global, interoperable, reliable and secure internet etc.
o Civil Society- guarding freedom, independence and diversity of civil society actors; building resilience against
malign foreign interference etc.
o Inclusion and Equality-protecting freedom of thought, conscience, religion/ belief and promoting interfaith
dialogue; social cohesion and inclusion etc.

8.11. NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT

Why in news?
Recently, Non-Aligned
Movement (NAM) has
completed 60 years.
About Non-Aligned
Movement
• NAM was created
and founded
during the
independence
struggles of Africa,
Asia, Latin America
and at the height
of the Cold War.
o The idea was
to declare
themselves as
"non-aligned"
from either of the two nascent military blocks (NATO and the Warsaw Pact).
o A key role was played in this process by the then Heads of State of Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia and
Yugoslavia, who later became the founding fathers of the movement.
• Origin: Asia-Africa Conference held in Bandung, Indonesia in 1955.
• "Ten Principles of Bandung" proclaimed during Bandung Asian-African Conference (April, 1955) were
adopted later as the main goals of NAM.
• NAM’s first conference - The Belgrade Conference held in 1961 under the leadership of India, Yugoslavia,
Egypt, Ghana, and Indonesia.
• The policy of NAM was based on the 5 principles of Panchsheel.
• After end of cold war, movement seemed to have lost its relevance but during Havana summit (2006),
member countries reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals, principles and purposes upon which the
movement was founded and with the United Nations Charter.
• It has 120 members comprising 53 countries from Africa, 39 from Asia, 26 from Latin America and the
Caribbean and 2 from Europe (Belarus, Azerbaijan).
o There are 17 countries and 10 international organizations that are Observers at NAM.

77
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 8.12. SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY (SADC)
Why in News?
Recently, the CII-Exim Bank Regional Conclave on India-Southern Africa Growth Partnership was held.
More in news
The Conclave serves as a platform for dialogues between India Southern African Development Community
(SADC).

78
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 8.13. MULTILATERAL ORGANISATIONS/PLATFORMS/CONVENTIONS
IN NEWS (OF WHICH INDIA IS A MEMBER/PARTICIPATING/
SIGNATORY)
International • India recently won IEC Vice Presidency and Strategic Management Board (SMB) Chair for the
Electrotechnical 2023-25 term.
Commission
(IEC)

International • IFC has launched a $6 billion Global Food Security Platform to strengthen the private sector's
Finance ability to respond to the crisis and help support food production.
Corporation o The platform will focus on improving resilience of the global food system and lessen its
(IFC) climate and ecological footprint.

Asian • Former RBI governor Urjit Patel was appointed vice-president of the AIIB.
Infrastructure
Investment
Bank (AIIB)

International • Ukraine had filed an application against Russia before the International Court of Justice.
Court of Justice • Ukraine filed an application against Russia under the Convention on the Prevention and
(ICJ) Punishment of the Crime of Genocide
About Genocide Convention
• The Genocide Convention was the first human rights treaty adopted by the UNGA in 1948.
• According to the Genocide Convention, genocide is a crime that can take place both in time of
war as well as in time of peace.

79
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Its adoption marked a crucial step towards the development of international human rights
and international criminal law as we know it today.
• The Convention establishes on State Parties the obligation to take measures to prevent and
to punish the crime of genocide, including by enacting relevant legislation and punishing
perpetrators (Article IV).

Asia-Pacific • India’s Presidency of AIBD has been extended for one more year.
Institute of
Broadcasting
Development
(AIBD)

G33 • G33 or ‘Friends of Special Products (FoSP)’ in agriculture is coalition of developing countries
pressing for flexibility for developing countries to undertake limited market opening in
agriculture.
• Under this, both members India and Pakistan are working closely at WTO despite fractious
bilateral relation.
• It has proposed special rules for developing countries at WTO negotiations on issues affecting
food security and livelihood of farmers, like allowing them to continue to restrict access to
their agricultural markets.
Codex • CCSCH has recommended quality standards for three spices - nutmeg, saffron, chilli and
Committee on forwarded these standards to CAC for adoption.
Spices and • CCSCH was formed in 2013 to develop and expand worldwide standards for spices and culinary
Culinary Herbs herbs.
(CCSCH) o It was set up under Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), Rome.
o India hosts and chairs this Codex Committee and Spices Board India serves as its
secretariat.
• CAC, set up in 1963, is an intergovernmental body established jointly by Food and Agriculture
Organisation (FAO) and World Health Organisation (WHO).
o India became member in 1964.

80
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 8.14. MULTILATERAL ORGANISATIONS/PLATFORMS IN NEWS (OF
WHICH INDIA IS NOT A MEMBER/PARTICIPATING)
OPEC Plus (OPEC+) • OPEC+ agreed
deep cuts to oil
production
curbing supply
cut, which
could increase
oil prices.

Caribbean ● The 4th India-

Community CARICOM
(CARICOM) Foreign
Ministers’
Meeting was
held on the
side-lines of the
UN General
Assembly in
New York.

League of Arab Indian Foreign

States (Arab Secretary calls for
League) alignment between
UN and League of
Arab States.

United States • USCIRF has designated India as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” for third
Commission on consecutive year.
International o Designation is reserved for worst violators of religious freedom.
Religious Freedom o Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, North Korea and Russia are also designated as CPCs.
(USCIRF)

81
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 9. ISSUES RELATED TO SECURITY
9.1. WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION (WMD)
Why in news? Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems
Recently, Weapons of Mass Destruction and (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005.
their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of • Its primary objective is to provide an integrated and
overarching legislation on prohibiting unlawful activities
Unlawful Activities) Amendment Act, 2022 to
in relation to all three types of WMD (i.e., Nuclear,
ban funding of weapons of mass destruction Chemical and Biological), their delivery systems and
was enacted. related materials, equipment and technologies.
Key provisions • It instituted penalties for contravention of these
provisions such as imprisonment for a term not less than
• It amends the Weapons of Mass five years (extendable for life) as well as fines.
Destruction and their Delivery Systems • The Act was passed to meet an international obligation
(Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, enforced by the UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR)
2005. 1540 of 2004.
o The 2005 Act prohibits unlawful o UNSCR 1540 established binding obligations on all UN
member states to take and enforce effective
activities (such as manufacturing,
measures against proliferation of WMD, their means
transport, or transfer) related to of delivery and related materials to non-state actors.
weapons of mass destruction, and
their means of delivery.
o The recent amendment extends the scope of banned activities to include financing of already
prohibited activities.
• It bars persons
from financing any
prohibited activity
related to WMD
and their delivery
systems directly or
indirectly.
• It empowers the
central
government to
freeze, seize or
attach financial
assets and
economic
resources of people engaged in such activities.
About Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
• There is no single, authoritative definition of a WMD in international law and the expression is usually
understood to cover nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) weapons.
• According to the United States Department of Homeland Security, “A weapon of mass destruction is a
nuclear, radiological, chemical, biological, or other device that is intended to harm a large number of
people.
Global efforts to outlaw several classes of WMDs
Treaties/Conventio Purpose Has India signed and
ns/Codes ratified it?
Biological and Prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, Yes
Toxic Weapons stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons.
Convention (BWC), • It supplements the 1925 Geneva Protocol, which had prohibited
1972 only the use of biological weapons.
Chemical Weapons Prohibits the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, Yes
Convention (CWC), retention, transfer or use of chemical weapons.
1992

82
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • It led to the establishment of Organisation for the Prohibition
of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) headquartered at Hague,
Netherlands.
Treaty on the Non- To prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons No.
Proliferation of technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear India opposes NPT’s
nuclear weapons energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament. discriminatory nature
(NPT), 1970 and argues for the
universal ban of nuclear
weapons.
Treaty on the Prohibits participating in any nuclear weapon activities. These No.
Prohibition of include undertakings not to develop, test, produce, acquire, India believes that this
nuclear weapons possess, stockpile, use or threaten to use nuclear weapons and also Treaty does not
(TPNW),2017 to provide assistance to any State in the conduct of prohibited constitute or contribute
activities. to the development of
customary international
law; nor does it set any
new standards or norms.
Comprehensive It bans all nuclear explosion tests on Earth. It also establishes a CTBT No.
Nuclear-Test-Ban Organization (CTBTO), located in Vienna, to ensure the India opposes CTBT’s
Treaty, 1996 implementation of its provisions. discriminatory nature
• It is yet to enter into force. and supports universal
ban of nuclear weapons
Hague Code of To regulate access to ballistic missiles which can potentially deliver Yes
Conduct (HCOC) weapons of mass destruction.
formerly known as
“The International
Code of Conduct”
(ICOC), 2002
Multilateral Export Voluntary and non-binding agreements created by the major India is member of three
Control Regimes supplier countries to co-operate in their effort to prevent transfer of the four MECRs,
(MECR) of certain military and dual use technology that support except the Nuclear
proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). There are Supplier Group.
currently four such regimes under MECR:
• Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for the control of nuclear
related technology.
• Australia Group (AG) for control of chemical and biological
technology that could be weaponized.
• Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) for the control of
rockets and other aerial vehicles capable of delivering weapons
of mass destruction.
• Wassenaar Arrangement for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use
Goods and Technologies.
Related News
World’s stockpile of nuclear weapons increasing: Report by Nuclear Weapons Ban Monitor (NWBM)
• About NWBM
o It is established as research programme in 2018, produced and published by Norwegian People's Aid (NPA),
a partner organization of International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN).
✓ ICAN is a coalition of NGOs promoting adherence to and implementation of UN nuclear weapon ban
treaty.
o It evaluates nuclear-weapons-related policies and practices of each of the 197 states that are party/not party
to global treaties on nuclear weapon reduction.

9.2. NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY (NPT)

Why in news?
Recently, NPT's five-year review meeting took place.
More on news
• NPT completed 50 years in 2020.

83
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • NPT's five-year review was supposed to take place in 2020 but was delayed because of the COVID-19
pandemic.

84
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 9.3. INTERPOL
Why in news?
The 90th Interpol General Assembly meeting was held in New Delhi.
More on news
INTERPOL has launched the first ever police metaverse specifically designed for law enforcement agencies
worldwide during its 90th General Assembly in New Delhi.

85
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 9.4. FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE
Why in News?

Recently, Pakistan is out of FATF ‘grey list’ on terror funding

9.5. MISSION DEFSPACE

Why in news?
Mission DefSpace was launched at the annual Defense Expo held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
About Mission DefSpace
• Mission DefSpace has been to develop innovative solutions for the Armed Forces in the space domain
through industry and start-ups at DefExpo 2022.
o Also, the ‘Fourth Positive indigenisation List’ of 101 items under the Defence Acquisition Procedure
(DAP) 2020 to boost self-reliance was announced.
• Militarisation of Space and Mission DefSpace
o Though a number of treaties (refer infographic) exist for space and its peaceful uses, a number of
challenges/ threats exist to space assets.
✓ US (Space force) and China (PLA Strategic Support Force) are also pursuing dedicated military
space institutions.

86
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o Under Mission DefSpace, 75 such
challenges (launch systems,
satellites, etc) are identified to
get innovative solutions for
armed forces.
• India’s space diplomacy:
o India launched the South Asia
satellite to boost regional
communication and improve
disaster links among its six
neighbours.
o In 2019, India conducted Mission
Shakti, an anti-satellite missile
test.
o Also, in 2019, India
operationalised Defence Space
Agency (DSA) for operating in
the domain of space warfare.

9.6. DEFENCE ACQUISITION PROCEDURE, 2020

Why in News?
What is offset?
Government gave in-principle approval to indigenous • Under the offset policy, the foreign defence
defence projects light tanks, airborne stand-off entities were mandated to spend at least 30% of the
jammers, communication equipment and simulators total contract value in India through procurement
under Defence Acquisition Procedure(DAP), 2020. of components, transfer of technologies or setting
up of research and development facilities.
Salient features of Policy • This condition was for all contracts worth more
than Rs 2,000 crore.
• DAP will ensure timely acquisition of military • It was meant to improve the domestic defence
equipment, systems and platforms as required manufacturing.
by the Armed Forces in terms of performance,
capabilities and quality standards,
through optimum utilisation of
allocated budgetary resources.
• It has come into effect from October 1,
2020 and will supersede the Defence
Procurement Procedure (DPP) of 2016.
o Defence Ministry had constituted
Committee under Apurva Chandra
for preparation of DAP-2020.
• DAP will cover all Capital Acquisitions
other than Works and Land undertaken
by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Service Headquarters (SHQ) both from indigenous sources and ex-
import, except for medical equipment.

87
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Key points in policy
• Offset policy revised.
• Notify a List of Weapons/Platforms for Ban on Import
• For Indigenisation of Imported Spares:
o New Category of Buy (Global – Manufacture in India)
o Request For Information (RFI) to confirm that the equipment has been indigenously designed and
developed.
o Reservation in Categories for Indian Vendors
o Other proposed measures: These includes making after sales support part of capital acquisition
contract, higher indigenous content in
acquisitions and incentives for local Related News
material and software and emphasis on Draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy
(DPEPP) 2020
product export under offsets.
• Recently, Ministry of Defence proposed Draft Defence
• Leasing: It has been introduced as a new Production and Export Policy 2020 with an aim to double
category for acquisition in addition to the India's defence production in five years.
existing ‘Buy’ and ‘Make’ categories to • The policy is envisaged as a guiding document to
substitute huge initial capital outlays with overcome aforesaid challenges by providing a focused,
periodical rental payments. structured and significant thrust to defence production
• Strategic Partnership Model (SPM): capabilities of the country for self-reliance and exports.
Strategic Partnerships will seek to enhance • It aims to achieve a turnover of Rs 1,75,000 Crores
indigenous defence manufacturing including export of Rs 35,000 Crore in Aerospace and
capabilities through the private sector over Defence goods and services by 2025.
and above the existing production base.
• Its objective is to:
o implement research and analysis focused on energy sector opportunities throughout South Asia.
o equip USAID partner governments with critical information to enable strategic investments.
o contribute towards achieving the goals of Asia Enhancing Growth and Development through Energy
(Asia EDGE), a United States Government initiative to support the growth of sustainable and secure
energy markets across the Indo-Pacific.

9.7. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Scorched Earth • Russia is being accused of using Scorched earth tactics in ongoing war against Ukraine.
Tactics • Scorched earth tactics form part of a military strategy which seeks to destroy anything that
could be of use to enemy, including energy supplies, bridges, agricultural fields, road and
railway links, etc.
o Russia has used missiles to destroy civilian infrastructure, including power and water
supply lines.
• Strategy seeks to deplete the enemy’s resources to sustain warfare, and also break their
morale.
• Harming civilians as part of this strategy has been banned under the 1977 Geneva Convention.
• In India, armies of Chhatrapati Shivaji were known for their scorched earth tactics.
Macolin • The 12th meeting of Interpol’s Match-Fixing Task Force (IMFTF) called for harmonized global
Convention efforts to curb competition manipulation and establishment of national platforms, as outlined
by Macolin Convention.
○ It was the 1st major event under the newly created Financial Crime and Anti-corruption
Centre (IFCACC) from Interpol.
○ From India, CBI participated in it.
• The Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions, known as the
Macolin Convention, is a multilateral treaty aimed at checking match-fixing.
‘Dirty bomb’ • Russia has claimed that Ukraine is planning to use a dirty bomb.
• Dirty Bomb is a bomb that contains radioactive material, such as uranium, which is scattered
through the air when its conventional explosive detonates.
• It doesn't need to contain highly refined radioactive material, as is used in a nuclear bomb.
• Instead, it uses radioactive materials from hospitals, nuclear power stations or research
laboratories.
o This makes them much cheaper and quicker to make than nuclear weapons.

88
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 War Crimes • According to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), war crimes refer to
serious violations of humanitarian laws during a domestic conflict or a war between two
states.
o Genocide and crimes against humanity can happen in peacetime or during the unilateral
aggression of a military towards a group of unarmed people.
• This definition is derived from the 1949 Geneva Conventions (regulates the conduct of armed
conflict and seeks to limit its effects)
• It is based on the idea that individuals can be held liable for the actions of a state or its military.

UN Security UN Security Council (UNSC)

Council (UNSC) Counter Terrorism Committee’s
Counter (CTC) special meeting held in India
Terrorism ended with the adoption of Delhi
Committee declaration, which called for:
(CTC) • Issuing new set of non-
binding guiding principles in
countering digital terrorism
threat.
• Counter terrorist
exploitation of Information
and Communications
Technology (like payment
technologies and misuse of
drones etc).
• Countering use of
technologies for terrorist
purposes, while respecting
human rights and
fundamental freedoms.
Deepen engagement with
civil society, including
women's organizations,
private-sector entities etc.

TVS-2M Nuclear • Russia has supplied first batches of TVS-2M nuclear fuel to India for Kudankulam Nuclear Power
Fuel Plant.
• TVS-2M contains mixed Uranium-Gadolinium oxide with Uranium enrichments, but without
Burnable Absorbers Rods (BARs).
o BARs contain neutron-absorbing material that is inserted into guide tubes of a pressurized
water reactor.
• Significance of TVS- 2M
o More efficient and more vibration-resistant due to rigidity of a fuel bundle.
o Increased uranium capacity- one TVS-2M assembly contains 7.6% more fuel material as
compared to earlier fuel.
o Efficiently operated in an 18-months fuel cycle.
Open Skies Russia pulled out of the Open Skies Treaty (OST) citing earlier withdrawal of the USA from the
Treaty (OST) treaty.

89
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 About Open Skies Treaty (OST)
• OST is an agreement that permits each state-party to conduct short-notice, unarmed,
reconnaissance flights over the other’s territories to collect data on military forces and
activities.
• OST was signed in 1992 and came into effect in 2002.
o Currently 32 states are party to the treaty.
o India and China are not members to the treaty.
• Open Skies Consultative Commission (OSCC), comprised of representatives of all states-
parties, is responsible for implementation of OST.
• It is different from the Open Sky Agreements which are bilateral agreements that the two
countries negotiate to provide rights for airlines to offer international passenger and cargo
services. Recently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed interest to have an Open Sky
Agreement with India.
Data Free Flow The G20 Bali Declaration, 2022 is pushing the commitment of all G20 members to continue the
with Trust discussion on Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT).
(DFFT) About DFFT
• It aims to eliminate restrictions on cross-border transfer of information by electronic means,
including personal information, and storing data in foreign servers, for productivity, innovation,
and sustainable development.
• It was first proposed by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as a basic principle for
rulemaking in the field of cross-border data transfers. After its debut in Davos, DFFT was
endorsed in 2019 by members of the G20 group of nations under the Osaka Track.
o Osaka Track is a process that aims to intensify efforts on international rulemaking on digital
economy, especially on data flows and e-commerce, while promoting enhanced
protections for intellectual property, personal information, and cybersecurity.
Integrated The Indian Army is in advanced stages of putting together Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs).
Battle Groups About Integrated Battle Group
• IBGs are brigade-sized, agile, self-sufficient combat formations, which can swiftly launch strikes
against adversary in case of hostilities.
o They will be able to mobilize within 12-48 hours based on the location.
o The integrated units for the border will be all-encompassing, with artillery, armoured,
combat engineers and signal units.
• The IBGs are to perform both offensive roles, involving cross-border operations, and defensive
roles to withstand an enemy attack.
• Each IBG would be tailor-made based on Threat, Terrain and Task
• Each IBG will be headed by a Major General and comprise around 5,000 troops.
• IBG will help in effectively implementing the Cold Start doctrine.
o Cold Start’ doctrine of the Indian Armed Forces envisages swift deployment of troops on
the western border within days if a situation of a full-blown war arises.
National Government recently inaugurated NATGRID campus in Bengaluru.
Intelligence About NATGRID
Grid (NATGRID) • NATGRID is an attached office of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• It is the integrated intelligence grid which connects databases of core security agencies.
• It was proposed after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
• It will assist intelligence and law enforcement agencies in ensuring national and internal
security, with the ultimate aim to counter terror.
• NATGRID will link 10 user agencies with certain databases that would be procured from 21
organisations.
o Database involves data related to credit and debit cards, tax, telecom, immigration,
airlines and railway tickets, passports, driving licenses.
• NATGRID also has access to Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS)
database under National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
o All State police are mandated to file First Information Reports (FIR) in the CCTNS.

90
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 10. MISCELLANEOUS
10.1. INDIAN ANTARCTIC ACT, 2022
Why in news? India’s other endeavours in Antarctica
Recently, the Indian Antarctic Act, 2022 was • The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the
enacted. Antarctic Treaty (the Environmental Protocol or
Madrid Protocol) entered into force for India in 1998.
About Indian Antarctic Act, 2022 • India is also a member of Council of Managers of
National Antarctic Programme (COMNAP), Scientific
• This act aims to Committee of Antarctica Research (SCAR) and
o provide national measures for protecting Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine
the Antarctic environment and dependent Living Recourses (CCAMLR).
and associated ecosystems and • India’s Research stations: Maitri at Schirmacher Hills,
o to give effect to the Antarctic Treaty, the Bharati at Larsemann Hills (Dakshin Gangotri was the
Convention on the Conservation of first Indian base established in 1984).
Antarctic Marine Living Resources and to • The Antarctic operations of India are currently funded
the Protocol on Environmental Protection from the budget allocated to the Ministry of Earth
to the Antarctic Treaty. Sciences under relevant head.
• Key Objectives of the Act
• The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the
o Prohibit Indian expedition to Antarctica or carrying of certain activities in Antarctica without a
Antarctic Treaty (the Environmental Protocol or
permit; Madrid Protocol) entered into force for India in 1998.
o Eliminating mining or illegal activities. • India is also a member of Council of Managers of
o Fulfilling India’s obligations under Antarctic TreatyNational
and related conventions.
Antarctic Programme (COMNAP), Scientific
o Facilitating India’s interest and pro-active involvement
Committee in the
of management of growing
Antarctica Research Antarctic
(SCAR) and
Commission
tourism and sustainable development of fisheries resources for Conservation
in Antarctic waters. of Antarctic Marine
Living
o Increasing international visibility, credibility of India Recourses
in Polar (CCAMLR).
governance.
• India’s Research stations:
o Building a well-established legal mechanism for efficient and elective operations Maitri atof
Schirmacher Hills,
Indian Antarctic
Programme. Bharati at Larsemann Hills (Dakshin Gangotri was the
first Indian base established in 1984).
• Key Provisions of the Act
• The Antarctic operations of India are currently funded
o Applicability: Provisions applicable to any, Indian or foreign Citizens; entities incorporated,
from the budget allocated to the Ministry of Earth
established or registered under any law in forceSciences
in India;under
vessel or aircraft
relevant head. registered in India or
involved in any Indian expedition to Antarctica.
o Establishment of a Committee on Antarctic Governance and Environmental Protection to be chaired
by the Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Various functions of the Committee include:
✓ Grant, suspension or cancellation of permits for various activities;
✓ Monitoring, implementing and ensuring compliance
of relevant international laws, emission standards
and rules for protection of Antarctic environment;
✓ Negotiating fees/charges with other parties for
activities in Antarctica;
✓ Establishment of waste classification system and
waste management plans etc.
• Permit system: A permit by the Committee or written
authorisation from another party to the Protocol (other than
India) will be required for various activities such as:
o Entering and staying in Antarctica,
o Mineral resource activities,
o Introduction of non-native animals and plants or
microscopic organisms,
o Removal of biological specimen,
o Entering into Antarctic Specially Protected Area or Marine Protected Area,
o Waste disposal etc.
• Constitution of the Antarctic fund for Antarctic research work and protection of Antarctic environment.
• Stringent penalties for contravention of its provisions: E.g., Conducting a nuclear explosion in Antarctica
could lead to imprisonment of 20 years etc.

91
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Designated court to try punishable offences.
• Grant of Special permit for commercial fishing in Antarctica.

10.2. SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE INITIATIVE (SCRI)

Why in News?
India recently adopted US' joint statement of the 2022 Supply Chain Ministerial Forum on cooperation of global
supply chains.
More in News
• A partnership of 18 economies, including India, US and
European Union has unveiled a four-point roadmap
for building collective, long-term resilient supply
chains (RSC) to counter risks arising from supply
dependencies and vulnerabilities.
o Roadmap was formulated in the backdrop of
supply chain summit that was held in US, in 2021.
• India, Japan and Australia have also launched Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) (first proposed by
Japan) to counter China’s dominance of supply chain in the Indo-Pacific region.
About SCRI
• It is an approach that helps a country to ensure that it has diversified its supply risk across a clutch of
supplying nations instead of being dependent on just one or a few.
• Objective is to-
o Attract foreign direct investment to turn the Indo-Pacific into an economic powerhouse.
• Build a mutually complementary relationship among partner countries.
92
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 10.3. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
Paris Club • Paris Club creditor nations are proposing a 10-year moratorium on Sri Lankan debt to
resolve the Sri Lankan debt crisis.
• Paris Club is an informal group of official creditors whose role is to find coordinated and
sustainable solutions to the payment difficulties experienced by debtor countries.
• The origin of the Paris Club dates back to 1956.
• It is a group of 22 permanent members, including Australia, UK, USA, Japan etc.
o India is not a member. It acts as an ad-hoc participant.
Lancang-Mekong • Myanmar held its first multinational ministerial meeting, of LMC countries, since military
Cooperation (LMC) takeover.
• LMC was formed in 2016 between the riparian states of Lancang/Mekong River to help ease
tensions over development projects.
o Lancang is the Chinese name of the Mekong River.
• Originating in the Tibetan Plateau, River Mekong flows through China, Myanmar, Laos,
Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before draining into the South China Sea.
Group of Friends • India, Bangladesh, Egypt, France, Morocco and Nepal are co-chairs of the ‘Group of Friends
to Promote Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers’
• The Group of Friends represents the "political will" of member states, to champion the
implementation of the provisions of UN Security Council resolution 2589.
• Resolution 2589—it calls upon member states to take all appropriate measures to bring to
justice perpetrators of the killing and all acts of violence against United Nations personnel.
Kafala System • Hosting 2022 Football World Cup, organisers in Qatar are condemned for its treatment of
migrant workers.
• Many Middle East Countries, including Qatar, follow Kafala System- a sponsorship system
which defines the relationship between migrant workers and their local sponsor or
Kafeel.
• Under it, local sponsors get almost total control over migrant workers’ employment and
immigration status.
o E.g. sponsor permission is required to leave or change jobs, enter or exit the host
country etc.
• Primarily used to meet cheap labour demand, it is used by them for widespread human
rights abuses and exploitation of workers.
Caspian summit • 6th Caspian summit was held in Ashgabat (Turkmenistan).
• Summit, between Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan (Countries
bordering Caspian Sea), discuss topical issues of cooperation in the Caspian Sea.
Black Sea Grain deal Recently, Russia resumed participation in Black Sea Grain deal.
About Black Sea Grain Deal
• The deal was brokered by the United Nations (UN) and Turkey between Russia and
Ukraine.
• It endeavors to tackle escalating food prices emanating from supply chain disruptions due
to effective blockage of Black Sea.
• Deal was to provide for a safe maritime humanitarian corridor for Ukrainian exports
(particularly for food grains) from three of its key ports, namely, Chornomorsk, Odesa and
Yuzhny/Pivdennyi.
o Ukraine is among the largest exporters of wheat, maize, rapeseed, sunflower seeds
and sunflower oil, globally.
International • In the face of enhanced ransomware attacks globally, CRI has decided to deepen its
Counter institutional collaboration.
Ransomware • CRI is a grouping of 36 countries (including India) and European Union that aims to disrupt
Initiative (CRI) ransomware attacks and strengthen international cybersecurity agenda.
o India, along with Lithuania, leads the network resilience working group of CRI.
• In the recent summit, CRI also decided to establish an International Counter Ransomware
Task Force (ICRTF) to coordinate resilience, disruption, and counter illicit finance activities.
Lusophone World • India hosted the International Lusophone Festival in Goa.
o It seeks to further India’s connection with the Lusophone world.
o The Portuguese rule over Velha Goa (or Old Goa) started in 1510 and lasted till 1961.
• Lusophone World (Portuguese-speaking countries)
o It is spread in nine countries across four continents.
o Portuguese is the most spoken language in the Southern Hemisphere (see image).

93
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o In 1996,
Community of
Portuguese
Language
Countries (CPLP),
also known as
Lusophone
Commonwealth
was formed.
✓ CPLP is a
multilateral
forum with
9 member
states and
32 associate
observers
(India is
associate
observer).
• India-Lusophone relations
o In 2014, Goa organized the 3rd Lusofonia Games involving athletes from Lusophone
World.
o Six-fold rise in India’s trade with CPLP countries in the last decade.
o India offers training to all CPLP member states, except Portugal, under the Indian
Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) and India-Africa Forum
Summit (IAFS) framework.
South Asia Energy SAGE has been set up under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Security About SAGE
• It is a consortium of energy-sector experts partnering with South Asian governments to
enable sustainable energy development in the South Asia region.
o Consortium comprises USAID, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and
three national laboratories: the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory (PNNL).
Global Partnership India to take over the Chair of Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) from France.
on AI (GPAI) • Launched in 2020, GPAI is an international and multistakeholder initiative to guide the
responsible development and use of artificial intelligence consistent with human rights,
fundamental freedoms, and shared democratic values.
o The alliance will look to bridge the gap between theory and practice by supporting
advanced research and applied activities on AI-related priorities.
• At present, GPAI has twenty-five member states including the US, the UK, EU, Australia,
Canada, France, Germany, etc.
o India joined the group as a founding member in 2020.
o Its secretariat is hosted at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD).
Financial • A new FIF for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) has been
Intermediary Fund established internationally, with financial commitments from multiple countries including
(FIF) India.
• Hosted by World Bank and with technical support from WHO, FIF will:
o Provide long-term financing to strengthen PPR capabilities in low- and middle-income
countries.
o Address critical gaps at national, regional, and global levels.
o FIF will help in strengthening PPR capacity in areas such as zoonotic disease
surveillance, laboratories, emergency communication, critical health workforce
capacities etc.
2Africa Pearls • Facebook parent Meta will partner with Bharti Airtel to expand 2Africa Pearls to India.
• 2Africa Pearls is one of world’s longest subsea cable systems that will ultimately
interconnect countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
o Once completed, the system will provide connectivity to total of 3 billion people.
• 2Africa Pearls will improve connectivity of fixed-line broadband internet in India.
Arctic Region To strengthen Russia’s status as a “great Arctic power”, Russia launched two nuclear-powered
icebreakers at St. Petersburg.

94
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Nuclear-powered icebreaker uses nuclear fuel to generate momentum and to push its bow
up on the ice, which causes the ice to break off.
• Currently, Russia is the only country constructing nuclear-powered icebreakers in the
world.
• Significance of the move: Clears the Northern Sea Route, which cuts down time to reach
Asia by up to two weeks compared to the current route via the Suez canal.
• The Arctic is key to Russia’s aims to gain a 20-percent share in global LNG market by 2035.

95
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 11. MILITARY EXERCISES IN NEWS

Important Multilateral Exercises

Sr. No. Countries involved Name of exercise
1. India and ASEAN Countries Samanvay
2. India, Mozambique and Tanzania IMT TRILAT
3. India, Brazil and South Africa IBSAMAR

Important Multilateral Exercises where India participated

Sr. No. Name of Exercise Hosted by
1. Kakadu -22, Pitch Black Australia
2. Cobra Gold Thailand

Copyright © by Vision IAS

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission of Vision IAS.

96
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 SOCIAL ISSUES
Classroom Study Material
April 2022 - December 2022 8468022022, 9019066066
 SOCIAL ISSUES
Table of Contents
1. WOMEN AND CHILD ________________ 4 3.7. National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2021
____________________________________ 29
1.1. Women in STEM ___________________ 4
3.8. Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED)
1.2. Gender Pay Parity __________________ 4
____________________________________ 29
1.3. Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022 ____ 5
3.9. Learning Poverty __________________ 30
1.4. Abortion Law in India _______________ 6
3.10. Other Important News ____________ 32
1.5. Child Adoption_____________________ 8
1.5.1. Review of Guardianship and Adoption Laws
4. HEALTH _________________________ 34
_______________________________________ 8 4.1. Anganwadi System ________________ 34
1.6. Marital Rape ______________________ 9 4.2. National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS)
1.7. Dowry System in India _____________ 10 Report ______________________________ 37

1.8. Protection of Children from Sexual 4.3. Sample Registration System (SRS)
Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012_____________ 10 Statistical Report 2020 _________________ 38

1.9. Child Marriage ____________________ 11 4.4. Civil Registration System (CRS) _______ 38

1.10. Other Important News ____________ 12 4.5. National Health Account (NHA) Estimates,
2018-19 _____________________________ 39
2. OTHER VULNERABLE SECTIONS_______ 15
4.6. Mental Health ____________________ 40
2.1. Manual Scavenging ________________ 15
4.7. Drugs Regulation Ecosystem in India __ 41
2.2. Transgender Rights ________________ 16
4.8. Drug Trafficking in India ____________ 42
2.3. Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) _____ 17
2.3.1. First Global Report on Assistive Technology 4.9. Other Important News _____________ 44
(GReAT) _______________________________ 18 5. NUTRITION AND SANITATION _______ 46
2.4. Denotified Tribes (DNTs) ____________ 19 5.1. Nutritional Security in India _________ 46
2.5. Urban Poverty ____________________ 20 5.1.1. The State of Food Security And Nutrition in
The World (Sofi) Report, 2022 ______________ 47
2.6. Other Important News _____________ 21
5.2. National Food Security Act (NFSA), 201347
3. EDUCATION ______________________ 23
5.3. Swachh Survekshan (SS) 2023 ________ 49
3.1. National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 _ 23
5.4. Other Important News _____________ 50
3.2. National Credit Framework _________ 24
6. MISCELLANEOUS __________________ 51
3.3. Promotion of Higher Education in Regional
Languages ___________________________ 25 6.1. Universal Social Security ____________ 51

3.4. Reports on School Education in India __ 26 6.2. World Population Growth ___________ 51

3.5. National Curriculum Framework for 6.3. Crime in India report 2021 __________ 53
Foundational Stage ___________________ 27 6.4. Other Important News _____________ 54
3.6. Foundational Learning Study (FLS) ____ 28

Copyright © by Vision IAS

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission of Vision IAS.

1
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 2
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
3
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 1. WOMEN AND CHILD
1.1. WOMEN IN STEM
Why in News?
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) has
launched a new initiative Women in Engineering,
Science, and Technology (WEST) to promote women in
STEM.
About Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology
(WEST)
• Basics of WEST: WEST is a new I-STEM (Indian
Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map:
Linking Researchers and Resources) initiative.
o STEM is a common abbreviation for four closely
connected areas of study: Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics.
o I-STEM is a national web portal for sharing
research equipment/facilities and for promoting
collaborations in R&D and technological
innovation in academia and industry.
o I-STEM is an initiative of PSA under the Prime Minister's Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory
Council (PM-STIAC) mission.
• Objective: Through the WEST initiative, I-STEM shall provide a separate platform to scientifically inclined
women researchers, scientists, and technologists for pursuing research in science and engineering.
o It will provide skill development programs,
access to R&D facilities and R&D software Other initiatives take to promote women in STEM
platforms. • Vigyan Jyoti: By the Department of Science &
Technology (DST) to create a level-playing field for
• Target: Under the WEST initiative, the current
the meritorious girls in high school to pursue STEM.
support being provided to S&T startups by
• Knowledge Involvement Research Advancement
women entrepreneurs by I-STEM will be through Nurturing (KIRAN): This scheme of DST
enhanced. encourages women scientists in the field of S&T.
• Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions
(GATI): It seeks to bring institutional reforms to
facilitate women in STEM and medicine disciplines at
all levels.
• Consolidation of University Research for Innovation
and Excellence (CURIE): It provides support to
women universities in improving their R&D facilities.
• Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-
orientation Programme (BioCARe): By the
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for Career
Development of employed/ unemployed women
Scientists upto 45 years of age for whom it is the first
extramural research grant.

1.2. GENDER PAY PARITY

Why in news?
Recently, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a “pay equity policy” for its contracted
women cricketers in the country.

4
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.3. SURROGACY (REGULATION) RULES, 2022
Why in news?
The government has issued Surrogacy
(Regulation) Rules, 2022 under Surrogacy
(Regulation) Act, 2021.
About Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022
• Rules provide form and manner for
registration and fee for a surrogacy
clinic and the requirement, and
qualification for persons employed, at
a registered surrogacy clinic.
• Key Highlights of the rules
o Surrogate Mother
✓ Number of attempts of any surrogacy procedure
on surrogate mother is limited to 3 times only.
✓ She may be allowed for abortion under the
Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.
✓ She has to give her consent through an
agreement for giving up all her rights over the
child and shall hand over the child/children to the
intending couple.
o Intending couples: Purchase a general health
insurance cover in favour of the surrogate mother (for a period of 36 months) to cover all expenses
for all the complications arising out of pregnancy and postpartum delivery complications.

5
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Other provisions of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021
• Punishment for commercial surrogacy: Imprisonment which may extend to five years and with fine which
may extend to five lakh rupees.
• National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board (NARTSB):
o Chairperson: Minister of Health and Family Welfare
o Functions:
✓ Advise the Central Government
✓ Review and monitor implementation
✓ Lay down the code of conduct to be for persons working at surrogacy clinics
✓ Set the minimum standards of physical infrastructure, laboratory and diagnostic equipment and
expert manpower
✓ To supervise the functioning of State Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Boards
(SARTSB)
• NART and Surrogacy Registry: An online public record system of ART Clinics/Banks and Surrogacy Clinics
in India.

1.4. ABORTION LAW IN INDIA

Why in News?
Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) extended the right to safe and legal abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy
to all women in the country, regardless of marital status.
Significance of Supreme Court Judgment
• Constitutional rights: Judgment states that distinction among women on the grounds of marital status is
violation of the right to equality under Article 14 and Right to life under Article 21.
• Acknowledges marital rape: SC ruled that pregnancy of a married woman due to forcible sex by her
husband can be treated as “rape” under MTP Act.
o Women can go for an abortion without the requirement of anybody else’s consent.
• Expands the definition of ‘women’: Judgment clarifies ‘woman’ includes cis-gender women also people
for the purpose of safe abortion.
• Protects the privacy of minors: SC allowed minor females to abort their pregnancies from consensual sex
without disclosing their identity to the police under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences
(POCSO) Act, 2012.

6
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
7
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 1.5. CHILD ADOPTION

1.5.1. REVIEW OF GUARDIANSHIP AND ADOPTION LAWS

Why in news?
Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice,
presented the 118th Report on the Subject ‘Review of Guardianship and Adoption Laws'.
Area Observations
Review of Laws • Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act (HAMA), 1956 (applicable only to Hindus) and the
on Adoption Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 (JJ Act) (all religion) both deal with adoption yet have differing
criteria.
• Parents adopting a child under HAMA are not required to register with Central Adoption
Resource Authority (CARA).
• Parents are willing to adopt a child, but there are not many children available for adoption.
• Unregistered Child Care Institution (CCI) and their poor functioning led to death of 762
children.
• Adoption related matters are being dealt by Ministry of Law and Justice and Ministry of
Women and Child Development.
Review of Laws • The Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act makes use of the term ‘illegitimate’ in reference to
on Guardianship a child born out of wedlock.

8
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.6. MARITAL RAPE
Why in news?
Recently, a two-judge Bench of the Delhi High Court delivered a split verdict in a batch of petitions challenging
the exception provided to marital rape in the Section 375 of Indian Penal Code (IPC).
More on news
• Section 375 defines rape and lists several notions of consent that, if vitiated, would constitute the offence
of rape by a man. However, the provision lays down two exceptions (refer to the infographics).
• The petition was filed to challenge exception 2 of rape under Section 375 of IPC.

9
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 1.7. DOWRY SYSTEM IN INDIA
Why in news?
The recent deaths of three young brides in alleged dowry-
related cases in Kerala has brought the attention back to this
social evil.
About dowry
• Dowry is defined in the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961.
o The legal definition does not include the dower or
mahr in the case of persons to whom the Muslim
Personal Law (Shariat) applies.
o Also, parents of the girl can give gifts on her
marriage, as Stridhana, to enable her to meet her
financial needs in case of an emergency.
• The opposite custom is called dower or bride-price in
which payment in cash or kind is paid from the
bridegroom's side to the bride's parents.
o Some tribal communities in India like Yanadis of
Andhra and Baria, Pagi, Damor of Gujarat
customarily pay bride-price.

1.8. PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL OFFENCES (POCSO)

ACT, 2012
Why in news?
Recently, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) requested the Parliament to examine the age of consent issue under
the POCSO Act, 2012.
More on news
• CJI made the appeal as POCSO Act, 2012 poses difficulties for judges examining cases of consensual sex
involving adolescents.
• CJI referred to ‘India analysis of Judgements of Special Courts in West Bengal, Assam and Maharashtra -
Romantic Cases under POCSO Act Study’ by Enfold Proactive Health Trust and UNICEF-India. As per this
study,
o One in every four cases under POCSO Act constituted romantic cases.
o 93.8% cases ended with acquittals.
o In 46.6% cases, girl was between 16 to 18 years.

10
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.9. CHILD MARRIAGE
Why in news?
Every fourth woman surveyed in the age group of 20 to 24 was married before they turned 18: National Family
Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5). An overall declining trend of early marriage in both the sexes has been observed.

11
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 1.10. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
Digital Shakti 4.0 • Launched by: National
Commission for Women,
CyberPeace Foundation and Meta
to create safe cyberspace for
women and girls.
• It is a pan-India project for making
women digitally skilled and aware
to stand up against any
illegal/inappropriate activity
online.
o It aims to sensitize more than
1 million women across India.
• Its first phase was launched in
2018.

12
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Atal New India • Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has launched women centric challenges under its ANIC
Challenge (ANIC) program to address the major issues faced by women from all spheres of life.
• ANIC is a flagship program of AIM, NITI Aayog.
o It aims to seek, select, support and nurture technology-based innovations that solve
sectoral challenges of national importance and societal relevance.
• It provides funds up to ₹1 crore through a grant-based mechanism and open for:
o Any Indian Company incorporated under the Companies Act,
• Any company registered as a Start-up, recognized by Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade.
Thiruvananthapuram • The ‘First National Women Legislators’ Conference in Kerala held in 2022 with adoption
Declaration of Thiruvananthapuram Declaration.
• Thiruvananthapuram Declaration laments the long-pending Women’s Reservation Bill
(since 1996) for 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Legislatures.
Revamped E-Baal • National Commission for
Nidan portal Protection of Child
Rights (NCPCR) has
revamped the online
portal E-Baal Nidan.
• E-Baal Nidan is a
Complaint Management
System of NCPCR.
o Through this, any
individual or
organisation can
file complaint
relating to the
violation of child
rights through
internet facilities.
• Some of the revamped
features include:
o Bifurcation of
complaints based
on subject matters
like POCSO, Labour, Education etc.
o Tracking of complaints at every stage in a time bound manner.
o Option of transferring complaints from NCPCR to the concerned State Commission.
Operation Megh- • CBI recently launched a major operation code named “Operation Megh-Chakra” against
Chakra circulation and sharing of child sexual abuse material online.
o A similar operation “Operation Carbon” was carried out by CBI in November 2021.
• CBI has an International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) image and video database,
which allows investigators from member countries to share data on cases of child
sexual abuse.
‘Children in Street • National Commission for the
Situations (CiSS)’ Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
has launched a “CiSS application”
under Baal Swaraj portal to help in
rehabilitation process of Children in
street.
o Baal Swaraj is a portal launched
by NCPCR for online tracking
and digital real-time monitoring
mechanism of children in need
of care and protection.
✓ The portal has two
functions- COVID care and
CiSS.
o The initiative is taken under
direction of Supreme Court.

13
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • CiSS application is used for receiving data of children in street situations from all states
and union territories, tracking their rescue and rehabilitation process.
• The program embodies Article 51 (A) of the Constitution, as it provides a platform to the
public to report any child in need of assistance and provide any help that they can to
children in need.
• NCPCR is a statutory body under Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR)
Act, 2005.
Guiding Principles for • Released by:
Children on the Move United Nations
in the Context of Children's Fund
Climate Change (UNICEF), the IOM
among others
• Provides a set of 9
principles that
address the
unique and
layered
vulnerabilities of
children on the
move both
internally and
across borders as
a result of the
adverse impacts
of climate change.
• The principles are
derived from the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and do not create new
international legal obligations.

14
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 2. OTHER VULNERABLE SECTIONS
2.1. MANUAL SCAVENGING
Why in news?
The Government has formulated NAMASTE scheme
for cleaning of sewers and septic tank.
About National Action for Mechanized Sanitation
Ecosystem (NAMASTE)
• It is launched to promote 100% mechanization,
specially cleaning of sewers, septic tanks,
desilting of drains, garbage lifting, sludge
handling, solid and medical waste disposal etc.
• It is a Central Sector Scheme.
• It is a joint collaboration Ministry of Social Justice
and Empowerment (MoSJE) and Ministry of
Housing and Urban Affairs (MHoUA).
• Implementing agency: National Safai Karamchari
Financial Development Corporation (NSKFDC)
o NAMASTE Management Units
will be setup at the National,
State and City level to facilitate
proper coordination for the
scheme.
• It envisages identifying the
Sewer/Septic Tank Workers (SSWs)
with a focus on informal workforce
who are engaged in hazardous
cleaning operations.
o The identified SSWs and their
families will be covered under
the Ayushyaman Bharat-
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya
Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and will also
be provided livelihood
assistance including capital
subsidy and interest subvention.
o Five hundred cities, converging
with AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation
and Urban Transformation) cities, will be
taken up under this phase of NAMASTE.
o The identified sanitation workers and their
family members will be extended benefits
of all the social security schemes being
implemented by various departments like
PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, Atal Pension
Yojana, etc.

15
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 2.2. TRANSGENDER RIGHTS
Why in news?
Recently, Karnataka has become the first state in the country to provide 1% horizontal reservation for
transgender people in all government services.
About Transgender community
• The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 defines a Transgender person as one whose
gender does not match the gender assigned at birth.
o It includes trans-men and trans-women, persons with intersex variations, gender-queers, and persons
with socio-cultural identities, such as kinnar and hijra.
• Since the transgender community does not fit into the general category of 'male' or 'female', they face
various challenges which render them as the most marginalised communities in the country.
16
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 2.3. PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS)
Why in news?
Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has released the draft of the national policy for
persons with disabilities for public comments.
17
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 About Draft National policy on PwD
• It seeks to replace the National Policy on Disability, 2006.
• Draft policy is needed due to multiple factors including:
o Signing of United Nations Convention on Rights of Person with Disabilities (UNCRPD) by India in 2007.
o Enactment of Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 which increased the number of
disabilities from seven conditions to 21.
o India is a party to the ‘Incheon Strategy for Asia Pacific Decade for PwDs, 2013-2022’ prepared under
aegis of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (UNESCAP).
✓ It identifies 10 goals for Asia-Pacific countries to ensure the inclusion and empowerment of PwDs
in conformity with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030.

2.3.1. FIRST GLOBAL REPORT ON ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (GREAT)

Why in News?
The World Health Organisation
(WHO) and United Nations
Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has jointly
launched the first Global Report on
Assistive Technology (GReAT).
About GReAT Report
• The GReAT report was
developed in response to the
World Health Assembly
resolution (WHA71.8) on
improving access to assistive
technology adopted in May
2018.
o WHO defines assistive
technology is the
application of organized knowledge and skills related to assistive products, including systems and
services.
o Assistive technology is a subset of health technology that includes GPS, power chairs, walkers, etc.

18
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • The Global Report
recognizes assistive
technology and
enabling environments
as a precondition for
people in need to realize
their human rights, and
shares evidence-based
best practice.
• GReAT report aims to:
o Present a
comprehensive
dataset and
analysis of current
global access to
assistive
technology.
o Support the
implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
o Contribute towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in making Universal
Health Coverage (UHC) inclusive, leaving no one behind.
Initiatives for development of assistive technology in India
• As per the Census 2011, the differently abled population in India 2.21 % of the total population.
• Centre for Assistive Technology and Innovation (CATI) was the first Assistive Technology Center (ATC) established
in 2015 at the National Institute of Speech & Hearing (NISH), Kerala.
• Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO):
o It is a Miniratna Category Central Public Sector Enterprises, registered under Companies Act 2013, and
functioning under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE).
o It is 100% owned Govt. of India and started manufacturing artificial aids in 1976.
o Its objective is to benefiting the PwDs to the maximum extent possible by manufacturing, promoting,
encouraging and developing artificial limbs and Rehabilitation Aids for persons with disabilities.
• Seamless Affordable Assistive Technology for Health (SAATH): It is resource center by the National Trust and is a
Joint venture between India (IIT Kanpur and IISc Bangalore) and Sweden (KTH Sweden and Gavle University
working for assistive devices for PwD in India.
Schemes for promoting assistive technology in India
• Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP Scheme)
o The ADIP Scheme initiated by the MoSJE and is in operation since 1981.
o The aids and appliances supplied under the Scheme must have due certification.
o The scheme also envisages conduct of corrective surgeries, wherever required, before providing an assistive
device.
• Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan or Accessible India campaign (AIC): It is a program launched in 2015 to provide equal
opportunities to PwDs to participate in all the aspects of life and live independently with help of assistive devices.

2.4. DENOTIFIED TRIBES (DNTS)

Why in news? About Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes
31st August marked the 70th year of the • All nomadic tribes (NTs) are not DNTs, but all DNTs are NTs.
repeal of the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871. • Nomads and Semi-Nomads are social groups who undertakes a
fairly frequent, usually seasonal physical movement as part of
their livelihood strategy and moves from one place to another.
• Three types of nomadic communities:
o Hunter/trappers of birds and animals, gamer, etc. such as
Konda Reddis, Chenchus etc.
o Pastoral communities such as Pardis, Guzzars, Banjaras,
Bhils, Kurabas, Madhuras, etc.
o Peripatetic groups of peddlers, fortune tellers, storytellers,
acrobats, dancers and dramatists.

19
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 2.5. URBAN POVERTY
Why in news?
According to report of UN habitat, poverty
and inequality are increasingly spreading in
cities globally.

20
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 What is the extent of urban poverty in India?
• According to the report of the Ministry of Housing and
Urban Poverty Alleviation (2001) about 23.5% of urban
households are slum dwellers.
o This percentage had decreased to 17% by 2011 even
though the total number of households living in slums
had gone up.

2.6. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Going Online as • Launched by: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs with Facebook India
Leaders (GOAL) • Aim: To digitally upskill 10 lakh youth from tribal communities and open up opportunities
Programme for them using digital technology.
phase 2 • It will create a platform for Self-Help Groups and families associated with TRIFED (Tribal Co-
operative Marketing Development Federation of India) to take their products global.

21
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 National Tribal • It will work as a premier national level institute and nerve-centre of tribal concerns, issues
Research Institute and matters in academic, executive and legislative fields.
(NTRI) • It will provide policy inputs to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and State Welfare Departments
with studies and programs to showcase tribal cultural heritage under one umbrella.
• It will collaborate and network with other institutions and monitor projects of Tribal
Research Institutes (TRIs), Centres of Excellence (CoEs), etc.
Supreme Court • SC has issued directions under Article 142 of the Constitution to make conditions conducive
(SC) Recognizes for sex workers to live with dignity as per Article 21.
Sex Work as • Article 142 provides discretionary power to the SC to do complete justice in any cause or
Profession matter pending before it.
• Directions from SC
o No police interference or criminal action against adult and consenting sex workers,
o No separation of child from mother merely on the ground that she is in sex trade,
o Media should not publish their pictures or reveal their identity while reporting rescue
operations.
o Centre and States must involve sex workers or their representatives to reform laws.
o UIDAI to provide Aadhaar cards to sex workers even if they are unable to furnish
residence proof.
✓ It is issued by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) or the State Health
Department.
• Legal Position of Sex Work in India: Under IPC, Voluntary sex work or prostitution is not
considered illegal but pimping, owning and running a brothel is unlawful under the Immoral
Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956

22
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 3. EDUCATION
3.1. NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY (NEP), 2020
Why in news?
Recently, the Union Minister of Home Affairs launched
several initiatives on the second anniversary of the National
Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Key initiatives launched
• Establishment of IKS-MIC program for technology
demonstration: It is joint program of the Indian
Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division and the Ministry of
Education Innovation Cell.
o Aim: Promote the development of products,
processes inspired from the Indian’s traditional
knowledge systems.
• National innovation and entrepreneurship policy: To
foster the culture of Ideation, Innovation, and
Entrepreneurship (IIE) in schools.
• Skill India Partnership with IGNOU: For the three-year
degree programme and Skill Hubs under Pradhan
Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.
• Creation of Labs: 750 virtual labs in science and
mathematics, and 75 skilling e-labs for simulated
learning environment, will be set-up in 2022-23.
• NSQF Qualifications: 100+ National Skills Qualifications
Framework
(NSQF) aligned
future skill
qualifications to
be developed
under various
areas.
• National
Initiative for
School Heads
and Teachers
Holistic
Advancement
(NISHTHA)
ECCE: To prepare
an initial cadre of
high-quality early
childhood care
and education
(ECCE) Teachers
in Anganwadis.
• Introduce 75
Bharateeya
games in
schools: Each
month, a
seasonally appropriate Bharateeya game will be introduced in schools through the PT teachers.

23
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Public Consultation Survey for
National Curriculum
Framework (NCF): To conduct a
Public Consultation survey in 23
languages to seek inputs and
suggestions for the
development of the NCF with a
target respondents/ citizen
of 1 Crore.
About NEP, 2020
• It was launched to replaces NEP,
1986 (modified in 1992) with an
aim of transforming India into a
vibrant knowledge society and
global knowledge superpower.
• It is built on the foundational
pillars of Access, Equity,
Quality, Affordability and Accountability,
• This policy is aligned to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

3.2. NATIONAL CREDIT Credits in Indian Context

• School Education: At present, there is no established credit
FRAMEWORK mechanism for regular school education. However, under the open
schooling system, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
Why in news?
follows the credit system.
Union Minister of Education launched • Higher Education
the draft of National Credit Framework o Choice Based Credit System (CBCS): Under CBCS, requirement
(NCrF) for public consultation. for awarding a degree or diploma or certificate is prescribed in
terms of number of credits to be earned by the students.
About National Credit Framework ✓ This framework is being implemented in several
(NCrF) universities across States in India.
o Skill Assessment Matrix for Vocational Advancement of Youth
• Purpose: NCrF, proposed as part of (SAMVAY): A credit framework for skill based vocational
NEP 2020, is an umbrella courses which was launched by Ministry of Education.
framework for skilling, re-skilling, o UGC guidelines for providing skill-based education under
up-skilling, accreditation and National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).
evaluation in educational and ✓ NSQF is a national competency-based skill framework to
skilling institutions and workforce. facilitate mobility both within vocational education and
• Developed by: Jointly developed training/ skilling and between vocational education and
training/ skilling and general education.
by a High-Level Committee with
members from UGC,
AICTE, CBSE, NCERT,
etc.
• Aim: It seeks to
integrate the credits
earned through school,
higher and vocational &
skill education to
ensure flexibility and
mobility among them.
o It will act as
guidelines to be
followed by
schools, colleges
and universities in
adopting the credit
system.

24
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Key Features: NCrF will enable learners to earn credits not just through classroom learning but through
co-curriculars, extracurriculars, recognition of prior learning etc.
o Framework enables seamless integration and coordination across regulators and institutions to
enable broad based, multi-disciplinary, holistic education.
o NCrF would be only one credit framework for higher education, school education and skill education
and shall encompass the qualification frameworks for:
✓ Higher Education i.e., National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF),
✓ Vocational & skill education i.e., National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF),
✓ School Education i.e., National School Education Qualification Framework (NSEQF) also known as
National Curricular Framework (NCF).

3.3. PROMOTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN REGIONAL LANGUAGES

Why in News?
Recently, Union Minister of Home
Affairs launched the Hindi version of
MBBS course books in Madhya
Pradesh.
Development of Education in different
mediums
Colonial Debate
• Anglicists-Orientalist Controversy:
While Orientalist advocated
Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian, the
Anglicists wanted English as the
medium of instruction.
o In this regard, English
triumphed as the main
language, supported by the
Anglicists and Evangelists.
• Macaulay’s minute of 1835 batted
for English education and suggested downward filtration theory.
o Aim was to impart modern education to a hand full of people who will spread the knowledge to the
masses.
• Wood's Despatch (1854) recommended primary education in vernacular languages for the masses, but
secondary and higher education
exclusively in English.
Post-Independence Developments
• Government Committees
o Radhakrishnan Committee report of
1948-49, known as Report of the
University Education Commission,
recommended that English be
replaced by an Indian language as the
medium of instruction for higher
education.
o Official Language Commission, 1956,
that made recommendations on the
progressive use of the Hindi language
for all official purposes of the Union.
o Later Emotional Integration
Committee (1962), National Education Policies (1968, 1986) also discussed about medium of
instruction in higher education.

25
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 3.4. REPORTS ON SCHOOL EDUCATION IN INDIA
Why in news?
Recently, Department of School
Education and Literacy (Ministry of
Education) released two reports on
school education, Unified District
Information System for Education
Plus report 2020-21 and the Report on
Performance Grading Index (PGI) for
States/UTs for 2020-21.
Unified District Information System
for Education Plus (UDISE+) report
2020-21 (refer infographic for key
highlights)
• UDISE+ Mandate: It has a
mandate of collecting
information from all recognized
and unrecognized schools
imparting formal education from
Pre-primary to XII.
• Utility: It is utilized for the
planning, optimized resource
allocation and implementation of
various education-related
programs and program
assessments.
• Collection Process: Through an
online Data Collection Form.
o The schools which get
onboarded successfully on the platform are provided a UDISE Code, which acts as a national level
unique identifier.
o UDISE+ has the school as the unit of data collection and the district as the unit of data distribution.
o In UDISE+ 2021-22, additional data on important indicators viz., digital library, peer learning, hard spot
identification, number of books available in the school library, etc. have been collected for the first
time to align with the NEP 2020.
Report on Performance Grading Index (PGI) for States/UTs for 2020-21
• Key Features: It is a tool to provide insights on the status
of school education in States and UTs.
o It pinpoints the gaps and helps States/UTs in
prioritising the areas for intervention.
o So far, 3 PGI reports were released, starting 2017-18.
o PGI evaluation classifies States and UTs into grade/
levels, as opposed to ranking.
o PGI comprises of total weightage of 1000 points
across 70 indicators.
• Indicators: Grouped under 2 Categories:
o Outcome (which includes, Learning Outcomes,
Access, Infrastructure & Facilities, Equity).
o Governance & Management (Governance Process).
• Key highlights of PGI-District
o None of the States attained the highest Level (Level
1- points above 950).

26
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o No state reached the top 2 levels in 2017-18 and 2018-19 whereas in 2020-21, 7 States have reached
Level-2.
o No state has performed below Level VII (points below 650) in 2020-21.
o The deviation between the maximum and minimum scores obtained by States is 39 %, of the minimum
points.
✓ This disparity was 51 % in 2017-18 indicating that, PGI helped to bridge the performance gap among
States/UTs over the years.

3.5. NATIONAL CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK FOR FOUNDATIONAL

STAGE
Why in News?
Union Minister for Education and Skill Development
launched the National Curriculum Framework for
Foundational Stage.
About National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for
Foundational Stage
• NCF Development: As per the National Education
Policy (NEP), 2020, following four NCFs will be
developed
o National Curriculum Framework for Early Childhood Care and Education (NCFECCE)
o National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE)
o National Curriculum Framework for
Teacher Education (NCFTE)
o National Curriculum Framework for
Adult Education (NCFAE)
• Integrated Framework: NCF, under
NCFECCE, for foundational stage is the
first ever integrated Curriculum
Framework for children between ages 3-8
in India.
o This is the first Stage in the 5+3+3+4
Curricular and Pedagogical
restructuring of School Education
covering education for children up to
the age of 18.
• Objective: To help in positively transforming the school education system as envisioned in NEP 2020.
o It will be the basis for all pedagogy adopted by schools, pre-schools and anganwadis for children
studying between
nursery and Class 2.
• Coverage: It covers a
raft of topics, ranging
from curriculum goals,
approach to language
education and literacy,
home-based learning,
teaching styles, and
methods of assessment.
Key highlights of NCF for
Foundational Stage
• Importance to mother tongue: Students should be taught exclusively in their mother tongue until the
age of eight.
• Less burden on children: For ages three to six, there should not be any prescribed textbooks for the
children, instead NCF recommended simple worksheets for curricular goals and pedagogical needs.

27
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Panchakosha system for education: The
framework has listed the 'panchakosha'
concept for children's education. The
Panchakosha description is in the Taittiriya
Upanishad. It comprises:
o Physical development (sharirik vikas),
o Development of life energy (pranik vikas),
o Emotional and mental development
(manasik vikas),
o Intellectual development (bauddhik vikas)
o Spiritual development (chaitsik vikas)
• Others: Other areas include ethics, learning
through play, gender balance, avoiding
stereotypes in textbooks and better learning
environment.

3.6. FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING STUDY (FLS)

Why in news?
Study titled “Foundational Learning Study 2022” was
jointly conducted by the Union Ministry of Education
and National Council of Educational Research and
Training (NCERT).
More about news
• It is a one-of-a-kind study to arrive at the
benchmarks in Foundational Literacy and
Numeracy (FLN) under the FLS 2022.
o FLN is the ability to read with meaning and
perform basic math calculations by the end
of Class 3.
o The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
accords the highest priority to achieving
FLN among all children by 2025.
• It is also the largest study that assessed
the learning levels of approx. 86,000
grade 3 students from 10,000 schools
across India.
o It is the only study that has been
conducted in 20 different languages.
o Parameters for foundational literacy
skills included oral language
comprehension, reading
comprehension, oral reading fluency with comprehension, etc.
o Parameters for foundational numeracy skills included number identification & comparison, number
operations, data handling etc.
o Depending on performance,
students were categorised into 4
groups:
✓ Lacking the most basic
knowledge and skills;
✓ Having limited knowledge and
skills;
✓ Developed sufficient
knowledge and skills;
✓ Developed superior knowledge and skills.

28
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 About NIPUN Bharat or National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy
• NIPUN Bharat has been launched under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Samagra Shiksha’.
o Vision: To create an enabling environment to ensure the universal acquisition of foundational literacy and
numeracy.
✓ So that by 2026-27 every child achieves the desired learning competencies in reading, writing and
numeracy at the end of Grade III and not later than Grade V.
o Implementing agency: Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education.
o Beneficiaries: Children in the age group of 3 to 9 years including preschool to grade 3 & children who are in class
4 and 5 and have not attained the foundational skills.
o Implementation strategy: A five-tier Implementation mechanism will be set up at National-State-District-Block-
School level.

3.7. NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SURVEY (NAS) 2021

Why in News?
Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education released the National Achievement
Survey (NAS) 2021 report.
About National Achievement Survey (NAS)
• Purpose: It assesses the health of school education system in the country by conducting comprehensive
evaluation survey of children’s learning competencies at classes III, V, VIII and X with a cycle period of
three years.
o NAS provide system-level feedback by administering standardized survey to students.
• Information Collection: It collects information on relevant background variables such as school
environment, teaching processes, and student home and background factors.
o NAS is not a school-based examination.
o NAS provides a summary of performance at the District, State, and National levels, with the district as
the unit for reporting.
o The last NAS was held in 2017.
About NAS 2021
• Coverage: It covered Government Schools (Central Government and State Government); Government
Aided Schools; and Private Unaided Schools.
o Only the schools selected in sample can participate.
• Subject Matter: Subjects covered are Language, Mathematics & EVS for class 3 & 5; Language,
Mathematics, Science & Social Science for class 8 and Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Science and
English for class 10.
• Conducted by: CBSE was the conducting organisation and NCERT designed its framework and tools.
Key findings
Overall • Learning levels of school students in almost all subjects, including Mathematics and Language,
dropped as they progressed to higher classes.
State-wise • State-wise government schools in Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have performed
better.
• The states which performed poorly here are Delhi, Arunachal Pradesh, Telangana, and
Chhattisgarh.
Gender-wise • Number of states and UTs in which performance of girls was better than boys increased
significantly this year in comparison with the 2017 survey.
Rural/Urban • Average performance of schools in rural areas remained “significantly below” those urban areas
in same states and UTs.
Category- • Performance of students from the schedule caste (SC)/ schedule tribe (ST)/ Other Backward
wise Classes (OBC) categories remained lower than that of students from the general category.

3.8. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN EDUCATION (AIED)

Why in news?
Recently, The State of Education Report for India, 2022: Artificial Intelligence in Education’ was released by
UNESCO.
29
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 About the report
• 2022 report aims to guide stakeholders
for leveraging AI in Education (AIED)
systems and outlines major
opportunities and challenges for AI in
the education system in India.
• This report is the 4th edition of the
annual State of Education Report
(SOER) of UNESCO.
Key highlights of the report
• India’s current status in AI
o India has the highest relative AI skill
penetration rate (3.09 times the
global average).
• AI in Education systems have
contributed ed to reach US$7.8 billion
by 2025 at a rate of 20.2% CAGR.
• AI & Women
o India leads the world by far in
terms of women with AI skills.
o Women account for a third of AI-related scientific publications in India.
o In 2018, India had the world’s second-largest AI talent pool, of which 22% comprised women.
o Intelligent Tutoring Systems: Report also
Initiatives taken by India to Promote research in
AI
• Responsible AI for Youth: It was created by
the Ministry of Electronics & IT in
collaboration with Intel India and the
support of the Ministry of Education.
o It is open to school students studying in
classes 8-12 across India to foster a
deeper understanding of AI-tech and
encourage youngsters to become
human-centric designers.
• US-India Artificial Intelligence Initiative: To
foster AI innovation by sharing ideas and
experiences, identifying new opportunities
in research and development, and bilateral
collaboration.
• National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mission:
It was launched by the Prime Minister's
Science, Technology, and Innovation
Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).
o It works with extensive academia-
industry interactions on developing core
research capability at the national level
including international collaborations.
• AI in Schools: As part of the National
Education Policy (NEP) 2020, AI will now be
a part of the Indian school curriculum.

3.9. LEARNING POVERTY

Why in News?
A World Bank official recently stated that India’s learning poverty has shot up due to COVID-19 pandemic.

30
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 More on News
• According to a simulation data by World Bank,
before the pandemic about 53% of children were
not able to read a simple text by the age of 10,
but with the pandemic this has shot up to 70%.
o The shocks to education systems caused by
the COVID-19 pandemic is aggravating the
global learning
crisis and impacting
education in
unprecedented
ways.
• This generation will be
harmed compared to
the previous and the
next generation just
because they were born
in specific years and
were between five and
18 years.

31
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 3.10. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
Mother Tongue • Conducted by: Ministry of Home Affairs
Survey of India • MTSI surveys the mother tongues, which are returned consistently across two and more
(MTSI) Census decades and analyses their linguistic features.
• As per analysis of 2011 linguistic census data:
o More than 19,500 languages or dialects are spoken in India as mother tongues.
o Hindi is the mother tongue of 43.6% of population.
Two Full-time • Guidelines were released by the University Grants Commission (UGC)
Academic Programs • Allows students to pursue two full-time academic programs in physical mode.
Simultaneously • Students can either choose a combination of
o a diploma program and an undergraduate degree
o two bachelor's programs
o two master’s programs
• The adoption of these guidelines is optional for universities.
• The move is in pursuance of National Education Policy 2020.
UGC e-samadhan • To be launched by: The University Grants Commission (UGC)
Portal • A single window for submitting grievances by merging the different portals and helplines
that exist currently.
• Aim is to fast-track resolution of complaints and monitor institutes that are slow in
responding to them.
• Portal will be available 24x7 and also specific timelines have been laid down for addressing
the grievances registered at the portal.
Functionally • Mandla district, a tribal dominated region in Madhya Pradesh has been reported as fully
Literate District 'functionally literate' district.
• A person can be called functionally literate when he or she is able to write his or her own
name, to count and read and write.
• It also refers to the capacity of a person to engage in all those activities in which literacy
is required for effective function of his or her group and community.
PARAKH • PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic
Development) was introduced under National Education Policy 2020.
• Launched by the Ministry of Education for all AICTE (All India Council of Technical
Education) approved institutes.
• It is a national assessment centre.
• PARAKH survey will help colleges to identify learning gaps so that students can be industry
ready.
o It facilitates a platform for students for self-assessment of learning outcomes and 21st-
century life skills acquired by students.
• It helps to improve higher order thinking skills among students.
PM eVIDYA • Use of ICT under PM
eVIDYA, particularly
during the COVID-19
pandemic, has won
UNESCO’s
recognition
(UNESCO’s King
Hamad Bin Isa Al-
Khalifa Prize).
• PM eVIDYA (by
Ministry of
Education) unifies all efforts related to digital/online/on-air education to enable multi-
mode access for imparting education by using technology to minimise learning losses.
• It has been initiated as part of Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan.
Quacquarelli • QS ranking is an annual publication of university rankings which comprises the global
Symonds (QS) overall and subject rankings.
World University o It is measured on basis of academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/ student
Rankings 2023 ratio, citations per faculty and international student/ faculty ratio.
• Key findings
o Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru has emerged as topmost Indian institute,
ranking at 155th spot.
32
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay (172) and IIT Delhi (174) have improved
their rank from previous year.
Collaboration with • The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved collaboration for Indian and FHEIs
foreign higher can offer three kinds of
education programmes — twinning,
Institutions (FHEI) joint degrees and dual
degrees (refer to the
infographics).
• Key provisions
o Indian institutions
with a NAAC score of
3.01/ top 100 in varsity
category of NIRF, top
1000 in the Times
Higher Education
(THE) or QS ranking
are eligible.
o Foreign institutions
among 1000 of THE
or QS ranking are
eligible.
o Curbs regulator’s supervisory role in facilitating such collaborations.
o For both dual and joint degree programmes, collaborating institutions ensure that
credits earned by students are not from overlapping course content or curriculum.
o In case of a doctoral degree or PhD programme, students will be provided supervision
at each institution, and they will have to spend a minimum of one semester in each of
them.
o Collaborating institutions make provisions for exit pathways for students who are
unable to complete requirements in the three programmes.

33
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4. HEALTH
4.1. ANGANWADI SYSTEM
Why in news?
The Ministry of Women & Child
Development (MoWCD) has recently
informed the Parliament that it has spent
over RS 18,000 crores in the last financial
year to strengthen the Anganwadi
system.
About Anganwadi system
• Key Features: The Anganwadi system,
launched under the Anganwadi
Services Scheme (now renamed as
Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0),
is an integral part of the Integrated
Child Development Service (ICDS)
scheme (refer to the infographics).
o The Anganwadi Services Scheme is
a Centrally Sponsored Scheme
under MoWCD.
o It represents one of the world’s
largest and unique
programmes for early
childhood care and
development.
• Aim: The scheme aims to
o improve the
nutritional and health
status of children (0-6
years), pregnant
women and lactating
mothers, and
o reduce the incidences
of mortality,
morbidity and malnutrition.
Saksham Anganwadis
• System Depth: The system serves to • It is a targeted intervention for improving the AWCs. They will
906.17 lakh beneficiaries through be strengthened, upgraded and rejuvenated across the country
Anganwadi Centres (AWCs), for enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness.
Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and • Apart from the given goals for Anganwadi, Saksham
Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs). Anganwadis would additionally focus on-
o They are the basic functionaries o Adolescent Girls (14 to 18 years) in Aspirational Districts and
North Eastern Region (NER).
of the ICDS who run the AWCs
o Early Childhood Care and Education [3-6 years] and early
and implement the ICDS scheme. stimulation for (0-3 years).
o One village/ area is managed by • Under it, two lakh AWCs, 40,000 each year will be strengthened
a single Anganwadi worker to make requisite upgrades.
(AWW), who is chosen from the o It will undertake activities like smart learning aids, audio-
community and has been trained and-video tools, water purifiers and devices such as rain-
in areas such as health, nutrition water harvesters.
and childcare.

34
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Digital Inclusivity: AWCs are also digitally strengthened with smartphones for POSHAN tracking systems,
and monitoring devices.
o The ‘Poshan Tracker’ is a job-aid to the AWWs for efficient delivery of services along with reflection
of their efforts.
o This mobile based application is being leveraged for dynamic identification of stunting, wasting,
under-weight prevalence among children and last mile tracking of nutrition service delivery.
• Compensation:
o The AWWs and AWHs are paid fixed honorarium per month as decided by the Government from
time to time.
✓ Honorarium of the AWWs by the Centre has been enhanced to 3500 rupees per month.
o AWWs are also allowed a performance linked incentive of Rs. 500/- per month for using ICDS-CAS
under POSHAN Abhiyaan.
✓ ICDS-Common Application Software (CAS) facilitates the capture of data by frontline
functionaries.
✓ It’s a six-tier dashboard that replaces registers with smartphones.
o Also, most of the States/UTs are paying additional honorarium to these functionaries from their
own resources.
o Insurance coverage: AWWs and AWHs been covered under:
✓ Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima yojana (PMJJBY)
✓ Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima yojana (PMSBY)
✓ Anganwadi Karyakartri Bima yojana (AKBY)
o Other benefits: Paid leave, reservation in promotions, uniforms and other incentives and awards for
rendering exemplary services.
About National Nutrition
Mission (NNM) or POSHAN
Abhiyan
• It was launched in 2017 to
monitor, supervise, fix
targets and guide the
nutrition related
interventions across the
Ministries.
• The objective of POSHAN
Abhiyaan is to reduce
stunting in identified
Districts of India with the
highest malnutrition
burden by improving
utilization of key
Anganwadi Services.
• Its aim to ensure holistic
development and
adequate nutrition for
pregnant women, mothers
and children.

35
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Related news
“Grassroot Soldiers: Role of ASHAs in the COVID-19 Pandemic Management in India" Report
• Report is a collaborative endeavor by MoH&FW, National Health Systems Resource Center, and Institute for
Competitiveness. It encapsulates the experience and key role of ASHAs in India’s pandemic response strategy.

36
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 4.2. NATIONAL FAMILY HEALTH SURVEY-5 (NFHS) REPORT
Why in news?
Recently NFHS-5 was released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
About NFHS-5
• Objective: To provide reliable and comparable data relating to health and family welfare and other.
o Scope of NFHS-5 is expanded by adding new dimensions such as death registration, pre-school
education, expanded domains of child immunization, menstrual hygiene etc.

37
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.3. SAMPLE REGISTRATION SYSTEM (SRS) STATISTICAL REPORT
2020
Why in news?
Office of Registrar General & Census
Commissioner recently released ‘Sample
Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report
2020’.
More on News
• SRS is the only official source of various
demographic indicators in India except
the census.
• It provides annual estimates of various
fertility and mortality indicators.

4.4. CIVIL REGISTRATION SYSTEM (CRS)

Why in news?
Government is planning to revamp the Civil Registration System (CRS) through an IT enabled system to ensure
the registration of birth and death in real-time with minimum human interface.
More about news
• The Registrar General of India (RGI) has also proposed to “maintain the database of registered birth and
deaths at the national level.”
• According to the proposed amendments, the database may be used to update the Population Register,
Electoral Register, Aadhar, Ration Card, Passport and Driving License databases.

38
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 About Civil Registration System (CRS)
• It is the unified process of continuous, permanent, compulsory and universal recording of the vital events
(births, deaths, still births) and characteristics thereof.
o History of CRS in India dates back to the middle of the 19th century.
o In 1886 a Central Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act was promulgated to provide for
voluntary registration throughout British India.
• Post-independence, the Registration of Births and Death Act (RBD Act) was enacted in 1969 to promote
uniformity and comparability in the registration of Births and Deaths across the country and compilation
of vital statistics based thereon.
o With the enactment of the Act, registration of births, deaths and still births became mandatory in
India.
o The RGI at the Central Government level coordinates and unifies the activities of registration
throughout the country.
o However, implementation of the statute is vested with the State Governments.
• The Act mandates the use of uniform birth and death reporting forms and certificates throughout the
country.
• The scheme of Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) under RBD Act, provides for causes of
death, a prerequisite to monitoring health trends of the population.

4.5. NATIONAL HEALTH ACCOUNT (NHA) ESTIMATES, 2018-19

Why in News?
6th NHA estimates reports was released recently.
More on News
• NHA estimates 2018-19 is the 6th consecutive NHA estimates report prepared by National Health Systems
Resource Centre (NHSRC),
o NHSRC is designated as NHA Technical Secretariat (NHATS) in 2014 by Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare (MoH&FW).
39
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o It is based on framework of System of Health Accounts, 2011, developed by WHO.
o These estimates enable the policymakers to monitor the progress in different health financing
indicators of country.

4.6. MENTAL HEALTH

Why in news?
Recently, Tele Mental Health Assistance and
Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS)
initiative was launched by the Union Ministry of
Health & Family Welfare on occasion of World
Mental Health Day.
About Tele-MANAS
• Launch: It is an initiative under the National
Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP)
(announced in the Union Budget 2022-23).
• Objectives: To further improve access to
quality mental health counselling and care
services in the country.
o It aims to provide free tele-mental health services all over the country.
• Working Structure: At least one Tele-MANAS Cell in each State/UT.
40
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) is the nodal centre.
• Technical Support: International Institute of Information Technology-Bengaluru (IIITB), IIT-Bengaluru and
National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHRSC).
o A toll-free, 24/7 helpline number has been set up with the language of choice for availing services.
• Integration: Tele-MANAS is also linked with other services like National tele-consultation service, e-
Sanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, mental health professionals, Ayushman Bharat health and
wellness centres and emergency psychiatric facilities.
Related News
Unique Friendship Benches Initiative
• It was recently inaugurated by WHO to promote mental health.
• Under the initiative, 32 friendship benches were installed in prominent locations in Doha representing the 32
countries participating in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
• The project is part of the Sport for Health partnership, led by the World Health Organization and Qatar’s Ministry
of Public Health.
o Its goal is to demonstrate the importance of mental health and offer advice on ways to promote mental well-
being, through the importance of physical activity and sport.
World Mental Health Report
• Released by: The WHO
• Key findings
o Almost a billion people, 14% of whom were adolescents, were living with some form of mental health issues
in 2019.
o Globally, 71% of psychosis patients don’t receive treatment.
o Progress towards Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan (CMHAP) 2013–2030 has been slow.
• About CMHAP
o Adopted by all the 194 members, CMHAP aims to promote mental well-being, prevent mental disorders, etc.
o 3 key ways to achieve CMHAP
✓ Reshaping environments such as homes, communities, schools, workplaces and health care services
✓ Strengthening the quality of mental health care by diversifying it
• Focussed investment in mental health

4.7. DRUGS REGULATION

ECOSYSTEM IN INDIA
Why in News?
After a World Health Organization (WHO) alert on four
India-made cough and cold syrups, the Drug Regulation
Ecosystem in India has been under scrutiny.
More on News
• These syrups have been ‘potentially linked with acute
kidney injuries and over 66 deaths among children’ in
Gambia.
o These syrups were manufactured and exported by an
Indian company - Maiden Pharmaceutical Limited.
o It holds export only permission for these products
(Promethazine Oral Solution BP, Kofexnalin Baby
Cough Syrup, MaKoff Baby Cough Syrup and MaGrip n
Cold Syrup).
• The preliminary enquiry from Central Drugs Standard
Control Organisation (CDSCO) has revealed that the
manufacturer is licensed by the State Drug Controller for
the products under reference.
• The tentative results on syrups have shown presence of
Diethylene Glycol (DEG)/ Ethylene Glycol.
o Present as impurities in propylene glycol, they are
toxic in nature.

41
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o In India also, at least five cases of
DEG poisoning have happened since
1972 including the 2020 incident in
Jammu leading to death of 17
children.
About India’s Drug Regulation Ecosystem
• The Indian Drug Regulatory System
originated from the Drugs & Cosmetics
Act, 1940. It regulates the import,
manufacture, distribution and sale of
drugs and cosmetics.
• The 1940 act and its corresponding rules
allow the Centre and State to regulate
different aspects of the drugs
ecosystem (see image on India’s
regulatory environment).
• The 1940 act also provides for other
statutory bodies for various functions (see image).
• To strengthen the effectiveness of the regulatory system, a number of committees [Mashelkar
Committee (2003), Ranjit Roy Chaudhury Committee (2014) etc.] have been constituted in the past.

Good manufacturing practice (GMP)

• It is a system to ensure that products are consistently produced and controlled as per quality standards.
• It helps in ensuring therapeutic effect and boost pharmaceutical export opportunities through international
organization.
• Currently, around 2,000 manufacturing units in India are GMP certified.

4.8. DRUG TRAFFICKING IN INDIA

Why in news?
UNODC recently released the World Drug Report 2022.
About the World Drug Report
• Around 284 million people aged 15-64 used drugs worldwide in 2020, a 26% increase over previous decade.

42
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o Though women are in minority in terms
of global drug use, the rate of increase in
drug consumption is more rapid in
women than men.
• Continued growth in drug production and
trafficking.
• As per the report, India is one of the world’s
single-largest opiate markets in terms of
users and likely vulnerable to increased
supply.
About Drug Trafficking in India
• As per the UNODC report, India is one of the world’s single-
largest opiate markets in terms of users and is likely
vulnerable to increased supply.
o India has become a transit hub as well as a destination
for heroin and hashish produced in Golden Triangle (a
tri-junction at the Myanmar, Laos and Thailand) and
Golden Crescent (Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan).
• India also manufactures a lot of synthetic drugs and
precursor chemicals which are smuggled out of the
country.
• As per the UNODC 2020 report, India is also among the
countries with highest illicit cultivation and production of
cannabis from 2010 to
2017.
• Within India, the
worst affected
regions are North
East India (especially
Manipur) and North
West India (especially
Punjab) followed by
Mumbai and Delhi
and now Haryana.
• India’s proximity to
the Golden Crescent
and Golden Triangle
(the major opium
production regions in
the world) has made
India a hub of drug
trafficking.

Related News
Centre raised thresholds for prosecutions, arrests under Customs Act, 1962.
Key changes in the Act
• Thresholds for prosecutions and arrests under the Customs Act has been raised from ₹20 lakh to ₹50 lakh for
smuggling and illegal imports of goods in baggage.
• For commercial fraud, threshold has been increased from ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore.
• However, thresholds will not apply for offences relating to fake currency notes, arms, ammunitions and
explosives, antiques, art treasures, wildlife items and endangered species of flora and fauna.

43
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.9. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
Global Status Released by: The World Health Organization (WHO)
Report on • Measures the extent to which governments are implementing recommendations to increase
Physical physical activity across all ages and abilities.
Activity 2022 • Key Findings
o Less than 50% of countries have a national physical activity policy, of which less than 40%
are operational
o only just over 40% of countries have road design standards that make walking and cycling
safer.
• Recommendations: Countries should prioritize physical activity as key to improving health and
tackling NCDs, integrate physical activity into all relevant policies, and develop tools, guidance
and training to improve implementation.
Notified • In its 139th report, the Parliamentary standing committee on health and family welfare
Disease suggested that Cancer be classified a notifiable disease to tackle its under-reporting.
• A notifiable disease is any disease that is required by law to be reported to government
authorities.
• It becomes legally binding (failure amount to a criminal offense) for a medical practitioner or its
institutes to report cases of the disease to the government.
• Examples of notified diseases: Cholera, diphtheria, encephalitis, leprosy, meningitis, pertussis,
plague, tuberculosis, AIDS, malaria, dengue, etc.
National • Launched
Suicide by:
Prevention Ministry of
Strategy Health and
Family
Welfare
• In line with
WHO’s
South
East-Asia
Region
Strategy
for suicide
prevention,
strategy
• Calls for time-
bound action
plans and multi-
sectoral
collaborations to
achieve
reduction in
suicide mortality
by 10% by 2030
(from 2020
level).
o Around 1.6
lakh
suicides
were
reported in
India during
2021
showing an
increase of
7.2% in
comparison
to 2020.
o Family Problems and illness were the major causes of suicides.

44
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Initiatives taken for suicide prevention: National Mental Health Policy, Mental Healthcare Act,
National Mental Health Program etc.
Paalan 1000 • Government launches Paalan 1000 campaign and parenting app to focus on child health.
• The 'Paalan 1000 - Journey of the First 1000 Days', focuses on the cognitive developments of
children in the first 2 years of its life.
o The first 1000 days establish a solid platform for a child’s physical, mental, emotional,
cognitive and social health.
o The app will provide caregiver with practical advice on what they can do in their everyday
routine.
ABHA for new- • National Health Authority is developing a mechanism under which parents can generate
borns Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) numbers, known as health IDs, for their new-borns
and young children.
o Currently, only individuals above 18 years of age are entitled to enrol for ABHA cards (under
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission).
• ABHA number will enable parents to upload all personal health records from birth, as well as all
healthcare benefits availed, ranging from public health programmes to insurance schemes.
o This will allow parents to track their children’s health records.

45
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 5. NUTRITION AND SANITATION
5.1. NUTRITIONAL SECURITY IN INDIA
Why in News?
India has slipped to 107th
position in the Global Hunger
Index (GHI) 2022 of 121
countries, from its 101st position
in 2021.
About the Global Hunger Index
• Annually published by
Concern Worldwide and
Welthungerhilfe.
• It was first introduced in
2006. The 2022 edition
marks the 17th edition of the
GHI.
Status of Nutritional Security in
India
• Index Score: With a score of 29.1,
the GHI finds the level of hunger
in India “serious’’.
o India’s GHI score has
decreased from alarming (in
2000) to serious (in 2022).
• Child wasting: The index says
child wasting indicating
undernourishment in the country
is 19.3%, the highest in the world.
• Undernourishment: India’s proportion of undernourished in the population is considered to be at a
medium level, and its under-five child mortality rate is considered low.
• Child stunting: There has Government of India Stand
been a “significant • The Ministry of Women and Child Development said that index is an
decrease” from 54.2% in erroneous measure of hunger and suffers from serious methodological issues.
1998-1999 to 35.5% in • The methodology used is unscientific. Government has highlighted that their
2019-2021, although it is assessment is on the results of a ‘four question’ opinion poll, was conducted
still “considered very telephonically and is unreliable.
high”. • Estimate of Proportion of Undernourished (PoU), population is based on an
• Comparison: India’s opinion poll conducted on a very small sample size of 3000 based on “Food
Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES)” Survey Module.
neighbours such as
Nepal (81), Bangladesh (84), Pakistan (99) and Sri Lanka (64) have got higher rankings in GHI.
Status of Nutritional Security in the world
• Stagnation in hunger reduction: The 2022 GHI score for the world is 18.2, considered moderate, down slightly from
the 2014 score of 19.1.
• Violent conflict: According to the 2022 Global Report on Food Crises, conflict/insecurity was the main driver of
acute food insecurity in 2021.
• Africa South of the Sahara and South Asia are the regions with the highest hunger levels and are most vulnerable
to future shocks and crises.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the economic plight of low- and middle-income countries, slowing economic
growth, driving up prices for goods and services, and increasing projected global poverty rates.
• Climate change is putting stress on agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture, increasingly impeding efforts
to meet human needs.

46
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 5.1.1. THE STATE OF FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION IN THE WORLD (SOFI)
REPORT, 2022
Why in news?
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the world report 2022 was released recently.
More on News
• It is a joint publication by Food and Agriculture Organization, International Fund for Agricultural
Development, UNICEF, UN World Food Programme and WHO.
• Key findings
o World is moving in reverse, away from the Sustainable Development Goal of ending hunger, food
insecurity, and malnutrition in all its forms, by 2030.
o Major drivers of food insecurity and malnutrition: conflict, climate extremes and economic shocks,
combined with growing inequalities.
• India related findings
o Undernourishment in total population: 16.3%.
o Wasting in children (under 5 years of age): 17.3%
o Stunting in children (under 5 years of age): 30.9%
o Exclusively breastfeeding among infants: 58%

5.2. NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY ACT (NFSA), 2013

Why in news? Mechanism for Procurement of food grain: Ministry of Consumer
Affairs, Food & Public Distribution implemented two types of
The Centre has launched ‘PM Garib procurement policy
Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)’ to • Centralised procurement: Procurement of food grains is
provide free of cost food grains for a year undertaken by FCI directly/indirectly for storage and subsequent
under the National Food Security Act issue.
(NFSA), 2013. o Difference between Economic Cost and Central Issue Price
(CIP), at which food grains are issued to States, is
More on news reimbursed to FCI as food subsidy.
• Decentralized procurement (DCP): Under this scheme, the State
• Under the newly launched PMGKAY, Government itself undertakes direct purchase of paddy/rice and
rice, wheat and coarse grains shall wheat and also stores and distributes these food grains under
be provided free of cost for all NFSA and other welfare schemes.

47
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 eligible households (both Primary HouseHolds and Antodaya Anna Yojana) under section 3 of the NFSA
from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.
o Until now beneficiaries were paying the subsidised price called Central Issue Price (CIP) worth Rs.1,
Rs.2 and Rs.3 for Coarse-grains, wheat and rice respectively.
o The subsidised prices are specified in Schedule-1 of the NFSA 2013, which the government can
change by executive order.

• The PMGKAY is subsuming two subsidy schemes (refer box)

o Food Subsidy to Food Corporation of India (FCI).
o Food Subsidy for Decentralized Procurement (DCP).
• However, there will be no changes in the issue prices of food grains supplied to States for other welfare
programmes like mid-day meals (MDMs).
• It should also be noted that this newly launched PMGKAY is different form the PMGKAY that was
launched in 2020 as a pandemic relief measure.
o In 2020 the PM GKAY was launched to provide 5 kg of free food grains to NFSA beneficiaries in
addition to their monthly entitlement (35 kg to a Antyodaya household and 5kg per person in a
Priority Household) of subsidized food grains under the NFSA Act.
o Now, this scheme has been discontinued.

48
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Related news
State Ranking Index (SRI) for implementation of NFSA, 2013
• The ranking was released by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
• Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh secured the top three positions in the Index.
• Tripura, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim obtained the top positions among the special category states (north-
eastern, Himalayan, and Island states).

5.3. SWACHH SURVEKSHAN (SS) 2023

Why in News?
Recently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
(MoHUA) has launched the 8th edition of SS survey 2023
with the theme of ‘Waste to Wealth’.
More on news
It is aligned with Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBM-U)
2.0 commitment to promote circularity in waste
management and focuses on the vision of 'garbage free'
cities.
• About SS-2023
o SS, introduced by MoHUA in 2016, is the world’s
largest annual survey of cleanliness, hygiene
and sanitation in villages, cities and towns
across India.
o Evaluation for SS-23 is based on 3 components:
✓ Service Level Progress -covers Segregated
collection, Processing, and disposal, Used
water management, and Safaimitra
Suraksha.
✓ Certification - for Garbage Free City star rating and ODF/ODF+/ODF++/water + certification.
✓ Citizens’ voice -through feedback, grievance redressal, engagement, etc.
o Additional weightage has been given to source segregation of waste, enhancement of waste
processing capacity of cities and reduction of waste going to dumpsites.

49
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Ranking of Wards within cities is being promoted through SS 2023.
o Assessment of cities will be on dedicated indicators on issues of ‘open urination’ (Yellow Spots) and
‘open spitting’ (Red Spots), being faced by cities.
• SBM-U 2.0, launched in 2021, focus on source segregation of solid waste, ensures grey and black water
(used water) management in all cities other than those covered under AMRUT.

5.4. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Hunger • Released by: Food and Agriculture Organization and World Food Programme.
Hotspots • Key highlights
Report o Key hunger hotspots include, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen,
countries in Horn of Africa etc.
o 345 million people in 82 countries/territories are facing Acute Food Insecurity.
o Key Drivers and Aggravating Factors: Conflict/insecurity, Displacement, Dry Conditions,
Economic Shocks, Flood, Political Instability/unrest and Tropical cyclone.
Progress on • Released by: WHO and UNICEF
WASH in • It focuses on WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) and infection prevention and control (IPC).
Health care • Key Findings
Facilities, o Half of world’s healthcare facilities lack basic hygiene services, nearly 4 billion people at risk.
2000–2021 o Lack of potential infection prevention in health facility impacts pregnant mothers, new-
Report borns and children health.
o Unhygienic health care facility influences disease transmission and emergence of antibiotic
resistance.
Initiatives by • "Retrofit to Twin Pit Abhiyan" for promoting twin pit toilets in households towards improved
the Ministry faecal sludge management.
of Jal Shakti • ‘Swachh Jal Se Suraksha’: to create awareness on the importance of clean and safe drinking water
and also help to monitor the quality of water supplied in rural households.
• Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) toolkit for SSG 2023: Toolkit comprises information on
various stages of assessment, baseline rankings of the Panchayats and Districts based on their
ODF Plus progress.
o SSG is being conducted by Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of
Jal Shakti since 2018.
o It ranks the States and Districts on the basis of their performance attained on key quantitative
and qualitative Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).

50
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 6. MISCELLANEOUS
6.1. UNIVERSAL SOCIAL SECURITY
Why in News?
Recently, the government panel has recommended a Universal Pension Scheme for gig workers and the self-
employed citing concerns on sustainability of the Employees’ Pension Scheme (1995).
Social Security in India
• Legal standing:
Part of Directive
Principles of the
State Policy such as
Article 41 (Right to
Work),
42(Provisions for
Just and Humane
work and
maternity relief)
and 47 (Duty of the
state to raise the
level of nutrition).
• Centre and State’s Responsibility: Since the subject of Labour falls under the concurrent list, the
extension of Social Security and Social Assistance benefits to citizens is from the centre as well as from
state governments.
• Extent of social security: According to the Economic Survey 2021-22, around 90% of the additional workers
who joined in 2019-20 were in the informal nature of employment and over 98% were in the unorganized
sector.
Recent Government Initiatives
• Code on Social Security, 2020: It consolidates nine central labour legislations on social security to extend
social security to all employees and workers (including the new forms of jobs that are emerging).
o The subsumed laws include Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923, The Employees’ State Insurance Act,
1948, The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 etc.
• New Social Protection Schemes such as
o Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM), a voluntary and contributory pension scheme to
ensure old age protection for Unorganised Workers.
o National Pension Scheme for Traders, Shopkeepers and Self-Employed Persons, a voluntary and
contributory pension scheme for traders, shopkeepers.
• e-SHRAM Portal: To create a national database of Unorganized Workers, including migrant workers, to
facilitate delivery of social security schemes to the workers.

6.2. WORLD POPULATION GROWTH

Why in news?
The world’s population, recently, reached 8 billion
according to estimates from the United Nations Population
Fund (UNPFA).
Trends in World population growth
• Temporal disparity: Much of the world’s population
growth has come in the last century as better living
standards and health advancements extended life
expectancy.

51
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o While the human population reached the first one billion in hundreds of thousands of years, it reached
from 7 billion to 8 billion just since 2010.
• Spatial disparity:
o Declining population growth in developed countries: Population growth slowdown is largely driven
by wealthy countries particularly on account of burden of raising a child and falling marriage rates.
o Rising population in low income countries (LICs): They would drive much of the population growth
with just eight countries accounting for the majority of a projected increase until 2050.
✓ These countries are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan,
the Philippines and the United Republic of Tanzania.
• India’s Population:
By 2050, India would
become the most
populous country
surpassing China.
• Average life
expectancy: Global
life expectancy
soared from 34 years
in 1913 to 72 years in
2022 and is expected
to continue on that
long-term trajectory.
• Slow growth rate:
The global
population is
growing at its
slowest rate since 1950 and has fallen under 1% in 2020.
o It took the global population 12 years to grow from 7 to 8 billion, but will reach 9 billion in about 15
years, in 2037.

52
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 6.3. CRIME IN INDIA REPORT 2021
Why in news?
Recently, the Crime in India, 2021, annual report of NCRB was released.

53
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Related news
Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India Report 2021
• The report was released by the NCRB.
o India saw 120 deaths per million population in 2021 the highest level ever recorded.
o The report highlights the toll the pandemic appears to have taken on the emotional well-being of Indians.
o This report provides age-group-wise and sex-wise details of accidental deaths, traffic accidents and suicides
including farmer’s suicides which is a crucial matter in India.

6.4. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Action Agenda on • Launched by: United Nation
Internal (UN) Secretary-General
Displacement • Action Agenda sets out
commitments by UN system to
better resolve, prevent and
address internal displacement
crises.
• Action Agenda sets out UN’s
commitments to realize three
goals:
o Help IDPs find a durable solution to their displacement.
o Better prevent new displacement crises from emerging.
o Ensure those facing displacement receive effective protection and assistance.

54
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 National Air • Launched by: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MCA)
Sports Policy • Aim: Providing a safe, affordable and sustainable air sports ecosystem in the country.
(NASP) 2022 • Vision: To include India among the top air sporting nations by 2030.
• Covers 11 different air sports and provides a four-tier governance structure.
• Air Sports Federation of India an autonomous body under MCA will be the apex governing
body.
o It represents India at FédérationAéronautiqueInternationale (FAI), headquartered in
Lausanne, Switzerland and other global platforms related to air sports.
o FAI is world governing body for air sports.
Advanced • Offered by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
Knowledge and • Promotes youth entrepreneurship in and around Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project
Rural Technology (KKNPP).
Implementation • Services offered Technologies/ Consultancy in fields of Biodegradable Waste Processing,
(AKRUTI) Water, Food, and Agriculture.
Programme • Awareness about services under AKRUT through Rural Technology Implementation Kendras
(KRUTIK)
e-Detailed Action • It is a web portal from the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in
Report (e-DAR) consultation with insurance companies for integrated data and instant information on road
Portal accidents.
• The portal will bring relief to victims’ families, check fake claims etc. through Digitalised
Detailed Accident Reports (DAR).
• It will be linked with Vahaan and the Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD)- to act as an
e-version of IRAD.
• Also, it will alert PWD/Local Body to examine and record details, helping in identifying the
accident hotspots for necessary solutions to avoid future accidents.
Habitus • The term was popularised by French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu in his book Outline of a
Theory of Practice (1977).
• Habitus refers to a collective entity by and into which dominant social and cultural
conditions of a society are established and reproduced.
• It explains how inequality is reproduced through the dominant social and cultural conditions
that an individual is accustomed to, which then determines their position in society.
o What one considers, 'natural', 'taboo', 'neutral' and 'good' or 'bad' is constructed by
one's habitus.
• It helps instill a sense of the world in individuals by attributing cultural value to material or
immaterial objects.
Important reports
State of World • Released by: United Nations Population Fund
Population 2022, • Key findings of report
report o Over 60% of unintended pregnancies end in abortion and 45% of abortions are unsafe,
causing 5% to 13% of maternal deaths.
• 13% of women in developing countries begin childbearing before they turn 18.
Progress on the • Launched by: UN Women and UNDESA
Sustainable • Key findings
Development o World is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030.
Goals: The Gender o 380 million women and girls live in extreme poverty.
Snapshot 2022 o Nearly 1 in 3 women face food insecurity.
o Unsafe abortion is a leading but preventable cause of maternal mortality.
o In India, in a quarter of rural households’ women and girls devote more than 50 minutes
per day to collecting water.
‘Cities Alive: • Released by: United Nations Development Programme.
Designing Cities • Report stresses the need to directly engage women in decision-making processes, across all
that Work for aspects of urban planning and development.
Women’ Report • They currently face safety, security, health and hygiene related issues with respect to the
current orientation of urban infrastructure.
Global Gender • Released by: World Economic Forum.
Gap (GGG) • The GGG index benchmarks the current state and evolution of gender parity across four key
Report, 2022 dimensions (refer infographic).
o The GGG index provides scores between 0 and 1, where 1 shows full gender parity and
0 is complete imparity.

55
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Key findings
o In 2022, the
global gender
gap has been
closed by 68.1%
(slight
improvement
from 2021).
o At the current
rate of
progress, it
will take 132
years to reach
full parity.
o Although no country has yet achieved full gender parity, the top 10 economies have
closed at least 80% of their gender gaps.
• India related findings
o India was the worst performer in the world in the “health and survival” sub-index,
where it is ranked 146.
o India recorded a declining score on political empowerment due to diminishing share of
years women served as head of the state.
• India also ranks poorly among its neighbors and is behind Bangladesh (71), Nepal (96), Sri
Lanka (110), Maldives (117) and Bhutan (126).
Global Estimates • Released by:
of Modern International Labour
Slavery, 2021 Organization (ILO).
Report • Modern slavery, as
defined in the report, is
comprised of two
principal components –
forced labour and
forced marriage.
• Both refer to situations
of exploitation that a
person cannot refuse or
cannot leave because of
threats, violence,
deception, abuse of
power etc.

Migration in India • Released by: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

2020-2021’ Report • Key findings
o All-India migration rate was 28.9%, with 26.5% and 34.9% migration rate in rural and
urban areas respectively.
o Females recorded a higher share of migration rate as compared to males.
o Among females, the highest level of migration rate was seen at 86.8% for marriage.
o Reverse migration during the pandemic led to higher rates of unemployment
agglomeration in rural areas, which caused rural distress.
Global Trends: • Released by: UNHCR
Forced • Provides data on
Displacement in o Refugees
2021 o Asylum seekers
o Internally displaced
o Stateless persons
o People who have returned
to their countries or areas
of origin
• Key findings: By the end of 2021
o Globally, 89.3 million people
were forcibly displaced.

56
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o Nearly 5 million people in India were internally displaced due to climate change and
disasters
o US was the world’s largest recipient of new individual applications followed by Germany.
o 69% of all refugees came from just five countries: Syrian Arab Republic, Venezuela,
Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Myanmar.
o Children account for 30% of the world’s population out of 41% forcibly displaced people.
The State of • Released by: The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).
Inequality in India • Prepared by Institute for Competitiveness.
Report • Gives a holistic analysis of depth and nature of inequality in India based on inequities in
health, education, household characteristics, income distribution and labour market
dynamics.
• Key findings
o An Indian earning a monthly wage of ₹25,000 is among top 10% of earners in the country.
o Top 1% accounts for 6-7% of total incomes earned while top 10% accounts for one-third of
all incomes earned.
o Failure of trickle-down approach as incomes of the top 1% earners grew 15% during 2017-
18 to 2019-2020 while that of the bottom 10% declined 1%.
o Employment (2019-20): Self-employed workers (45.78%), regular salaried workers (33.5%)
and casual workers (20.71%).
o Nutritional Deprivation still remains a major concern.
Global Report on Released by: Global Network Against Food
Food Crises Crises (GNAFC)
(GRFC, 2022) • Key findings
o Close to 193 million people were
found acutely food insecure in 2021
across 53 countries/territories, an
increase of 40 million people from
previous year.
✓ The United Nations defines
"acute food insecurity" as when
a person's inability to consume
adequate food puts their lives or
livelihoods in immediate danger.
✓ It is hunger that can lead to
famine and widespread death.
• Three main drivers for food insecurity are
conflict, climate change and economic
crises.
• Acute food insecurity is expected to deteriorate further due to war in Ukraine.
• Recommendation
o Need for greater prioritisation of smallholder agriculture as a frontline humanitarian
response, to overcome access constraints.
o Achieve food security and improved nutrition using a 3x3 approach.
• About GNAFC: GNAFC was founded by the European Union, FAO and World Food
Programme (WFP) at 2016 World Humanitarian Summit to prevent, prepare for, and respond
to food crises and support Sustainable Development Goal to End Hunger (SDG 2).
Global Food Policy • Released by: IFPR
Report 2022 on • Report highlights a range of
climate change evidence-based policies
and food system and innovations that
should be prioritized and
implemented now to tackle
adaptation and mitigation
in our food systems.
• Key findings of report
o By 2030, India’s food
production could drop
16% and the number of
those at risk for
hunger could increase
23%.

57
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Global food production will grow by about 60% over 2010 levels by 2050 in context
of climate change.
o Globally, about 70 million more people will be at risk from hunger, including more
than 28 million in East and Southern Africa.
o Meat production is projected to double in South Asia and West and Central Africa
by 2030 and triple by 2050.
• NOTE: CGIAR is a global partnership established in 1971 as a unified international
organization engaged in research for a food-secured future.

Copyright © by Vision IAS

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission of Vision IAS.

58
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 CULTURE
Table of Contents
1. SCULPTURE AND ARCHITECTURE ______ 4 4.5. Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Father of Indian
Renaissance _________________________ 32
1.1. Odisha Temple Architecture __________ 4
4.6. Sri Aurobindo _____________________ 33
1.2. Hoysala Temples ___________________ 5
4.7. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj _________ 34
1.3. Chola Era Idols _____________________ 7
4.8. Alluri Sitarama Raju ________________ 35
1.4. Qutb Shahi Architecture _____________ 9
4.9. Other Important Personalities in News 36
1.5. Megalithic Sites ___________________ 12
5. BUDDHISM AND JAINISM ___________ 38
1.6. Other Important News _____________ 13
5.1. Archaeological remains in Bandhavgarh
2. PAINTINGS AND OTHER ART FORMS __ 15
Forest Reserve _______________________ 40
2.1. Traditional Indian Textiles __________ 15
5.2. Other Important News _____________ 41
2.2. Toys of India _____________________ 15
6. MISCELLANEOUS __________________ 43
2.3. Crafts in News ____________________ 16
6.1. Naval Traditions in India ____________ 43
2.4. Other Important News _____________ 17
6.2. National Symbols of India ___________ 44
3. IMPORTANT SITES IN NEWS _________ 19
6.3. Amendments to Flag Code of India ___ 45
3.1. Cylopean Wall ____________________ 19
6.4. State Emblem of India ______________ 45
3.2. Iron Age _________________________ 20
6.5. Numismatic History of India _________ 46
3.3. Rakhigarhi _______________________ 21
6.6. Panini Code ______________________ 48
3.4. Mahakaleshwar Temple ____________ 22
6.7. Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible
3.5. UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Cultural Heritage (ICH) _________________ 49
Sites________________________________ 24
6.8. Swadesh Darshan Scheme __________ 50
3.6. Anang Tal Lake ___________________ 25
6.9. Geographical Indication (GI) Tag______ 50
3.7. Mangarh Hillock __________________ 25
6.10. Other GI tag in News ______________ 52
3.8. Projects under PRASHAD Scheme ____ 26
6.11. Festivals ________________________ 53
3.9. Other Important News _____________ 27 6.11.1. Baliyatra _________________________ 53
6.11.2. New Year Map of India _____________ 54
4. PERSONALITIES ___________________ 28 6.11.3. Other Important Festivals ___________ 55
4.1. Adi Shankaracharya _______________ 28 6.12. Prizes and Awards ________________ 56
4.2. Swami Ramanujacharya ____________ 29 6.13. Tribes in News ___________________ 58
4.3. Sant Tukaram ____________________ 30 6.14. Other Important News ____________ 59
4.4. Lachit Barphukan__________________ 31

Copyright © by Vision IAS

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission of Vision IAS.

1
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 2
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
3
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 1. SCULPTURE AND ARCHITECTURE
1.1. ODISHA TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE
Why in news?
Temples of Odisha representing Kalinga Architecture were recently in news due to various incidents.
More on news
• Central government opposed Odisha government’s ordinance to bring Lingaraj temple and its associated
temples under a special law.
• Objections were raised against Odisha government’s beautification project around the Jagannath
temple.

4
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Related News
Asurgarh as Odisha’s oldest fortified settlement (ninth century BC)
• Asurgarh ascertained to be the oldest among the major fortified settlements in the State.
o Accelerator Mass Spectrometry radiocarbon technique, a technology that allows to distinguish different types
of atoms based on differences in atomic weights (mass), was used.
• Other early historic sites in Odisha include Sisupalgarh (near Bhubaneswar); Jaugarh, a fortified settlement on the
Rushikulya valley (Ganjam);
Khalkattapatna (Puri); port site of
Manikpatna (Puri) etc.

1.2. HOYSALA TEMPLES

Why in news?
The Hoysala Temples of Chennakesava at Belur, Hoysaleswara at Halebid and Kesava at Somnathapura in
Karnataka are India’s official nominations for the World Heritage List for the year 2022-2023.
About Hoysala temples
• The ‘Sacred Ensembles of the
Hoysala’ have been on UNESCO’s
Tentative List since 2014.
• They are protected monuments of
the Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI).
About World Heritage Site List
• Place listed by UNESCO for its
special cultural or physical
significance.
• Maintained by international
'World Heritage Programme',
administered by UNESCO World
Heritage Committee.
• In 1994, World Heritage Committee
launched the Global Strategy for a
Representative, Balanced and
Credible World Heritage List as per
1972 Convention concerning
Protection of World Cultural and
Natural Heritage.
• There are three types of sites:
cultural, natural, and mixed.
o India has 40 world heritage
sites: 32 Cultural, 7 Natural and
1 mixed.

5
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Details about Temple
Chennakesava Temple Hoysaleshwara Temple, Kesava Temple
Halebidu
Dedicated to • Ekakuta (temple with one • Dvikuta (temple with two • Trikuta Temple dedicated
shrine) and is dedicated to shrines) and is dedicated to Lord Krishna in three
Vaishnavism. to Shiva. forms – Janardhana,
• One shrine is dedicated to Keshava and Venugopala.
King Vishnuvardhan and
the other to his Queen
Shantala, therefore it is
called Shantaleshwara.
Built/commi • King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 • King Vishnuvardhana. • Built under King
ssioned by CE. Narasimha III
• A stepped pond called
Vasudev Tirtha was
constructed by Veer Ballala II.
Architectura • Exterior sculpture depicts • Has a walled complex • Known for its lathe
l details scenes from daily life, music, containing of three Jaina turned pillars,
and dance, and narrates basadi (temples) of the symmetrical architecture,
scenes from life of Vishnu Hoysala period as well as and intricate sculptures.
and his reincarnations and a stepped well. • Sculptures found are that
the epics, Ramayana, and • Sculptures inside the of Lord Vishnu, Lord
Mahabharata. temple depict scenes Ganesha, Goddess
• Images from Jainism and from Ramayana, Lakshmi and Saraswati.
Buddhism. Mahabharata and
• Garbha griha houses an Bhagavata Purana.
enshrined image of Krishna.
Waterbody • Built on banks of Yagachi • Originally Halebidu was • Built on the banks of
nearby River in Belur. called Dwarasamudra River Kaveri.
which refers to a large
water reservoir.
Others • Rathotsava at temple began • No longer used as a place
with syncretic tradition after of worship as the temple
the moulvi recited the Koran. was desecrated by armies
of Sultanate.

6
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.3. CHOLA ERA IDOLS
Why in news?
About Rajendra Chola I (1014-44 AD)
Recently, Tamil Nadu submitted documents to US
• Rajendra Chola I, also known as
officials through the Central government to retrieve Gangaikondacholapuram, was son of Rajaraja Chola
six exquisite Chola-era bronze idols. (985-1014 AD).
More on news • He made contributions to art, religion and literature
including Gangaikondacholapuram temple, built after
• Stolen from India in 1960s, idols belong to victory over Pala King Mahipala.
Nareeswara Sivan Temple at Veeracholapuram o He assumed titles Parakesari and Yuddhamalla.
in Kallakurichi district, constructed by Rajendra
Chola I of Chola Dynasty.
• Stolen idols include: Panchaloha idols of Tripuranthakam, Thirupurasundari, Nataraja, Dakshinamurthy
Veenadhara, and Saint Sundarar with his wife Paravai Natchiyaar.
o Panchaloha idols are traditional five metal alloys prescribed by Shilpa Shastras.
o They were made using lost wax casting technique.

7
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 makes export of such items without
license a criminal offence.
o Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters between India and
U.S allows for assistance on such matters.
About Chola Sculpture
• Chola period is well known for its metal sculpture.
• Chola bronzes sculptures were made using the cire perdue or lost-wax
casting technique.
o Metal casting method in which molten metal is poured into a mold that
has been created by means of a wax model.
o Once the mold is made, wax model is melted and drained away.
• Famous Chola Bronze Nataraja sculpture, dancing Shiva, presiding deity of
Chola dynasty.
o Upper right hand holds damaru (hand drum that made first sounds of creation).
o Upper left hand holds agni (fire that will destroy the universe).
o Lower right hand makes abhayamudra (gesture that allays fear).
o Dwarflike figure being trampled by his right foot represents apasmara purusha (illusion, which leads
mankind astray).
o Front left hand, pointing to his raised left foot, signifies refuge for troubled soul.

8
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.4. QUTB SHAHI ARCHITECTURE
Why in news?
Recently, the step wells at the Qutb Shahi tombs of the Golconda
fort was awarded UNESCO’s Asia-Pacific award (2022) for cultural
heritage conservation.

9
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 More on News
• Step wells of Golconda fort, Telangana is a 16th
century well.
o This structure is made in Persian style.
• Monument got the Award of Distinction.
o The award has 6 categories of recognition: Award
of Excellence, Award of Distinction, Award of
Merit, Award for New Design in Heritage Contexts,
and the Special Recognition for Sustainable
Development.
Other Awardees from India (2022)
Award of Excellence Award of Merit
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Domakonda Fort, Kammareddy, Byculla Station, Mumbai,
Sangrahalaya Museum, Mumbai, Telangana Maharashtra
Maharashtra • Built during 18th Century. • Asia’s oldest railway station
• Part of Victorian Gothic and Art Deco • Elevated compound of granite commissioned in 1853.
ensembles of Mumbai’s World rocks that forms fort wall.
Heritage.
• Formerly known as Prince of Wales
Museum of Western India.

10
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Prominent Monuments of Qutb Shahi Dynasty
Golconda Fort Charminar
• Fortified citadel and early capital city of Qutb Shahi • Archetype of the chaubara or "four-fold house"
dynasty. marking the intersection of four cardinal avenues,
• Architectural styles: Blend Persian, Pathan and Hindu affording a series of impressive vistas.
and are built with local granite. • Built in 16th century.
• Surfaces ornamented with intricate incised • First monument in the world constructed using lime
plasterwork and few monuments also bear glazed mortar and granite.
tile work. • Urban ensemble of Charminar and the Char Kaman
• Tomb structures are derivations of the geometrical resonates with commemorating beginning of the
designs of the earlier Bahmani tombs of Bidar, second Islamic Millennium and is a remarkable
though the stucco ornamentation carried out here is example of Shia city planning.
more intricate and on a far greater scale.

Qutb Shahi Tombs

• Comprises major seven tombs. The overall complex consists of 30 tombs, mosques, and a mortuary bath.
• Material used: Grey granite embellished with stucco ornamentation.
• Tombs form a large cluster and stand on a raised platform. They are domed structures built on square bases
surrounded by pointed arches.

Other key monuments of Qutb Shahi Architecture:

Monument About
Charkaman (or • Constructed in 1592 A.D.
the Four Arches) • Northern arch is called Machli Kaman (fish arch), the
Southern arch is Char Minar arch, Eastern arch is the
Kali Kaman or Kaman of Shamboo Pershad (the Black
arch) and the Western arch is Sher Dil or Sihr Batil.

Mecca Masjid • May be split into two classes, the great Mosque
(Djami) and small Mosque (Masjid).
• A large rectangular court (Sahn) is surrounded by
arcades (Riwak) and the flat roof (Sakf) of which rests
on arches (Tak) supported by columns (Amud) of
stone (Hadjar) or pillars (Rukn) of brick (libn).

Daru-Ul-Shifa • Built in 1595. A.D.

• It was a hospital as well as a college of Unani
Medicine.

Badshahi Ashur • House of Alams or conventional copies of standard

Khana carried by Imam Hussain.
• Entire hall is enamelled with tiles of beautiful floral
decorations.
• On the western wall, there is an inscription in the
Tughra style.

11
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 1.5. MEGALITHIC SITES
Why in News?
Several megalithic sites were discovered in the country.
About Megaliths
• A large stone used to construct a monument or a structure. They were constructed either as burial sites
or commemorative (non-sepulchral) memorials.
o Non-sepulchral megaliths include memorial sites such as menhirs.
• Megaliths in India: Peninsular South, Deccan plateau, Vindhyas and Northwest region of Indian
subcontinent.
• Time Period: In India from 1300 BCE to 12 century CE.

12
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Sites Discovered
Megalithic jars in Assam’s • Discovery suggests possible links between India’s Northeast and Southeast
Dima Hasao District Asia, dating back to the second millennium BC.
o There are typological and morphological similarities between the jars
found at Assam with the stone jars found in Laos and Indonesia

Megalithic Period Cave in • A rock-cut cave from Megalithic period (800 BC to 500 BC) has been found at
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka Kadaba taluk.
• Usually, Megalithic burial sites are marked by stone circles and menhirs.
o But in the cave found in Dakshina Kannada, a sepulcher (relating to tomb)
is marked by a circle or zero.

1.6. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Martand Temple • After almost three decades, Navgrah Ashtamangalam Pooja was held at Martand Sun
(Jammu and temple.
Kashmir) • Built by King Lalitaditya of Karkota Dynasty of Kashmir (724 to 761 CE).
• Example of Kashmiri architectural skills built in a square field using limestone and pillars in
Greek Pattern.
o In 15th century it was destructed on order of Muslim ruler Sikander Butshikan.
• It is tagged as a site of national importance.
• Other sun temples: Konark (Odisha), Sun Temple at Modhera (Gujarat), Katarmal Surya
Temple (Uttarakhand); Surya Pahar Temple (Assam); Dakshinaarka Sun Temple (Bihar);
Arasavalli sun temple (Andhra Pradesh); Suryan Kovil (Tamil Nadu) etc.
Konark Sun • Visitors will soon be able to see the newly carved stones on the northern
temples side of Jagmohan.
o Located at: Eastern Coast of Odisha, India
o Built in 13th Century.
o Built by: King Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga dynasty.
o Architectural Style: Kalinga architecture.
Mahuli Group of • National Monuments Authority will submit a report on development of Mahuli group of
Temples temples.
• Mahuli Group of Temples, also known as Dakshin Kashi, comprises five temples.
o Built in 11th and 12th CE.
o Location: near Satara, Maharashtra at confluence of Rivers Krishna and Venna.
o Temple Architecture: Hemadpanthi style of architecture
o Developed by: Hemadri Pandit- Hemadpanta (Prime Minister) in the court of Seuna
Yadavas of Devagiri.
o Features: Built-in dry-stone masonry with Garbhagriha, Mandapa Heptagonal compound
and Deepmaal- a tall structure carved out of one stone
Telangana rock • A prehistoric rock shelter with rock paintings from Mesolithic age, megalithic burials and
art site microliths have been found at Kasipeta, Telangana.
o Located inside a large formation of boulders resembling the hood of a snake.
• Microlithic tools, rock art style, and the items and bisons in paintings indicate that rock art
site belongs to the microlithic age.
• Painting of man with the weapon might be of a later historical period.
Adichanallur • Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) unearthed a gold diadem from a huge burial urn while
excavating the museum site at Adichanallur, Tamil Nadu.
• Adichanallur is located on the lower valley of Tamirabarani river in present-day Thoothukudi
district in southern Tamil Nadu.
o Korkai, ancient seaport mentioned in Sangam literature, is about 25 km from
Adichanallur.
• It is a megalithic site in Tamilnadu, first site to be excavated in India by German explorer
Andew Jagor in 1876 and later by Alexander Rea, a former superintendent of ASI, in 1902-03.
o Adichanallur showcases megalithic culture and transitions to Iron age and Sangam
period.
o Earliest Iron Age sites in South India are Hallur, Karnataka and Adichanallur of Tirunelveli
district, Tamil Nadu at around 1000 BC.

13
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Skeleton found at
Adichanallur
megalithic burial site
are said to be of
different ethnic
origins.
o Most skeletons
were non- Indians
indicating
presence of global
traders.

Evidence of • Archaeological Survey of India unearthed artefacts on outskirts of Chennai (at Vadakkupattu
12,000 Years of village), suggesting some 12000 years of continuous habitation in the region.
Habitation in • These artefacts give evidence of continuous habitation dating from Mesolithic age
Chennai (approximately from 10,000 BCE to 8,000 BCE) to Pallava period (early 4th-century to late
9th-century CE).
• Excavations found were:
o Below surface: Stone tools including handaxes, scrappers, clevers from the Mesolithic
period.
o Upper layer: It was rich with Roman sherds, glass beads, gold ornaments, terracotta
toys from Sangam era.
o Surface: Vishnu and Shivling sculptures indicated the early and late Pallava era.

14
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 2. PAINTINGS AND OTHER ART FORMS
2.1. TRADITIONAL INDIAN TEXTILES
Why in news?
Recently, UNESCO has released list of 50 exclusive and iconic heritage textile crafts of the country under
report titled ‘Handmade for the 21st century: Safeguarding Traditional Indian Textiles’.

2.2. TOYS OF INDIA

Why in News?
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
published 10 Indian Standards on Safety
aspects of toys.
More on News
• A total of 10 Indian Standards have
been published, out of which 7 are the
part of Quality Control Order (QCO)
on ‘Safety of Toys’.
o QCO made it mandatory, from Jan
1, 2021, that toys for children
under 14 years of age conform to
7 Indian Standards for Safety of
Toys and bear a Standard Mark
(ISI Mark) under licence from BIS.

15
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 2.3. CRAFTS IN NEWS
Recently, the Prime Minister gifted the heads of states different craft pieces from India at the G20 summit in
Bali.
Gifts Description
Pahari Miniature • Style of miniature painting and book illustration that developed in independent states of
Painting (Kangra the Himalayan foothills in India.
style) • Painting in the Kangra region blossomed under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand
(1775–1823).
• Kangra style is by far the most poetic and lyrical of Indian styles marked with serene
beauty and delicacy of execution.
• Characteristic features: Delicacy of line, brilliance of colour and minuteness of decorative
details.
• Popular themes: Bhagvata Purana, Gita Govinda, Nala Damayanti, Bihari Satsai, Ragamala
and Baramasa.
Mata Ni Pachedi • It means ‘behind the mother goddess’ and is a cloth that constitutes a temple of the
goddess.
o Story goes that nomadic Vaghari community from Gujarat created their own places
of worship with illustrations of the Mother Goddess (Mata) on pieces of cloth.
• Also called Kalamkari of Gujarat due to its resemblance to art of Kalamkari from South
India and the same method of painting, namely using a pen (kalam) made of bamboo.

Pithora Paintings • Pithora paintings trail back long into history and find their roots in the cave paintings,
thousands of years old.
• Done by: Rathwa, Bhil, Nayak and Tadi tribes of Gujarat, parts of Rajasthan and MP.
o These paintings speak of social, cultural and mythological life and beliefs of the
tribals.
• Pithora paintings are characterized by seven horses representing the seven hills that
surround the area where the Rathwas reside.
• Pithora paintings are more of a ritual (to thank God or for a wish or a boon) than an art
form.

16
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Agate Bowls • Agate or akik is the semi-precious stone found in underground mines of Rajpipla and
Ratanpur in riverbeds and extracted to produce a variety of ornamental objects such as
these bowls.
• Also said to have healing properties for balancing energies.
• In the 18th century, the seaport of Khambhat (now in Anand district Gujarat) was the
centre of the agate industry.
Patan Patola • Double ikat or Patola is woven in pure silk and dates to the 11th century.
• Patola fabrics bear an equal intensity of colours and design on both sides.
• This peculiar quality has its origins in knot dyeing, known as ‘bandhani’.

Kinnauri Shawl • These are famous shawls from Himachal Pradesh.

• Its geometric designs are heavily influenced by the Central Asian culture and consists of
motifs that usually symbolise religions and cultures.
• The base colours are natural i.e., grey, black, brown and white and are embellished with
orange, blue, green, etc.
• These shawls are mostly woven in 2 parts and then joined together from the centre with
extensive hand-stitching.

2.4. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Rogan • Indian PM, during the Quad meeting, gifted his Japanese counterpart a white Rogan.
painting • Rogan is a form of cloth painting that is more than four centuries old and now it is practiced by
only a single family in Nirona, Kachchh, Gujarat.
o The word ‘rogan’ comes from Persian, meaning varnish or oil. The craft uses paint made
from boiled oil and vegetable dyes.
o A special paste made of castor is used in this craft.
o Generally, geometrical motifs are preferred.
Sanjhi • Indian PM, during the Quad meeting, gifted his US counterpart a Sanjhi Painting.
Painting • Painting, flourished in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh during 15th -16th century, involves creating
stencils based on incidents from the life of the Krishna.
• Term ‘sanjhi’ is derived from ‘sanjh’ or dusk and is related to the practice of making rangolis in
temples at dusk.
Pattachitra • Odisha CM presented Pope Francis a pattachitra painting.
painting • About Pattachitra painting
o Cloth based scroll painting unique to Odisha.
o Believed to have originated as early as the 12th century.
o Made on a special canvas where cotton sarees are layered with a tamarind paste and then
coated with clay powder.
o Closely related to the cult of Shri Jagannath and the temple traditions in Puri.
Rock Carvings • Experts have red-flagged the proposed mega oil refinery project in Ratnagiri (Konkan region of
(Petroglyphs) Maharashtra).
of Ratnagiri o Petroglyphs are drawn by removing part of a rock surface.
• Classified as protected monuments, these rock carvings are made in hard lateritic rock during
Prehistoric era.
o They are also added to tentative list of UNESCO’s world heritage sites.
• Total rock cravings in Konkan region goes over 1,000 (also called katal Shilpa), depicting
sculptures of various animals, birds, geometrical structures, and ancient hieroglyphics.
o Unlike Bhimbetka and Mirzapur carvings, no scenes of animal hunting are depicted here.
Indian • Santoor Maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, an Indian Classical Musician and a Padma Vibhushan
Classical recipient, recently passed away.
musical • Indian Classical musical instruments are classified into four groups by Bharat Muni in Natya
instruments Shastra (around 400-200 BC) as:
○ Avanaddha Vadya (membranophones or percussion instruments) producing sound by a
stretch membrane. E.g., Damaru, Nagara.
○ Ghan Vadya (idiophones or solid instruments) producing sound through vibration. E.g., Bell,
Portal, Chimta.
○ Sushir Vadya (aerophones or wind instruments) producing sound by wind. E.g., Flute,
Harmonium.
○ Tat Vadya (chordophones or stringed instruments) producing sound by way of vibration
strings. E.g., Sarangi, Saraswati Veena, Santoor.

17
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Rang • Sangeet Natak Akademi organized Rang Swadheenta, a festival to cherish memories of freedom
Swadheenta fighters.
• Following folk performance were held
o Panduan ka Kada, from 17th century Mewat, centred around episodes from Mahabharata and
narration of Maharana Pratap's valor in battlefield.
o Oggukatha, folk theatre form of Telugu-speaking regions.
o Dhadi singing tradition from Punjab was begun by Guru Hargobind to inspire bravery among
armed men in battlefield.
o Powada, a traditional style of singing ballads popular in Maharashtra.
o Dastangoi, Persian traditional storytelling, Artists who performed dastangoi for Rani
Laxmibai did come alive in their sonorous voices.
Shumang • 50th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival was celebrated in Imphal recently.
Leela • Shumang Leel is a courtyard play/Manipuri theatrical art form developed in the 19th-20th century.
○ It is believed to be descended from Lai Haraoba, a ritual of the Meitei community.
• Today, it focuses on educating people and bringing reforms in society by addressing issues of
moral values, unity and integrity.
• In it, roles of female artists are all played by male actors and male characters are played by female
artists in case of female theatre groups.
Palm- leaf • First palm leaf manuscript museum was inaugurated in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
manuscript • Palm-leaf manuscripts are one of humanity’s most ancient and widespread technologies for
transmitting and preserving knowledge in written form.
o They are produced from two main types of palms: palmyra and talipot.
✓ Palmyra leaf is rather thick and inflexible and tends to get brittle over time.
✓ Talipot is thinner and more flexible and has excellent durability, reportedly lasting as
long as 600 years.
o They include many unique sources on Indian, Nepalese, and Southeast Asian culture and
religion.
Dokra art • Bengal village Lalbazar on the boundary with Jharkhand is becoming a hub for Dokra metalcraft.
o Two places are famous in West Bengal for Dokra work — Bikna in Bankura and Dariyapur in
Bardhaman.
• Dokra is a metal casted art that uses ancient lost-wax casting technique.
o It is the first of its kind to use a non-ferrous metal like copper and its alloys or bronze.
o Its documented history is about 5,000 years old.
o It is a traditional art of Jharkhand.

18
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 3. IMPORTANT SITES IN NEWS
3.1. CYLOPEAN WALL
Why in news?
Bihar government has again sent a proposal to the Archaeological Survey
of India (ASI) to get Cyclopean wall listed in the UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
About Cyclopean Wall
• The Cyclopean Wall is a 40 km long wall of stone (more than 2,500 years
old structure) which encircled the ancient city of Rajgir in Bihar.
o Rajgir was the capital city of King Bimbisara and his son Ajatshatru who were contemporaries of the
Buddha.
• Built in the pre-Mauryan era (before 3rd century BC) and was erected by King Jarasandha, the 2nd ruler
of Brihadratha (Rawani) dynasty to protect their capital from external invaders and enemies.
• Among the oldest examples of cyclopean masonry in the world.
o Cyclopean masonry is a term (coined by Greeks) used to describe a type of megalithic architecture
entailing the working of unusually large blocks of stone without mortar, often for the construction
of fortifications.
• It is believed that the Cyclopean Wall at Rajgir is like “Frontiers of the Roman Empire” that runs through
Germany, UK and Northern Ireland, which was included on UNESCO’s world heritage list in 1987.
Nomination process of World Heritage Sites
• Tentative List: First step a country must take by making an ‘inventory' of its important natural and cultural
heritage sites.
• Nomination File: After UNESCO includes a property in the Tentative List, that country has to prepare a
nomination document This is sent for evaluation to the advisory bodies.
• Final Inscription: Once a site has been nominated and evaluated, it is up to the World Heritage Committee
to make the final decision on its inscription.

Other UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bihar

• Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (listed in 2002).
o It was founded by Kumaragupta (Shakraditya) of the Gupta
dynasty in the early 5th century.
o Flourished for 600 years until the 12th century.

19
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Listed as an "Institute of National Importance" by the government.
• Mahabodhi temple of Bodhygaya (listed in 2002).
o Site where Lord Buddha had attained enlightenment.
o Original structure was built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka
which was reconstructed entirely in brick in late Gupta period.
o Present temple dates to 5th or 6th centuries.

Related News
• Experts have warned that Mohenjo-daro might be removed from UNESCO’s
world heritage list.
• In 2021, Liverpool became only the third location, after Arabian Oryx Sanctuary
in Oman (2007) and Elbe Valley in Dresden, Germany (2009), to lose its World
Heritage status.

3.2. IRON AGE

Why in news?
Recently Carbon dating of excavated finds at
Mayiladumparai, Tamil Nadu has pushed
evidence of iron being used in India back to
4,200 years ago.
Key findings
• Date of iron artefacts unearthed ‘ranges
from 2172 BCE to 1615 BCE’.
o Mayiladumparai is an important site
with cultural material dating back
between the Microlithic (30,000
BCE) and Early Historic (600 BCE)
ages.
• Cultural items revealed that the site had
survived since the Neolithic period till the
historical period.
o Microlithic, Neolithic, Iron Age, Early
Historic and Historic are the five
cultural sequences identified based
on ceramics, iron objects, rock art,
memorial stones and inscriptions.
• Late Neolithic period in Tamil Nadu began before 2200 BCE, based on a cultural deposit 25 cm below the
dated level.
• Black and red ware pottery were introduced during the late Neolithic period, rather than the Iron Age, as
previously thought.
• Before the latest discovery, the earliest evidence of iron use for Tamil Nadu was from Thelunganur and
Mangadu near Mettur, dating back to 1500 BCE.
• Significance of the findings: Iron-age timeline revisited in India, beginning of culture might be in 2000 BCE,
narrowed the gap between Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) and Sangam Age.
Relevance of use of metal in Indian civilisation: Metals are needed for agriculture and in turn shape the socio-economic
conditions of the civilisation.
• Society during usage of copper: Copper was widely used in IVC. However, Iron was not known to them.
o Useful tools made from copper were brittle.
o Also, non-availability of copper for technological and mass exploitation forced other regions of the country
to remain in the Stone Age.

20
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Society during usage of iron age: Main factor in the expansion of the Aryan culture during the later Vedic period
was the beginning of the use of iron around 1000 BC.
o Use of iron technology led to the production of agricultural tools and weapons and agriculture became the
mainstay of the later Vedic people.
o Also, iron tools were used to clear the dense forest of northern and eastern parts of India.

3.3. RAKHIGARHI Related information

100 years of discovery of Mohenjo-daro
Why in news? • Archaeological ruins at Mohenjo-daro were
discovered in 1922 by Rakhaldas Banerji.
The latest round of excavations at the Harappan site o He was an officer of Archaeological Survey of India.
of Rakhigarhi in Haryana's Hisar has revealed the o He published ‘Prachin Mudra’ in 1914, book on
structure of some houses, lanes and a drainage numismatics (study of coins).
system. o He wrote several monographs and books (including
Banglar Itihas) and novels in Bengali and English.
About Rakhigarhi o He was a teacher of ancient Indian history and
• One of the five known biggest townships of culture at Banaras Hindu University.
Harappan civilization on Indian sub-continent.
o Other four are Harappa, Mohenjodaro and Ganveriwala in Pakistan and Dholavira (Gujarat).
• Represents mature Harappan phase as it had planned township having mudbrick as well as burnt-brick
houses with proper drainage system.
• Animal sacrificial pit lined with mud
brick and triangular and circular fire
alters on the mud floor have also been
excavated.
• Key findings during recent excavation
o Skeletal remains of two women
were found that is believed to be
nearly 5,000 years old. Pots and
other artefacts were found buried
next to the remains, part of
funerary rituals back.
o Artefacts: Steatite seals, terracotta
bangles, terracotta unbaked
sealing with relief of elephants,
and the Harappan script.
o Signs of settlement: Excavation at
Mound No. 3 has revealed what
appears to be “an aristocratic
settlement”.
✓ In all Harappan sites excavated
so far, there have been similar
signs of three tiers of
habitation — ‘common settlements’ with mudbrick walls, ‘elite settlement’ with burnt brick walls
alongside mud brick walls, and possible middle-rung settlements.
✓ Researchers are yet to determine whether these three levels were based on community or
occupation.
o Jewellery unit: Possible remains of a 5,000-year-old jewellery making unit have been traced, which
signifies that trading was also done from the city.
Major Harappan Distinct features
sites
Dholavira in • Located on the arid island of Khadir in Gujarat, Dholavira is the fifth
Gujarat largest metropolis of IVC.
• Site has a fortified citadel, a middle town and a lower town with walls
made of sandstone or limestone instead of mud bricks in many other
Harappan sites.
• It also has a sophisticated water management system with a cascading
series of water reservoirs.

21
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • The site includes a large cemetery with cenotaphs of six types testifying to the Harappan’s
unique view of death.
• Evidence for inter-regional trade with other Harappan cities, as well as with cities in the
Mesopotamia region and the Oman peninsula have also been discovered.
• It was also a hub of manufacturing jewellery made of shells and semi-precious stones, like
agate and used to export timber.
Lothal in • It was an important port city, with
Gujarat a dockyard, of the Harappan Related Info
civilisation, with structures made • Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
of mud bricks. (MoPSW) is planning to build a National Maritime
o It is located between Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal.
Bhogavo and Sabarmati o NHMC will showcase country’s rich and
rivers near Gulf of Khambat diverse maritime heritage.
(Gujarat). o It is one of the major projects under
• From a graveyard in Lothal, 21 Sagarmala scheme (for promotion of port-led
human skeletons were found. development) in India.
• Foundries for making • It is funded by the MoPSW and Ministry of Culture
copperware were also through National Culture Fund by way of grant.
discovered.
• Ornaments made of semi-precious stones, gold etc. were also found from the site.
Harappa in • Harappan seal, made of a stone called steatite, such seals often contain animal motifs and
Pakistan signs from a script that remains undeciphered
• A granary has also been found at Harappa. It has the rows of circular brick platforms, which
were used for threshing grains.
• It is included in the tentative list of UNESCO world Heritage list.
Mohenjodaro in • It is the best-preserved urban settlement in South Asia.
Pakistan • The planned city mostly built with baked bricks has two sections the
Citadel in west and the Lower Town in East.
• On the Citadel a Buddhist stupa was constructed with unbaked brick in
the 2nd century AD.
• Buildings are laid out along streets intersecting each other at right angles
• The city had public baths (the Great Bath is the most prominent); a college
of priests; an elaborate drainage system; wells, soak pits for disposal of sewage, and a large
granary.
• Other important findings: A piece of woven cloth, the bronze ‘dancing girl’ figurine and stone
sculpture of a bearded man discovered at Mohenjodaro.
Kalibangan, • Kalibangan or 'black bangles' - derives its name for the dense distribution of the fragments of
Rajasthan black bangles which were found at the surface of its mounds.
• It had ploughed field and the lower city of Kalibangan was fortified.
Banawali, • It is known for its centralized planning among Harappan settlements.
Haryana • In Banawali, the main streets were winding rather than straight.
• The excavations have yielded three-fold culture sequence: Pre-Harappan (Early-Harappan),
Harappan and Bara (post Harappan).

3.4. MAHAKALESHWAR TEMPLE

Why in news?
Prime Minister recently inaugurated the first phase of Mahakal Lok in
Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple.
More on news
• The Mahakal Lok is the mega corridor project that will expand
the Mahakaleshwar temple complex area, significantly enhancing
the holding capacity.
• Corridor will have two grand gateways:
o Colonnade of 108 ornate pillars which depict Anand Tandav
Swaroop (the elated dance form) of Lord Shiva.
o A running panel of over 50 murals depicting stories from Shiv
Purana.

22
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 About Mahakaleshwar temple
• Exact time of
establishment of Mahakala
temple is not known. As
per Puranas, it was first
established by Prajapita
Brahma.
o Later on, prince
Kumarasena (son of
king Chanda Pradyota
of Pradyot dynasty) in
6th century BC looked
after the law-and-order
situations of Mahakala
temple.
✓ Pradyota dynasty
ruled over Avanti (now Madhya Pradesh), between 8th to 6th century BC.
• Kalidasa in Raghuvansam described this temple as ‘Niketana’ possibly because the roofs of temples had
mostly been flat.
• It was redeveloped and reconstructed over the centuries and as a result, the temple complex bears strong
influences of the Bhumija, Chalukya, and Maratha architectural styles.
• The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is among the most eminent of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India:
o It is the only jyotirlinga facing the
More about architectural styles
south, as opposed to the
• Bhumija style was characterized by a central Latina/ Shikhara
traditional placement in north or
tapering from all sides, with minor spires decorating the central
east. By facing the south, believed spire.
to be the direction of Yama – the • Chalukya style had distinguishable characteristics as their
God of Death, Shiva symbolises stellate (start shaped) and stepped plans.
that he’s the master of death or • Maratha style temples are conspicuous by their wooden
Mahakaleshwar. sabhamandaps with cypress-shaped columns, stone fountains,
o It is believed to be swayambhu i.e. and the shikharas constructed in brick and lime.
self- manifested while other
Jyotirlingas are believed to have been ritually established.
• One of the most famous features of
Mahakaleshwar Temple is the Bhasma
aarti —prayer offering of ashes (made
from burning dried wood and cow dung).
o The aarti is quite exclusive and
women are not allowed to witness it.

23
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 3.5. UNESCO’S TENTATIVE LIST OF WORLD HERITAGE SITES
Why in News?
Gujarat’s Vadnagar town, Sun Temple at Modhera, and rock cut sculptures of Unakoti in Tripura have been
added to the list.
More on News
• UNESCO tentative list is an inventory of those properties which each State Party intends to consider for
nomination.
o India now has 52 sites on tentative list.
About three Sites
Sites About
Vadnagar town • Vadnagar is a municipality under Mehsana district of Gujarat.
(Gujarat) • It is a multi-layered and multi-cultural mercantile settlement with its history stretching
back to nearly 8th Century BCE.
• It is an L-shaped town with Sharmishtha Lake located on its north-eastern edge.
• At Vadnagar, two major ancient trade routes crossed each other.
o One of them joined central India with Sindh and further northwest regions while
another connected port towns on Gujarat coast to northern India.
• It has hinterland port, centre for industries of shells and beads, religious centre/temple
town etc.
• It is also mentioned in the travelogue of the great Chinese traveler, Hieu-en-Tsang.
• It is the hometown of PM Narendra Modi.
Sun Temple at • Located on left bank of the river Related Information
Modhera and its Pushpavati, a tributary of river Rupan
• PM declared Modhera as India’s first 24x7
adjoining in Mehsana district of Gujarat.
solar-powered village
monuments • Built in Maru-gurjara architectural o Along with the Modhera village, the
(Gujarat) style of 11th century (under patronage Sun Temple of Modhera also became
of Solanki dynasty). the first heritage site in India to be
• Built during Chalukya King Bhimdev I powered solely by solar energy.
(1022-1063 AD) regime.
• Earliest Dilwara Temples and Rani ki vav (attributed to his Queen Udayamati) were also
built during his regime.
• It consists of main temple shrine (garbhagriha), a hall (gadhamandapa), an outer hall or
assembly hall (Sabhamandapa or rangamandapa) and a sacred pool (Kunda), which is now
called Ramakunda.
• Built with bright yellow sandstone.
• Sculptures features include life-sized figures
belonging to three groups of deities:
Adityas, Lokapalas, and Devis.
• It is designed in such a way that during every
equinox, the first ray of the rising sun would
fall on a diamond placed on the head of the
Sun God.
Rock cut sculptures • Located in north- eastern region of Tripura. Unakoti literally translates as “one less than a
and Reliefs of crore”.
Unakoti, Unakoti • It provides evidence of ancient Saiva worship in Tripura from 8th-9th centuries CE.
Range • Famous for its colossal rock cut panels depicting Hindu deities.
o Images found at Unakoti can be classified into rock-cut images and loose sculptures.
o Famous figures and sculptures include Unkotiswara Kala Bhairav, Gangadhara,
depictions of Boddhisattavas, chaturmukhalinga and one Eka-mukalinga etc.
• Streamlet at Unakoti forms three kundas, a big part of the annual Ashokashtomi Mela.

24
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 3.6. ANANG TAL LAKE
Why in News?
Ministry of Culture has declared Anang Tal Lake as a monument of
national importance under Ancient Monuments and Archaeological
Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.
About Anang Tal Lake
• Anang Tal Lake, dated back to 1060AD, is situated to north of Jog
Maya temple and northwest of Qutub Complex in South Delhi.
o It is ascribed to Anangpal II of Tomar
o Dynasty.
About National Monuments
• National Monuments are ancient monuments and all archaeological sites and remains which have been
deemed/declared to be of national importance under:
o Section 3 covering monuments declared by Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological
Sites and Remains (Declaration of National Importance) Act, 1951.
o Section 126 of States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
• Archaeological Survey of India is responsible for protection, conservation and maintenance of such
monuments.

3.7. MANGARH HILLOCK

Why in News?
Rajasthan Chief Minister has sought National Monument Status for the Mangarh Dham in Banswara district
in Rajasthan.
About Govind Guru
• Revolutionary leader of the tribals of present-day Udaipur, Dungarpur and Banswara in Rajasthan, Idar in Gujarat,
and Malwa in Madhya Pradesh.
• United tribals among the Bhil and Garasiya tribal communities.
• He began Bhagat Movement in 1908 in which he propagated practices such as vegetarianism and abstinence from
alcohol.
o Asked his supporters to reject bonded labour and fight for their rights.
o He advocated boycotting foreign goods, ending forced labour, educating girls, and resolving mutual disputes
among tribes instead of taking them to the courts.

25
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 About Mangarh massacre
• In 1913 some bhils revolted
against British rule under
leadership of a social reformer
Govind Guru (a local tribal) and
Punja.
• In November 1913, hundreds of
tribals had gathered at the
Mangarh hillock for a peaceful
meeting when they were
surrounded and shot dead by
British forces.
o Event is also known as Mini
Jalianwala Bagh massacre.
National Importance declaration
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains
(AMASR) Act, 1958 considers sites for declaration as national importance provided, they meet certain
criterion.
Related News:
• National Monuments Authority has also recommended following two sites to be declared as Monuments of
National Importance:
o Sankalp Bhumi Banyan tree campus in Vadodara, where Dr. Ambedkar had taken a resolve to eradicate
untouchability on 23rd September 1917.
o Pratap Rao Bhosle High School, place in Satara in Maharashtra where Dr Ambedkar received his primary
education.

3.8. PROJECTS UNDER PRASHAD SCHEME

Why in News?
Recently, President
inaugurated several
projects under
PRASHAD scheme.
More about News
• President
inaugurated
project
“Development of
Srisailam Temple
in Andhra
Pradesh” under
PRASHAD
scheme.
• President laid
foundation stone
for PRASHAD
project in
Bhadrachalam
and Rudreshwar
Temple
(Ramappa) in Telangana.

26
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 About the Projects

3.9. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Angkor Wat Temple • External Affairs Minister highlighted India’s efforts to restore Angkor Wat temple
Complex (Cambodia) complex because of civilisational ties.
• Angkor Wat, meaning city of temples, is an ancient temple complex built by Suryavarman
II in early 12th century.
o Initially, it was dedicated to Hindu Gods Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. Later, it was
transformed into a Buddhist temple.
o Located in Siem Reap province of Cambodia. It is world’s largest religious structure.
o It covers scores of temples, hydraulic structures (basins, dykes, reservoirs, canals)
and communication routes.
Ambedkar Circuit • A special tourist train, to cover Ambedkar Circuit, was announced.
• Ambedkar Circuit covers:
o Madhya Pradesh’s Mhow, Ambedkar’s birthplace.
o Maharashtra’s Nagpur, where he converted to Buddhism.
o Delhi’s Residence where he lived during his last years.
o Maharashtra’s Dadar, where his body was cremated.

27
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4. PERSONALITIES
4.1. ADI SHANKARACHARYA
Why in News?
PM visited Sri Adi Shankaracharya Janma Bhoomi Kshetram at Kalady
village in Kerala.

Other contributions by Sri Adi Shankaracharya

Sects and Shanmata
Traditions • Shanmata, i.e., six religions, is a synthesis of six sub-sects.
o Each of these sub-sects worship one of the six supreme deities, i.e. Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti,
Ganesha, Surya and Skanda (Kumara)- who are part of one divine power.
• Shanmata merges them and its followers are known as Smartas (or the Smarta tradition), i.e., those
who follow Smriti (or dharma shastras).
Dashanami Sampradaya
• It is a monastic tradition of Hinduism founded by Adi Shankara for living a monastic life. It organizes
monks under 10 different titles.
Religious • He wrote commentaries on religious texts such as Brahma Sutras, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita.
texts E.g., Brahmasutrabhasya, is the oldest surviving commentary on ‘Brahma Sutra’.

28
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • He wrote ‘Upadesasahasri’, i.e., a thousand teachings- a comprehensive description of his
philosophy of advaita (non-dualism).
o Other Books: Viveka Chudamani, Atma Bodha, Vakya Vritti.
• He composed 72 devotional and meditative hymns like Soundarya Lahari, Sivananda Lahari, Nirvana
Shatakam and Maneesha Panchakam.
About Advaita Vedanta (Non-Dualism)
• According to it, Brahman (Atman) is the Paramartha or absolute reality which doesn’t change. It is metaphysically
true and ontologically (study of concepts such as existence, reality etc.) accurate.
o Individual soul is identical to it and the world has no separate existence apart from Brahman.
• The surroundings or physical environment is the ever-changing vyavahara or empirical (pragmatic) reality
created by illusion or māyā.
o Pratibhasika or deceptive reality is another level of reality constructed through imagination.
• Because of errors in judgments (mithya) and ignorance (avidya), individuals see plurality or being different from
Brahman.
• Knowledge helps individual to reach absolute reality to liberate from the cycle of transmigration and worldly
bondage, described in three words by Vedanta as: “sat-chit-ananda”, i.e. Truth, consciousness and Bliss.
• According to it, Atman is the only ‘sat’ or absolute truth. A person attains bliss or happiness by gaining
consciousness or knowledge of absolute truth.

4.2. SWAMI RAMANUJACHARYA

Why in News?
Union Home Minister
unveiled Statue of Peace
of Swami
Ramanujacharya in
Srinagar located in a
temple in the Sonwar
region.
More about News
• In Feb 2022, PM also
unveiled 216-feet tall
Statue of Equality of
Swami
Ramanujacharya in
Hyderabad.

29
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Note: It is different from Statue of Peace, unveiled by PM in Rajasthan (2020), of Jain monk Acharya Shree
Vijay Vallabh Surishwer.
o Also, there is Statue of Unity, world's tallest statue, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
About Sri Ramanujacharya’s Philosophy - Vishishtadvaita
• According to him the soul even when united with the Supreme God remained distinct.
• Philosophy believes that the supreme reality is Saguna Brahman, a personal being with countless auspicious
attributes, and it is a qualified whole of which Brahman is the soul, and the Jiva and the Jagat (the soul and material
nature) constitute the body, which has an inseparabe relationship with the whole.
o Though it is a non-dual whole, yet it is characterised by internal differences in it.
o This is why this one reality is called 'Visistadvaita” meaning 'qualified non- dualism'.
o Here the non-dual reality is made known by its qualities—the souls and the world which are of two different
natures. These two kinds of entities are distinct yet real parts of the whole.
• The 'Visistadvaita” was not coined by Ramanuja but came to be used by others afterwards.

4.3. SANT TUKARAM

Why in news?
Prime Minister inaugurated the Sant Tukaram Shila (rock) Mandir in the temple town of Dehu in Maharashtra.

About Varkari
• Varkari can be referred to an individual or group who undertakes a pilgrimage to the temple of Lord Vithoba or
Vitthala in the town of Pandharpur, Maharashtra
• The journey to Pandharpur commences from various cities and towns in Maharashtra.
o Towns and cities include Jalgaon, Paithan, Daulatabad, Alandi, Dehu, and many more.
o Each city or town is associated with one or more saints of the bhakti movement in Maharashtra such as
Muktabai, Eknath, Janardanswami, Jnanesvar, and Tukaram.
About Sant Tukaram Maharaj - Gatha Temple
• It is situated in Dehu village, near Pune.
• It is made up of white marbles.
• Located on the bank of Indrayani river near old temple of the Sant Tukaram Maharaj.

30
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 4.4. LACHIT BARPHUKAN
Why in News?
A three-day long celebration of 400th birth anniversary of Ahom General Lachit Barphukan held in New Delhi.

31
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.5. RAJA RAM MOHAN ROY: FATHER OF INDIAN RENAISSANCE
Why in news? Various designations to Raja Ram Mohan Roy
th
Recently, India celebrated the 250 birth anniversary • The title 'Raja' was bestowed upon him by the
of Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Mughal emperor Akbar II, in 1831.
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale called him the ‘Father of
Personal life Modern India’.
• Rabindranath Tagore called him a ‘Bharatpathik’.
Birth: He was born on May 22, 1772 to Ramakanta Roy
and Tarini Devi in Radhanagar village of Hoogly district, Bengal Presidency.
• Education: Along with the modern education, he also studied Vedas, the Upanishads, Kalpa Sutra and
other Jain texts and the Tantric works with the aid of Hariharananda Tirthaswami and religious texts of
Islam and Christianity.
o Polyglot: He knew Bengali, Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, and English.
• Career: Entered East India Company as a clerk and later on was promoted to the post of Deewan.
• Death: He died of meningitis in 1833 while residing in Bristol, England.
Some of his important contributions are as follows-
• Bengal Sati Regulation, 1829: Passed
under Governor General William
Bentinck, regulation banned the
practice of Sati.
• Equal rights to women: He opposed
child marriage and polygamy, while
demanding equal inheritance rights for
women.
• Educational Reforms: He campaigned
for the modernisation of education, in
particular the introduction of a
Western curriculum. In this spirit, he
opposed establishment of the Sanskrit
College. Important educational
institutions established by him include:
o Hindu College in 1817 in
collaboration with Scottish
philanthropist David Hare. Later,
this came to be known as
Presidency University.
o Anglo-Vedic School in 1822.
o Vedanta College in 1826.
o The General Assembly’s
Institution in 1830 in collaboration
with Alexander Duff. Later, this
came to be known as Scottish
Church College.
• Religious Contributions:
o Hindu reformer: Gave a Unitarian reaction to the Hindu Shastras from the Vedanta and the
Mahanirvana Tantra. He established:
✓ Atmiya Sabha (Society of Friends), 1814: It was established to nurture philosophical discussions
on the idea of monotheism in Vedanta and to campaign against idolatry, casteism, child marriage
and other social ills.
✓ Brahmo Sabha, 1828: It was setup with Debendranath Tagore, Rabindranath Tagore’s father. It is
also known as Brahmo Samaj.
o Muslim defender: He wrote the ‘Tuhfat-Ul-Muwahhiddin’ (1803) and the ‘Monozeautul Adiyan’,
which were polemical (piece of writing or a speech in which a person strongly attacks or defends a
particular opinion) works.

32
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o Christianity: He gave a Unitarian version of the entire body of scriptures, old and new, in his
controversies with the Christian Missionaries.
• Freedom of the press: He petitioned the British for freedom of the press in 1829 and 1830. He published:
o 'Sambad Kaumudi' (Moon of Intelligence): Founded in the year 1821, this Bengali weekly was the first
newspaper in an Indian language.
o 'Miratul- Akhbar' (Mirror of News): Founded in the year 1822, it was India’s first Persian newspaper.
Roy was also the first editor of this newspaper.
✓ It was published on a weekly basis on Fridays.
✓ In 1823, it was stopped from publication under the Licensing Regulations for Press.
• Economic reforms: Exposed British for economic exploitation of India, voiced for poor peasants, rise in
stipend to Mughal emperor.
• Political reforms: He publicly, never demanded independence for India, but still, fought for the civil rights
of the Indians and opposed the racial superiority of Europeans.

4.6. SRI AUROBINDO

Why in News?
India recently celebrated the 150th birth
anniversary of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh.
About Sri Aurobindo
• Was a 20th century Bengali poet,
philosopher, spiritual leader and a
revolutionary freedom fighter.
• Born in Calcutta on 15 August 1872 as
Aurobindo Ghose, he received his early
education from a convent school in
Darjeeling.
• He studied at St. Paul’s School London
(1884) and King’s College in Cambridge in
1890. Also, he scored 11th rank in the ICS examination but didn’t clear the probation.
• He was among the first leaders to demand a mass-based movement for India's independence.
Sri Aurobindo’s contributions
• Political Contributions:
o He helped in establishing Anushilan Samiti in 1902.
o He was a part of the Alipore Conspiracy case in 1908.
o During the Surat session of INC in 1907, he joined the extremist group led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak
against the
moderates.
• Spiritual Contributions
o In 1914, he started a
magazine “Arya”
which led to the
founding of Sri
Aurobindo Ashram
in 1926 with Mirra
Alfassa.
✓ Mirra Alfassa
founded the
Auroville, i.e.,
the city of dawn,
a universal town
for a peaceful,
progressive, and harmonious existence.

33
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o He developed the concept of “Integral Yoga” through which he believed human beings can achieve
true self-realization.
• Literary contributions:
o 'New Lamps for Old', articles written by him in InduPrakash from 1893-94, criticizing moderate
politics of Congress.
o Started Bande Mataram (English Daily), Karmayogin (English newspaper) and Dharma (Bengali
Weekly).
o Wrote articles in Jugantar Patrika (Bengali revolutionary newspaper) to inspire revolutionaries and
the Bhawani Mandir, a pamphlet published by the Anushilan Samiti.
o He had studied the scriptures and translated texts ranging from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata,
and the Upanishads to Kalidasa, Bhavabhuti and Bharatthari.
o Other Books include compilation as poems, letters and essays such as Essays on the Gita (1922),
Collected Poems and Plays (1942), The Synthesis of Yoga (1948), The Human Cycle (1949), The Ideal
of Human Unity (1949), Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol (1950), etc.
• He argued that caste-based discrimination was external, and it furthered social degradation.
• He was influenced by teachings of Sri Ramanujacharya, inspired by the neo Vedantic philosophy of Swami
Vivekananda and was a firm believer of Sanatan Dharma.

4.7. CHHATRAPATI SHAHU MAHARAJ

Why in news?
The death centenary (May 6th, 1922) of legendary king Shahu Maharaj was
observed by the State of Maharashtra.
About Shahu Maharaj
• Born in Kolhapur District. He was a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj, the founder of the modern Maratha Empire.
• Originally named Yashwantrao Ghatge, he was adopted into the
Bhonsale dynasty and became the ruler of Kolhapur in 1894.
• Major Events associated with Shahu Maharaj
o Vedokta controversy: ‘Vedokta’ refers to Vedic religious rites which are supposedly the right of all the
twice-born castes, as opposed to the ‘Puranokta’ (from the Puranas) rites which all Shudras were
entitled to perform.
✓ In 1899, Shahu maharaj staked his claim to Vedokta. His royal priest, however, refused to oblige
him since Shahu maharaj, in his view, was a Shudra.
o Association with Dr. B. R. Ambedkar:
✓ He provided financial support to Ambedkar to complete his study.
✓ In 1920, together they organised a conference where Shahu maharaj declared Dr. Ambedkar "the
true leader of the oppressed classes in India".
✓ He also financed Dr Ambedkar’s newspaper ‘Mooknayak (Leader of the Dumb)’.
His key contributions in making of the modern India:
• Education: Established Miss Clarke Boarding School, initiated a compulsory free primary education for
all in his state, established Vedic Schools etc.
• Social reforms: He legalised widow remarriage in Kolhapur, legalised Inter-caste and Inter-religion
Marriage. He also passed the Law for Prevention of Cruelty against Women and the Manifesto against
Observance of Untouchability.
o Shahuji was influenced by the works of Jyotiba Phule and patronised his Satya Shodhak Samaj. In his
later life, he moved towards the Arya Samaj.
o Shahu Maharaj reserved 50% of the posts in the state's services, for the backward classes.
• Political reform: He established the Deccan Rayat Association in Nipani during 1916. The association
sought to secure political rights for non-Brahmins and invited their equal participation in politics.
• Economic reforms: He introduced several projects like spinning and weaving mill, dedicated marketplaces,
establishment of co-operative societies for farmers, and established the King Edward Agricultural
Institute. He initiated the Radhanagari Dam in 1907 (the project was completed in 1935).

34
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Freedom Fight: On Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s suggestion, he helped the Shivaji Club, who undertook
revolutionary activities, with money and weapons.

4.8. ALLURI SITARAMA RAJU

Why in news?
PM launched year-long 125th birth anniversary celebration of legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju
in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh by unveiling his bronze statute.

About Rampa Rebellion (August 1922 – May 1924)

• The Rampa Revolt, also referred to as the Manyam Uprising, was a tribal rebellion.
• Factors that led to the revolt
o The Muttadars who were the actual rulers of the region had their socio-economic status challenged
as they were forcefully brought under the colonial structure.
o The sudden declaration of Podu cultivation (shifting cultivation) as illegal under the new colonial
regime.
o The colonial government usurped the rights of the Related Information
Komaram Bheem
local people to collect Minor Forest Produce.
• He was a Gond tribal leader from Telangana.
o The tribals were forcefully engaged in Vetti, that is,
• He was inspired by Alluri Seetha Rama Raju
free or unpaid labour. and Birsa Munda.
• Alluri Sitarama Raju told them that they were the sole • Gave slogan of Jal,Jangal, Jameen (water,
owners of the forest produce and prepared them to forest land) to fight for tribal freedom and
fight against the oppressive Madras Forest Act, 1882. rights.
• He formed a guerrilla army with young men
Course of the movement
of Gondu and Koya to fight against Nizams.
• He launched attacks on police stations to snatch
modern weapons to fight against the heavily armed the British forces.
o The first of such attacks was made on Chintapalli police station in Visakhapatnam Agency area.
• All the attacks were concluded by a trademark letter signed by Raju himself.
• Another hallmark of his attacks was that he would announce the date and time of the attack.
• Rama Raju was martyred on May 7, 1924.

35
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.9. OTHER IMPORTANT PERSONALITIES IN NEWS
Acharya Charak • National Medical Commission has recommended a modified Maharishi Charak Shapath for
candidates on introduction to medical education.
• Acharya Charak, also known as Pranacharya Charak, was born in Kashmir and remembered
as Father of Indian Medicine.
• He was an Ayurvedic practitioner and considered to be a court physician of King Kanishka.
o Other scholars who resided in Kanishka’s court included Vasumitra, Asvaghosa,
Nagarjun, Parsva etc
• He is believed to have written Charaka Samhita, a Sanskrit text on Ayurveda dealing with
basic physiological and anatomical details of humans, Tridosha (vata, pitta and kapha), etc.
o Charaka Samhita is dedicated to Maharshi Bharadwaja, as it traces its root to Atharva
Veda with verses from Maharshi Bharadwaja to treat various ailments.
o Agnivesha Samhita (by Rishi Agnivesha) on Ayurveda is also mentioned in Charaka
Samhita.
Devasahayam Pillai • Devasahayam Pillai (Blessed Lazarus) has been granted sainthood by the Vatican Roman-
Catholic church.
o He is the first Indian layman to be declared a saint by the Vatican.
• Devasahayam was born on April 23, 1712 in Nattalam village in Kanyakumari district (Tamil
Nadu).
• He went on to serve in the court of Marthanda Varma of Travancore.
• He became a Catholic in 1745, a few years after meeting a captain from Dutch East India
Company while serving the royal house of Travancore.
• He was baptised in 1745, and assumed the name ‘Lazarus’, meaning ‘God is my help’.
Chhatrapati • Maharashtra Government gave its approval to rename Aurangabad and Osmanabad cities
Sambhaji as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Dharashiv, respectively.
o Aurangabad, originally called Khadki, was built-in 1610 by Malik Ambar.
o It was later renamed Aurangabad after it became the headquarters of Aurangzeb
during his rule over the Deccan.
• Sambhaji was the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji (founder of Maratha Empire) and the
second ruler of Maratha Empire after his father's death.
o He is remembered for sacrificing his life to protect his people and beliefs.
• Books written by Sambhaji: Sanskrit treatise Budhabhushan-Rajneeti, Nayikabhed,
Nakhshikha, Satshatak.
o He wrote these books in Braj language.
Dara Shikoh • Vice-President released the Arabic Version of Majma Ul-Bahrain of Dara Shikoh.
o Majma-ul-Bahrain (which means ‘Confluence of Two Oceans’) throws light on the
similarities between Hinduism (Vedanta) and Islam (Sufism).
• He was eldest son of Shah Jahan and was executed after losing the war of succession
against his brother Aurangzeb.
• He is described as a “liberal Muslim” and showed keen interest in Sufi mysticism and was
initiated into the Kadiri order of Sufis by his pir (spiritual guide), Mulla Shah.
• He translated into Persian the Bhagavad Gita as well as 52 Upanishads, which were earlier
known only to a few upper caste Hindus.
• Other Famous works: Safinat-ul-Awliya, Risala-i-hak Numa, Shathiyat or Hasanat-ul-
Arifin and Iksir-i-Azam, Jug Bashist and Tarjuma-i-Akwal-i-Wasili.
Dadabhai Naoroji • 2022 marks 130th anniversary of election, in 1892, in which Dadabhai Naoroji became first
(1825 to 1917) person of Indian origin to be elected to British House of Commons.
• Key Achievements
o Proponent of the 'drain theory', building up a detailed economic critique of British
imperialism in India.
o Active member of the Bombay Association (1852), the first association in the western
India to consider political issues.
o Founded East Indian Association (1867) and One of the founders of the Indian National
Congress (1885).
o Founder-editor of the journal Rast Goftar.
o Major works: Poverty of India, Poverty and Un-British Rule in India etc.
Uda Devi • On November 16, events to commemorate the martyrdom of Uda Devi were held at various
places in Uttar Pradesh.

36
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Uda Devi was a Dalit freedom fighter in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. She was born in a
small village in Awadh, Uttar Pradesh.
• She was part of the royal guard of Begum Hazrat Mahal of Awadh.
• She was Known for her courageous battle in Lucknow termed as Battle in Sikandar Bagh.

Pingali Venkayya • Nation paid homage to Pingali Venkayya, the architect of India’s National Flag.
• Born in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh, he was a freedom fighter and a Gandhian who
went on to become synonymous with the spirit of free and independent India.
• He designed the new flag for the National Congress Meeting in 1921. It was officially
adopted by the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1931.
• It served as the template on which the present National Flag evolved.
Braj Basi Lal (BB • Veteran archaeologist B. B. Lal passed away.
Lal) • Key achievements
o He worked extensively on sites associated with Harappan civilisation and epic
Mahabharata and discovered number of Painted Grey Ware sites in Indo-Gangetic
divide and upper Yamuna-Ganga Doab
o Served as director general of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from 1968 to 1972
and served on several UNESCO committees.
o Founded temple-like pillars during excavation at Ayodhya site in mid-70s, where Ram
temple is now being built.
o Awarded Padma Bhushan in 2000 and Padma Vibhushan in 2021.
o Famous books: Saraswati flows on: The continuity of Indian culture and Rama, his
historicity, Mandir and Setu: Evidence of Literature, Archaeology and other Sciences
etc.

37
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 5. BUDDHISM AND JAINISM

38
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
39
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 5.1. ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS IN BANDHAVGARH FOREST
RESERVE
Why in News?
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) unravelled archaeological remains in
Bandhavgarh Forest Reserve.
More on News
• An archaeological site was discovered for first time in Bandhavgarh
in 1938.
o It is located between Vindhyan and Satpura ranges of Madhya Pradesh.
• Name of cities located suggest that there might have been trading ties and people from other cities may
have donated something.
Key findings
Specifications Detail
Buddhism • 26 Buddhist caves and stupas: Caves had ‘Chaitya’ (rounded) doors and stone beds typical of
Mahayana Buddhism sites.
• A Votive stupa and Buddhist pillar fragment containing miniature stupas carving, which roughly
date back to 2nd-3rd century AD.
Hinduism • Remains of 26 temples dated to Kalachuri period (9th-11th centuries CE). In addition to this, two
Saiva mutts have been documented.
o Kalachuri dynasty was spread over parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, and
it is also associated with earliest Ellora and Elephanta cave monuments.
• Among 46 sculptures, Varah sculpture (incarnations of Lord Vishnu)- possibly world’s largest-
from 2nd - 15th century CE.
Inscriptions • 24 inscriptions in Brahmi text of 2nd-5th centuries CE.
o They mention cities including Mathura, Kaushambi, Pavata, Vejabharada, Sapatanaairikaa
and kings including Bhimsena, Pothasiri and Bhattadeva.
• Inscriptions are also in Nagari and Shankhalipi.
Other • Coins belonging to Mughal-era and Sharqi dynasty of Jaunpur Sultanate
findings • Gupta period remains such as door jambs and carvings in caves from 4th-5th century CE; 19
waterbodies from 2nd- 15th CE.

40
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 About Buddhist Caves and Stupas
• The earliest rock-cut caves in India are attributed to the Mauryan period, mainly to Ashoka (273-232 BC).
Caves in this period were generally used as viharas, i.e. living quarters, by the Jain and Buddhist monks.
o Significant Buddhist caves include karla and bhaja rock cut caves, near lonavala, Ajanta and Ellora
caves, Bagh caves.
• Stupa, Sanskrit for heap, is a mound-like (hemispherical) burial structure containing relics of Buddhist
monks.
o E.g., Sanchi Stupa built over Buddha relics.
• Architectural features of Stupa (refer image)
o A hemispherical mound or anda’s shaped dome
o A square railing or harmika
o Central pillar supporting a triple-umbrella form (chattra), representing three jewels of Buddhism.
o Enclosure wall with decorated gateways (toranas) at cardinal directions.
o A circular terrace (medhi) for ritual circumambulation.

5.2. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Lumbini • Prime Minister visited Lumbini to boost India- Nepal ties.
o Both nations agreed in principle to establish sister city relations
between Lumbini (birthplace of Lord Buddha) and Kushinagar
(death place of Lord Buddha).
• Significance of Lumbini
o It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
o Archaeological remains of Buddhist viharas (monasteries) and
stupas (memorial shrines) from 3rd century BC to 15th century AD.
o Other structures include Shakya Tank; remains within Maya Devi Temple consisting of brick
structures in a cross-wall system and sandstone Ashoka pillar with its Pali inscription in
Brahmi script.
Ancient • Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) plans to conserve an ancient Buddhist site near
Buddhist site Kanaganahalli (forming part of Sannati site) in Karnataka.
finally in focus • Sannati is a small village situated on banks of Bhima River.
after 20 years o It is famous for discovery of a Buddhist Mahastupa (referred to as Adholoka Maha Chaitya)
and stone-portrait of Emperor Ashoka.
• Stupa is believed to have been developed in three constructional phases – Maurya, Early
Satavahana and Later Satavahana period (3rd Century B.C. to 3rd Century A.D).
o Stone-portrait is considered the only surviving image of Ashoka with inscription ‘Raya
Asoko’ in Brahmi on it.
Kanheri caves • Ministryof Tourism inaugurated public amenities at Kanheri Caves.
• Kanheri Caves were created by Buddhist monks between 2nd and 9th centuries AD.
o Located within forests of Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Borivali in Mumbai, Maharashtra,
they are collection of rock cut monuments.
o Kanheri is derived from Sanskrit word ‘Krishnagiri’, which literally means ‘black mountain’.
• These have artistic evidence of all the three vehicles of Buddhism: Hinayana, Mahayana,
Vajrayana.
o Kanheri flourished under the patronage of Satavahana, Traikutakas, Vakatakas and
Silaharas.
o Earliest reference of Kanheri is ascribed to Fa-Hein.
Sittanavasal • Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently undertaken conservation measures at
Sittanavasal.
• Sittanavasal or Chithannavasal is a Jain heritage site in Tamil Nadu.
• It is a hillock housing:
o A second century Rock cave temple of Arivar Kovil (temple of Arihats, i.e. Jain Monks who
conquered their senses) with Mahavir statue, meditation hall and Pandya paintings.
✓ It uses fresco-secco technique- a process that dispenses with preparation of the wall
with wet plaster).
o 17 polished rock beds- collectively known as Ezhadipattam,
o Burial pots, known as Muthumakkal Thazhi, to bury the Jain monks after death.
Nyingma sect • Buddhist Nyingma sect has found the ‘reincarnation’ of late Taklung Rinpoche, a scholar known
of Buddhism for his knowledge of Tibetan Tantric school.
41
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • About the sect
o It has the longest establishment history of transmitting all the four major traditions of
Tibetan Buddhism.
o Nyingma literary means “Old Order”.
o The Other three main Tibetan Buddhism schools, Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelug, collectively refer
to New Order (Sarma).
o The most important teacher in the Nyingmapa tradition is Padmasambhava.
Paryushan • It is an important Jain festival taking place in the middle of the rainy season, when the Jain
Parv monks and nuns cease travelling and stay with a community and are available to them for
instruction and guidance.
o Paryushan means ‘abiding’ or ‘coming together’.
• It concludes with a time of confession and forgiveness for the transgressions of the previous
year.
Aparigraha • It is Jainism principle of non-possessiveness that focuses on creating a balance between desires
and needs and detachment from your own possessions.
• It is also one of the yamas, or codes of ethical behavior, listed in Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga.

42
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 6. MISCELLANEOUS
6.1. NAVAL TRADITIONS IN INDIA
Why in news?
Recently the new naval ensign (flag) was
unveiled by Prime Minister during the
commissioning of INS Vikrant.
More on News
• Naval Ensigns are flags that naval ships
or formations bear to denote Role played by the Navy
nationality. • Creating trade routes: IVC’s maritime trade route with
• Old naval ensign carried the Saint Mesopotamia, Gupta empire trade routes with West Asia etc.
George’s Cross with the Tricolour in the • Establishing external links: Mauryan empire relationship with
canton (top left corner of flag). Sri Lanka, Egypt etc. (the route of propagation of Buddhism).
o Naval ensign was also changed in • Protecting the sea border: Although limited, the naval war
1950, 2001, 2004, 2014. fighting capabilities existed especially in Maurya, Chola and
• New naval ensign bears the seal of Maratha dynasties.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. • Scientific exchanges: For example, the knowledge of the
monsoon winds was also developed during sea voyages.
• Tricolour is placed on the upper canton
(top left) of the flag, and on the right a
blue octagonal shape that encompasses the national emblem sits atop an anchor, which depicts
steadfastness.
o The octagonal shape has been designed to represent eight directions, symbolising the multi-
directional reach and multi-dimensional
operational capability of the Indian Navy.
o Twin golden borders surrounding it are said to
draw inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj.
Evolution of Indian Navy
• Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC)
o World's first tidal dock is believed to have been
built at Lothal around 2300 BC during the
Harappan Civilisation, near the present day
Mangrol harbour on the Gujarat coast.
o Inhabitants of IVC had maritime trade link with
Mesopotamia.
• Mauryan Dynasty
o Extensive maritime trading activities that
paved the way for Indian immigration to
Indonesia and other surrounding islands.
o Megasthenes has described the presence of a
special group that looked after
different aspects of naval Chola period
• Extensive sea trade existed and new harbours with
warfighting.
quarters, warehouses, and workshops where established.
o Arthashastra, written by Chanayaka,
• Ship repair yards, wharfs and light houses were also built.
has details of the department of • Naval supremacy of the Cholas attained its zenith in the
waterways under a Navadhyaksha reign of Rajendra Chola.
(Superintendent of the ships).
• Satvahana Dynasty
o They controlled the East coast of India, along the Bay of Bengal and had healthy trade with the Roman
Empire. Also had contacts with various parts of Southeast Asia through the sea route.
o Were the first native Indian rulers to issue their own coins with inscription of ships.

43
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Gupta Dynasty
o Chinese travelers including Fa-Hien, Huein Tsang etc had given accounts of the vast overseas trade
during the Gupta period.
o During this period, several ports in the east and west were opened which greatly revived maritime
trade with European and African countries.
• Southern dynasties
o Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas rulers had established strong maritime trade links with the local rulers of
Sumatra, Java, Malay Peninsula, Thailand and China.
o They navigated through various rivers which opened into the Arabian Sea.
o Cheras had a flourishing trade with the Greeks and the Romans.
o Pandyas controlled pearl farming that took place along the India's southern coastline.
Mughals, Marathas, Mysore, and the advent of
Mysore’s Naval power under Tipu Sultan
Europeans
• He built several warships and many transport ships.
• Mughal empire was largely a land-based empire.
• He created a board of admiralty and planned a world-
They did not pay much attention to the affairs of
class oceanic navy consisting of several battleships
the sea. This enabled the Arabs to establish a
and large frigates.
monopoly over trade in the Indian Ocean.
• There were dockyards at Jamalabad, Wajidabad and
• Hearing about India, Europeans and among them
Majidabad.
Portuguese took the lead and were the first to
arrive on Indian shores. • His navy is believed to have been 10,000 strong; the
French were his consultants.
• Most staunch resistance to them was by Mysore
under Tipu Sultan and by Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Why was Naval prowess of Marathas special? Maratha Navy

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj laid the foundations of a • Organization: The Navy was divided into
two ‘Subhas’ or divisions; every division;
modern naval force in the 17th century.
had five Gurabs and, fifteen Galbats
• A strong naval presence along the Konkan coast to (fighting ships), each division was under
protect the sea trade of the Maratha empire. the command of two admirals; Darya
o For more than 40 years, the Marathas held both the Sarang and Mai Nayak (Bhandari).
Portuguese and the British at bay. (The Portuguese • Ships: The Maratha ships were of two
accepted his right to sea and the English company types; fighting ships and merchant ships.
had to pay an annual tribute, to ensure the safety of The fighting ships included Gurabs, and
their vessels.) Galbats. The merchant ships consisted of
o He also protected the western Konkan coastline from machuva, shibar, tarandiand pagar.
the attacks of Siddis fleet. • Strength: Maratha navy developed into a
ferocious force with more than 500 ships.
• Major Naval events in Maratha history Special among his warships was
o 1665: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj undertook a sea- Sanghameshwari. It was designed such
borne naval expedition to North Canara and raided that it could trawl through the shallows.
Barcelor along with Karwar, Shiveshwar, Miraj, • Naval Infrastructure: Many coastal forts
Ankola etc. were built such as at Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg
o 1679: Marathas occupied the island of Khanderi, and others along the Konkan coast.
south of Bombay.
o 1690s: Kanhoji established the might of Maratha navy by introducing new fighting techniques,
adopting the European technologies and improved artillery.
o 1756: The Maratha naval supremacy came to an end with the joint task force of the Peshwa and English
against Tulaji Angre at Vijaydurg.

6.2. NATIONAL SYMBOLS OF INDIA

National Symbols
National Flag State Emblem
Adaptation from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. The
emblem represents the seal of the Republic of India.

National Anthem National Song National Calender

Composed originally in Bengali by Vande Mataram, composed The national calendar based on the Saka Era,
Rabindranath Tagore, was adopted in Sanskrit by with Chaitra as its first month and a normal year

44
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 in its Hindi version by the Bankimchandra Chatterji. of 365 days was adopted from 22 March 1957
Constituent Assembly on 24 January The song was a part of along with the Gregorian calendar for official
1950. Bankimchandra's Anand purposes.
Math (1882). It is based on the ascension of King
Shalivaahan to the throne in 78 AD
National Bird: The Indian National Animal: The National Flower: Lotus, National Tree: Indian fig tree,
peacock, PAVO CRISTATUS. tiger, Panthera tigris. Nelumbo Nucifera Gaertn. Ficus bengalensis.

6.3. AMENDMENTS TO FLAG CODE OF INDIA

Why in news?
Recently, the centre amended the Flag Code of India (FCI).
More about the news
• The amendment allows the national flag to be flown both in day
and at night if it is displayed in the open or on the House of a
member of the public. Earlier, the tricolour could be hoisted
only between sunrise and sunset.
o FCI was earlier amended in December 2021, allowing the use
of polyester, apart from cotton, wool, silk and khadi for
making hand-spun, hand-woven and machine -made flags.
• The amendment is brought with regards to the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
o Campaign, under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, was to encourage people to bring the Tiranga
home and hoist it to mark the 75th year of India’s independence.
• Department of posts was tasked with making the people aware of the importance of the ‘Har Ghar
Tiranga’ Campaign.
The Flag Code of India, 2002
• A set of laws and conventions about the use, display and hoisting of the Indian national flag. It was
brought into effect on January 26th, 2002.
• It governs the display of the National flag by private, public and government institutions.
• Size and shape of the national flag: It shall be rectangular. It can be of any size but the ratio of the length
to the height of the national flag should be 3:2.
• National Flag at home: A member of the public, a private organization, or an educational institution may
display the national flag on all days or occasions in accordance with the dignity and honour of the national
flag.

6.4. STATE EMBLEM OF INDIA

Why in news?
Recently, a cast of State Emblem was constructed atop the new Parliament building- the Central Vista Project.
The History behind the State Emblem
• The Lion Capital was erected by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka during the year 250 BC to mark the spot
where Buddha imparted Dharmachakra Pravartana (first sermon after Enlightenment, explaining the
Four-Noble Truths).
• The National Emblem is the graphic representation of the Lion Capital that originally sits at the top of
the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, along with the National Motto (taken From Mundaka Upanishad) written
below it.
• Five students of renowned artist Nandalal Bose created the emblem. Among them were Jagdish Mittal,
Kripal Singh Shekhawat, Gauri Bhanja and Dinanath Bhargava.

45
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Why did the Constituent Assembly embrace the Sarnath pillar as the national emblem?
• It was felt that the pillar epitomised the power, courage and confidence of the free nation.
• The emblem depicts a two-dimensional sculpture with the words Satyameva Jayate (truth alone
triumphs) written below it in Devanagari script.
Design of the State Emblem
• The Animals
o The four majestic lions, roaring and facing the four cardinal directions
represent power, courage, pride, confidence. The four lions of the capital
holistically symbolize stress on equality and justice in all spheres of life.
o The four animals in between the chakras are regarded as the guardians of
four directions. These animals appear to be rolling the chakras in the
Abacus.
✓ The elephant represents the conception of Prince Siddhartha.
✓ The bull is the representative of Prince Siddhartha in his youth.
✓ The horse depicts Siddhartha renouncing his royal life in search of Enlightenment.
✓ The lion is the depiction of Siddhartha attaining Enlightenment under the Peepal tree and his
transformation as Buddha.
• Dharma Chakra or the Ashok Chakra is the ‘Wheel of Law’ that signifies Dharma (virtue).
o The 24 spokes of the Chakra represent the number of hours in a day and portray the passage of time. The
spokes signify moving forward in life and thus one avoids stagnation of the mind.

6.5. NUMISMATIC HISTORY OF INDIA

Why in news?
The recent discussion on putting images of Gods and Goddesses
on coins and banknotes has renewed interest in Numismatic
history of India.
More on News
• Who changes the design on Currency notes?
o The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and central government
have the power to design the currency notes in India.
o Any change in currency design needs to be approved by
RBI’s Central Board and Central Government.
• How does the process of changing currency notes work?
o RBI’s Department of Currency Management works on
the design.
o It submits the design to the RBI and then it sends for
recommendation to the central government.
o The Centre gives the final approval for the design of
the currency notes.
Beginning of Numismatic study in India
• Numismatics is the study and collection of coins, tokens,
and other coin-like objects that people used as currencies
throughout history.
• With the discovery of some Roman coins in 1790 begins the
history of Indian Numismatics. It started as a subject of
study and research in 1824 when Col. Todd published some
Greek, Parthian, and Indian coins in the Transactions of the Royal Asiatic Society.
• Numismatic Society of India (founded in 1910) at Allahabad was intended as a coordinating body to
regulate the study of Indian numismatics.
Coins of modern India
• The first Rupee coin of Republic of India was minted in 1950.
o Other denominations of coins of modern India were also produced like the 1/2 Re, 1/4 Re, 2 Anna, 1
Anna, 1/2 Anna & 1 Pice coins which are also referred as Anna series or pre-decimal coinage.

46
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o In 1957, India shifted to the decimal system.
• Some of commemorative coins include coins depicting Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi,
B. R. Ambedkar, Rajiv Gandhi, Saint Dnyaneshwar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose etc.

47
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 6.6. PANINI CODE
Why in News?
An Indian scholar cracked 2500 year old panini code.

48
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 About Panini Code
• Panini taught a "metarule" in the event of a conflict between two rules of
equal strength.
o Traditionally, scholars interpreted it in terms of using the rule that
comes later in the grammar's serial order, which often led to
grammatically incorrect results.
• New research argues that in such conflicts, Panini wanted us to choose the
rule applicable to the right side over the left side of a word.
• Significance: It could allow Sanskrit grammar to be taught to computers.
About Panini and Ashtadhyayi
• Panini was a Sanskrit grammarian who gave a comprehensive and scientific theory of phonetics,
phonology, and morphology.
• He is also referred to as an Informatician as he used language to decode information.
• Panini's grammar, known as the Astadhyayi (or Astaka, given in 6th or 5th century BCE) contains 4000
sutras to explain the science behind Sanskrit.
o It relies on a system that functions like an algorithm to turn the base and suffix of a word into
grammatically correct words and sentences.
o It is compared to the Turing Machine of Alan M Turing due to its complex set of rules for creating
words.
• Astadhyayi is further augmented by ancillary texts such as Sivasutras (special order of phonemes);
Dhatupatha (list of verbal roots); Ganapatha (various sets of nouns) and Linganusaasana (system for
deciding the gender).

6.7. CONVENTION FOR SAFEGUARDING OF INTANGIBLE CULTURAL

HERITAGE (ICH)
Why in News?
India was elected to Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for Safeguarding of
Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible
About the Committee Cultural Heritage
• The “intangible cultural heritage” means the
• Committee consists of 24 members and is
practices, representations, expressions, knowledge,
elected according to principles of equitable skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts
geographical representation and rotation. and cultural spaces associated therewith – that
o India has been elected (overall third time) communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals
for 2022-2026 cycle. recognize as part of their cultural heritage.
o Earlier, India was also elected to UNESCO’s • Preserving living traditions that are transmitted from
World Heritage committee (2021-2025). generation to generation is the cornerstone of the
• Some of the core functions of Committee 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of
include promoting objectives of Convention, the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
o India has been a signatory to the Convention.
providing guidance on best practices, and
making recommendations for safeguarding of ICH.
o It also examines requests for inscription of intangible heritage on Lists. Committee is also in charge
of granting international assistance.
About UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for safeguarding of ICH
• It aims for Safeguarding of Intangible Heritage along with traditions and living expression.
• It has 4 primary goals: Safeguard ICH, ensure respect for ICH, Raise awareness of the importance of ICH,
Provide for international cooperation and assistance.
• Following 2003 Convention, ICH list has been classified into five broad domains:
o Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of ICH
o Performing arts
o Social practices, rituals and festive events
o Knowledge and practices concerning nature and universe
o Traditional craftsmanship.
49
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • There are 14 Indian elements on ICH list with Durga Puja (2021), Kumbh Mela (2017), Yoga (2016) being the
latest.

6.8. SWADESH DARSHAN SCHEME

Why in News?
Ministry of Tourism has revamped its Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 as a holistic mission
to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in India.

6.9. GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION (GI) TAG

Why in news?
Recently, the Government has granted the
Geographical Indication (GI) tag to 9 products
from across the country
More on news
• With this the total number of GI Tags of
India comes to 432.
o Top 5 states holding maximum
number of GIs are Karnataka, Tamil
Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and
Kerala.

50
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 About recent GI tags
Product State Description
Gamosa Assam • The Assamese gamosa is mostly woven out of white threads with
colourful and intricate inlays in red.
• This is a traditional textile having great significance for the people
of Assam.
• Gamosa is also known as ‘Bihuwaan, as it is an essential part of Bihu
festival of Assam.

Alibag White Onion Maharashtra • It is a traditional variety of white onion in Alibag tehsil of Raigad
district in Maharashtra.
o The soil of Alibaug taluka has low sulphur content & its geo-
climatic conditions make it unique compared to other white
onion-producing areas.
• This onion does not have a strong odour like the standard onion
commonly available in the market.
• It has a sweet taste, different from other onions.
Tandur Redgram Telangana • It is a traditional crop in the rain-fed tract of the Telangana region.
• It contains about 22-24% protein, which is almost three times that of
cereals.
• As per the researchers, the fertile deep black soil with clay minerals
specifically in Tandur Region along with huge limestone deposits
can be attributed to the specific quality traits of Tandur Redgram.

Ladakh Raktsey Ladakh • Raktsey Karpo, from family of apricot, packed with vitamins and low
Karpo Apricot on calories is rich in sorbitol – a natural glucose substitute that can
be consumed by diabetics.
• These apricots are grown organically without using any chemical
fertilisers.
• Seeds of Raktsey Karpo fruit have white seed stones. However,
world over, apricot fruits have brown seed stones.

Attappady Thuvara Kerala • The Attappady Thuvara is an important traditional crop of the
Attappady tribal area in Palakkad district, Kerala.
o It is a woody shrub, generally grown as an annual crop.
• Attappady Thuvara is having seeds with white coat.

51
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Compared to other red grams, Attappady Thuvara seeds are
bigger and have higher seed weight.
o It is rich in protein, carbohydrate, fibre, calcium and
magnesium.

Onattukara Ellu Kerala • It is an ancient and traditional annual oilseed crops.

• It has relatively higher antioxidant content.
• It helps in fighting the free radicals, which destroy the body cells.
• The high content of unsaturated fat makes it beneficial for heart
patients.
Kodungallur Kerala • It is cultivated for its fully matured fruit which is used for making
Pottuvellari juice.
(Kodungallur snap • In some States, it is also used as a vegetable.
melon) • It contains high amount of Vitamin C.
• Compared to other cucurbits (gourd family), nutrients such as
calcium, magnesium, fibre and fat content are also high in
Kodungalloor Pottuvellari.

Attappady Kerala • It is cultivated in the Attappady region of Palakkad.

Attukombu Avara • It’s higher anthocyanin content compared to other dolichos
beans imparts violet colour in the stem and fruits.
• Anthocyanin is helpful against cardiovascular diseases along with
its antidiabetic properties.
o Other than this, calcium, protein, and fibre content are also
high.
• The higher phenolic content of Attappady Attukombu Avara
imparts resistance against pest and diseases, making the crop
suitable for organic cultivation.
Kanthalloor- Kerala • It contains high amount of sulphides, flavonoids, and proteins.
Vattavada Veluthulli • It is rich in allicin, which is effective against microbial infections,
(garlic) blood sugar, cancer, cholesterol, heart diseases, and damages to
blood vessels.

6.10. OTHER GI TAG IN NEWS

Banarasi Pashmina • Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) launched Banarasi Pashminain
Varanasi.
• This is for the first time that Pashmina products are being produced outside the
region of Leh-Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.
• Changthangi or Pashmina goats are raised for ultra-fine cashmere wool, known as
Pashmina once woven.
o Changthangi or Pashmina goat is a special breed of goat indigenous to the high-
altitude regions of Ladakh (domesticated and reared by Changpa nomadic
communities).
• Kashmir Pashmina has been assigned GI tag.
Mithila Makhana • Bihar’s Mithila Makhana gets a GI tag to help farmers get maximum price for their
produce.
• Mithila Makhana, simply known as 'makhan', is a variety of aquatic fox nut.
o They are rich in protein and fiber and have various micro-nutrients such as
magnesium, calcium, phosphorous and iron.
o It is famously consumed during Kojagara Puja by Maithil Brahmins.
o It is cultivated in Mithila region of Bihar and some parts of Nepal.
Purandhar Figs • Fresh figs from Purandhar taluka of Pune district were exported for the first time.
• Dry loamy soil of Purandhar is ideal for the growth of figs.

52
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Purandar has arid or semi-arid conditions with plenty of sunshine and moderate
moisture in the air and soil making it ideal for fig cultivation.
• Specialty of Purandhar Fig: has about 80 percent pulp, sweet to taste, has low acidity
and high TSS (Total soluble sugar).
• However, lower shelf-life of fig was making it difficult to explore its export potential.
Kalanamak rice • Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) has successfully developed two dwarf
varieties of Kalanamak rice.
o Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1638 and Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1652.
o These varieties resolve the issue of lodging.
• About Kalanamak rice:
o Also known as Buddha Rice, Kalanamak is a scented, one of the finest and short
grain rice with an unusual black husk.
o Rich in micronutrients such as iron and zinc and can help prevent Alzheimer’s.
o Awarded GI tag in 2013.
Nicobari hodi • Andaman & Nicobar’s first application for GI tag is for the Nicobari hodi craft.
• About Nicobari Hodi
o The hodi is the Nicobari tribe’s traditional craft.
o It is an outrigger canoe, very commonly operated in the Nicobar group of islands.
o The hodi is built using either locally available trees or from nearby islands, , and
its design varies slightly from island to island.
• It is used for transporting people and goods from one island to another and racing
purposes.
Nihonshu • Japanese Embassy has applied for a GI tag for Nihonshu, an alcoholic beverage made
from fermenting rice.
• India’s Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
allows GI Tag registration from citizens of convention countries which gives similar
privileges to Indian citizens.

6.11. FESTIVALS
6.11.1. BALIYATRA
Why in News? Evidences of Kalinga Connection with Bali
During the G20 Summit PM mentioned Baliyatra, • Temples as socio-cultural centers are common
one of the country’s largest open-air fairs. both in Bali and Odisha.
• Similar type of roulette ware seen at Sembiran,
About Baliyatra located in northeastern Bali, and from the sites like
Manikpatna, Tamluk (Odisha), etc.
• Baliyatra is organised every year to • In Bali, there is an inscription of the fourteenth
commemorate maritime and cultural links century CE written in Odia language, and scripts
between ancient Kalinga (today’s Odisha) and used in Bali in the tenth century CE were also used
Bali and other South and Southeast Asian in Kalinga.
regions like Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Burma • A section of Brahmanas in Bali styled themselves as
(Myanmar) and Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Brahmana-Bouddha- Kalinga.
• It is celebrated on the banks of river Mahanadi
and begins on Kartik Purnima (full moon day in October-November).
• The festival is like the ‘Masakapan Ke Tukad’ festival of Bali.
About maritime history of Kalinga Empire
• Kalidasa in Raghuvamsa referred to the King of Kalinga as ‘The Lord of the Sea’ (Mahodadhipati)
highlighting their dominance over sea routes.
• Due to its geographical location, Kalinga saw growth of ports as early as 4th and 5th century BC.
o Some famous ports: Tamralipti, Manikpatna, Chelitalo, Palur, Pithunda, Dantapura, Kalinga Nagar etc.
• Kalingas constructed large boats called ‘Boitas’.
• Apart from South and Southeast Asia, trade links with East African and certain Arab countries were also
present.
• Trade declined during Mughal and British rule.

53
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 6.11.2. NEW YEAR MAP OF INDIA

54
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 6.11.3. OTHER IMPORTANT FESTIVALS

Festival Details
Hornbill • Hornbill Festival started in Nagaland.
Festival • About Hornbill Festival
o Conceptualised in 2000, the Hornbill Festival is annually celebrated.
o It is celebrations of the indigenous warrior tribes of Nagaland with an aim to revive and
protect the culture of Nagaland.
o It is named after Hornbill – a tropical bird reflected in tribal cultural expressions, songs and
dances.
Sammakka • Also known as Medaram Jatara, it is a biennial tribal festival celebrated in Telangana.
Saralamma o It commemorates the valiant fight of the mother and daughter duo i.e. Sammakka and
Jatara Saralamma against the then Kakatiya dynasty rulers protesting exaction of land tribute even
at the time of severe drought.
• It is the second-largest fair of India, after the Kumbh Mela, celebrated by the second-largest Tribal
Community of Telangana- the Koya tribe.
o Koya is a warrior tribe inhabiting Eastern Ghats - living in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana etc.,
practising pastoralism and shifting cultivation as traditional livelihood.
Ambubachi • AmbubachiMela, a four day annual fair celebrated at Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam.
Mela o It is celebrated to mark the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya (reigning deity).
o It also marks as an occasion to promote awareness about menstrual hygiene.
• About Kamakhya Temple:
o Situated on the Nilanchal Hills in Guwahati, and one of the 52 Shakti peeths or Seat of Shakti
followers.
o It is also considered as one of the prime seats of Tantric rituals.
Losar • PM extended his greetings on Losar.
Festival • Marking the beginning of the Tibetan new year in the traditional schedule of Tibetan Buddhism,
Losar is an important festival of Ladakh.
• It dates to the pre-Buddhist era in Tibet.

55
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Celebration consists of offering of prayers in the name of God and Goddess, dances and songs in
honour of Ibex and pilgrimage of Mount Kailash
Nuakhai • Prime Minister extended greetings on Nuakhai Juhar.
Juhar • Nuakhai Juhar is celebrated in western Odisha and southern Chhattisgarh to observe the welcome
of the new season of rice.
• It is observed on the fifth day of the lunar fortnight of the month of August–September, the day
after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Sangai • PM addressed Manipur Sangai Festival via video message.
Festival • About Sangai Festival
o Named after State animal, Sangai, brow-antlered deer found only in Manipur.
✓ Sangai is found in Keibul Lamjao National Park and is seen over floating biomass, called
phumdi.
o It is the biggest annual cultural festival of Manipur, organized every year in November.
o Locals exhibit their skills in native sports like:
✓ Famous martial art of Manipur: Thang Ta (a combination of Spear & Sword skills).
✓ Sagol Kangjei, an indigenous form of polo etc.
Navroz • Navroz (New day), popularly referred as Pateti, celebrates the first day of Zoroastiran calender’s
(Parsi New first month, Farvardin.
Year) • According to Iranian Calendar, it falls every year on Spring Equinox (21st March) but as per
Shahenshahi Calendar (followed by Parsi community in India), it comes in July-August (16 August
in 2022).
○ It is also known as Jamshed-i-Navroz after Persian King Jamshed who started the Shahenshahi
Calendar.
• It is included into List of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Kashi Tamil • Ministry of Education organised ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’, a month-long programme to rediscover
Sangamam the centuries-old bond of knowledge and ancient civilisational linkage between Varanasi and Tamil
Nadu.
o It aims to bring to light deep academic, economic, social and cultural relationships between
Varanasi and Tamil Nadu.
o Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) will serve as a
knowledge partner for event.
• Both are also connected by Shiva temples, like Kasi Viswanathar temple in Tenkasi (Tamilnadu).
o It was built by Parakrama Pandyan in Dravidian style, for devotees who could not visit Kashi.
o It is dedicated Lord Shiva in a self-incarnated form (swayambu).
o Tenkasi is known as Kasi of South.
o The nearby river Chittar is considered equivalent to Ganga.

6.12. PRIZES AND AWARDS

Sangeet • Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards
Natak o Awards are national honours given by the government to performing artists, teachers and
Akademi, Lalit scholars in the field of performing arts.
Kala Akademi o Sangeet NatakAkademi, apex body in the field of performing arts, was set up in 1953
Awards for the preservation and promotion of the vast intangible heritage of India’s diverse
conferred culture expressed in forms of music, dance and drama.
• Lalit Kala Akademi
o Awards are provided to recognize achievements in the field of Visual Arts.
o It was inaugurated in New Delhi in 1954.
o Lalit Kala Akademi manifests a commitment to the service of the visual arts by establishing,
preserving and documenting visual art of the highest order that in turn reflects the vitality,
complexity and unfolding patterns of ancient, modern and contemporary art in India.
Nobel Peace • Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2022 to one individual and two
Prize for 2022 organisations:
o Human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski from Belarus,
o Russian human rights organisation Memorial and
o Ukrainian human rights organisation Center for Civil Liberties.
• They were awarded for their consistent efforts in favour of humanist values, anti-militarism and
principles of law.
• Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by a committee elected by the Norwegian Parliament.

56
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 2022 Nobel • Prize was awarded to French author Annie Ernaux for her work that sheds light on the murky
Prize in recesses of memory, family, and society.
Literature • The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded by the Swedish Academy, Stockholm, Sweden.
• Rabindranath Tagore was the first Indian and non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature
in 1913.
2022 UNHCR • Angela Merkel, former Chancellor of Germany, won 2022 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award for
Nansen protecting refugees at Syria crisis.
Refugee • Award, established in 1954, honor individuals, groups or organizations who go above and beyond
Award call of duty to protect refugees, internally displaced or stateless people.
o It is named after Norwegian explorer, scientist, diplomat and humanitarian Fridtjof Nansen.
o He was first High Commissioner for Refugees for League of Nations and won Nobel Peace
Prize in 1922.
o First Laureate: Eleanor Roosevelt, first chair of the UN in 1954.
UNESCO Felix ● Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has won UNESCO Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace
Houphouet- Prize 2022 for her ‘efforts to welcome refugees.
Boigny Peace ● It honours living individuals and active public or private bodies or institutions.
Prize ○ It is awarded to those who have made a significant contribution to promoting, seeking,
safeguarding or maintaining peace, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations
and the Constitution of UNESCO.
○ This prize was established in 1989.
○ First Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize was given to Nelson Mandela and Frederik W. de
Klerk in 1991.
UNESCO- • It has been awarded to Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong from Cameroon.
Madanjeet • This Prize is given for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence is awarded every two years
Singh Prize to individuals or institutions for their exceptional contributions through the arts, education,
culture, science and communication.
o Prize is named after its benefactor, former Indian artist, writer and diplomat, Madanjeet
Singh (1924-2013), who was also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. The Prize is managed by
the UNESCO.
Indira Gandhi • Prize for 2021 was awarded to Pratham, an NGO functioning in the field of education.
Prize for o The award recognises Pratham’s work in ensuring quality education for children, particularly
Peace, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Disarmament • Instituted in memory of former prime minister, it consists of a monetary award of ₹25 lakh along
and with a citation.
Development o Accorded annually by Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust to individuals or organisations.
Gandhi • 2022 award was recently conferred upon the 14th Dalai Lama.
Mandela • Award, constituted by Gandhi Mandela Foundation, is in recognition of promoting the values
Award and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela by making significant contributions in fields
of Peace, Social Welfare, Culture, Environment, Education, Healthcare, Sports and Innovation.
o A government of India registered Trust, Gandhi Mandela Foundation is a non-profit
organisation.
o Foundation instituted the award on 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Thomas Cup • India won its maiden Thomas Cup title beating Indonesia 3-0 in the final.
• Thomas Cup is an international badminton competition (started in 1948). The 16 teams that
compete are representing member nations of the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
• It was started by a legendary badminton player of England Sir George Alan Thomas.
• The three teams with the most titles are Indonesia (14), China (10), and Malaysia (5).
o Denmark was the first non-Asian country to win the Thomas Cup.
Laureus • Max Verstappen (Formula One) and Elaine Thompson-Herah (Athletics) have been named
World Sports Laureus World Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year (2021) respectively.
Award • First held in 2000, annual event honours greatest and most inspirational sporting triumphs of
the year and showcases work of Laureus Sport for Good.
o Shortlists for six categories (Sportswoman, Sportsman, Team, Breakthrough, Comeback
and Action) are created.
• American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner in 2000.
• Winner list is dominated by Tennis players (11 times), athletes (4) and Formula One drivers (4).
• Roger Federer received this award maximum number of times (6).

57
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 6.13. TRIBES IN NEWS

Revisions in • Cabinet recently approved the addition of four tribes to STs list as part of Constitution (ST) Order
Schedule (Amendment) Bill 2022.
Tribes (STs) • Hatti tribe in Trans-Giri area of Himachal Pradesh, Narikoravan and Kurivikkaran hill tribes of Tamil
lists Nadu and Binjhia in Chhattisgarh, were newly added to list.
o Hattis are close-knit community who take their name from their traditional occupation of
selling home-grown crops, vegetables, meat, and wool etc.
o Narikoravan (jackal catchers) and Kuruvikaras (bird eaters) are nomadic tribal communities.
o Binjhia, ethnic group found in Odisha and Jharkhand, have rich heritage of tradition and
culture.
Sahariya • Food inflation have made Sahariya tribe extremely vulnerable.
tribe • Saharia, Sahar, Sehariya, or Sahariya are an ethnic group in state of Madhya Pradesh.
o They are classified as Particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) and are found in Rajasthan,
Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam.
• They speak Munda language that belongs to Austro-Asiatic language family.
• They use "slash and burn" method of cultivation along hill slopes.
• Main crops include gourds, millet, sorghum, and wild rice.
Santhal • Droupadi Murmu from Santhal community elected President of the country.
tribes • About Santhal community:
o Third largest schedule tribe community in the country after Gond and Bhil.
o Mostly found in the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Jharkhand and Assam.
o Language: Speak Santhali (belongs to the Austro- Asiatic language family) and Script called
Olchiki.
o Festivals:Karam festival, Maghe, Baba Bonga, Sahrai, Ero, Asaria and Namah and Disumsendra.
o Santhals are credited for taking on the force of the East India Company through the Santal
Hul (revolution) of 1855-56.
o Santhals have their script called Olchiki, which was developed by Dr Raghunath Murmu in
1925.

58
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Gutti Koya • A Forest Range Officer was killed by a group of Gutti Koya Adivasis.
Tribals • About Gutti Koya Adivasis –
o Koya are an Indian tribal community found in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,
Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
o They speak the Koya language, also known as Koya basha, which is a Dravidian language
related to Gondi.
• During the British period in 1880, Koya Rebellion led by a Koya youth Tama Dora took place.
Korku Tribe • Korku tribe performed Korku tribal folk dance at Jharokha - Compendium of Indian handicraft,
handloom, art and culture.
• Korku tribe is a central India tribe living in the state of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
• Social Structure: Divided into four territorial groups, with each subsection ruled by tribal village
council under Patel (village headman).
o Jai-Patel is headman above Patel with jurisdiction over several korku villages.
• They worship nature with influence of Hinduism on religious beliefs and Festivals.
• Language: Korku Language (one among the 196 endangered languages in India).
Gond Tribe • Rajya Sabha clears bill to move Gond community from Scheduled Castes list to Scheduled Tribes
list in four districts of Uttar Pradesh (UP).
• Gonds are one of the largest tribal groups spread across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and also
in parts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, UP.
• They are mostly peasants and nature worshippers.
• They speak Gondi a language which belongs to the Dravidian family.

6.14. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Chapekar • On 22 June 1897 (125 years ago), Chapekar brothers assassinated British official W. C. Rand and
Brother Case his military escort Lieutenant Ayerst at Pune, Maharashtra.
• Chapekar Brothers, Damodar Hari, Balkrishna Hari and Vasudeo Hari were involved in
assassination.
o Mahadev Vinayak Ranade was also an accomplice.
o This was the first case of militant nationalism in India after the 1857 Revolt.
• During 1896-97, bubonic plague was spread in Pune (Poona), also called Poona plague.
o In 1897, Government set up a Special Plague Committee to control the spread of the
disease under Charles Walter Rand (W.C Rand).
o Regular harassments of Rand commission had prompted Chapekar brothers and other
members of revolutionary “Chapekar Club” to take action against Rand.
• Chapekar brothers organized an association called “Chapekar Club” for physical and military
training.
Central • CABA was re-constituted recently.
Advisory • Its functions would include:
Board on o Advising Centre on matters relating to archaeology,
Archaeology o Promoting closer contacts of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with Indian Universities
(CABA) conducting Archaeological Researches.
o Training future Archaeologists,
o Providing for closer association of State Governments with ASI activities.
• Minister of Culture will be the Chairman and members will include officials from Ministry of
Culture and ASI, MPs, nominees of State governments etc.
• Board will meet once a year.
Heritage By- • National Monuments Authority (NMA) has made 101 HBL during COVID period, covering a total
Laws (HBL) of 126 centrally protected monuments.
• Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) (Amendment and
Validation) Act, 2010 made it mandatory for all centrally-protected monuments to have their
own HBL.
o HBL will help in regulating property and individual growth around the monuments.
• Under AMASR Act, while only repairs are allowed in a 100-metre radius of protected
monuments, HBL have to be drawn up to regulate construction in the area between 100 metres
and 300 metres.
o HBLs work was supposed to be finished by 2012.
Project Vanni • Google India has teamed up with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for this initiative.
• It aims to build an artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) model to collect language
samples from 773 districts across India.

59
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o It will be an AI-based language model that can understand diverse Indian languages and
dialects.
o Potential use of such datasets is in building apps in areas such as health, agriculture, and
financial inclusion.
Mumbai • Prime Minister participated in Dwishatabdi Mahotsav of Mumbai Samachar in Mumbai and
Samachar released a postal stamp to commemorate the occasion.
• About Mumbai samachar(Formerly called Bombay Samachar):
o The Gujarati newspaper (office located in Mumbai’s Fort area) was first published in 1822.
o It was founded by a Parsi scholar Fardoonji Murazban.
o started as a weekly edition, primarily covering the movement of goods across the sea and
other business news.
o The newspaper has been published continuously for 200 years.
Hundis • Hundi at the temple of Lord Venkateswara (at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh) has crossed ₹1,000
crore-mark in the current financial year.
• Hundis are drop boxes where worshippers put money as a token of material sacrifice for Gods
and Goddesses.
• Hundis also refer to financial instruments evolved on the Indian sub-continent used in trade and
credit transactions.
o They were used as instruments for remittance; credit or for trade transactions (as bills of
exchange).
Harijan Sevak • Recently, 90th Foundation Day of Harijan Sevak Sangh was celebrated.
Sangh (HSS) • HSS, also known as All India Anti-Untouchability League, was founded by Mahatma Gandhi in
the year 1932 to eradicate untouchability.
• The founding president was Ghanshayamdas Birla, and the secretary was Amritlal Thakkar.
• The objective of Harijan Sevak Sangh was eradication, by truthful and nonviolent means, of
untouchability in Hindu society.
Meetei Mayek • Newspapers in Manipur were asked to switch to Meetei Mayek from Bengali script.
Script • According to the Sahitya Akademi, the history of the Meetei Mayek script dates to at least the
6th century and was in use till the 18th century.
• The script nearly became extinct because of a mass burning of all books in Meeteilon ordered
by Ningthau Pamheiba who ruled Manipur in the 18th century.

60
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 ECONOMY
Table of Contents
1. GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY 3.4. Key Concepts on Banking and Monetary
ALLEVIATION ________________________ 5 Policy _______________________________ 32
1.1. Growth and Development ___________ 5 4. PAYMENT SYSTEMS AND FINANCIAL
1.1.1. GDP-GVA GAP ______________________ 5 MARKETS __________________________ 36
1.1.2. Human Development Report (HDR) _____ 6
4.1. Payment Systems _________________ 36
1.2. Poverty Alleviation _________________ 7 4.1.1. Indian Payment System ______________ 36
1.2.1. Poverty Estimates ___________________ 7 4.1.2. Other developments in Payment Systems 36
1.2.2. Developments on financial inclusion ____ 9
4.2. FinTech __________________________ 37
1.3. Key Concepts and Information on Growth, 4.2.1. Central Bank Digital Currency _________ 38
Development and Poverty Alleviation _____ 9 4.2.2. Tokenisation _______________________ 39
4.2.3. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ______ 40
2. FISCAL POLICY ____________________ 11 4.2.4. Digital Banking Units (DBUs) __________ 40
2.1. Status of Government Finances ______ 11 4.2.5. Digital Lending _____________________ 41
2.1.1. Current Account Deficit (CAD) ________ 11 4.3. Financial Markets _________________ 43
2.1.2. Strengthening State Finances _________ 12 4.3.1. Credit Rating_______________________ 43
[Link]. State’s Fiscal Responsibility and Budget 4.3.2. Social Stock Exchange (SSE) ___________ 44
Management (FRBM) __________________ 13 4.3.3. Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrB) ________ 44
[Link]. Municipal Financing _____________ 13 4.3.4. Institutions and systems in the Financial
2.2. Taxation _________________________ 14 Sector _________________________________ 46
2.2.1. Goods and Services Tax (GST) _________ 14 4.3.5. Other concepts in the Financial Sector __ 47
2.2.2. Digital Tax ________________________ 15 4.4. Insurance Sector __________________ 48
2.2.3. Taxation of Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) 16 4.4.1. New Insurance Rules ________________ 48
2.3. Non-Tax Revenues_________________ 18 4.5. Pension Sector ____________________ 50
2.4. Key Concepts and Information on Fiscal 4.5.1. Pension System in India ______________ 50
Policy_______________________________ 18 5. EXTERNAL SECTOR_________________ 51
3. BANKING, ASSET QUALITY, 5.1. Trade ___________________________ 51
RESTRUCTURING AND MONETARY POLICY 21 5.1.1. Internationalization of Rupee _________ 51
5.1.2. World Trade Organization (WTO) ______ 52
3.1. Banking _________________________ 21 5.1.3. Marine Products Export Development
3.1.1. Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) _____ 21
Authority (MPEDA) _______________________ 53
3.1.2. Regional Rural Banks (RRB) ___________ 23
3.1.3. Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) 5.2. Investment _______________________ 54
______________________________________ 24 5.2.1. Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) _______ 54
3.1.4. Amendment to Nidhi Rules, 2014 _____ 24 5.2.2. Other Developments Related to Foreign
3.1.5. Financial Services Institution Bureau (FSIB) Investment _____________________________ 55
______________________________________ 25
3.1.6. Banking System Liquidity ____________ 26
5.3. Exchange Rate Dynamics____________ 55
5.3.1. Indian Rupee (INR) Depreciation _______ 55
3.2. Asset Quality and Restructuring ______ 26 5.3.2. India’s Forex Dynamics ______________ 56
3.2.1. Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) ________ 26
3.2.2. Recovery and Restructuring Measures _ 27
5.4. Global Institutions _________________ 57
[Link]. Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) __ 27 5.4.1. International Monetary Fund (IMF) ____ 57
[Link]. Asset Reconstruction Companies 5.4.2. World Bank Group __________________ 58
(ARCs)_______________________________ 28 5.5. Key Concepts and Information on External
3.3. Monetary Policy __________________ 28 Sector ______________________________ 58
3.3.1. Inflation in India ___________________ 29 6. INNOVATION, SKILL DEVELOPMENT and
3.3.2. Inflation Targeting __________________ 30
3.3.3. Price Monitoring Centres (PMC) _______ 31
ENtrepreneurship ___________________ 61
3.3.4. Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) ________ 31 6.1. Innovation _______________________ 61

1
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 6.1.1. Global Innovation Index (GII) _________ 61 8.5. Technical textiles (TT) ______________ 89
6.1.2. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Regime in
India __________________________________ 62 8.6. Pharmaceutical Industry and Medical
6.1.3. National Intellectual Property Awareness Devices _____________________________ 90
Mission (NIPAM) ________________________ 64 8.6.1. Medical Devices Industry in India ______ 90
8.6.2. Bulk Drug Park (BDP) ________________ 91
6.2. Skill Development _________________ 65
6.2.1. National Initiative for Promotion of 8.7. Toy Sector in India _________________ 91
Upskilling of Nirman workers (NIPUN) _____ 66 8.8. Other Developments in the Industrial
6.3. Entrepreneurship _________________ 66 Sector ______________________________ 92
6.3.1. Unicorns in India ___________________ 66 8.8.1. Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) ________ 92
6.3.2. Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal 67 8.8.2. Competition Law and Big Technology
Companies _____________________________ 92
6.4. Key Concepts and Information on
Innovation, Skill development and 8.9. Key Concepts and Information on Industry
Entrepreneurship _____________________ 68 ____________________________________ 94

7. AGRICULTURE ____________________ 70 9. SERVICES SECTOR _________________ 95

7.1. Agricultural Inputs_________________ 70 9.1. Tourism Sector in India _____________ 95
7.1.1. Minimum Support Price (MSP) ________ 70 9.1.1. National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism
7.1.2. Nano-Urea ________________________ 71 ______________________________________ 95
9.1.2. Other developments in the tourism sector
7.2. Crop Cultiation ___________________ 71 ______________________________________ 95
7.2.1. International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 71
7.2.2. Rice/Paddy Acreage ________________ 72 9.2. E-Commerce______________________ 96
7.2.3. Sugarcane Production in India ________ 73 9.2.1. Promotion and Regulation of E-Commerce
7.2.4. Cotton Cultivation __________________ 74 ______________________________________ 96
7.2.5. Jute Cultivation ____________________ 75 9.2.2. Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
7.2.6. Draft Coffee (Promotion and Development) ______________________________________ 96
Bill, 2022 ______________________________ 76 9.3. Telecom Sector ___________________ 98
7.2.7. Tobacco Cultivation _________________ 77 9.3.1. GatiShakti Sanchar Portal ____________ 98
7.3. Allied Sector _____________________ 78 9.4. Other Services Sector Developments __ 99
7.3.1. India’s Dairy Sector _________________ 78 9.4.1. Software as a service (SaaS) __________ 99
7.4. Food Processing___________________ 80
10. INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR ________ 100
7.4.1. Food Processing Sector in India _______ 80
10.1. Logistics Sector _________________ 100
7.5. Agricultural Marketing and
10.1.1. National Logistics Policy (NLP) _______ 100
Entrepreneurship _____________________ 80 10.1.2. PM Gati Shakti ___________________ 101
7.5.1. Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA) ________ 80 10.1.3. Logistics Ease Across Different States
7.5.2. Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) (LEADS) 2022 Report ____________________ 102
______________________________________ 81 10.1.4. Multi Modal Logistics Park__________ 102
7.5.3. Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) _ 81
10.2. Railways _______________________ 103
7.6. Key Concepts and Information on 10.2.1. Innovation in Railways _____________ 103
Agriculture __________________________ 81 10.2.2. Aluminium Wagons _______________ 104
8. INDUSTRY AND ASSOCIATED 10.2.3. Other developments in Railways _____ 104
DEVELOPMENTS ____________________ 83 10.3. Civil Aviation Sector _____________ 105
10.3.1. National Air Sports Policy (NASP) 2022 105
8.1. Mining __________________________ 84 10.3.2. Other Developments in the Civil Aviation
8.1.1. District Mineral Foundation (DMF) ____ 84 Sector ________________________________ 106
8.1.2. Gold Mining in India ________________ 84
10.4. Roadways ______________________ 106
8.2. Steel Industry in India ______________ 86 10.4.1. Private Investment Models in Road
8.3. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Infrastructure __________________________ 107
(MSMEs) ____________________________ 87 10.4.2. Other developments in the Roadways
Sector ________________________________ 108
8.4. Semiconductor Industry in India _____ 88
10.5. Indian Shipping Industry __________ 108

2
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 10.5.1. Landlord Port Model ______________ 108 11.2.2. Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing
10.5.2. National Centre of Excellence for Green Policy (HELP) ___________________________ 115
Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS) _______________ 109 11.2.3. Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff, Authorisation
10.5.3. Other developments in the Shipping and Capacity Regulations ________________ 115
Industry ______________________________ 109 11.2.4. Other Developments in Gas Sector ___ 116
11.2.5. Developments in the Oil sector ______ 116
10.6. Key Concepts and Information on
Infrastructure _______________________ 109 11.3. Key Concepts and Information on Energy
Sector _____________________________ 117
11. ENERGY SECTOR_________________ 111
12. MISCELLANEOUS ________________ 118
11.1. Power Sector ___________________ 111
11.1.1. Green Energy Open Access Rules ____ 111 12.1. Nobel Prize for Economics 2022 ____ 118
11.1.2. Electricity Amendment Bill 2022 ____ 112
11.1.3. Other developments in the Power Sector
12.2. Standards National Action Plan (SNAP)
_____________________________________ 112 2022_______________________________ 119

11.2. Coal, Oil, Gas and Others _________ 113 12.3. Corporate Social Responsibility ____ 119
11.2.1. Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition &
Development) Act ______________________ 115

3
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1. GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY
ALLEVIATION
1.1. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
1.1.1. GDP-GVA GAP
Why in News?
Recently, the gap between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross Value Added (GVA) of India increased.

GVA in India
• GVA at basic prices (base year 2011-
12) became the primary measure of
output (in 2015) across the
economy’s various sectors in India.
o It was done to conform to the UN
System of National Accounts
(SNA), 2008.
o SNA is the latest version of the
international statistical standard
for the national accounts
adopted by United Nation
Statistical Commission (UNSC).
• The quarterly and annual estimates
of GVA are given by National
Statistical Office (NSO) under eight
broad sectors- covering goods and
services in India (see image).
Reasons behind GDP-GVA Gap
• Basic difference: GDP is calculated at
market prices while GVA is calculated
at basic prices.
• Other Reason: GDP growth lags GVA growth when subsidies are high and taxes are low. Similarly, when
tax collection is high and subsidies are low, GDP growth is higher than GVA.

5
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Utility of GDP and GVA under different circumstances
GDP GVA
• Identify Health of an Economy, i.e., growing or • Get real picture on State of Economic Activity, i.e., amount
it is experiencing recession. of goods and services produced as GDP growth can happen
• Identify standard of living of people via because of better tax compliance as well.
income and private consumption data. • Sector-wise and region-wise breakdown of value added to
• Make cross-country analysis on various identify sectors requiring incentives or stimulus.
parameters like investments, government • Identify productivity of a sector based on global data
spending and net exports. standards, helping investors in investment decisions.
Related News
Green GDP
• As per a recent RBI paper, India’s Green GDP is growing faster than traditional GDP, after an opposite trend for
past three decades.
• Green GDP: First proposed by UN in 1993, Green GDP is calculated by taking into account the estimates of
environmental degradation, depletion of natural resources, and savings of resources and environment into the
national income accounts.
India’s attempts to measure Green GDP
• Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation initiated compilation of environmental accounting under
Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (NCAVES).
o NCAVES project was launched in 2017 by UN and
European Union to enhance knowledge and
accounting process for ecosystem accounting.
• Green Accounting for Indian States & Union Territories
Project (GAISP) to build a framework for environmentally
adjusted national income accounts.
• 1st state in India to measure Gross Environment Product:
Uttarakhand.
Related information: Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC)
• EKC argues that in initial phases of economic
development, there seems to be a positive relationship
between pollution level and per capita income.

1.1.2. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT (HDR)

Why in news?
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released the 2021/22 HDR report - ‘Uncertain times,
unsettled lives: Shaping our Future in a Transforming World ’.
More on news
• Human development is defined as the
process of enlarging people’s freedoms
and opportunities and improving their
well-being.
• HDR report, first released in 1990,
measure achievements in three key
dimensions of human development:
o Long and healthy life (Life
expectancy),
o Access to knowledge (expected and
mean years of schooling), and
o Decent standard of living (GNI per
capita).
Key Findings of the 2021/22 report
• Decline in global HDI for two consecutive years in a row (2020 and 2021, reversing 5 years of progress).
• India is ranked 132 out of 191 countries, in comparison to Sri Lanka (73), China (79), Bangladesh (129) and
Bhutan (127) fared better than India.
o India is bridging human development gap between men and women faster than the world.

6
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Reasons behind HDI Decline
• Global: A combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and climate crises dragged
down the human development score.
o Globally, life expectancy dipped to in 2021 from 2019.
• Domestic: India’s human development value fell in 2021-22 from 2020, placing the country in medium
human development category, due to the following reasons:
o Life expectancy drop.
o Expected years of schooling at 11.9 years, and the mean years of schooling are at 6.7 years.
o India’s per capita income in terms of purchasing power parity has gone down by 5% during 2019 and
2021-22.

1.2. POVERTY ALLEVIATION

1.2.1. POVERTY ESTIMATES
Why in News?
The authors affiliated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and
World Bank (WB) published two different estimates of poverty and
inequality in India (see image).
More on News
• Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has also
released the State of Inequality in India report.
Different Poverty Measures
• Poverty is usually measured as either absolute or relative poverty, based on a poverty threshold or
poverty line, with people falling under this threshold/line being considered poor.
o Absolute poverty, or extreme poverty, represents the lack of sufficient resources to secure basic life
necessities, such as safe drinking water, food, or sanitation.

7
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 ▪ E.g., People earning less than $1.9 on purchasing power parity (PPP) basis a day are considered
extremely poor by the World Bank.
o Relative Poverty represents the worse income and resource status of a person or a household than
what is thought to be adequate or socially acceptable in the society in which they live.
• But poverty has many faces, changing with time and place, leading to different poverty measures like:

Poverty Estimation in India

Tendulkar • Methodology: Based on Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) computed
Committee, 2009 on the basis of data from the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO).
• Findings: 21.9% of total population was below poverty line in 2011-12.
Rangarajan • Methodology: Based on an independent large survey of households by Center for
Committee, 2014 Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE).
• Findings: 29.5% of total population was below poverty line in 2011-12.
NITI Aayog’s • It is developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with UNDP and Oxford Poverty and Human
National MPI: Development Initiative (OPHI)
Baseline Report o It is based on 12 parameters (10 indicators of MPI and two new indicators antenatal care
and bank account under Health and Standard of Living.
• Findings: 25.01% of India's population as multidimensionally poor.
Other committees • Alagh Committee (1979), Lakdawala Committee (1993)

Other inequality measurements for India

‘Poverty and Shared Prosperity 2022: Correcting Courses’ Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index
• It is a biennial report from World Bank (WB) on • India Ranked at 123 for reducing inequality, improving
global estimates and trends in poverty and shared by 6 places from previous ranking.
prosperity. • The 2022 CRI Index looks at government policies and
• It has raised the extreme poverty line of $1.90 to $2.15 actions in 161 countries to fight inequality during the
per person per day, based on 2017 purchasing power first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
parities (PPPs). • Index is prepared by Oxfam International and
o The poverty line is of living on less than $6.85 per Development Finance.
person per day.

8
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.2.2. DEVELOPMENTS ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION
Global Findex • World Bank has released ‘Global Findex Database 2021: Financial Inclusion, Digital
Database 2021 Payments, and Resilience in the Age of COVID-19’, surveying how people in 123 economies
use formal and informal financial services.
• According to it, India is among seven countries home to half the world’s 1.4 billion adults
without access to formal banking.
Fincluvation • Launched by India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), it is a joint initiative to collaborate with
Fintech Startup community to co-create and innovate solutions for financial inclusion.
o It will be a permanent platform of IPPB to co-create financial solutions with start-ups.
• IPPB (launched in 2018) was established under the Department of Posts, Ministry of
Communication with 100% equity owned by Government of India.
Financial inclusion • It is released by RBI to capture the extent of financial inclusion across India by covering
index (FI-Index) details of banking, investments, insurance, postal as well as the pension sector.
o It comprises of 3 parameters (access, usage and quality) with 97 indicators.
o Index has been constructed without any base year and reflects cumulative efforts of
all stakeholders over the years towards financial inclusion.
• The index for the FY 21-22 improved to 56.4 from 53.9 in 2020-2021, with growth seen across
all its sub-indices.

1.3. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT

AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION
Glass cliff • It refers to a situation in which women are promoted to higher positions during times of
crisis, or during a recession when the chance of failure is more likely.
• Promoting women to leadership position gives companies someone to blame if she fails to
pull the company out of its downward spiral.
• This phenomenon reinforces stereotypes about women not being ideal in leadership
positions.
• The term also applies to the challenges faced by minorities/marginalized groups when
promoted to leadership roles.
Technical • A technical recession is a term used to describe two consecutive quarters of decline in
Recession output.
o Representing back-to-back contractions in real GDP of a nation’s economy, it is most
often caused by a one-off event (say COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns imposed) and is
generally shorter in duration.
• It is mainly used to capture trend in GDP while a ‘recession’ encompasses more broad-based
decline in economic activity that covers several economic variables including employment,
household, and corporate incomes etc.
Doom Loop • According to economists, Europe is headed for doom loop.
• Doom loop is the circle of vulnerability where a country’s banking system can be severely
hurt by volatility in the price of the sovereign bonds, they hold for reserves resulting in a
contraction in lending provided by the banks.
• It is a phenomenon whereby a shock to one part of its economic system is amplified by its
effect on another.
Creative • As per UN Commission on Trade and Development (UNCTD), CE is an emerging concept
Economy (CE) dealing with interface between creativity, culture, economics and technology in a
contemporary world dominated by images, sounds, texts and symbols.
• UN marks 2021 as International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development.
• Creative economy comprising the arts and crafts, audio and video arts and design, among
others, accounted for exports of goods and services worth $121 billion in 2019 in India.
Twin City • Prime Minister lays foundation stone for multiple projects including Twin City Development.
Development • TCD involves transforming existing cities and developing new genre of satellite/ theme
(TCD) townships which are safe, efficient, clean and green and offer high quality of life.
• Under this, Cities are in close proximity and are interdependent on economic, functional, and
urban infrastructure needs.
Urban-20 (U20) • U20 provides a platform for G20 countries cities to discuss on various important issues of
urban development including climate change, social inclusion etc. and propose collective
solutions.
• It facilitates a productive dialogue between the national and local governments and helps
promote the importance of urban development issues in the G20 agenda.

9
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Twin Transition • A twin transition approach recognizes that there is a huge and largely untapped opportunity
for technology and data to drive sustainability goals.
o Need for Twin transition arises in the backdrop of Fourth Industrial Revolution or
Industry 4.0
• Rather than treating digital and sustainability in isolation, it combines them to unlock huge
benefits in terms of efficiency and productivity.
o By adopting this approach, leaders can bring the digital and sustainability agendas
together to future-proof their organizations.
Cost of living • Worldwide Cost of Living Index, 2022 released by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
index, 2022 o It compares the prices of more than 200 goods and services in 172 cities worldwide.
o New York (USA) topped the list followed by Singapore as the most expensive cities in
world.
• EIU are research and analysis division of The Economist Group, sister company to The
Economist newspaper. It was created in 1946.
Developed • On Independence Day, Prime
Country through Minister asked Indians to embrace
PanchPran “PanchPran” for India to become a
developed country in next 25 years.
• UN classifies countries into three
broad categories: developed
economies, economies in transition,
and developing economies.
• India is currently in ‘Lower Middle
Income’ category with respect to
Gross National Income (GNI) per
capita.
o India’s current Human
Development Index score (0.64) is much lower.
o On absolute level of gross domestic product and purchasing power parity (PPP), India is
one of biggest economies of world.
Financial • A new FIF for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) has been established
Intermediary internationally, with financial commitments from multiple countries including India.
Fund (FIF) • Hosted by World Bank and with technical support from WHO, FIF will:
o Provide long-term financing to strengthen PPR capabilities in low- and middle-income
countries.
o Address critical gaps at national, regional, and global levels.
• FIF will help in strengthening PPR capacity in areas such as zoonotic disease surveillance,
laboratories, emergency communication, critical health workforce capacities etc.

10
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 2. FISCAL POLICY
2.1. STATUS OF GOVERNMENT FINANCES
2.1.1. CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT (CAD)

11
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 2.1.2. STRENGTHENING STATE FINANCES
Why in News?
The Central
government has raised
alarm on the mounting
debt burden and the
deteriorating fiscal
situation in some
States due to excessive
doling out of freebies.
State Finances
State finances include
states own tax and
non-tax revenues as well as the Tax Devolution and grants
from Centre (see image), provided by the Constitution of
India:
• Post Devolution Revenue Deficit from union
government to states under Article 275 to meet the
gap in Revenue Accounts of the States post
devolution.
• Discretionary Grants under Article 282.
• Net divisible pool distribution based on the
Finance Commission recommendations (Article
280) etc.
Initiatives taken to Support State Finance
• Reduced Borrowing Limits for states from 5% of
gross state domestic product (GSDP) during
Covid-19 to 3.5% for FY 2022-23.
• Inclusion of Off-Budget Borrowings as
borrowings made by the State itself.
• Lowering of Ways and Means Advances (WMA)
limit for States and Union Territories by RBI.
• Maximum number of Overdraft (OD) Facility days
for State Governments/Union Territories (UTs) is
reverted to 36 days in a quarter from 50 days by
RBI.
• Scheme for “Special Assistance to states for
Capital Investment”, providing ₹1,00,000 crore interest free loan for 50-years.
• Reform-linked additional borrowing space to state government, allowing additional borrowing of 1% of
their GSDP to implement four critical reforms, i.e. Implementation of One Nation One Ration Card System;
Ease of doing business reform; Urban Local body/ utility reforms; and Power Sector reforms.
About Ways and Means Advances (WMAs)
• Introduced in 1997, WMAs are temporary advances given by RBI (under the RBI Act 1934) to Centre and States to
tide over any mismatch in receipts and payments.
o Such advances are repayable within three months from the date of making that advance. Interest is charged
at existing repo rate (rate at which RBI ends short-term money to banks).
• WMA is not part of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (FRBM) because they get paid within
the year itself.
• Two types of WMA –special and normal
o Special WMA or Special Drawing Facility is provided against the collateral of the government securities held
by the state. After the state has exhausted the limit of SDF, it gets normal WMA.
o The interest rate for SDF is one percentage point less than the repo rate.
• There is a State-wise limit for the funds that can be availed via WMA. Decided by the government and RBI
mutually, these limits depend on factors such as total expenditure, revenue deficit and fiscal position of the State.

12
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 [Link]. STATE’S FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND
BUDGET MANAGEMENT (FRBM)
Why in news?
Ministry of Finance informed the states that
borrowing by state-owned companies, special
purpose vehicles or agencies borrow from the
markets, will be considered under the states’ FRBM
limit.
More on news
• As this borrowing has an impact on Revenue
deficit and Fiscal Deficit of these borrowing
needs the consent of the Union Government
under Article 293(3) of the Constitution.
o Revenue deficit occurs when the actual
amount of revenue and/or the actual amount
of expenditures do not correspond with
budgeted revenue and expenditures.
• Article 293(3) provides state may not, without
the consent of the Government of India, raise any
loan if there is still an outstanding part of a loan.
• All States have enacted their FRBM Act as per the
12th Finance Commission (FC) recommendation
and its’ compliance is monitored by the
respective State Legislatures.
o The normal Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC) of
each State is fixed by the Union Government
in the beginning of each financial year.
o NBC of the state FY 2022-23 has been
determined at 3.5% of Gross State Domestic
Product (GSDP) based 15th FC
recommendation.

[Link]. MUNICIPAL FINANCING

Why in news?
RBI released a first ever
comprehensive
analysis of Municipal
finances and covers 201
municipal corporations
(MCs) across all States.
About Finance of
Municipalities
• The 74th
Amendment Act
1992, through the
12th Schedule
institutionalized
the urban local bodies (ULBs) as the third tier of the government to promote grassroots level democracy
(refer to the infographics).
• However, it doesn’t provide for a corresponding ‘municipal finance list’ in the Constitution and it has been
completely left to the discretion of the State Governments.

13
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 2.2. TAXATION
2.2.1. GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST)

14
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Other key terms in context of GST
Sin goods Circular Trading Input tax credit
Sin goods are the goods on which Circular trading refers to Input tax credit means that at the time of
the government imposes sin tax- a fraudulently availing input tax paying tax on output, one can reduce tax
special tax placed on goods and credit (ITC) by traders by issuing of that has already been paid on inputs and
services that are seen to be invoices without availing any real pay balance amount. ITC can be claimed
socially detrimental. goods or service. only for business purposes.
GST compensation Cess
• As per Goods and Services Tax (Period of Levy and Collection of Cess) Rules, 2022, compensation cess will continue
to be levied from July 1, 2022, to March 31, 2026.
o Levy of cess was to end on June 30, 2022, but GST Council (chaired by Union Finance Minister) decided to
extend it to repay borrowings that were done earlier to compensate States for GST revenue loss.
o However, whether States would be compensated till that period is not decided yet.
• GST Compensation Cess is collected on supply of select goods or services or both.
o This includes luxury, demerit and sin goods. E.g., pan Masala, various tobacco products etc.
• It is used to compensate states for loss of any revenue arising on account of implementation of GST as per
provisions of GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017 for a period of five years.
o It was paid bi-monthly.
GST Applicability on Pre-Packaged and Labelled Goods
• Under GST, single packages of food items like cereals, pulses and flour weighing up to 25 kg will be considered
as 'pre-packaged and labelled', liable to 5% GST.
• However, sales to customers by retail shopkeeper in loose quantity from the item bought from a manufacturer/
distributor in a 25-kg pack, will not attract GST.
Anti-profiteering
• Recently, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs empowered Competition Commission of India to
decide on anti-profiteering issues.
• Under Section 171 of the Central Goods and Services Act, 2017, Profiteering is defined as the willful action of goods
and services suppliers to not pass the benefit of any tax rate reduction or the input tax credit to the recipients.
• NAA is a statutory mechanism under GST law to check these unfair profiteering activities by the registered
suppliers.
• Under the sunset clause, the tenure of NAA was 2 years, but the GST Council can extend it.

2.2.2. DIGITAL TAX

Why in news? OCED’s Inclusive framework on BEPS
Recently, the G24 grouping objected • Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) refers to tax planning
strategies used by multinational enterprises (MNEs) that exploit
to the proposal of making sovereign
gaps and mismatches in tax rules to avoid paying tax.
commitments to not introduce any
• To address tax avoidance, the OCED’s framework is based on two
future digital services tax like pillars:
equalization levy, potentially delaying o Pillar One i.e., Reallocation of taxing rights: Applied to about 100
implementation of the global tax deal. biggest MNEs with global turnover above 20 billion euros and
More on News profitability above 10%.
o Pillar Two i.e., Global anti-base erosion mechanism: Setting
• Digital Services tax is part of the ‘global minimum corporation tax’ of 15% from 2023 to large
OECD’s two-pillar plan of 2021 MNEs with revenues above EUR 750 million globally.
agreed by 138 countries (as of 16 • Global Minimum Tax, also known as Global Minimum Corporate Tax
December 2022), including India, Rate (GMCTR), is a part of the inclusive framework on BEPS) to:
to o Prevent multinationals from paying low taxes (or no tax) by
o Reform global taxation rules. booking their profits in tax havens, and
o Address the tax challenges o Make them pay taxes wherever they operate/conduct business
in, even if they do not have physical presence in the country.
arising from digitalization of
the economy (Refer box).
About Digital Tax in India
• Digital Tax is tax levied on digital goods/services/digital business activities. It is a form of Direct tax.
• India introduced 6% equalization levy (a Digital tax on non-resident digital companies like Google). It was
limited to online advertisement services.
o In 2020, the Indian Income-tax Act expanded the scope of Equalisation Levy (commonly referred to
as ‘Equalisation Levy 2.0 or EL 2.0’) as part of the Finance Act 2020.

15
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o EL 2.0 was made effective on
April 1, 2020.
✓ It is set to stay beyond 2023,
as a global tax deal which
was to replace such levies by
individual nations by then
faces implementation
challenges.
o The new levy now includes 2
percent Digital Service Tax
(DST) or EL on trade and
services of foreign e-commerce
companies such as Amazon and
Walmart-owned Flipkart and
others having an annual
turnover of ₹2 crore or more.
• DST is aimed at ensuring that non-
resident, digital service providers
pay their fair share of tax on
revenues generated in the Indian
digital market.
Implementation challenges:
• Divergent interests: European countries had prioritized the question of digital taxation, while US had
prioritized the global minimum rate.
• Legislators in both U.S. and Europe are now struggling to pass the laws needed to implement the deal.
E.g., Hungary has recently withdrawn support for minimum corporate tax in EU.

2.2.3. TAXATION OF VIRTUAL DIGITAL ASSETS (VDAS)

Why in News?
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has amended income tax rules to specify ways to comply with the new
TDS provision on virtual digital assets (VDAs).

16
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 More on News
• Under the rules:
o TDS of 1% will be levied on payments towards VDAs or cryptocurrencies beyond ₹10,000 in a year.
o The threshold limit for TDS would be ₹50,000 a year for specified persons, which include
individuals/HUFs who are required to get their accounts audited under the I-T Act.
About VDAs Concerns over VDA
• Highly risky assets and largely unregulated; leaving no
• Finance Bill 2022 defined VDAs under regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions.
IT Act, 1961 as ‘any information or • Threat to the financial system stability and risk of
code or number or token generated dollarization of a part of the Indian economy; going against
through cryptographic means or the country's sovereign interest and undermining RBI
otherwise and which can be Monetary policy influence.
transferred, stored or traded o Dollarization means use of the US Dollar in addition to or
electronically’. instead of the domestic currency of the country.
o It includes the non-fungible • Risk of anonymous use for making it liable to be misused for
tokens (NFTs), cryptos etc. terror financing, money laundering and drug trafficking.
• It is a digital representation of value
that is exchanged with or without
consideration.
• It includes cryptocurrencies, NFTs,
Dematerialized Shares, Promotional
currencies, E-books etc.
o RBI highlighted cryptocurrencies
risk like dollarization of the
economy and would be against
India's sovereign interest.
o Promoted as decentralized
international virtual currency, they
are allowed as legal tender or made
official currency by some nations
like El Salvador and the Central
African Republic.
Taxation of VDAs
• Income from the transfer of VDAs will be taxable at a flat rate of 30%, without the ability to offset it
against any other losses.
o No deductions will be allowed and only the cost of acquisition will be allowed as deduction while
computing income.
o A gift of VDAs will be taxable at the hands of the recipient.
Regulation of VDA Advertising
• By Consumer Protection Act 2019: It lays down penalties for endorsers in case of misleading
advertisement and if they have done no due diligence.
• By Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI): ASCI issued guidelines for the promotion and
advertisement of crypto, and NFTs; mandating all VDA products and services to carry the disclaimer
regarding Crypto products and NFTs.
o ASCI is a voluntary self-regulatory organization, established in 1985, to protect Indian consumers’
interests through self-regulation in advertising.
o It issues non-legally binding advertisement codes and guidelines.
o Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2006 make it mandatory for all advertisements
carried by cable services to be compliant with the ASCI code.

17
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 2.3. NON-TAX REVENUES

2.4. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON FISCAL POLICY

Twin Deficit • Ministry of Finance in its Monthly
problem Economic Review cautioned the re-
emergence of the twin deficit problem in
the economy, with higher commodity
prices and rising subsidy burden.
• Twin deficit refers to a nation’s current
account deficit and a simultaneous fiscal
deficit.
o Fiscal Deficit is the shortfall between
total revenue and total expenditure
of government in a given financial
year.

18
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Single Nodal • Ministry of Finance launched the Single Nodal Agency (SNA) dashboard of the Public Financial
Agency (SNA) Management System (PFMS) to ensure effective leveraging of technology in public finance.
dashboard • The initiative is a part of forms part of PFMS reform that was initiated in 2021 with regards to
how funds for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) are released, disbursed, and monitored.
o PFMS is a web-based online software application developed and implemented by the
Office of Controller General of Accounts to facilitate a sound public financial management
system for the government.
• SNA model: The SNA model requires the states to notify an SNA for each CSS which will open a
unique bank account at a commercial bank responsible for all transactions related to the
implementation of the particular CSS.
Status Report • Released by the Department of Economic Affairs; the report
on India’s highlights 8.2% rise in India's external debt to stand at $620.7
External Debt billion on March 31, 2022.
2021-22 • External debt refers to ‘money borrowed from outside the
country and has to be paid back in currency in which it is
borrowed’.
o U.S. dollar-denominated debt remained the largest
component of India’s external debt.

Tobin Tax • Tobin tax is a tax levied on spot currency conversions, with the intention of disincentivizing
short-term currency speculation.
• It generates a revenue stream for countries that see great deal of currency movement.
Windfall Tax • Centre has cut windfall tax on crude producers, scraps petrol exports levy.
• Windfall tax is a one-off tax imposed by a government on a company.
o It is levied on an unforeseen or unexpectedly large profit, especially unfairly obtained.
o It is only levied in public interest.
o It was announced to control rising domestic oil price and to meet domestic need for petrol.
GAAR (General • GAAR is an anti-abuse provision invoked by tax authorities to strike down unacceptable tax
Anti-Avoidance avoidance practices. Used by most of the mature economies, in India it was first introduced in
Rule) 2012.
o Under Income Tax Act, 1961 it came into effect on 1st April, 2017 and its effective
implementation started this year.
• It is a provision of last resort and used to strike down those lawful practices which undermine
intention of tax laws, i.e. misuse or abuse of law.
o Before introduction of GAAR in India, such transactions were dealt with by the
implementation of judicial decisions and Specific Anti-Avoidance Rules (SAAR), including
Transfer Pricing regulations.
Central Board • The guidelines are related to applicability
of Direct Taxes of new tax deducted at source (TDS)
(CBDT) provision regarding benefits received in a
guidelines on business or profession.
TDS • Budget 2022-23 had brought a new
section in the Income Tax Act i.e., 194R
which requires deduction of TDS at the
rate of 10% by any person providing any
benefit or perquisite, exceeding ₹20,000
in a year to a resident.
o CBDT clarified that section 194R
would apply on distribution of free
samples to the hospital for doctors
receiving free samples of medicines while employed in a hospital.
Double • Income Tax Appellate Authority (ITAT) ruled that Google India’s payment to Ireland unit was not
Taxation royalty; therefore, it is not subject to withholding tax.
Avoidance o Royalty refers to payment that is made to the owner of an asset or property for usage.
Agreement o Income earned from royalties is subject to tax in India.
(DTAA) o Withholding tax (also known as Retention tax) is the taxpayer's obligation to withhold tax
when paying rent, commission, or payment for professional services.
o As per Income Tax (IT) Act, it is obligatory for person responsible to make a payment to
deduct tax while making payment in Non-Resident Individual account.

19
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Rate of tax applicable to such payments is determined by Double Taxation Avoidance
Agreement (DTAA).
• DTAA is a tax treaty signed between India and another country so that taxpayers can avoid
paying double taxes on their income earned from source as well as residence country.
• India has DTAA with more than 80 countries and it covers withholding tax on payments such
as Dividend, Interest, Royalty etc.
RNOR • It is a class of residential status under the Income-tax law. RNOR represents a person who does
(Resident but not qualify as an ordinary resident.
Not Ordinarily • It includes person who-
Resident) o Spends over 120 but less than 182 days, and
o Earns ₹15 lakh or more from assets in India.
o EPCG authorization holder can export either directly or through third party.
Automatic • As per annual data from Switzerland's central bank, funds parked by Indian individuals and firms
exchange of in Swiss banks jumped to a 14-year-high in 2021.
information o To fight tax fraud and evasion, an automatic exchange of information (AEOI) in tax matters
(AEOI) between Switzerland and India has been in force since 2018.
• AEOI provides for the automatic exchange of a predefined set of information between tax
authorities.
o Under this framework, detailed financial information on all Indian residents having
accounts with Swiss financial institutions is provided every year.

20
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 3. BANKING, ASSET QUALITY, RESTRUCTURING
AND MONETARY POLICY
3.1. BANKING
3.1.1. URBAN CO-OPERATIVE BANKS (UCBS)
Why in News?
RBI has revised the UCBs regulatory framework based on the recommendations of Expert Committee on
Urban Co-operative Banks (N S Vishwanathan panel) for strengthening the financial soundness of the UCBs.
Key highlights of revised
norms
• Replaces current two-tier
regulatory framework by
a Four-tiered regulatory
framework with
differentiated regulatory
prescriptions to
strengthen the financial
soundness of the existing
UCBs (see image).
• Minimum net worth of₹2
crore for Tier 1 UCBs and ₹5 crore for others to strengthen the financial resilience of the banks.
o UCBs which don’t meet the minimum net worth requirement, shall achieve it in a phased manner.
• Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR):
o Tier 1 UCBs shall maintain, as hitherto, a minimum CRAR of 9 percent of Risk Weighted Assets (RWAs)
on an ongoing basis.
o Tier 2 to 4 UCBs shall maintain a minimum CRAR of 12 percent of RWAs on an ongoing basis.
o UCBs in Tier 2 to 4, which don’t meet the revised CRAR, shall achieve the same in a phased manner.
• Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM): The revised criteria for determining the FSWM status is:
o Net NPA of not more than 3%.
o No default in the maintenance of CRR / SLR during the preceding financial year.
o Sound internal control system with at least two professional directors on the Board.
o Core Banking Solution (CBS) fully implemented.
• Applicability: Framework is applicable to all Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks.
About Cooperative Banks
• Co-operative banks are
financial entities
established on a co-
operative basis and
belonging to their
members. This means
that the customers of a
co-operative bank are
also its owners.
• Registration: UCBs are
primarily registered as
cooperative societies
under the provisions of
either the State
Cooperative Societies Act of the State concerned or the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 if the
area of operation extends beyond one state boundary.

21
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Regulation of UCBs: It is split between RBI and Centre/State Governments, while that of smaller co-
operative banks is divided between NABARD and State governments.
o They come under the regulatory ambit of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under two laws, namely, the
Banking Regulations Act, 1949 and the Banking Laws (Co-operative Societies) Act, 1955.
o Urban and Multi State Cooperative Banks are under the direct supervision of RBI.
But, Regulatory Frameworks for UCBs, Universal Banks (UNBs), Small Finance Banks (SFBs) and Regional
Rural Banks (RRBs) varies.

22
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 3.1.2. REGIONAL RURAL BANKS (RRB)
Why in News?
The Union Government had asked Indian Banks Association
(IBA) to assist in the sustainability push to RRBs.
More on News
• For RRBs financially sustainable, government will infuse
record ₹10,890 crore into RRBs during FY22 and FY23.
o ₹5,445 crore will come from Centre while the remaining
shareholders, i.e., states and sponsor banks.
About Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
• RRBs were set up on the
recommendations of the
Narasimha Working Group (1975),
under the provisions of the
Ordinance promulgated in 1975
and Regional Rural Banks Act,
1976.
• Objectives of RRBs: To provide
sufficient banking and credit
facilities in rural and semi –urban
areas. They also provide-
o Para-banking facilities like
locker facilities, debit and
credit cards, mobile and
internet banking, etc.
o Carry out government operations like disbursement of MGNREGA wages, distribution of pension etc.
• Features: They are region-based and rural-oriented with features of a cooperative bank in customer
experience and of commercial banks in mobilization of financial resources.
Significance of RRBs Priority Sector Lending (PSL)
With over 81% of loans to the priority sector (against The advances made to sectors which are
considered important for the development of
benchmark of 75%) and nearly 60% as agriculture advances
the basic needs of the country and are to be
out of total advances, their role becomes significant in: given priority over other sectors.
• Extending institutional credit to the weaker section,
especially small and marginal farmers.
• Financial Inclusion by providing basic banking services in
the rural areas.
• Increase trust of rural population in banking services.
• Provide easy and direct finance to co-operative societies
and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• Create Employment in rural India.
Problems faced by RRBs
• Financial Viability due to high operational cost and poor
Return on Assets (RoA).
o ROA is a financial ratio that indicates how profitable
a company is in relation to its total assets.
(Calculated by Return on Assets = Total Assets/Net
Income).
• Non-fulfillment of 13% Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), also
known as Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio
(CRAR).

23
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o CAR is a measurement of a bank's available capital expressed as a percentage of a bank's risk-
weighted credit exposures.
• Regulatory discrepancies as they are supervised by NABARD while their annual plans and financials are
monitored by both the RBI and NABARD.
o The Central Government and the sponsoring bank also have their own control.

3.1.3. NON-BANKING FINANCIAL COMPANIES (NBFCS)

Why in News?
Recently, the SC held that state enactments will have no application to NBFCs and RBI Act, 1934 supersedes
State enactments.
About NBFCs
• NBFCs are registered entities under the Companies Act providing bank-like financial services such as loans
and advances, acquisition of shares, bonds etc. with no banking licence.
• Also, there are few differences between banks and NBFCs. E.g., NBFCs-
o Cannot accept demand deposits.
o Do not form part of payment and settlement system and cannot issue cheques drawn on itself.
o No deposit insurance facility is available to depositors of NBFCs.
• Primarily, NBFCs are
regulated and
governed by RBI.
o Some NBFCs are
regulated by
SEBI, IRDAI,
National Housing
Bank etc.
• Recently, RBI
tightened NBFCs
lending and
disclosure guidelines
through a scale-
based regulations
whereby NBFCs are
graded into 3 layers
(see diagram).
Key highlights of
Guidelines
• Aggregate exposure of an upper layer NBFC to any entity must not be higher than 20% of its capital base
(board can approve an additional 5%).
o For infrastructure finance companies, it is30% to a single entity.
• To a group of connected entities, aggregate exposure will be limited to 25% of the capital base for all upper
layer NBFCs (35% for infrastructure finance companies).
• Unless sanctioned by the board, mid-layer and upper layer NBFCs shall not lend more than ₹5 crore to
directors, CEO or relatives of directors.
• Loans to real estate sector can be provided after prior permission to borrowers from the government or
other statutory authorities for the project.

3.1.4. AMENDMENT TO NIDHI RULES, 2014

Why in News?
The Central Government has amended Nidhi Rules, 2014 in the light of sharp rise in number of ‘Nidhi’
companies.
Key amendments
Aimed at improving their governance and safeguarding public interest, under amended rules:

24
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • A public company set up as a Nidhi with share capital of ₹10 lakhs needs to first get itself declared as a
Nidhi from Union government.
o Earlier, there was no such need for a company to get declaration.
• Promoters and Directors of company have to meet the criteria laid down in rules.
About Nidhi company
• Nidhi company (similar to an NBFC) is formed to borrow and lend money to its members.
• It inculcates saving habits among its members and works on the principle of mutual benefit.
• They don’t need RBI license but need approval under the Companies Act.
• The Ministry of Corporate Affairs regulates its operational matters and RBI has the power to issue
directions for its deposit-taking activities.
• Can’t deal with chit funds, hire-purchase finance, leasing finance, insurance, or securities business. It is
strictly prohibited from accepting deposits from or lending funds to, any other person except members.
• Only individual members are allowed in Nidhi companies.

3.1.5. FINANCIAL SERVICES INSTITUTION BUREAU (FSIB)

Why in News?
Appointments Committee of the
Cabinet (ACC) has approved a
government resolution for
establishing the Financial Services
Institutions Bureau (FSIB) in place
of the Banks Board Bureau (BBB).
About Financial Services
Institutions Bureau (FSIB)
• It is set up under the
Department of Financial
Services (DFS), Ministry of
Finance, to:
o Recommend persons for appointment as whole-time directors and non-executive chairpersons on
the Boards of financial services institutions (including public sector banks (PSBs), public sector
insurers (PSIs) and financial institutions (FIs)).
o Advise on certain other matters relating to personnel management in these institutions.
o Promote excellence in Corporate Governance in Public Sector Financial Institutions.
• Other major functions of FSIB include:
o To advise the Government on matters relating to appointments, transfer or extension of term of
office and termination of services of the said directors.
o To advise the Government on the desired management structure at the Board level for PSBs, FIs and
PSIs.
o To build a databank containing data related to the performance of PSBs, FIs and PSIs.
o To advise the Government on formulation and enforcement of a code of conduct and ethics for
whole-time directors in PSBs, FIs and PSIs.
o To help PSBs, Fls and PSIs in terms of developing business strategies and capital raising plan etc.
Composition of FSIB
• Chairperson of FSIB, to be nominated by Central Government who shall be:
o a retired official from the banking sector or a regulatory institution, or
o a businessperson of repute with sufficient knowledge of the financial sector, or
o a person with at least 25 years of experience in public administration with experience in banking and
the financial sector.
• Ex officio members: Secretary in charge of DFS, Department of Public Enterprises, Chairperson of the
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), Deputy Governor of RBI.
• 3 persons with subject matter knowledge relating to PSBs and FIs and 3 persons with subject matter
knowledge relating to PSIs (to be nominated by the Central Government) as part time members.

25
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 3.1.6. BANKING SYSTEM LIQUIDITY
Why in News?
After remaining in surplus mode since May 2019, the Indian banking system liquidity turned into a deficit mode
in September 2022.
About Banking System Liquidity and its Significance
• Meaning: It is understood through Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), the primary instrument of the
RBI’s operations to inject or absorb liquidity into the banking system.
• Surplus vs. Deficit: On any given day, if the banking system is a net borrower from the RBI under LAF, the
system liquidity can be said to be in deficit and if it is a net lender to the RBI, the system liquidity is in
surplus.

Impact of Liquidity Deficit

• Increase in Deposit rates or Special Deposit Schemes
from banks to get money.
• Increased cost of borrowed funds due to rise in Money
Market Rates. E.g., Yields on Treasury bills or T-bills
spiked recently due to tighter liquidity conditions.
• Potential Repo rate change from RBI which will increase
banks repo-linked lending rates and the marginal cost of
funds-based lending rate (MCLR), resulting in higher loan
interest rates for consumers.
• Reduced Demand which can further lead to contraction of economic activities.
• Increased RBI Difficulties in maintaining low borrowing costs for growth while continuing with its
monetary tightening cycle.

3.2. ASSET QUALITY AND RESTRUCTURING

3.2.1. NON-PERFORMING ASSETS (NPAS)
Why in News?
RBI’s recent ‘Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2021-2022’ highlights the banking Gross NPAs
(GNPAs) declining to 5% from a peak of 9% in 2017-18.
About NPAs
• Primary assets of banks, a loan or advance is classified as NPA for which the principal or interest payment
is overdue for a period of 90 days (one quarter).
• It is further categorized under different heads (see image).
o For Agricultural loans, the overdue for NPA is two crop seasons for short duration crops and one crop
season for long duration crops.

26
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Related News
EASE Reforms
• Launched in 2018 (EASE 1.0), EASE reforms are overseen by Indian Banks' Association (IBA).
• Latest EASE reforms, EaseNext consist of two key initiatives:
o EASE 5.0 for a common PSB reforms agenda of continued investment in new-age capabilities and respond to
evolving customer needs, changing competition, and adoption of newer technologies.
o Bank specific three-year strategic roadmap, based on bank’s business priorities, going beyond EASE 5.0,
including business growth, profitability, risk, customer service, operations, and capability development.
Inter-operable Regulatory Sandbox (IoRS)
• RBI has announced SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for IoRS.
• SOPs are prepared by the inter-regulatory technical group (IRTG) on fintech, chaired by RBI’s fintech department
and representatives of SEBI, IRDAI, IFSCA, PFRDA and central government.
o It provides a framework to regulate newer fintech products and services falling in the ambit of more than
one financial regulator.
• IoRS is ‘a mechanism to facilitate testing of innovative hybrid financial products / services falling within the
regulatory ambit of more than one regulator’.
• Key highlights of the framework
o Dominant feature of the product to determine influence of the regulator and regulator under whose
jurisdiction such feature will be principal regulator (PR) and others will be associate regulators (AR).
o The dominant position will be decided in two ways:
▪ Type of enhancement to the existing products like loans, deposits, etc.,
▪ Number of relaxations sought by the entity for undertaking the test under IoRS.
o International Financial Services Centres Authority will be PR for Indian FinTechs having global ambition and
foreign FinTechs seeking entry to India.
o IRTG on FinTech will resolve any coordination issue between PR and AR etc.

3.2.2. RECOVERY AND RESTRUCTURING MEASURES

[Link]. DEBTS RECOVERY TRIBUNALS (DRTS)
Why in News?
Government has created exclusive benches at 3 debts recovery tribunals (DRTs) at DRTs in Chennai, Mumbai
and Delhi to resolve cases above ₹100 crore.
About DRTs
• The Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act (RDB Act), 1993 provides for establishment of DRTs with
original jurisdiction and Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs) with appellate jurisdiction.
• Objective of these tribunals is to provide expeditious adjudication and recovery of debts due to Banks and
Financial Institutions.
• It also hears cases filed under The Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement
of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002.
o SARFESI Act guards financial institutions from loan defaulters by allowing them to take control of
securities pledged against the loan, manage or sell them to recover dues without court intervention.

27
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o It is applicable throughout the country and covers all assets, movable or immovable, promised as
security.
o It comes into play if a borrower defaults on his or her payments for more than six months
• At present, 39 DRTs and 5 DRATs are functioning across the country.

[Link]. ASSET RECONSTRUCTION COMPANIES (ARCS)

Why in News?
RBI has amended regulatory framework for ARCs based on the Sudarshan Sen Committee recommendations.
About ARC
• ARC is a company which is set up to provide a focused approach to Non-Performing Assets resolution on
recommendations of Narasimham Committee- II.
• It is a company registered under Section 3 of SARFAESI Act, 2002.
• It is regulated by RBI as a Non-Banking Financial Company.
Key guidelines are:
• Eligible ARCs: With a minimum net owned fund of ₹1000 crore to act as resolution applicants under the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) 2016.
o Earlier, SARFAESI Act prohibited ARCs from doing other activities than that of securitization or asset
reconstruction, without RBI's permission.
o IBC provides for a time-bound process for resolving insolvency in companies and among individuals.
• Raised minimum capital requirement for setting up an ARC to ₹300 crore from the existing ₹100 crore in
a phased manner.
• Changes in corporate governance norms, like to constitute an Audit Committee, which shall comprise of
non-executive directors only.
Related News
National Asset Reconstruction Co Ltd (NARCL) and India Debt Resolution Co. Ltd (IDRCL)
• Bad Bank or National Asset Reconstruction Co Ltd (NARCL)is a corporate structure (announced in 2021 Budget)
that isolates risky assets held by banks in a separate entity.
• Under the approved structure, bad bank will consist:
o NARCL: To acquire and aggregate NPA/ bad loan accounts,
✓ Majority stake in NARCL: Public Sector Banks (with Canara Bank as Sponsor).
o IDRCL: For management and value addition and will handle the debt resolution process,
✓ Majority stake in IDRCL: Private sector banks.

28
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 3.3. MONETARY POLICY
3.3.1. INFLATION IN INDIA

29
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 3.3.2. INFLATION TARGETING
Why in News?
The average headline consumer price index inflation (CPI-Inflation) in India stayed above 6% for three
continuous quarters due to supply shocks such as pandemic lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, elevated
commodity prices and Ukraine war.
About Inflation Targeting Framework
• Price stability is a necessary precondition for
macroeconomic and financial stability, making it the
dominant objective of the monetary policy.
• Under Inflation Targeting Framework, the central bank
specifies an inflation rate as a goal and adjusts its monetary
policy to achieve the specified annual inflation rate.
Flexible Inflation Targeting Framework in India
• Based on the Urjit Patel committee recommendation (2014), Government of India and RBI also signed the
Monetary Policy Framework Agreement in 2015.
• The RBI Act, 1934
was amended in
2016 to:
o Make inflation
targeting the
nominal anchor
of RBI’s
monetary
policy (Section
45ZA of RBI
Act),
o Have a
statutory and
institutionalized framework for Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) (Section 45ZB).
• MPC is a six-member body to set the policy rate (repo rate) to achieve the inflation target while keeping
in mind growth objectives.
o The Inflation target is set by the Government of India, in consultation with RBI, once in every five
years.
o Currently, it is 4% CPI inflation target with +/- 2% as upper and lower tolerance limit.
• If average inflation remains above upper tolerance or lower tolerance level for any three consecutive
quarters, RBI shall set out in a report to the Central Government.
o Reasons for failure to achieve inflation target.
o Remedial actions proposed by RBI.
o Estimated time-period within which the inflation target shall be achieved pursuant to timely
implementation of proposed remedial actions.
Different Types of Policy Stances
Accommodative Stance • When the central bank is prepared to expand the money supply to boost economic
growth, i.e. willingness to cut policy rate.
Neutral Stance • When the central bank can either cut rate or increase policy rate. It is usually adopted
when policy priority is equal to inflation and growth.
Hawkish Stance • When the central bank is prepared to curb the money supply to keep the inflation low,
i.e., willingness to increase policy rate.
Calibrated Tightening • Another term to represent the rate hike in a calibrated manner, i.e., tilt towards rate
hike but no necessary policy rate hike at every policy meeting.

30
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 3.3.3. PRICE MONITORING CENTRES (PMC)
Why in News?
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution suggested having price monitoring centres for
critical goods in all districts of India.
More about news
• Centre intends to have 750 price
monitoring centres by March
31st 2023.
• As per current status, 50% will be
funded by State government and
50% will be funded by Central
Government for infrastructure.
Current setup for Price Monitoring
• Price Monitoring Division (PMD)
in the Department of Consumer
Affairs is responsible for
monitoring prices of selected
essential commodities.
o It monitors the retail and
wholesale prices, and spot
and future prices of selected
essential commodities on a
daily basis.
o State Civil Supplies Departments of the
respective State Governments report Benefits of PMC
• Control Inflation as essential commodities prices will be
the price on the PMS App daily about 22
monitored through PMC and controlled by centre.
essential food products.
• Protect Consumer interests in terms of quality, quantity,
• 22 essential food commodities monitored standards, testing and benchmarks through BIS, NTH,
based on data collected from 340 market Legal Metrology and National Consumer Helpline.
centres spread across the country. • Use of e daakhil portal for online filing of consumer
• To cross-check accuracy of prices reported complaints as PMC will be able to take action fast.
by centres from States/UTs, services of FCI • Market intervention through regular retail price reviews.
and NAFED are utilised.

3.3.4. STANDING DEPOSIT FACILITY (SDF)

Why in News?
In its first bi-monthly policy review (FY23), the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has introduced Standing
Deposit Facility (SDF) as the floor in the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) corridor.
Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
• SDF is a liquidity management instrument to absorb liquidity (deposit) from Scheduled Commercial banks
(SCBs) without any collateral/government securities in return.
o It was first recommended by the Urjit Patel Committee in 2014 as a tool to manage liquidity.
• In 2018, Section 17 of the RBI Act, 1934 was amended to empower the RBI to introduce SDF as an additional
tool for absorbing liquidity without any collateral.
• SDF will replace the Fixed Rate Reverse Repo (FRRR) as the floor of the LAF corridor.
• Deposits under the SDF won’t be eligible for the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) maintenance under Section 42
of the RBI Act, 1934, but they will be an eligible asset for maintenance of the Statutory Liquidity Ratio
(SLR) under Section 24 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
• Need for SDF: To manage surplus liquidity due to Covid-19.
• Other Liquidity Management Instruments: Targeted Long-Term Repo Operations (TLTROs), Open Market
Operations (OMOs) etc.

31
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Related News
Regulations Review Authority (RRA 2.0)
• Set up in 2021 by RBI, the RRA 2.0 submitted its report with final set of recommendations.
o RRA 1.0 was set up in 1999 to streamline RBI procedures and simplify regulatory prescriptions.
Objective of RRA 2.0:
• Reduce the compliance burden on Regulated Entities (REs) like SCBs/ RRBs/ UCBs /NBFCs, etc. by streamlining the
regulatory instructions and rationalizing reporting requirements.
• REs are the entities regulated by RBI under the RBI Act (1934), The Banking Regulation Act (1949) The Payment &
Settlement Systems Act (2007) etc.

3.4. KEY CONCEPTS ON BANKING AND MONETARY POLICY

Counter- • Following Basel-III norms, central banks specify certain capital adequacy norms for banks in a
Cyclical Capital country. CCCB is a part of such norms and is calculated as a fixed percentage of a bank’s risk-
Buffer (CCCB) weighted loan book.
o In India, framework on CCCB was put in place by RBI in 2015.
• Aim of CCCB regime is two-fold:
o It requires banks to build up a buffer of capital in good times which may be used to
maintain flow of credit to the real sector in difficult times.
o It restricts banks from indiscriminate lending in the periods of excess credit growth that
have often been associated with the building up of system-wide risk.
Bancassurance • Bancassurance is an arrangement between a bank and an insurance company allowing the
insurance company to sell its products to the bank's client base.
• Banks earn additional revenue by selling insurance products, and insurance companies expand
their customer bases without increasing their sales force.
Credit-Deposit • CD ratio tells how much of money banks have raised in form of deposits has been deployed as
(CD) Ratio loans.
• A low CD ratio suggests relatively poor credit growth compared with deposit growth indicating
banks are not making full use of their resources.
• A high CD ratio means strong demand for credit with relatively slower deposit growth. If ratio
is above a certain level, it indicates pressure on resources.

32
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Prompt • The PCA framework is imposed when a bank breaches certain regulatory thresholds on capital
Corrective to risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR), net NPAs and return on assets (RoA).
Action (PCA) • Various action under PCAs include
Framework o Restriction on dividend distribution/remittance of profits.
o Restriction on branch expansion; domestic and/or overseas.
Loan waive-off • A loan waive-off is a complete cancellation of a loan account. This means that the borrower is
free from that particular debt. E.g.
o Loan waive-off provided by the government to farmers at times of natural calamities.
Loan write-off • It is the movement of defaulted loan/NPA from assets side and reports it as a loss by lender.
• Bank’s writes off a loan after the borrower has defaulted on the loan repayment and there is a
very low chance of recovery; reducing bank NPAs.
o It does not take away the bank's right of recovery from the borrower through legal
means. In the last five years, the banks write-offs is around ₹10 lakh crore, out of which
banks were able to recover ₹1,32,036 crore.
Marginal Cost • Instituted by RBI in 2016, it is the lowest interest rate that a bank or lender can offer, except in
of Funds Based some cases allowed by the RBI.
Landing Rate o Thus, it is an internal benchmark or reference rate for the bank.
(MCLR) • It is calculated on the basis of four components: marginal cost of funds, negative carry-on
account of cash reserve ratio, operating costs and tenor premium.
o Tenor means that the amount of time left for the repayment of a bank loan.
• Benefits: Transparency in financial institutions while determining their interest rates.
o According to RBI, it is more effective than the erstwhile Base rate method.
Financial • FSR is a bi-annual report from RBI that reflects risks to financial stability and the resilience of
Stability Report Indian financial system (Global FSR is released by IMF).
(FSR) • Latest FSR highlighted improved ability of banking system to absorb macro shocks without
further capital infusion due to:
o Improved Capital to risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR) of scheduled commercial banks
(SCBs).
o Declining Gross non-performing asset (GNPA) and Net NPA (NNPA).
o Improved Provisioning Coverage Ratio (PCR).
Reserve bank- • The Scheme integrates the existing three Ombudsman schemes of RBI namely,
Integrated o The Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006
ombudsman o The Ombudsman Scheme for Non-Banking Financial Companies, 2018; and
Scheme o The Ombudsman Scheme for Digital Transactions, 2019.
• It provides for a single window for resolution of complaints not resolved within 30 days or not
resolved satisfactorily by banks/NBFCs/system participants regulated by RBI.
• Aimed to improve the grievance redress mechanism, it defines ‘deficiency in service’ as the
ground for filing a complaint, with a specified list of exclusions.
o A Centralized Receipt and Processing Centre has been set up at RBI, Chandigarh for receipt
and initial processing of physical and email complaints in any language.
DAKSH • DAKSH is a web-based end-to-end workflow application, launched by RBI, which will monitor
compliance requirements in a more focused manner.
• Objective: Further improve the compliance culture in Supervised Entities (SEs) like Banks,
NBFCs, etc.
• The application will also enable seamless communication, inspection planning, execution,
cyber incident reporting, and analysis, which enables anytime-anywhere secure access.
Small Finance • SFBs are registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013 and are licensed
Banks (SFBs) under Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
o Announced during Union Budget 2014-15, RBI issued the guidelines in November 2014.
• The prime objective for setting up SFBs was furthering financial inclusion by serving primarily
to unserved and underserved sections of the population.
• They are required to extend 75% of credit to the sectors eligible for classification as PSL.
• Minimum paid-up equity capital for small finance banks is ₹200 crore.
• Listing is mandatory for SFBs within three years of their net worth reaching ₹500 crore.
• Challenges: High cost of borrowing, sharp deceleration in loan growth since the pandemic
struck last year, etc.
Account • Unveiled in 2021, AA system is a type of RBI regulated entity (with an NBFC-AA license) that
Aggregator helps an individual securely and digitally access and share information from one financial
(AA) System institution to another in the AA network.
• Significance of AA system
o Consolidated dashboard of all bank accounts of user in one place.

33
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Reduce instances of misuse of account-
related data shared in physical form.
o User controlled data sharing as Data will be
shared only on user’s consent.

Cost Inflation • The Income Tax Department has notified the CII for current FY.
Index (CII) • The CII is notified every year under Income Tax Act, 1961 to match the prices to inflation rate
based on the Consumer Price Index or CPI (urban).
o CII= 75%
average
increase in CPI
for the
immediate
previous year
• It is used by a
taxpayer to compute long-term capital gains (LTCG) arising out of the sale of capital assets
after adjusting for inflation.
London • LIBOR is the global reference rate for unsecured short-term borrowing in interbank market.
Interbank o It acts as benchmark for short-term interest rates and used for currency rate swaps and
Offered Rate mortgages.
(LIBOR) o It is administered by Intercontinental Exchange.
o It is computed for five currencies: Swiss franc, euro, pound sterling, Japanese yen and US
dollar.
o It is an indicator of health of financial system and provides an idea of trajectory of
impending policy rates of central banks.
o Indian equivalent is known as Mumbai Inter-Bank Offer Rate (MIBOR) calculated by
National Stock Exchange of India.
Bond yield • Yield curve is the graphical representation of yields from bonds. Under normal circumstances,
curve inversion as one lends for a longer duration, one gets higher yields.
• However, there are times when this bond yield curve becomes inverted (bonds with shorter
tenure end up paying higher yields than bonds with longer tenure) which suggests that
investors expect future growth to be weak.
• This is a strong predictor of recessions.
Yield Curve • The Japanese Yen has declined further as the Bank of Japan has stuck with its policy of yield
Control (YCC) curve control.
• Yield control curve, also referred as interest rate caps, aims to control interest rates along some
portion of the yield curve.
o It involves targeting a longer-term interest rate by a central bank, then buying or selling
as many bonds as necessary to hit that rate target.
• Different from Quantitative Easing (QE) and short-term interest rate targets, YCC focuses on
bond prices and provides economic stimulus as short-term rates near zero.
o It helps to prevent recession or lessen its impact.
Global • Global stagflation (slowdown in growth and increase in consumer price inflation) can impact
Stagflation domestic growth and inflation through multiple channels.
o Lower external demand drags down export demand and overall domestic demand and
growth.
o Higher global commodity prices increase domestic inflation through direct and cost-push
channels and dampen domestic growth through weakening of aggregate demand.
• Higher global inflation and global interest rates impact capital flows, putting downward
pressures on the domestic currency.
Provisions • Any change in design of a currency note has to be approved by the RBI’s Central Board and the
related Design Central government.

34
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 of rupee notes o Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, gives RBI the “sole right” to issue banknotes in India.
and coins • The Coinage Act, 2011 gives the central government the power to design and mint coins in
various denominations.
Handbook Of • It is being released annually, by Reserve Bank of India, since 2016.
Statistics on • It contains comparable data at one place for different States on various dimensions –
Indian States economic, social, and demographic, over various time periods ranging from 1951 to 2021-22.
o In current edition two new sections – Health and Environment have been introduced.
Legal Entity • Recently, RBI has extended the guidelines on LEI to large borrowers of NBFCs and Primary
Identifier (LEI) (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs).
• LEI is a 20-character alpha-numeric code which is used to create a global reference data system
that uniquely identifies every legal entity in any jurisdiction that is party to a financial
transaction.
• LEI improves the quality and accuracy of financial data reporting systems for better risk
management.

35
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4. PAYMENT SYSTEMS AND FINANCIAL MARKETS
4.1. PAYMENT SYSTEMS
4.1.1. INDIAN PAYMENT SYSTEM
Why in News?
RBI has unveiled ‘Payments Vision 2025’, to outline the thought
process for the period up to December 2025.
Payment System in India
• Payment System is regulated and supervised by RBI under the
Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
• Importance of Payment System: It plays a vital role in economic
development, financial stability, and financial inclusion.
• The Indian payment system is fast becoming digital with UPI,
IMPS and Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI) transactions
registering a CAGR of 104%, 39% and 13% respectively between
2019 and 2021.
o At the same time, share of paper instruments in total retail
payments declined from 3.83% to 0.88% in terms of volume.
Payments Vision 2025
• Building upon the four goalposts (competition, cost, convenience, and confidence) of the Payments
Vision 2021, the Payments Vision 2025 has set five anchor goalposts as:
o Integrity, Inclusion, Innovation, Institutionalization and Internationalization for enhanced outreach,
customer centricity, cyber security, and digital deepening.
• Core Theme: E-payments for everyone, everywhere, everytime (4Es).
• Vision: Provide every user with Safe, Secure, Fast, Convenient, Accessible, and Affordable e-payment
options.
Related News
Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS)
• UIDAI has introduced a new security layer in AePS - called liveliness of fingerprints to prevent use of fake
fingerprints to fraudulently withdraw money.
• AePS is a bank led model which allows online interoperable financial inclusion transaction at PoS (MicroATM)
through Business correspondent of any bank using the Aadhaar authentication.
• AePS is provided by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India). Only inputs required for a customer to do a
transaction are Bank Name, Aadhar Number and Fingerprints.

4.1.2. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN PAYMENT SYSTEMS

Reserve Bank • RBI-DPI has
of India - demonstrated
Digital significant growth
Payment Index (between March
(RBI-DPI) 2021- March 2022)
indicating rapid
adoption and
deepening of
digital payments
across the country.
o RBI-DPI was
launched on
01 January
2021 with
March 2018 as
the base period.
• RBI-DPI comprises 5 broad parameters that enable measurement of deepening and penetration
of digital payments in the country.
36
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Storage of • Issued in 2018, RBI directive advises all payment system providers to ensure that their entire
Payment data relating to payment systems operated by them is stored in a system only in India.
System Data o It includes Payment System providers (under Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007);
(SPSD) banks and any other entity in payments ecosystem providing payment services in India.
o CERT-In empaneled auditor audits the system and data can be shared with overseas
regulator only after RBI approval.
Bharat Bill • RBI has reduced the minimum net worth requirement for non-bank Bharat Bill Payment
Payment Operating Units (BBPOUs) from ₹100 crore to ₹25 crore.
System (BBPS) • BBPS is RBI-conceptualized system driven by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• Objective of BBPS: To implement an integrated bill payment system that offers interoperable
and accessible bill payment services (electricity, telecom, gas etc.) to customers through a
network of agents, enabling multiple payment modes, and providing instant confirmation of
payment.
• It has a centralized customer grievance redress mechanism and a uniform customer
convenience fee.
Merchant • MDR is the cost paid by a merchant to a bank for accepting payment from customers via digital
discount rate means.
(MDR) • It is expressed in percentage of transaction amount.
Financial • FIU-IND, set up in 2004, is an independent central national agency responsible for receiving,
Intelligence processing, analyzing, and disseminating information relating to suspect financial transactions
Unit India (FIU- to enforcement agencies and foreign FIUs.
IND) o It reports to Economic Intelligence Council (EIC) headed by Finance Minister.
• FIU-IND is a member of Egmont Group, a united body of 166 FIUs.
• Egmont Group provide FIUs a platform to securely exchange expertise and financial intelligence
to combat money laundering, terrorist financing etc.

4.2. FINTECH

37
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.2.1. CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY
Why in news?
RBI has launched a pilot project on
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
along with a Concept Note on it.
More on news
• It aims is to create awareness
about CBDCs in general and the
planned features of the digital
Rupee, in particular.
• It called for the amendment of
the RBI Act, 1934 to include
Digital Rupee in the definition of
the term “bank note”.
Digital Rupee as proposed by
Concept note
• As per the concept note, the
design of the Digital Rupee or e₹,
will be based on the
circumstances and need so that it
is compatable with the goals of
financial and monetary stability.
• Accordingly, two forms of CBDCs
may be introduced:
o CBDC-Retail:
potentially available
for use by all private
sector, non-financial
consumers, and
businesses.
o CBDC-Wholesale:
designed for
restricted access by
financial institutions.
• e₹ can be structured as
‘token based’ or ‘account-
based’.
o Token-based CBDC is a
bearer instrument like
banknotes; whose
holder is presumed to
own them.
o Account-based
system would require
maintenance of
record of balances
and transactions of all
holders of the CBDC.
• Principle of Managed
Anonymity may be
followed i.e., “anonymity
for small value and
traceable for high value,” akin to anonymity associated with physical cash.

38
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • CBDC in India would be based on the Two-
tier, Indirect model and non-remunerative
i.e. Non-interest bearing.
About Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
• RBI defines CBDC as the legal tender issued
by a central bank in a digital form.
• It is pegged to the value of that country's
fiat currency and adds digital form to
existing physical form of bank note (Finance
Bill 2022).
• Under the RBI Act (1934), RBI has the sole
right to issue bank notes in India.
o Only coins, under the Coinage Act (2011)
and ₹1 note are issued by central
government.
Related News
Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF)
• Released by OECD, the CARF provides for reporting of tax information on transactions in Crypto-Assets in a
standardized manner, with a view to automatically exchanging such information.
o CARF intends to combat international tax evasion using digital assets e.g., Cryptocurrency.
• It covers exchanges, brokers, and ATM operators that facilitate exchanges between relevant crypto assets.
• Under CARF, due diligence procedures require the identification of both individual and Entity customers, and
controlling persons to identify themselves.

4.2.2. TOKENISATION
Why in news?
Reserve Bank of India’s card-on-file (CoF)
tokenisation norms are effective from 1st
October.
About Card-on-File (CoF) Tokenisation
• Tokenization is a process by which card
details transaction are replaced by a
unique code or token allowing
purchases to go through without
exposing sensitive details.
o A CoF transaction is one in which a
cardholder has authorized a
merchant to store his or her
Mastercard or Visa payment
details, and to bill the stored
account.
o A token is a unique for a
combination of card, token
requestor and the device.
• Under tokenization process,
online players or merchants are
not allowed to store card
number, CVV and expiry date for
processing online transactions.
• Tokenization and de-
tokenization (conversion of the
token back to actual card details)
can be performed by-

39
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Card issuing Bank, or
o Visa / Mastercard / Rupay who are referred as authorised card networks.
• More than 10 crore tokens have already been generated covering 60-70% of the Indian cardholders.

4.2.3. UNIFIED PAYMENTS INTERFACE (UPI)

Why in News?
UAE joined the nations like Bhutan, Nepal and
Singapore by accepting UPI payments.
UPI and its Features
• UPI is an instant real-time payment system
developed by NPCI facilitating inter-bank
transactions.
• It is the most successful real-time payments
systems globally, providing simplicity, safety, and
security in person to person (P2P) and person to
merchant (P2M) transactions using tools like BHIM.
About NPCI
• NPCI is an initiative of RBI and Indian Banks'
Association (IBA) under provisions of Payment and
Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for creating a robust
Payment and Settlement Infrastructure in India.
• It aims to create a robust Payment &
Settlement Infrastructure in India and
operates-
o RuPay (Indigenously developed
Payment System),
o IMPS (Immediate Payment
Service),
o NACH (National Automated
Clearing House),
o ABPS (Aadhaar Payment Bridge
System),
o NFS (National Financial Switch)
and
o Bharat Bill Payment System etc.
• In 2020, NPCI put a volume cap of 30%
of the overall volume of transactions
processed in UPI for Third Party App Providers (TPAPs), whose deadline is now extended till December
2024.

4.2.4. DIGITAL BANKING UNITS (DBUS)

Why in News?
The PM dedicated 75 DBUs to spread the benefits of digital banking to every nook and corner of India.
More on News
• Based on the RBI Guidelines, the 75 DBUs are set as a joint initiative of the Government, the RBI, the Indian
Banks Association, and the participating banks.
• DBUs can be set up by all Scheduled Commercial banks (SCBs) (excluding Regional Rural Banks, Payments
Banks and Local Area Banks) with past digital banking experience.
o E.g., the banks setting the 75 DBUs include 11 public sector banks, 12 private sector banks and one
small finance bank.
• SCBs are permitted to open DBUs in Tier 1 to Tier 6 centers, without the need to seek permission from
RBI, unless otherwise specifically restricted.

40
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 4.2.5. DIGITAL LENDING
Why in News?
RBI’s guideline on digital lending became effective on December 1.
Digital Lending
• Digital lending guidelines are applicable to all Regulated Entities (RE) i.e., Commercial banks, Primary
(urban) co-operative banks, NBFCs etc. and the Lending Service Providers (LSPs) engaged by them to
extend various permissible credit facilitation services.
• Purpose: To tighten norms for digital lending in order to protect consumers from breach of data privacy,
unfair business conduct, charging of exorbitant interest rates and unethical recovery practices by fintech
players.

41
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Need for Guidelines:
o Rising illegal lending apps.
o Concerns over Data Privacy
because of the use of AI,
Machine Learning data
analytics etc.
o Unregulated entities
engaged into lending and
unreported products like
'Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)'
Loans.
✓ BNPL is a form of point-
of-sale credit where
buyers/ purchasers are
typically given a 15–30-
day interest-free
repayment period.
o Rise in crypto lending
which poses serious issues
in the absence of any
regulatory framework.

Key Provisions
Parameters Guidelines
Customer • All Loan Disbursal, Servicing and Repayment etc. to be executed by borrowers directly in the
Protection and RE’s bank account without any pass-through account/ pool account of any third party.
Conduct • No automatic increase in credit limit without the explicit consent of borrower.
requirements • Provide a Key Fact Statement (KFS) to borrower before the execution of contract of digital
products.
o KFS contain the details of All-inclusive cost of digital loans in the form of Annual
Percentage Rate (APR), the recovery mechanism, details of grievance redressal officer
designated and the cooling-off/ look-up period.
• Nodal Grievance Redressal Officer appointment by REs and the LSPs to deal with
FinTech/digital lending related complaints/issues raised by the borrowers.
o Borrower can complain over the Complaint Management System (CMS) portal under
RBI’s Integrated Ombudsman Scheme if their grievance isn’t resolved in 30 days.
Technology and • Collection, usage and sharing of data by the DLAs must be need-based and with prior and
Data explicit consent of the borrower having audit trail.
Requirement • Storage of data: REs shall ensure that:
o LSPs/DLAs engaged by them do not store personal information of borrowers except
some basic minimal data (viz., name, address, contact details of the customer, etc.).
o No biometric data is stored/ collected in the systems associated with the DLAs.
o All data is stored only in servers located within India.
o The borrowers must be informed about the storage of customer data.
• RE is responsible for data privacy and security of the customer’s personal information.
• REs shall ensure that they and the LSPs engaged by them comply with various technology
standards/ requirements on cybersecurity stipulated by RBI and other agencies.
Regulatory • Reporting of Loans by REs to Credit Information Companies (CICs), irrespective of its nature or
Framework tenor.
o Lending through the BNPL model also needs to be reported to CICs.
• Explicit option to exit digital loan to borrowers by paying the principal and the proportionate
APR without any penalty during the cooling off period(determined by the Board of the RE).
• Enhanced Due diligence by REs before entering into a partnership with a LSP for digital lending
and shall carry out periodic review of the conduct of the LSPs engaged by them.

42
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 4.3. FINANCIAL MARKETS
4.3.1. CREDIT RATING
Why in news
SEBI has issued guidelines on
Standardization of Rating
Scales used by Credit Rating
Agencies (CRAs).
Key highlights of guidelines
• Standardized symbols and
their definitions have been
devised for issuer rating or
corporate credit rating.
o Rating Symbols (AAA,
AA, A, BBB, BB, B, C and D) should have CRAs first name as prefix.
o CRAs can use modifiers (+ or -) to reflect the comparative standing within the categories of AA to C.
• Provide standard descriptors for Rating Watch and Rating Outlook (refer image).
o Rating Watch: It
indicates CRAs
view on expected
direction of
rating movement
in short term.
o Rating Outlook: It
indicates CRAs
view on expected
direction of
rating movement
in near to
medium term.
About Credit Rating and
Credit rating agency
(CRA)
• A credit rating is an opinion of a particular credit
agency regarding the ability and willingness of
an entity (government, business, or individual)
to fulfill its financial obligations in completeness
and within the established due dates.
o It signifies the likelihood a debtor will default
and used by investors, intermediaries such
as investment banks, issuers of debt, and
businesses and corporations.
• Credit rating agency evaluates the credit rating
of a debtor by analyzing the qualitative and
quantitative attributes of the entity in question.
o Presently, three prominent CRAs control 85%
of the overall ratings market: Moody’s
Investor Services, Standard and Poor’s (S&P),
and Fitch Group.
• Types of Credit Ratings - Investment grade
ratings mean the investment is considered solid
and Speculative grade rating implies that investments are high risk.

43
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.3.2. SOCIAL STOCK EXCHANGE (SSE)
Why in News?
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a framework for SSEs after it notified rules for
SSEs to provide social enterprises (SE) with an additional avenue to raise funds.

Social Stock Exchange (SSE)

• SSE is a novel concept, first floated by Finance Minister in Budget speech for financial year 2019-20.
• It allows investors to buy shares in a social enterprise that has been vetted by an official exchange.
o Social enterprises are non-loss, non-dividend-paying companies established to address social
problems.
• BSE and NSE has got SEBI nod for SSE.
• Examples of SSE: UK (Social Stock Exchange), Canada (Social Venture Connexion), and Singapore (Impact
Investment Exchange).
Key Highlights of the Framework
• Social Enterprises (SEs) eligible to participate in the SSE will be: Non-profit organisations (NPOs) and
For-profit social enterprises—having social intent and impact as their primary goal.
o 16 broad activities are allowed including eradicating hunger, poverty, malnutrition, LGBTQIA+ etc.
• NPOs should be registered as a charitable entity, and it must be valid for next 12 months.
o Age of the NPO should be "minimum of three years".
• SEs raising funds via SSE should disclose Annual Impact Report within 90 days from financial year end.
• NPOs raising funds through the issuance of Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instruments must disclose
their Vision, Target Segment, etc.

4.3.3. SOVEREIGN GREEN BONDS (SGRB)

Why in news?
Recently, Ministry of Finance has approved the final Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrB) framework of India with
an intention to issue bonds worth ₹16,000 crore.
About Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrB)
• Green bonds are fixed-income financial instruments which are used to fund projects that have positive
environmental and or climate benefits.
o Difference between Green Bonds and ordinary bonds: Funds raised by green bonds are used only to
support initiatives which are beneficial for environment, e.g., green construction, renewable energy
etc.
• Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrB): When these bonds carry guarantees related to the repayment of principal
and payment of interest by the sovereign or the government, they are called SGrB.

44
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Key features of Framework
• Under the framework, ‘green
project’ classification is based on
the following principles:
o Encouraging energy efficiency.
o Reducing carbon and
greenhouse gases emissions.
o Promoting climate resilience
and/or adaptation.
o Values and improves natural
ecosystems and biodiversity in
accordance with SDG principles.
• Green Finance Working Committee
(GFWC) will support Ministry of
Finance with selection and
evaluation of projects etc.
• The proceeds of SGrB will be
deposited to Consolidated Fund of
India (CFI), and then funds from the
CFI will be made available for
eligible green projects.
o Public Debt Management Cell
will keep a track of proceeds.
• Eligible projects (refer image) will
use the raised proceeds from
sovereign green bonds for capitalisation or re-capitalization.

45
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Other Types of bonds in news
• Fixed Rate Bonds: Interest remains fixed throughout the tenure of the bond.
• Floating Rate Bonds: They have a fluctuating interest rate (coupon rate) as per the current market reference rate.
• Zero Interest Rate Bonds: It does not pay any regular interest to the investors and issuers only pay the principal
amount to the bondholders.
• Inflation-indexed bonds: In this, coupon payments are adjusted for inflation by linking the payments to some or
the other inflation indicator (like CPI or WPI).
• Blue bonds: A blue bond is a relatively new form of debt instrument that is issued to support investments in
healthy oceans and blue economies.
o Blue Economy is sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods.
• Rupee-denominated Bonds or Masala Bonds: Masala Bond is a term used to refer to a financial instrument
through which Indian entities can raise money from overseas markets in the rupee.
o It is an attempt to shield issuers from currency risk and instead transfer the risk to investors buying these
bonds.
o In 2015, RBI allowed Indian entities to issue Rupee dominated Bonds overseas.

4.3.4. INSTITUTIONS AND SYSTEMS IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR

The Investor • It was established by GOI in 2016 under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Education and • The IEPFA Authority is entrusted with the responsibility of:
Protection o Administration of the Investor Education Protection Fund (IEPF),
Fund Authority o Making refunds of shares, unclaimed dividends, matured deposits/ debentures etc.,
(IEPFA) o Promoting awareness among investors and protecting the interests of the investors.
SCORES • SCORES, i.e., SEBI Complaints Redressal System, is a web based centralized grievance redress
system pertaining to the securities market, mainly against listed companies and registered
intermediaries.
• It was made operational in 2011 and from 2018 it has been made mandatory for lodging a
complaint.
India • India's first IBX is launched at International Financial Services Centres (IFSC) at Gujarat
International International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in Gandhinagar.
Bullion • Purpose: Have standard gold pricing in country and make it easier for small bullion dealers and
Exchange jewelers to trade in precious metal.
(IIBX)
Central • CDSL is a government-registered share depository, founded in 1999, alongside its other state-
Depositories owned counterpart National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL).
Services India • CDSL is promoted by BSE Ltd. jointly with leading banks such as State Bank of India, Bank of
Ltd (CDSL) India, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Union Bank of India
o It helps consumers store shares in a dematerialised form.

46
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • As a Market Infrastructure Institution, CDSL is a crucial part of capital market structure.
o MIIs are institutions providing infrastructure of trading, settlement and record keeping
and include stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories.
Financial • FBIL, jointly owned by FIMMDA, FEDAI, and IBA, was formed in 2014 as a private limited
Benchmarks company under Companies Act 2013.
India Private • It develops and administers benchmarks relating to the money market, government securities,
Limited (FBIL) and foreign exchange in India.
o E.g., Mumbai Interbank Offered Rate (MIBOR), Mumbai Interbank Forward Offer Rate
(MIFOR) etc.
• Key drivers of price integrity of financial markets, these benchmarks are used for purpose of
pricing, settlement, and valuation of financial contracts.
International • Founded in 1983 (HQ: Madrid, Spain), it is an international body that brings together the world's
Organization securities regulators as the global standard setter for the securities sector.
of Securities • It works with G20 and the Financial Stability Board (FSB) on the global regulatory reform
Commissions agenda.
(IOSCO) • Membership from India in IOSCO:
o SEBI is an ordinary member of IOSCO;
o International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) is an associate member; and
o BSE, NSE and Multi Commodity Exchange of India are its affiliate members.

4.3.5. OTHER CONCEPTS IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR

Non- • NDF is a foreign exchange contract, where two parties agree to, on a date in future, exchange
deliverable currencies for prevailing spot rate.
forward (NDF) • Under this, an NDF is fixed for an agreed amount on a specific due date, and at a defined
market forward rate.
• At maturity, forward rate is compared against reference rate of that day.
o Difference between the pre-agreed forward rate and fixing rate is settled in convertible
currency, like US dollars.
Passive Funds • Passive Funds are investment instruments which replicate a market index or specific market
segment. E.g., Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Index Funds.
o Unlike with an active fund, the fund manager does not decide what securities the fund
takes on.
o This normally makes passive funds cheaper to invest in than active funds, which require
the fund manager to spend time researching and analysing opportunities to invest in.
Hybrid • SEBI has set up a 20-member committee under K V Kamath on Hybrid Securities to make
Securities recommendations on issues related to development and regulation of primary and secondary
markets of hybrid securities.
• Purpose: Boost the growth of hybrid securities, ease of issuance and attracting domestic and
global capital.
• Hybrid Securities are investment instruments that combine two or more different financial
instruments, commonly the equities and bonds (debt) characteristics.
o For example, InvITs, REITs, Preferred Stocks etc.
Poison pill • Officially known as the shareholder rights plan, poison pill strategy allows existing
strategy shareholders to purchase additional shares in a company at a discount.
• It makes the buyout costly for the other party, effectively diluting its ownership interest.
Anchor • Anchor Investors, also known as cornerstone investors, are qualified institutional buyers who
Investors buy shares in large quantities such as mutual funds, foreign institutional investors, banks,
provident funds etc.
o They have guaranteed allotment of shares ahead of company IPO, upto 60% of the
qualified institutional investors’ pool, to help the company in bringing other investors.
Infrastructure • InvITs is a Collective Investment Scheme similar to mutual funds, which enables direct
investment investment of small amounts of money from individual/institutional investors in infrastructure
trusts (InvITs) to earn a small portion of the income as return.
• It is regulated by the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.
o These are similar to real estate investment trusts (REITs), i.e. the listed entities which own,
operate and manage buildings/properties for generating income.
Forward • Forward premium represents the interest rate differential between the Indian and US bonds.
Premium o It is a situation in which the forward or expected future price for a currency is greater
than the spot price (current price).
o It can be used as an indicator while trading in the forex markets.

47
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Insider Trading • SEBI has categorized front-running as a form of market manipulation and insider trading, and
penalized several fund houses over this activity.
• Insider trading refers to ‘the practice of purchasing or selling a publicly-traded company’s
securities while in possession of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI)’.
o UPSI includes- financial results, dividend declaration, buyback announcements, expansion
plans, mergers/amalgamations, share sale etc.
• Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) held that mere possession of price-sensitive information and
trading on the basis of that are not sufficient to prove insider trading.
Front Running • Front-running is a market malpractice where a dealer, trader or fund manager who is aware of
large upcoming share purchase order, buys the same share in advance in bulk.
o Such bulk orders drive up share price.
• It is illegal in India.
Commercial • CP refers to short-term debt instrument issued by companies to garner funds generally for time
Paper (CP) period up to one year.
o It is an unsecured money market instrument issued in form of promissory note.
o Offered at discount to face value.
Participatory • Participatory Notes or P-Notes (PNs) are financial instruments issued by a registered foreign
Notes (P- institutional investor (FII) to an overseas investor who wishes to invest in Indian stock markets
notes) without registering themselves SEBI.
• The anonymity provided by the P- Notes makes it lucrative for entities that try to use this route
to round trip funds.
Alternative • AIF means any fund established or incorporated in India which is a privately pooled investment
Investment vehicle which collects funds from sophisticated investors, whether Indian or foreign, for
Funds (AIFs) investing it in accordance with a defined investment policy for the benefit of its investors.
and Venture • VCF is a type of AIF which is an investment fund that manages money from different investors
Capital Funds seeking to provide capital in startup and small- and medium-size enterprises.
(VCF)
Impact • It is an investment strategy that aims to generate specific beneficial social or environmental
Investing effects in addition to financial gains.
• Under it, investors consider a company's commitment to corporate social responsibility or the
duty to positively serve society as a whole. E.g.
o Educate Girls Development Impact Bond: As world’s first development impact bond (DIB)
for education, it was launched as a proof-of-concept project in Rajasthan.

4.4. INSURANCE SECTOR

4.4.1. NEW INSURANCE RULES
Why in News?
To boost Insurance
penetration (4.2%
compared to the
world average of
6.3%) in India, the
government has
notified six new
rules of Insurance
Regulatory and
Development
Authority of India
(IRDAI).
About IRDAI
• IRDAI (HQ:
Hyderabad
since 2001,
earlier in Delhi) is an autonomous regulatory body, established in 1999 through IRDAI Act,
1999onrecommendations of RN Malhotra Committee Report.
o It aims to protect the policyholder’s interests.

48
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o It manages and regulates insurance and reinsurance industry in India along with registering and/or
licensing insurance, reinsurance companies and the intermediaries.

New Rules
• A Corporate Agent
can tie up with 9
insurers and
Insurance Marketing
Firms can tie up with 6
insurers.
• Raises Regulatory
Sandbox (RS)
experimentation
period from 6 months to up to 36 months.
• The requirement of prior approval from IRDAI for raising ‘Others form of Capital’ is dispensed with.
o It includes subordinated debt and/or preference shares.
• The experience and qualification requirements have been made flexible for Appointed Actuary (AA).
• The period for considering State/Central Government premium dues for calculation of solvency position
has been increased from 180 to 365 days.
• For ease of doing business, the process of setting up an insurance company has been made simpler.
Related News
‘Use and file’ procedure
• IRDAI has extended ‘use and file’ procedure to authorize life insurers to launch new products without prior
approval.
o Earlier, similar relaxations were extended to health and general insurance products.
• Expected Benefits: Faster response to emerging market needs, more choices for the policyholders, and increasing
the insurance penetration in India (it was 4.2% in FY21).
Micro insurance

• A committee appointed by IRDAI has suggested over a dozen low-cost "micro insurance" modules.
• About micro insurance:
o Aim: To protect low-income people with insurance products that are affordable.
o Objectives: Empower people to cope with common risks such as death of the breadwinner, paying for
treatment of serious illnesses, reconstructing destroyed homes and businesses etc.

49
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.5. PENSION SECTOR
4.5.1. PENSION SYSTEM IN INDIA
Why in News?
The debate on pension reforms has
intensified over Old Pension Scheme
(OPS) vs New Pension Scheme (NPS).
India’s Pension System
• The Indian Pension System is
highly complex and fragmented
with a wide variety of options. E.g.
o Public Pensions such as OPS
for civil servants and NPS
(replacing OPS from 01
January 2004) for new
entrants.
✓ Armed forces personnel
are an exception to NPS
and are still covered by
OPS.
o Employee Pension Scheme
(EPS) for employees in the
organized sector by
Employees' Provident Fund
Organisation (EPFO).
o Government Pension Schemes such
as Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan
Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana
(PMVVY), Indira Gandhi National Old
Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) etc.
o Pension Plans from Organizations
such as LIC’s Saral Pension etc.
• Reasons behind NPS Introduction: It was
introduced in 2004 based on the report of OASIS (Old Age Social and Income Security) Project due to
o Increasing pension liability of the government with no specific growing corpus for payments.
o Unsustainable nature of OPS as pension liabilities kept climbing with increasing life expectancy due
to better health facilities.

50
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 5. EXTERNAL SECTOR
5.1. TRADE
5.1.1. INTERNATIONALIZATION OF RUPEE
Why in News?
Recently, the central government has made
changes to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) to
allow for rupee settlement of international
trade for export promotion schemes.
About International Currency and
Internationalization of Rupee
• The Tarapore Committee on Fuller
Capital Account Convertibility (CFAC)
defined international currency as ‘a
currency that is widely used for
international transactions’.
• Internationalization of a currency
(rupee here) is a process to increase
rupee acceptance (credibility) across
the world.
• It can also be referred to adopting full
capital account convertibility, i.e.,
freedom to convert local financial
assets into foreign financial assets and
vice versa.
o Currently, India allows partial
Capital Account Convertibility and
full current account convertibility.
o Current Account Convertibility is
the freedom or ability to convert domestic currency into any foreign currency and vice-versa.
• In India, the broad framework for cross-border transactions is governed by the Foreign Exchange
Management Act (FEMA), 1999.

51
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Benefits of Internationalization of Rupee
• Reduced Foreign Exchange Reserves requirement for balance of payment. It can also reduce the imposed
cost of forex on the economy by Interest Rate Differential (IRD).
o IRD is the change in interest rates between the currencies of two countries.
• Reduced Vulnerability to External Shocks because of reduced dependence on foreign currency.
• Mitigates Currency Risks for Indian Enterprises by eliminating foreign exchange fluctuation, reducing the
cost of doing business and support global growth of Indian businesses.
• Enhance India’s global stature and respect, helping Indian Businesses through increased bargaining
power.
RBI guidelines on International Trade Settlement (ITS) in
Indian Rupees
• Exports and imports under invoicing arrangement may be
denominated and invoiced in Rupee, while exchange rate
between currencies of two trading partner countries may
be market determined.
• Exporters and importers can now use a Special Vostro
Accounts linked to correspondent bank of partner country
for receipts and payments denominated in rupees subject
to Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
o Vostro (Latin: Yours) Account is an account a
correspondent bank holds on behalf of another bank,
[Link] HSBC Vostro account is held by SBI in India.
✓ We also have another set of account, i.e., Nostro
(Latin: Ours) account between two banks for
international trading.
o Vostro account allows Indian importers to pay for
their imports in INR into these accounts.
• Also, bank guarantee, setting-off export receivables,
advance against exports, use of surplus balance, approval
process, documentation, etc., related aspects would be
covered under FEMA rules.

5.1.2. WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)

Why in News?
Recently, the 12th Ministerial Conference
(MC) of WTO held.
WTO: Its Structure and 12th MC Outcome
• WTO is the only global international
organization dealing with the rules of
trade between nations.
• It has 164 members (including European
Union) and 23 observer governments
(like Iran, Iraq, Bhutan, etc.)
• The structure of the WTO is dominated
by its highest authority, the Ministerial Conference, composed of representatives of all WTO members,
which can take decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements.

Agenda Outcome at MC12

Fisheries • There would be a check on illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
• No subsidies to be provided for fishing in areas outside EEZ or RFMOs (regional fisheries
management organizations).

IP waiver on • A country can authorize production of vaccines patented elsewhere and there would be no
Covid vaccines consent required as well as there would be no limit on exports.

52
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 On e- • Members reached a provisional deal to extend a moratorium on applying duties to electronic
Commerce transmissions till the next ministerial conference (MC13) or March 2024, whichever is earlier.
moratorium o It was first imposed in 1998 on electronic transmissions covering both goods (such as e-
books and music downloads) and services. The moratorium was extended periodically.

Food Security • There will be no export restrictions on World Food Programme purchases for food security in
other countries, although domestic food security will take priority.

Other Developments related to WTO

Operation of • India opposed the Group consultation format on food subsidies programme from 10-member
Public group of developed and developing countries including US, Australia, Canada, Thailand etc.
Stockholding • Some PSHP’s are considered to distort trade when they involve purchases from farmers at
Programmes prices fixed by governments, known as supported or administered prices (MSP in India).
(PSHP) o To overcome this, WTO members, at Bali ministerial meeting, put in place a peace clause.
o No such format on consultation was given under Bali Ministerial meeting (2013) as the
group includes developed and developing countries as well as food importing and food
exporting countries.
Peace Clause
• Under peace clause, WTO member countries are refrained from challenging any breach in
prescribed subsidy ceiling given by a developing nation at dispute settlement forum of WTO.
• India invoked the peace clause 3rd time for exceeding the 10% ceiling on support offered to rice
farmers to meet the domestic food security needs of poor population.
o In 2020, India became the first country to invoke peace clause as rice subsidies exceeded
cap in 2018-19.
Government • India denied any plans to join the WTO’s GPA - which allows WTO members to mutually open
Procurement up their markets for selling goods and services to governments.
Agreement o The Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA 2012) is a plurilateral agreement, i.e.,
(GPA) it includes some but not all WTO members. It consists of 21 parties (covering 48 WTO
members, counting the EU and its 27 member states as one party).
Goods Trade • Latest World Trade Organization (WTO) Goods Trade Barometer hints toward slowing of trade
Barometer growth in the rest of 2022 and into 2023.
o WTO's Goods Trade Barometer index is a composite leading indicator for world trade,
providing real-time information on merchandise trade trajectory relative to recent trends.
• Its baseline value is 100. A value greater than 100 suggests above trend growth while a value
below 100 indicates below-trend growth.

5.1.3. MARINE PRODUCTS EXPORT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (MPEDA)

Why in News?
Recently, the MPEDA
th
celebrated its 50 years.
Functions of MPEDA
• Identifying bottlenecks
in seafood trade and
taking corrective action.
• Registering seafood
processing units, fishing
vessels, pre-processing
centres, etc.
• Marketing activities such as buyer-seller meets, delegation visits to potential markets, etc.
• Promotes R&D for commercial aquaculture activities through the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture
(RGCA).
• Undertaking capacity building through societies such as:
o National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture- It empowers the marginalised and poor rural
aquaculture farmers through capacity-building at the grass-roots level.
o Network for Fish Quality Management and Sustainable Fishing – It imparts training to fishermen on
marine conservation, post-harvest handling and other.

53
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Since 2004, it is implementing the National Residue Control Plan (NRCP), for monitoring the residues of
substances like Antibacterial/Veterinary Medicinal Products, etc. for exports of marine products to EU.

5.2. INVESTMENT
5.2.1. FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS (FDI)

54
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 5.2.2. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS RELATED TO FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Foreign • FIFP, the online single point interface to facilitate FDI in India has completed 5 years.
Investment o It was set up after the abolishment of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in 2017.
Facilitation • FIFP is administered by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT),
Portal (FIFP) Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• It facilitates single window clearance of applications which are through approval route.

Foreign • New rules allow foreign investment of up to 20 per cent in LIC and other such corporate bodies.
Exchange o Presently, the foreign inflows' ceiling for public sector banks is 20 per cent under
Management government approval route.
(Non-debt • Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, under Finance Ministry, consolidates and
Instruments) amend laws relating to foreign exchange for facilitating external trade and payments and for
(Amendment) maintenance of foreign exchange market in India.
Rules, 2022 o It replaced the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) and extends to whole of India.

United Nations • According to the World Investment Report from UNCTAD, India jumped by one position to 7th
Conference on among the top FDI recipients in 2021.
Trade and o USA remains the top recipient with $367 billions of FDI, followed by China and Hong Kong.
Development • UNCTAD (HQ: Geneva) is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the UN General
(UNCTAD) Assembly in 1964.
o It has 195 member states, and it is part of the UN Sustainable Development Group.
o Other Major Reports by UNCTAD: Trade and Development Report, Digital Economy
Report, Technology, and Innovation Report etc.
• UNCTAD also releases the Trade and Development Report annually.

5.3. EXCHANGE RATE DYNAMICS

5.3.1. INDIAN RUPEE (INR) DEPRECIATION
Why in News?
To stem Indian rupee (INR) slide and boost forex inflows, RBI
has relaxed norms for foreign investment in debt, external
commercial borrowing (ECB), and Non-Resident Indian (NRI)
deposits.
About Exchange Rate and its Influencing Factors
• Exchange rate is the price of one currency
in terms of another currency.
• It can be fixed (exchange rate decided by
central banks) or floating (decided by
demand and supply) exchange rate.
• Floating (flexible) exchange rate is
determined by the foreign exchange
market or forex based on various factors
(see image).
• In India, the exchange rate management
has evolved from the fixed exchange rate
regime (in line with prevalent Bretton
Woods System) to market-determined
exchange rate since March 1993.
o The role of RBI and central government
is limited to just interventions
necessary to ensure orderly conditions
in the forex ecosystem.

55
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 5.3.2. INDIA’S FOREX DYNAMICS
Why in News?
India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves declined to
over two-year low of $532.66 billion in 2022,
reducing the import coverage to 8-9 months
from peak coverage of a year of India’s import.
Foreign Exchange Reserves: its Composition
and Management
• Foreign Exchange Reserves, also known as
Forex Reserves, are assets held on reserve
by a central bank in foreign currencies.
• Dominated by Foreign Currency Assets
(FCA), it can also include other instruments
like bonds, treasury bills, Gold Reserves,
Special Drawing Rights at IMF etc.
o Some of the common FCA’s are US
dollar, Euro, British pound, Japanese
Yen, and Chinese Yuan.
• As the Central Bank of India, RBI manages
India’s forex reserves under:
o Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and
o Foreign Exchange Management Act,
1999
Need of Forex Reserves
• Supporting and maintaining confidence in the exchange rate and monetary policies.
• Handling external market risks and Gain investors’ confidence to meet external obligations in case of
liquidity crisis.
• Assist government in meeting its foreign exchange needs and external debt obligations.
• Withstand domestic financial system shocks or any other national disaster/emergency.

56
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Reasons behind Forex Reserves Fall
• Decline in Foreign Currency Assets (FCA), the biggest reason.
o For instance, the Dollar Index, which gauges US Dollar (Greenback) strength against a basket of six
currencies, advanced 0.67 per cent to 113.94.
• RBI Forex Interventions to curb excessive volatility of rupee.
• High Capital Outflows from India to safe havens (including Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPIs)).
• Weak Global Outlook due to geopolitical reasons.
Related News
According to the World Gold Council, central banks across the globe are on a gold buying spree purchasing record
levels of Gold in the third quarter of 2022.
• RBI was the third largest among the known buyers in Q3 of 2022 and biggest buyer since April 2020.
• Reasons for the trend
o Under prevailing Economic Uncertainties (high inflation and global growth uncertainties), it can be used as a
tool to hedge against inflation with no risk of default.
o Increased weightage in the country’s overall reserves due to appreciation of dollar.
• Impact of gold imports: It increases India’s Current Account deficit.

5.4. GLOBAL INSTITUTIONS

5.4.1. INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF)
Why in News?
Recently, Union Minister of Finance, while addressing International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC),
stated that International Monetary Fund (IMF) must commit higher resources for emerging and low-income
countries.

About International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC)

• IMFC advises and reports to the IMF Board of Governors on the supervision and management of the
international monetary and financial system, including on responses to unfolding events that may disrupt
the system.
• IMFC has 24 members (including India) who are central bank governors, ministers, or others of
comparable rank and who are usually drawn from the governors of the IMF members (currently,
190countries).
• Although IMFC has no formal decision-making powers, in practice, it is a key instrument for providing
strategic direction to the work and policies of IMF.
• IMFC usually meets twice a year.
• Board of Governors, highest decision-making body of the IMF, is advised by two ministerial committees,
IMFC and Development Committee.
57
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Related News
Special Drawing Rights (SDR)
• International Monetary Fund (IMF) has increased the weighting of USD and Chinese Yuan in its review of the
currencies that make up the valuation of its SDR.
• SDR is an international reserve asset, created by the IMF in 1969 to supplement its member countries’ official reserves.
• Its value is based on a basket of five currencies: US dollar (highest weightage), Euro, Chinese Yuan, Japanese yen,
and British Pound Sterling (lowest weightage).
• It is allocated to IMF member countries in proportion to their relative share in the IMF.

5.4.2. WORLD BANK GROUP

5.5. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON EXTERNAL SECTOR

Anti-Dumping • India has initiated anti-dumping probe against import of certain type of optical fibre from
Duty China, Indonesia and South Korea.
• Anti-dumping duty is a protectionist tariff imposed by a domestic government on foreign
imports if it believes it is priced below fair market value (or dumping).
• Dumping is an unfair trade practice under the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 and its 1995 rules which
provide the legal basis for anti-dumping duty in India.
• The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), as the investigation arm of the Ministry
of Commerce, carries out the anti- dumping probe.
India’s • The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has released ‘The
Competitiveness Competitiveness Roadmap for India@100’ in collaboration with the Institute for
Roadmap Competitiveness.
• Competitiveness means any macro-variable which represents the ability to compete globally.
• It is centered on overall productivity, i.e., the effectiveness to mobilize country’s assets and
available labour force to create value.
World • Released by Institute for Management Development (IMD), India jumped by six-position - from
Competitiveness 43rd to 37th - the sharpest rise among the Asian economies due to gains in economic
Index 2022 performance.
• Note: This is different from Global competitiveness report of World Economic Forum.

58
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Rules of Origin • Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) stated that in case of conflict between
(ROO) Customs (Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, 2020 (CAROTAR)
and ROO (under FTA) provisions, provision of FTA or its ROO shall prevail.
o FTAs allow imports of most of the items at nil or concessional basic customs duty rate.
• CAROTAR are aimed at plugging duty evasion through routing exports to India under FTAs.
• Under CAROTAR rules, importers need to furnish proof of 35% value addition in goods from
country of origin to claim duty concession under FTAs.
• A list of minimum information which importer is required to possess is also provided.
About ROO
• ROO are the criteria prescribed to determine national origin of an imported product in a
country.
• Under this, a country that has inked an FTA with India cannot dump goods from some third
country in Indian market by just putting a label on it.
• It has to undertake a prescribed value addition in that product to export to India
Export Import • It was established by the Government of India, under the Export-Import Bank of India Act,
(Exim) Bank 1981.
• It extends Lines of Credit (LOCs) to overseas financial institutions, regional development
banks, sovereign governments, and other entities overseas.
• Objective: To enable buyers in those countries to import developmental and infrastructure
projects, goods and services from India, on deferred credit terms.
NIRYAT • NIRYAT portal- a one-stop place for all info needed on India’s foreign trade.
(National o It will help in breaking silos by providing real time data to all stakeholders.
Import-Export • Important information related to more than 30 commodity groups exported to more than 200
Record for countries of the world will be available.
Yearly Analysis o In the coming time, information related to district-wise exports will also be made
of Trade) portal available.
Indian Business • It is an online global trade hub launched for exporters and foreign buyers.
Portal (IBP) o It is Business to Business (B2B) digital marketplace to empower small medium enterprises
(SMEs) exporters, artisans, and farmers to identify new markets for their products and
grow their sales globally.
o Encourage greater exports of products `Made in India’.
o Developed by Federation of Indian Export Organisation.
RBI’s report on • The RBI’s annual Report, with theme “Revive and Reconstruct”, provides a strategy for
Currency and medium-term steady economic growth of 6.5-8.5%.
Finance (RCF) • Key observations for 2021-22
o Indian economy is likely to take over 12 years to overcome the COVID-19 losses.
o Capital infusion has helped PSBs improve their CRAR.

59
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Amount recovered through ARCs dipped in recent years before getting revived to 41% in
2020-21.
Reverse • Raising interest rates in the US has led to weakening of other currencies vis-à-vis dollar.
Currency War o Mostly, countries do this themselves to keep their exports competitive and is known as
currency war.
• However, weakening currency against dollar also leads to costlier import of crude oil as a
result of which countries are now working to ensure their currency doesn’t lose too much
value against the dollar.
o This is being termed as the reverse currency war.
Overseas Direct • Savvy investors are using ODI route to bet on cryptocurrencies abroad with liberalised
Investment remittance facility (LRS).
(ODI) • ODI is an investment made outside India in a Joint Venture (JV) or Wholly Owned Subsidiary
(WOS) either under Automatic Route or Approval Route.
• Indian Parties are not permitted to invest in foreign entities which are-
o engaged in Real Estate business activity.
o which offers financial products linked to Indian Rupee.
• Eligibility- Company; body created under Act of Parliament; Partnership Firm registered under
Indian Partnership Act, 1932; Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), registered under LLP Act,
2008, Resident Individuals under LRS.
International • IFC has launched a $6 billion Global Food Security Platform to strengthen the private sector's
Finance ability to respond to the crisis and help support food production.
Corporation o The platform will focus on improving resilience of the global food system and lessen its
(IFC) climate and ecological footprint.
• IFC (HQ: Washington DC), established in 1956, is a member of the World Bank Group.
• It is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging
markets; supporting World Bank in its twin goals of ending extreme poverty and boosting
shared prosperity.
• Other arms of World Bank include - International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(IBRD), International Development Agency (IDA), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency
(MIGA) and International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) or the
Washington convention.
o India is a member of all except the ICSID.

60
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 6. INNOVATION, SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
6.1. INNOVATION
6.1.1. GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX (GII)
Why in News?
India became 40thmost innovative country (46thin 2021) in the Global Innovation Index (GII).

About Global Innovation Index (GII)

• Launched in 2007, the GII tracks the global state of innovation and ranks innovative performance of
nations annually.
• Published by: WIPO in partnership with Portulans Institute, various corporate partners (E.g.,
Confederation of Indian Industry), and Academic Network Members.
o The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) joined it in 2011.
• GII 2022 Theme: “What is the future of innovation-driven growth?”.
• GII 2022 Results: It ranks the innovation performance of 132 countries based on two sub-indices:
o Innovation Input Sub-Index, and
o Innovation Output Sub-Index (see image).
• Top 5 countries in GII 2022: Switzerland, USA, Sweden, UK, and the Netherlands.
• India: Jumping 41 places since 2015, India ranks at the top in Central and Southern Asia region as well as
in Lower middle-income group.
o India continues to hold 1st rank in the ICT services exports indicator (within GII).
o Other indicators (within GII): Venture capital recipients’ value (6th), Finance for startups and scaleups
(8th), Graduates in science and engineering (11th), Labor productivity growth (12th) and Domestic
industry diversification (14th).
61
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Also, from India, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai featured among the world’s largest top 100
Science and Technology clusters.

Related News
NITI Aayog and the Institute for Competitiveness has
prepared India Innovation Index (III).
• It is a comprehensive tool that ranks states and the
union territories on their innovation performance
to build healthy competition.
• Key highlights of 3rdedition of Index
o It adopts the framework of Global Innovation
Index (GII) across 7 pillars (see infographics).
▪ Five ‘Enabler’ pillars measure the inputs
(features that are crucial for promoting
innovation), and
▪ Two ‘Performance’ pillars measure the
output (represent a nation’s benefits in
knowledge creation and competitiveness.).
o Karnataka (Major States); Manipur (North-Eastern and Hilly states); and Chandigarh (UTs and City-States)
topped in their respective categories.

6.1.2. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (IPR) REGIME IN INDIA

Why in News?
The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) released a report on India’s IPR regime.
About Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
• IPR are the exclusive rights given to persons over the use of his/her IP for a certain period of time.
o Such protection is provided in the form of Copyright, Geographical Indications (GI), Patents,
Registered designs Trademarks etc.
• Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) is the most comprehensive multilateral
agreement on IPR. It is in sync with the:
o Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (patents, industrial designs, etc.), and
o Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (copyright).
62
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 India’s IPR Governance Framework
India ranks at 43 out of 55 countries in the
International IP Index 2022 (by US Chambers of
Commerce) based on its framework for
governance of IPR regime (refer image).

63
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 6.1.3. NATIONAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AWARENESS MISSION (NIPAM)
Why in News?
NIPAM, a flagship program of Ministry of Commerce and Industry to impart IP awareness and basic training,
achieved its target of imparting IP awareness and basic training to 1 million students in India.
NIPAM Implementation
• It is implemented by the Intellectual Property Office, the Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs
and Trademarks (CGPDTM), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Objectives
• To provide awareness on IP and its rights to 1 million students.
• To inculcate the spirit of creativity and innovation to students of higher education (classes 8 to 12).
• To ignite and inspire students at college / Universities to innovate and protect their creations.
• Contribute to the cultural and economic development of the society through a remodelled approach that
makes use of the IP office’s existing resources in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), All
India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), University Grants Commission (UGC), and others.
• Creation of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat by raising IP awareness.

64
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 6.2. SKILL DEVELOPMENT

65
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 6.2.1. NATIONAL INITIATIVE FOR PROMOTION OF UPSKILLING OF NIRMAN WORKERS (NIPUN)
Why in News?
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched the ‘National Initiative for Promotion of
Upskilling of Nirman workers’ (NIPUN) project to train 100,000 construction workers.
More on News
• Project NIPUN is an initiative under MoHUA’s flagship scheme, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National
Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM).
• Its implementation is divided into three parts:
o Training through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at construction sites;
o Training through Fresh Skilling by Plumbing and Infrastructure Sector Skill Council (SSC); and
o International Placements through industries, builders and contractors.
• The courses are aligned with National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and will be imparted at
accredited and affiliated training centres.
o NSQF is a nationally integrated education and competency-based framework that enables persons
to acquire desired competency level.
• National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is its implementation partner, and it will be responsible
for overall execution of training, monitoring and candidate tracking.
o NSDC is a Public Private Partnership mandated to involve the private sector in skilling 150 million
Indians by 2022.
• Trainees will be provided with ‘Kaushal Bima’, a 3-year accidental insurance with ₹2 lakhs coverage along
with necessary digital skills.

6.3. ENTREPRENEURSHIP
6.3.1. UNICORNS IN INDIA
Why in News?

India crossed the milestone of 100 unicorns with a total valuation of over₹25 lakh crore rupees.

66
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Unicorn and Startups in India
• Unicorn is used to describe any privately held company that has touched a valuation of more than $1
billion.
o Globally, India ranks 3rd, after US and China, in the total number of unicorns and the overall startup
ecosystem.
• Start-ups are companies or ventures that are focused on a single product or service that the founders
want to bring to market.
o These companies don't have fully developed business model and, lack adequate capital to move onto
the next phase of business.
o Funding sources include venture capitalists, crowdfunding, loans.
o The DPIIT criteria for recognition of start-ups follow the 5 parameters as given in image.
Major Initiatives for Start-ups
• Startup India Initiative along with Startup India Seed Fund.
• Start-up Accelerators of MeitY for product Innovation, Development and growth (SAMRIDH)
programme.
• Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)under the Start-up India initiative to mobilise domestic capital to give the
Indian startup ecosystem with a total corpus of ₹10,000 crore.
o Under FFS, support is extended to SEBI registered AIFs, which in turn invest in startups.
o Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)is the implementing agency for the FFS.
• National Startup Awards to recognize and reward outstanding Startups and ecosystem enablers.
• Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), launched in 2021, to provide financial assistance to eligible DPIIT
recognized startups through eligible incubators for proof of concept, prototype development, product
trials, market entry and commercialization.
Related News
Ranking of States’ Start-up Ecosystems
• Launched in 2018 by DPIIT, the ranking aims to support states and UTs in developing their start-up ecosystem and
learn from the best practices in each state and UT.
• The 2021 ranking covers 24 States and 7 UTs, ranked on their performance across 7 broad reform areas including
Institutional Support; Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Access to Market; Funding Support; Mentorship
Support etc.
• Participants are graded as best performers, top performers, leaders, aspiring leaders, and emerging start-up
ecosystems.
• AIFs are any privately pooled investment fund (whether from Indian or foreign sources) in the form of a trust, a
company, a body corporate, or a Limited Liability Partnership.
o Family trusts, employee welfare trusts, and gratuity trusts are not counted as AIFs.

6.3.2. GOVERNMENT E-MARKETPLACE (GEM) PORTAL

Why in News?
Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to expand the mandate of GeM to allow procurement by
Cooperatives as buyers on the platform, helping cooperatives to enhance the Ease of Doing Business.
About the GeM
• It was launched in 2016, by the Ministry of Commerce to create an open and transparent procurement
platform for government buyers.
o It was developed by the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals with technical support of
NeGD under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
• It facilitates online procurement of common use Goods & Services required by various Government
Departments / Organisations / PSUs/ cooperatives.
o Private buyers cannot buy on the platform, but they can sell products to government bodies.
• General Financial Rules, 2017 mandates all Ministries or Departments to procure Goods and Services
available on GeM from GeM.
o It is managed by GeM Special Purpose Vehicle, a 100% Government Owned, Section 8 Company.
• The purchases through GeM by Government users have been authorized and made mandatory by the
Ministry of Finance.

67
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 6.4. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON INNOVATION, SKILL
DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Gig Workers • NITI Aayog released
India's Booming Gig
and Platform
Economy' report.
o It suggested
Universal Social
Security
Coverage by
operationalizing
the Code on
Social Security
using RAISE
Framework.
• Gig worker is a
person who
performs work or
participates in a
work arrangement
and earns from such activities outside of traditional employer-employee relationship, (Code on
Social Security, 2020)
Productivity • RBI and Centre for Development Economics released the ‘Indian Productivity Report’.
o The report highlights that India has significantly low productivity.
• Productivity can be defined as the ratio of the output of goods and services to the inputs -
human as well as others - used in the production process.
• It can be measured in terms of Labour Productivity or Total Factor Productivity (TFP).
Time banking • Time banks are time-sharing cooperative among women wherein one hour equals one time
credit, regardless of the service being performed or the level of each person’s skill or gender.
o Time banking can be viewed as an opportunity cost of an unpaid activity in terms of the
time sacrificed.
o For each hour of a service exchanged, the service provider receives one, time credit and
the beneficiary pays one, time credit.
National Career • It is a job platform, launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, to provide a
Service (NCS) variety of employment services.
Portal o Aimed at helping qualified job seekers to connect with potential employers for finding
suitable employment.
• NCS also enhances the candidates' personality.
o Through Career counselling, vocational guidance, and career skill training.
• The linkage between NCS and e-Shram has been completed in 2022.
Atal New India • Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has launched women centric challenges under its ANIC program
Challenge to address the major issues faced by women from all spheres of life.
(ANIC) • ANIC is a flagship program of AIM, NITI Aayog.
o It aims to seek, select, support and nurture technology-based innovations that solve
sectoral challenges of national importance and societal relevance.
o It can help address the Commercialization Valley of Death by supporting innovators scale
over the risks associated with access to resources for testing, piloting and market
creation.
• It provides funds up to ₹1 crore through a grant-based mechanism and open for:
o Any Indian Company incorporated under Companies Act,
o Any company registered as a Start-up, recognized by DPIIT.
SETU • Commerce and industry minister has launched SETU to connect start-ups in India to US-based
(Supporting investors and start-up ecosystem leaders with mentorship and assistance in various areas
Entrepreneurs including funding, market access etc.
in o SETU is designed to break the geographical barriers between mentors based in US that
Transformation are willing to invest in entrepreneurship and sunrise startups in India.
and Upskilling) • The interaction between the stakeholders will be supported through the mentorship portal
under the Startup India initiative MAARG (Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience, and
Growth) programme, which is a single-stop solution finder for startups in India.

68
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 MAARG • MAARG portal is to facilitate mentorship for startups across diverse sectors, functions, stages,
(Mentorship, geographies, and backgrounds.
Advisory, Objectives of portal:
Assistance, • Provide sector focused guidance, handholding, and support to startups.
Resilience and • Facilitate efficient mentorship and a mechanism for timely tracking of mentor-mentee
Growth) Portal engagements.
• It includes customizable mentorship programs, recognition for contributing mentors etc.
Going Online as • Recently, Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the 2nd phase of the GOAL programme.
Leaders (GOAL) • GOAL programme is a joint initiative of Facebook India with Ministry of Tribal affairs to provide
Programme mentorship to tribal youth through digital mode.
• It aims to digitally upskill 10 lakh youth from tribal communities and open up opportunities for
them using digital technology.
• It will create a platform for Self-Help Groups and families associated with TRIFED (Tribal Co-
operative Marketing Development Federation of India) to take their products global.
Grameen • To train 450 tribal students in Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand, the 2ndphase of Grameen
Udyami Project Udyami Project (GUP) is launched.
(GUP) • GUP, funded by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), aims to augment skill training
in tribal communities for their inclusive and sustainable growth.
o It is implemented in six states— Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya
Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Gujarat under the Sansadiya Parisankul Yojana.
• Training is conducted in job roles which are relevant to local economy. E.g. electrician,
plumbing, farm mechanisation etc.

69
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 7. AGRICULTURE
7.1. AGRICULTURAL INPUTS
7.1.1. MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE (MSP)
Why in news?
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
has approved an increase in Minimum Support Price
(MSP) for six Rabi crops for 2023-24.
About Minimum Support Price (MSP)
• It is a price support mechanism that acts as a
safety net for farmers through guaranteed prices
and assured markets for their products.
o MSP was started in 1966-67 for wheat and
expanded further to other essential food
crops, which was then sold to the poor under
subsidised rates under Public Distribution
System (PDS).
o It saves the crops from price fluctuations
caused by unwarranted factors such as
monsoon, information asymmetry etc.
• It is fixed twice a year on Commission for
Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP- statutory body) recommendations and then approved by Cabinet
Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA).
• The CACP determines the MSP based on the expenses incurred by the farmer (See infographics).
o The final MSP is determined as a function of expenses incurred (A2) and the imputed value of family
labour (FL).
o There have been demands for considering a different costing method (C2).
o National Commission on Farmers (Swaminathan Committee) had also recommended MSP should be
at least 50% more than the weighted average cost of production.

Related News
Price Stabilization Fund (PSF)
• PSF was set up in 2014-15 under the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Famers Welfare (DAC&FW). It
provides for:
o Maintaining a strategic buffer of commodities such as Pulses, onion and potato for subsequent calibrated
release; to moderate price volatility and Discourage hoarding and speculation.
o It promotes direct purchase from farmers/farmers’ association at farm gate/Mandi.

70
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 7.1.2. NANO-UREA
Why in News?
IFFCO’s Nano Biotechnology Research
Centre at Kalol has developed Nano-Urea.
Nano Urea: Its Properties
• Nano Urea is a patented chemical
nitrogen fertiliser with nano
nitrogen particles from 20-50 nm.
• Nutrient Use Efficiency or NUE
(proportion of nutrient used by
plants) of nano urea is over 80%
against 30-50% of conventional
granular urea.
o This is because Nano urea has higher surface-mass ratios that help in releasing nutrients to plants in a
controlled manner.
• It enhances crop productivity to the tune of 8%.
• Nitrogen from conventional urea goes waste due to leaching (contaminating soil and water bodies) and
volatilization (emissions of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere leading to air pollution and global warming).
o Nano-Urea, along with increased production of traditional urea, can help India to eliminate urea
import by 2025.
Related News
Government aims to launch Nano-DAP, SSP-Urea mix in 2023
• Nano-diammonium phosphate (nano-DAP) and a mix of single super phosphate (SSP) and urea will help reduce
the import dependence of the sector.
• Di-ammonium Phosphate popularly known as DAP is a preferred fertilizer in India because it contains both
Nitrogen and Phosphorus which are primary macro-nutrients. (Largely imported in India)
• SSP is the most popular phosphatic fertilizer after DAP as it contains 3 major plant nutrients namely Phosphorus,
Sulphur, and Calcium along with traces of many micro-nutrients. (Indigenously available)

7.2. CROP CULTIATION

7.2.1. INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MILLETS (IYM) 2023
Why in News?
2023 is declared as IYM by the UN
General Assembly to create awareness
about health benefits of millets.
About Millets and their Significance
• Millets, also known as Nutri-cereal
as or superfoods for having
nutrients like protein, Vitamin-A,
iron and Iodine, antioxidants, etc.,
are a diverse family of small-
grained cereals (Poaceae family).
o India celebrated 2018 as
National Year of Millets and
proposed 2023 to be declared
as IYM by UN.
• They are grown on marginal land in
dry areas of temperate, sub-
tropical and tropical regions and
used as cereal crops/grains for
humans and as fodder.

71
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 o Major Millets in India: Pearl Millet (Bajra) (highest share), Jowar (Sorghum), and Finger Millet
(Mandua/Ragi).
o Major producers: Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra,
Gujarat, and Haryana.
• Production in India: Overall, India accounts for 80% of Asia’s production and 20% of global production.
o India ranks fifth in global millet trade, but it is less than 1% of domestic production.
• Beneficial in alleviating malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency.
• Other Features: Drought resistant; Short growing period; Ability to sequester carbon and assist in climate
adaptation; and Traditional association with cultivation practice of tribal e.g., Karnataka Ragi Habba
(Festival).
India’s Initiatives for Millets
• NITI Aayog and the World
Food Programme (WFP),
India has launched the
‘Mapping and Exchange of
Good Practices’ initiative
for mainstreaming millets
in Asia and Africa.
• Millets are notified as
nutri-cereals and included under POSHAN Mission Abhiyan.
• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) intends to achieve
₹2,000 crore of millet exports by FY26 by exporting value-added and processed organic millet products
to at least 100 countries.

7.2.2. RICE/PADDY ACREAGE

Why in News?
Rice acreage, as of July 15, 2022 was 17.4% down from last year (time period: June to mid-July) due to lesser
monsoon rains in the rice-growing belt of North India— UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Rice cultivation in India:
• Climatic conditions: Rice is a kharif crop which requires high temperature (21 to 37º C throughout life
period of crop), high humidity, prolonged sunshine, and an assured supply of water/ rainfall (above
100cm).
o It grows best in alluvial clayey soil, which can retain water (refer map).
• Production in India: India is world’s second largest rice producer, after China, and largest exporter.
o India is also one of the world’s biggest exporter of rice (global share of more than 40%), thus the
options for import in rice — due to any production shortfall — are limited.
• Methods of rice cultivation: Transplantation, Drilling method, Direct-Seeded Method and System of Rice
Intensification.
o SRI is a methodology for increasing the productivity of irrigated rice by changing the management of
plants, soil, water and nutrients particularly by eliciting greater root growth.
Rice varieties in News
Basmati Rice • Indian Agriculture Research Institute has developed new varieties that can:
o Resist two common diseases of paddy (one bacterial and one fungal) and also herbicides.
o Save 35% of water as Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR) method can be used to raise them.
• States with GI tag for Basmati: Jammu and Kashmir (select districts), Himachal Pradesh,
Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh (Western) and Uttarakhand.
China develops • The developed rice variety, named PR23, does not need to be planted every year and can yield
perennial rice eight consecutive harvests across four years because of stronger roots of plants.
varieties • Concerns raised: Needs one to two more herbicide treatments than regular rice, more work
to resow the perennial rice when its yield falters etc.
Kalanamak rice • Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) has successfully developed two dwarf varieties
of Kalanamak rice - Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1638 and Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1652.
o These varieties resolve the issue of lodging.

72
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Kalanamak Rice, also known as Buddha Rice, Kalanamak is a scented, one of the finest and
short grain rice with an unusual black husk.
o It is rich in micronutrients such as iron and zinc and can help prevent Alzheimer’s.
o Awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2013 from Uttar Pradesh.
DRR Dhan 60 • Scientists at Indian Institute of Rice Research have developed paddy varieties that require at
least 30% lower phosphorous.
• DRR Dhan 60 is first rice variety in country with low phosphorous tolerance for any crop.
o DRR Dhan 66, DRR Dhan 65, and WGL-1487 are the other varieties which offer same
benefits.
• Phosphorous is a key macronutrient responsible for energy storage and transfer within cells.
• It helps speeding up root development, facilitates greater Nitrogen uptake and results in
higher grain protein yields.

7.2.3. SUGARCANE PRODUCTION IN INDIA

Why in News?
India became world’s biggest sugar producer for
2021-22 followed by Brazil.
More on News
• India also emerged as world’s 2nd largest
exporter of sugar earning nearly ₹40,000
crore of Foreign Exchange.
Climatic conditions for Sugarcane
• It needs hot and humid climate with an
average temperature of 21°C to 27°C.
• 75-150 cm rainfall is favorable for sugar cane
cultivation.
• It requires moisture retentive soil and deep
rich loamy soil is ideal for its growth.
State Level Shift in Sugarcane Production (2011-
2020)
• Northern sugarcane-producing states
recording a 42% increase in output value while
that of southern states declined 32.4% during
the same period (NSSO report).
• Meanwhile, the sugarcane output in the five
southern states of Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and
Maharashtra declined in the
corresponding period.
o Among States, Maharashtra has
overtaken Uttar Pradesh (UP) to
regain its position as India’s top
sugar producer after a five-year gap.
• Why the decline in Uttar Pradesh?
o High diversion of sugar cane for
ethanol production.
o Crop loss due to excess rains and
waterlogging in low-lying areas of
eastern UP.
o Most of the cane area is planted
under a single variety i.e., Co-0238,
making it suspectable to red rot
fungal disease.

73
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 7.2.4. COTTON CULTIVATION
Why in News?
The Central government has exempted certain types of genome-edited crops from the stringent regulations
applicable on genetically modified or GM crops, paving the way for further R&D on them.
About genetic modification (GM) of crops Other relaxation on regulation of GM crops
• GM is a technology that involves inserting • Ministry of Environment and Forests exempted SDN1 and
SDN2 genome edited plants from Environment Protect
DNA into the genome of an organism.
Act 1986 for manufacture, use or import or export and
• Categories of GM: Depending on the nature storage of hazardous microorganisms or genetically
of edit, process is divided into three engineered organisms or cells Rules-1989.
categories: site directed nuclease (SDN) 1, o SDN1 and SDN2 do not involve alien genetic material
SDN 2 and SDN 3. and the end result is indistinguishable from
• Regulation: Genetic Engineering Appraisal conventionally bred crop varieties.
Committee (GEAC) a statutory body under o On the other hand, SDN3 process involves larger DNA
the Ministry of Environment, Forest and elements or full-length genes of foreign origin which
Climate Change is the regulator for makes it similar to GMO development.
introduction of any GM material.
• Bt. cotton (BG-1 and BG-2): It is the only GM crop
approved by the GEAC for commercial cultivation.
o Recently, Haryana issued NOC to conduct field
trials on BG-2 RRF, a herbicide tolerant and
insect resistant variety of BT cotton.
o BG-2 RRF can provide protection against
devastating pest attack such as American
Bollworm.
About Cotton
• Cotton is a Kharif crop and grows well in black
cotton soil (high water retention capacity) of
Deccan plateau.
• Climatic conditions:
o Annual temperature requirement is 20-28
degree Celsius and rainfall of 55-110 cm is ideal.
o It requires minimum 180 frost-free days.
• Cotton-producing states: Maharashtra, Gujarat,
MP, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil
Nadu, Punjab, Haryana and UP.
• India grows all four species of cultivated cotton
Gossypium arboreum and herbaceum (Asian
cotton), [Link] (Egyptian cotton) and G. hirsutum (American Upland cotton).
Related News
Pink Bollworm (PBW)
• Recently, PBW Infestation was reported at the early stage of the cotton crop cycle in Punjab and Haryana.
• Pink Bollworm (Pectinophoragossypiella) is an insect known as pest of cotton, possibly a native of eastern Indian
Ocean region.
• The adult female PBW lays eggs on cotton balls. Once hatched, the larvae eat the seeds and damage the fibres of
the cotton, reducing the yield and quality.
• It is resistant to first generation transgenic BT Cotton and insecticides.
GM Mustard DMH-11
• Government has approved the environmental release of GM Mustard DMH 11.
• It is made through Barnase-Barstar System, a hybrid seed production system used in self-pollinated crops,
increasing the crop yield and its adaptation - also known as hybrid vigourorheterosis.
o It contains two alien genes isolated from a soil bacterium called Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.
• It is developed by Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) by crossing Indian mustard variety
‘Varuna’ (the barnase line) with an East European ‘Early Heera-2’ mutant (barstar).

74
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • The field trials of GM Mustard DMH-11 have shown 28% higher yield than national check (Varuna) and 37% more
than zonal checks (RL1359).
o ‘Checks’ refer to reference varieties of mustard in a region and usually, new varieties must prove themselves
superior to be considered for commercial release.
• Also, it was found safe for cultivation and for food and feed use with similar visitation of bees as of non-transgenic
counterparts.

7.2.5. JUTE CULTIVATION

Why in News?
As per third advance estimates, India’s jute economy declined to 1.77 million tonnes in 2021-22, from 2.03
million tonnes in 2011-12, along the ongoing decline in the average area under jute cultivation.
More on News
• India is world’s largest
producer of raw jute,
followed by Bangladesh
and China.
• In exports, India’s share
is just 7% of the global
jute exports while
Bangladesh accounts
for nearly 75%.
About Jute and Jute
Industry
• Jute is an important
cash crop, also known as
golden fibre, is a long,
soft, and shiny natural
fibre used in many
textile applications.
• Area of production:
Primarily grown in West
Bengal, Odisha, Assam,
Meghalaya, and Tripura.
• Climatic conditions: It
requires humid climate
with temperature
between 24-38 degree
Celsius.
o Ganga delta is
excellent for jute
cultivation due to
its fertile alluvium soil & favorable temperature (25-30 degree C).
o Minimum rainfall required is 1000 mm.
Steps taken for Jute Industry
• Mandatory Packaging in Jute Materials: At present, 100% of food grains and a minimum of 20% of sugar
are to be compulsorily packed in jute sacking.
• Golden Fibre Revolution to promote Jute.
• Jute Mark India Logo– a certification for authenticity of Jute Products.
o Each Jute Mark Label will have a unique ‘QR Code’ and by scanning it, customers can know about the
manufacturer, strengthening domestic markets and India’s exports.
• JUTE –ICARE for using certified seeds, adopting scientific technique.
• Jute Smart - Smart Platform for Procurement of Jute Sacking.

75
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 7.2.6. DRAFT COFFEE (PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT) BILL, 2022
Why in news?
Ministry of Commerce and Industry is planning to replace the Coffee Act, 1942 with the new Coffee
(Promotion and Development Bill), 2022.

Coffee in India: Its Introduction and Growing Conditions

• Indian Coffee began during 1600 AD when Baba Budan planted coffee beans from Yemen in the
Chandragiri hills of Karnataka.
o Its commercial plantation started under British during the 18th century.
• Coffee types produced in India: Arabica and Robusta.
o Arabica has high market value while Robusta is the majorly manufactured coffee with a share of 72%
of the total production.
• India is the only country in the world where the entire coffee cultivation is grown under shade,
handpicked and sun dried.
o Shade trees prevent soil erosion on sloping terrain, enrich soil by recycling nutrients from deeper
layers, protect coffee from seasonal fluctuations in temperature, and host diverse flora and fauna.
About Coffee Act 1942
• It was introduced during World War II, in order to protect the struggling Indian coffee industry from the
economic downturn caused by the war.
• Through the Act, the Coffee Board was established under the administrative control of the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry.
76
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 7.2.7. TOBACCO CULTIVATION
Why in News?
In a first, the A.P. MARKFED (Andhra Pradesh State Co-operative Marketing Federation Ltd) exported 120
tonnes of Tobacco to the USA to bail out farmers struggling to find buyers for low grade varieties.

77
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Tobacco Cultivation in India
• Production inf India: India has around 0.45
million hectares of area under tobacco
cultivation with 9% of global tobacco
production.
o India is the 2nd largest tobacco producer
(behind China) and 2nd largest exporter
(behind Brazil).
• Climatic Conditions
o Basically, tobacco is a semi tropical crop
but can be successfully grown in tropical
region.
o About 100 to 120 days frost-free climate
with an average temperature of 80°F.
o Well distributed rainfall of 88 to 125 mm
per month.
o Cannot tolerate high speed winds and
storms during growth period.
o Light to medium loam soil which is poor
in humus content but better in potash,
phosphoric acid and iron.
• Major tobacco manufacturing states: Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka etc.
Related News
Rubber Board and Rubber Plantation in India
• Constituted as a statutory body under the Rubber Act of 1947, it completed 75 years.
o Rubber Board [HQ: Kottayam (Kerala)] functions under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• It is headed by a chairman appointed by the Central Government and has 28 members representing various
interests of natural rubber industry.
• Functions: Development of Rubber Industry; Conduct of Scientific, technological, and economic research, Welfare
of labour employed in plantations; Render advice to government on all matters related to rubber etc.
• Recently, Rubber Board introduced the updated version of mRube, the electronic market for rubber, which went
live for trading in July 2022.
Rubber Plantation in India
• Grown in lateritic or loamy soil, Rubber plantation requires tropical climate with annual rainfall of 2000 – 4500
mm is suited for cultivation.
• Minimum and maximum temperature should range between 25-34°C with 80% relative humidity.
• Major producers: Kerala (biggest producer) and Tamil Nadu accounts for 81% production.
o Other Producers: Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, Odisha etc.
• Uses of Natural rubber: In medical devices, surgical gloves, aircraft and car tires, pacifiers, etc.

7.3. ALLIED SECTOR

7.3.1. INDIA’S DAIRY SECTOR
Why in News?
Recently, the International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit (IDF WDS), 2022 was held.
More on News
• Its first edition was held in 1974 (being held in India for the 2nd time).
• It is a congregation of global and Indian dairy stakeholders including industry leaders, farmers, and policy
planners, etc.

78
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Related News
NDDB has launched NDDB MRIDA Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary company of NDDB to work for manure
management initiatives.
About MRIDA and Manure Management (MM)
• It is established as an Unlisted Public Limited Company under Companies Act, 2013.
o It will set up manure value chain, biogas based CNG and energy generation for dairy plants.
• MM is the process of capturing, storing, treating, and using animal excretion.
• NDDB has registered a trademark named “SuDhan” for common identity to dung based organic fertilizers.

79
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 7.4. FOOD PROCESSING
7.4.1. FOOD PROCESSING SECTOR IN INDIA

7.5. AGRICULTURAL MARKETING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

7.5.1. ASIAN PALM OIL
ALLIANCE (APOA)
Why in News?
The Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA) is
formed by apex edible oil industry
associations of five major palm oil
importing countries, including- India,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and
Nepal.
More on News
• Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA)
of India will manage its secretariat.

80
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • It is based on idea to gain collective bargaining power and make imports sustainable. It will work to:
o Change negative image of palm oil and ensure that it is recognised as a high-quality, economical, and
healthy vegetable oil.
o Safeguard economic and business interests of palm oil consuming countries and increase its
consumption in member countries.
• Indonesia is world’s largest producer and exporter of palm oil.
• India is world’s biggest vegetable oils importer. Out of its annual imports of 14-15 mt, the share of palm
oil is 8-9 mt with Indonesia as India’s top supplier of palm oil.

7.5.2. PRIMARY AGRICULTURAL CREDIT SOCIETIES (PACS)

Why in News?
During inauguration of Eastern and North-Eastern Cooperative Dairy Conclave 2022, Union minister said that
PACS will be set up in all Panchayats of the country.
About PACS
• PACS, registered as cooperative societies, provide the following facilities to their members:
o Input facilities in form of cash or kind component
o Agriculture implements on hiring basis.
o Storage facility.
• They constitute the lowest tier of three-tier Short-term cooperative credit in the country comprising of
around 13 Cr. farmers as its members.
o Other two tiers are State Cooperative Banks at state level and District Central Cooperative Banks at
district level.
o PACS are outside the purview of Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and hence not regulated by RBI.
• Earlier, Cabinet Committee had approved Computerization of PACS with the objective of increasing
efficiency of PACS, bringing transparency and accountability in their operations.

7.5.3. CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION (CAC)

Why in News?
Recently, the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) finalized and recommended quality
standards for nutmeg, saffron, chilli-peppers, and paprika and forwarded it to the Codex Alimentarius
Commission.
About CCSCH
Codex Alimentarius and Codex Alimentarius • It is a committee under CAC to elaborate
Commission (CAC) worldwide standards for spices and culinary herbs.
• India is the host country for Codex Committee on
• The Codex Alimentarius is international food Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH).
standards, guidelines and codes of practice
contribute to the safety, quality and fairness of this international food trade.
o It will help in Protecting Consumer Health and Removing Barriers to Trade.
• Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is the body responsible for all matters regarding the
implementation of the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and WHO Food Standards
Programme.
o Membership of the Commission is open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO and
WHO which are interested in international food standards. (India is a member.)
• The Commission meets in regular session once a year alternating between Geneva and Rome and works
in the six UN official languages.

7.6. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON AGRICULTURE

11th Agriculture • The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare recently launched 11thAgriculture Census (2021-
Census (2021- 2022).
2022) • The Agriculture Census has been conducted since 1970-71 (every 5 years) in collaboration with
the States and Union Territories as part of a programme of World Census of Agriculture of
FAO.

81
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • It is the main source of information on a variety of indicators, including the nature of
operational land holdings, their size, distribution by class, land-use statistics, tenancy and
Cropping patterns.
• During the 11thcensus, for the first time, data collection will be conducted on smartphones and
tablets for faster and accurate enumeration.
Orphan Crops • Orphan crops are the neglected and underutilized (NUS) crops.
• They cover the entire spectrum of food and industrial uses including cereals, fruits and nuts,
vegetable and pulse crops, root and tuber crops, oilseeds, starch and sugar, fiber, latex, and
dyes.
Commodities Released by the World Bank, the key findings of the report are:
Market • Increase in energy prices over the past two years has been the largest since the 1973 oil crisis.
Outlook • Price increases for food commodities and fertilizers have been the largest since 2008.
• Global food and fuel price shocks linked to the war are set to last until at least the end of 2024.
Rejuvenating • REWARD Project is initiated by the Department of Land Resources (Ministry of Rural
Watersheds for Development) in Feb 2022, aided by World Bank, to:
Agricultural o Promote resource efficient growth in selected watersheds,
Resilience o Investing in human capital at State and National levels, and
through o Developing networks of scientific and technical partners.
Innovative • Potential Benefits: It will help national and state institutions adopt improved watershed
Development management practices to help increase farmers’ resilience to climate change, promote higher
(REWARD) productivity and better incomes.
Project
Food and • The FFPI measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food
Agriculture commodities.
Organization o It consists of the average of five commodity group price indices (cereal, sugar, meat,
(FAO) Food vegetable oil, and dairy) weighted by the average export shares of each of the groups in
Price Index 2014-2016 (base year).
(FFPI) • FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
Krishi-Decision • The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is developing Krishi-DSS, a decision support
Support system, using Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT - 1) and Visualisation of Earth Observation Data
System (Krishi- and Archival System (VEDAS) of the Department of Space.
DSS) o RISAT – 1, a new class of remote sensing satellite, is useful in developing decision support
systems for Agriculture, Bioresources, Environment, Water Resources and Disaster
Management.
o VEDAS would provide a platform (data, infrastructure and guidance) for utilisation of
information derived over land using mainly Indian space-borne sensors.
• Use of geospatial technologies and related databases would enhance evidence-based decision-
making capability of all the stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
Centre of • CoEK was conceived by Ministry of MSME to support Khadi and Village Industries Commission
Excellence for (KVIC) in association with National Institute of Fashion Technology.
Khadi (CoEK) o Objective is to reach out to young audience and global market.
• Centre has been set up as a hub and spokes model at Delhi as hub and Bengaluru, Gandhinagar,
Kolkata, and Shillong as spokes.
• Khadi cloth must be both handwoven and handspun.
• Under the Khadi Mark Regulations, 2013 the KVIC issues “Khadi Mark Tags and Labels” to
institutions or people to sell, trade, or produce khadi and khadi products.
• About KVIC
o KVIC is a statutory body established under Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of
1956.
o It is an apex organization, under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,
with regard to khadi and village industries within India.
Blue • Released by Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO).
Transformation • It aligns with 2021 Declaration for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture of Committee on
Roadmap 2022- Fisheries (COFI) - a subsidiary body of FAO Council established in 1965.
30 • COFI is the only global inter-governmental forum where FAO Members meet to review and
consider issues and challenges related to fisheries and aquaculture.
Organic • APEDA is likely to roll out Organic Aadhaar for farmers engaged in organic farming under the
Aadhaar National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
• The idea is to create an identity for the farmer, based on Personal Aadhaar and Unique Land
Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), for the organic certification process.
o ULPIN is the 14-digit identification number for every plot of land in the country.

82
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Crop Insurance • The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare has set up 2 committees under C. S. Murthy for
nationwide implementation of technology-based crop yield estimation and for standardisation
and improvement of weather data infrastructure.
• Committee has also been tasked to help in the creation of the proposed Weather Information
Network Data System (WINDS), under which a system of automatic weather stations (AWS)
and automatic rain gauges (ARG) will be implemented throughout the country.
KRITAGYA 3.0 • It is a national level hackathon to promote speed breeding for crop improvement to ensure
overall sustainability and resilience in crop production in India.
o It gives an opportunity to students / faculties / entrepreneurs / innovators and others to
showcase their innovative approaches & technology solutions.
o It will also encourage greater adoption of technology enabled solutions in the country.
o It is organized by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) with its National
Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) and Crop Science Division.
e-NAM • Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) has launched a Platform of Platforms
(National (POPs) under e-NAM.
Agriculture o PoPs will facilitate farmers to sell their produce beyond their State boundaries.
Market) • This will enhance farmers’ accessibility digitally to multiple numbers of markets, buyers, and
service providers, and to bring transparency in trade transactions.
o e-NAM, launched in 2016, is a pan-India electronic trading portal which networks existing
APMC mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
• Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is a lead agency to implement e-NAM under
MoAFW.
Agriculture • Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare inaugurated integrated Agriculture
Investment Investment Portal.
Portal • Portal will be a centralized one stop portal for agri-investors to avail benefits of various
government schemes implemented by various departments related to agriculture and allied
sectors.
• Aim is to boost investments, ease the handholding process for investors, tap potential of all
sub-sectors in Agriculture etc.
• Focus sectors for investment promotion include Agriculture machinery, Seeds, Fertilisers,
agrochemicals, Precision agriculture, Logistics, warehousing and cold chain etc.

83
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 8. INDUSTRY AND ASSOCIATED DEVELOPMENTS
8.1. MINING
8.1.1. DISTRICT MINERAL FOUNDATION (DMF)
Why in news? Recent amendments to the DMF
• In March 2020, government issued guidelines suggesting that up to 30%
Centre has released the guidelines of the funds could be used towards expenditure related to COVID-19.
to tighten the criteria for use of • According to MMDR Amendment Act 2021, central government may
DMF fund to ensure they are used also give direction regarding the composition and utilization of the fund
for the specified purpose, which is while state governments continue to prescribe the constitution and
redevelopment of areas and functions of the DMF.
people affected by mining o MMDR act is the principal legislation to regulate mines and
activities. minerals in the country, including coal and lignite.
• In 2021, government issued order that no sanction or approval of any
Key guidelines expenditure out of the DMF fund shall be done at the state level by the
state government or any state-level agency.
• DMFs to prepare a 5-year
perspective plan for systematic development of the area affected by mining-related activities from the
funds accrued from miners’ contribution as a percentage of royalty.
• DMFs will conduct a baseline survey through universities or renowned organisations or agencies to
formulate a perspective plan.
• Gram Sabha or local bodies may aid in preparation of needs assessment reports.
• Based on the findings and gaps as identified through the baseline surveys, the DMF shall prepare a
strategy for five years and the same shall be included in the perspective plan.
About DMF
• Under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act 2015, the Central
Government instituted the DMF in 2015.
o Under this, DMF is created in each district that has mining.
o The mining companies shall pay DMF 30% of the royalty amount for leases granted before 2015 and
10% for leases granted through the auction mechanism post-2015.
• The funds so collected are to be managed by non-profit trusts and are to be used for welfare of mining-
affected population, including tribal and forest-dwelling communities.
o Each district has a separate trust.
• It is a special fund that is not tied to any particular scheme or area of work, and it does not lapse at the
end of each financial year.
o The unused funds get accumulated over the years.
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015
• It amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 as it regulates the mining sector in
India and specifies the requirement for obtaining and granting mining leases for mining operations.
• It provides for the creation of a District Mineral Foundation (DMF by the state government) and a National
Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET by the central government).
• It creates a new category of mining license i.e., the prospecting license-cum-mining lease, which is a two stage-
concession for the purpose of undertaking prospecting operations, followed by mining operations.
National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET)
• It was constituted under section 9C of Mines & Minerals (Development Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015.
o It is a non- profit autonomous body.
o Objective is to use funds accrued for purposes of regional and detailed exploration with special emphasis to
strategic and critical minerals.
o Holder of mining lease or a prospecting-licence-cum-mining lease shall pay to trust, a sum equivalent to 2% of
royalty paid in terms of second schedule of MMDR Act.

8.1.2. GOLD MINING IN INDIA

Why in news?
The Bihar government has decided to accord permission for exploration of the country's largest gold reserve
in Jamui district which has around 222.88 million tonnes of gold reserve.
84
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Measures to encourage Gold Mining in India
• Amendments in Mines and Minerals
(Development and Regulation) Act
(MMDR Act) 1957:
o 2015: Introduced in a new regime of
granting mineral concessions
through auction to ensure
transparency and non-
discrimination in the allocation of
the mineral wealth.
o 2020: Allowed State Governments
to take advance action for auction
of mineral blocks before the expiry
of lease period facilitating seamless
continuity of mining operations.
o 2021: Enabled transparent auction of 500 mining blocks of various
minerals, including gold.
• National Minerals Exploration Policy (NMEP), 2016 aims to stimulate
non-fuel and non-coal mining exploration by allowing private companies
to enter into a transparent bidding process, conducted via e-auction.
• National Mineral Policy, 2019 provided more streamlined permit award
method with simple, transparent and accountable processes and clear deadlines, to encourage
exploration.
• Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Rules, 2015 amended in 2021 to allow auction of composite
license at for deep seated minerals including Gold.
• 100% FDI is permitted under the automatic route in this sector.
Other Developments in Relation to Gold
World Gold • WGC released ‘Gold refining and recycling’ report.
Council (WGC) o WGC (HQ: London, UK) was established to promote the use of and demand for gold
through marketing, research, and lobbying.
Key highlights
• India is the fourth largest gold recycler in world and recycled 75 tonnes in 2021.
• India’s gold refining capacity increased by 1,500 tonnes (500%) in 2021.
• China topped the chart, followed by Italy and US.
Kolar Fields • Centre has decided to revive gold mining at the Kolar fields in Karnataka.
o Mining was shelved earlier because the extraction had become unviable.
• According to an official estimate, the extracts from Kolar gold fields (KGF) mining (gold and
minerals like palladium and rhodium) are likely to fetch a value worth ₹30,000 crore.
• Operated by the Bharat Gold Mines Limited (BGML), a public sector undertaking, KGF was one
of the world’s deepest gold mines at a depth of 3,000 metres.
Second Phase • Coming into force from 01 June 2022, it
of Mandatory covers 3 additional carat ages of gold
Hallmarking jewellery/artefacts- 20, 23 and 24 carats
mentioned under the Indian Standard IS
1417 and 32 new districts via the
Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold
Artefacts (Amendment) Order, 2022.
o Earlier, it was made mandatory on
14, 18 and 22 carats of gold jewellery/artefacts by Quality control order, 2021.
• Hallmarking is the accurate determination and recording of precious metal content in the
precious metal articles.
o The hallmarking scheme is run by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the hallmark
consists of 3 marks (infographic).
About Carats
• A measurement of gold purity, Carats, or Karats, refers to the actual gold content in the
particular piece of jewellery (1 carat = 0.2 gm). E.g., 24 carat means 100% gold. 18 carat contains
75% gold and rest alloying metals.

85
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 8.2. STEEL INDUSTRY IN INDIA
Why in news?
Recently, India has set a target to double the crude steel production capacity from 154 million tonnes per
annum now to 300 million tonnes per annum in the next 9 to 10 years.

86
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 8.3. MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (MSMES)
Why in News?
Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance presented its report on MSMEs.

Government Initiatives for MSME Sector

Self-Reliant India • SRI Fund has committed ₹5,000 crore to fund Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(SRI) Fund (MSMEs).
• SRI Fund is a SEBI-registered Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), launched in 2020
by the government to provide growth capital to MSMEs.
o It is anchored by NSIC Venture Capital Fund and SBICAP Ventures is the investment
manager.
o It operates through the mother-fund and daughter-fund structure.
o As a mother fund, it invests up to 20% of the overall corpus of daughter fund, and the
latter raises the balance 80% capital from outside sources.
Scientific • The SRIMAN Guidelines are released by the Department of Science and Technology for
Research better access and sharing of publicly funded Scientific Research and Development
Infrastructure Infrastructure.
Sharing o It includes Networking and Cluster Approach, creating Cluster Central Instrumentation
Maintenance and Facility (CCIF) to reduce redundancy and acquire more variety of equipment.
Networks o CCIF will also tie up with industries, especially MSMEs and startups.
(SRIMAN)
Guidelines, 2022
Udyam Portal • The registrations on Udyam Portal of the Ministry of MSMEs reached the landmark of 1 crore.
• It was launched in 2020 for voluntary registration of MSMEs to avail benefits of the Ministry
of MSME schemes and for Priority Sector Lending.
o It is fully digitalized and the registered MSM is issued an Udyam Registration Certificate.
o It is integrated with databases of Income Tax and Goods and Services Tax Identification
Number (GSTIN) systems.
National Board of • NBMSME was established under Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act,
MSME (NBMSME) 2006, as a statutory body.
• It examines the factors affecting the promotion and development of MSMEs and review the
policies & programs of the Central Government.
• It provides representation to all sections/segments including Associations of Micro, Small
and Medium manufacturing and service enterprises, women enterprises, Central Ministries,
etc.
Trade receivables • Finance ministry has directed central public sector enterprises to get registered on TReDS.
discounting • TReDS is an electronic platform for facilitating the financing / discounting of trade
system (TReDS) receivables of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through multiple financiers.

87
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • It is a platform for uploading, accepting, discounting, trading and settling invoices of
MSMEs.
Indian Business • It is an online global trade hub for exporters and foreign buyers.
Portal (IBP) o It is Business to Business (B2B) digital marketplace to empower small medium
enterprises (SMEs) exporters, artisans and farmers to identify new markets for their
products and grow their sales globally.
o Developed by Federation of Indian Export Organisations.

8.4. SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY IN INDIA

Why in news?
The Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology
(MeitY) has formed an advisory
committee, chaired by the
Minister of MeitY, to steer and
guide the ₹76,000 crore
semiconductor mission.
About Semiconductor
• A Semiconductor can be
defined as a material that
has the characteristics and
ability to conduct a small
amount of electrical
current.
o Basic Electronic
Components such as Diodes, transistors, and many photovoltaic cells contain semiconductive
materials.
• The electrical conductivity of a semiconductor device can be controlled over a wide range, either
permanently or dynamically.
• The basic requirement of a semiconductor is that it should not be a very good conductor of electricity,
nor should it be a very bad conductor of electricity.
Initiatives taken for semiconductor manufacturing in India
• Semicon India Program (Program for Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing
Ecosystem in India): It aims to provide financial support to companies investing in semiconductors,
display manufacturing and design ecosystem. Under it, four schemes have been introduced:
o Scheme for setting up of Semiconductor Fabs in India.
o Scheme for setting up of Display Fabs in India.
o Scheme for setting up of Compound Semiconductors / Silicon Photonics / Sensors Fab and
Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) / OSAT facilities in India.
o Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme (Chip Design Infrastructure Support, Product Design Linked
Incentive and Deployment Linked Incentive).
• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): It has been setup as an Independent Business Division within Digital
India Corporation to drive India’s long-term strategies for developing semiconductors and display
manufacturing facilities and semiconductor design ecosystem.
o It will serve as the nodal agency for efficient, coherent, and smooth implementation of the schemes.
• Attracting foreign capital by allowing 100% FDI in the electronics sector under the automatic route.
• Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS): To boost semiconductor industry, in 2017-18 the
incentive for schemes, such as the M-SIPS and the Electronic Department Fund (EDF), was increased.
Other Initiatives for Semiconductor Industry
Programme for Under the modified programme, a uniform fiscal support of:
Development of • 50% of Project Cost will be provided for all technology nodes under Scheme for Setting up
Semiconductors of Semiconductor Fabrication in India and Scheme for Setting up of Display Fabrication.
and Display

88
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Manufacturing • 50% of capital expenditure under the Scheme for Setting up of Compound Semiconductors
Ecosystem in India / Silicon Photonics / Sensors Fabrication and Semiconductor ATMP /OSAT facilities in India.
• Aim: Expedite investments in semiconductor and display manufacturing in India.
Supply Chain • India adopted the US' joint statement of the 2022 Supply Chain Ministerial Forum on
Resilience cooperation of global supply chains.
• A partnership of 18 economies, including India, US and European Union has unveiled a four-
point roadmap for building collective, long-term resilient supply chains (RSC) to counter
risks arising from supply dependencies and vulnerabilities.
• India, Japan, and Australia have also launched Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) to
counter China’s dominance of supply chain in the Indo-Pacific region
Northeast • Funded by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Capacity Building • Aim: To bring about overall upliftment of the socio-economic status of NE Citizens by
(NECB) 2.0 project creating a smart ecosystem with necessary IT education and skills with a total of 1.665 lakhs
launched citizens across different sections of society.
• Implementing agency: National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology
(NIELIT).

8.5. TECHNICAL TEXTILES (TT)

89
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Related News
Manmade Fibres (MMFs)
• MMFs are produced by combining polymers
or small molecules of raw materials, mainly
petroleum- based chemicals. Examples are
Viscose, Polyester, Nylon etc.
o Natural Fibres are obtained from the
natural sources such as plants, animals
and mineral sources which are available
to mankind. Examples are Cotton, Jute,
Silk.
• Raw material - Purified Terephthalic Acid
(PTA) and Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) are
the basic raw material used for production of
fibre and filament in the value chain.
• MMF is the backbone of the Technical
Textiles’ products.

8.6. PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY AND MEDICAL DEVICES

8.6.1. MEDICAL DEVICES INDUSTRY IN INDIA
Why in News?
“Medical Devices: Regulations and Control”
report was presented recently in Rajya Sabha.
Medical Devices Industry in India
• In India, the Medical devices are
segregated into five major segments (See
infographics).
• In India, four classes {A (low risk), B (low
moderate risk), C (moderate high risk) and
D (High risk)} of medical devices are
manufactured.
o The high-end medical devices (C and D)
manufacturing value chain is led by
MNCs with over 90% import
dependency.
o Classes A and B, on the other hand,
which are relatively less technologically
advanced, are produced largely by
domestic manufacturers.
Regulation of medical devices in India Government Initiatives for Medical Devices Sector
• Medical devices industry in India is mainly governed by • 100% FDI allowed in medical devices sector.
MoH&FW through CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for
Control Organisation) for regulatory framework. Medical devices to incentivize manufacturers.
o Department of Pharmaceuticals (Ministry of o PLI Scheme for Promotion of Medical Device
Chemicals and Fertilizers) deals with promotion, Parks notified.
production and manufacturing. o PLI scheme for Pharmaceuticals to enhance
o Presently, medical devices are regulated as "drugs" manufacturing capabilities and product
under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. diversification.
• Medical Devices Rules, 2017 notified by the Ministry of • Draft ‘Drug, Medical Devices, and Cosmetics Bill-
Health and Family Welfare, laid out the regulatory 2022.
framework. o The draft focuses on regulating medical
• Following regulatory authorities have jurisdiction over devices as a separate entity.
medical devices in India: o It makes provision for creation of a ‘medical
o CDSCO, State Drug Licensing Authorities (also devices technical advisory board’ on lines of
referred to as the state licensing authorities or SLAs), the existing drugs technical advisory board.

90
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), o Proposes medical device testing centres on
Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP). the lines of drug laboratories in states and at
• Class C & D Medical Devices are regulated by CDSCO the central level.
while manufacturing of Class A & B Medical devices is o Proposes compulsory permission of the
regulated by the concerned SLAs. central licensing authority for clinical trials
o However, sale and distribution of all classes of or clinical investigation of drugs and medical
Medical Devices are regulated by the SLAs. devices.

8.6.2. BULK DRUG PARK (BDP)

Why in News?
The Department of Pharmaceuticals has granted ‘in-Principle’ Approval to Bulk Drug Parks (BDPs) in three
states, i.e. Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh under Promotion of BDP scheme.
Bulk Drugs and Bulk Drug Parks
• China is the world's largest API manufacturer followed by
the US and India.
o Many Indian companies are dependent on bulk drug
import, particularly from China, as India is also the 3rd
largest pharmaceutical industry (by volume).
• BDP is designated contiguous area of land with common
infrastructure facilities for exclusive manufacture of active
pharmaceutical ingredients, drug intermediates.
• Under the scheme, Grants-in-Aid to States by the Centre, with a maximum limit of₹1000 Crore per BDP.
• Other initiatives:
o China Plus One strategy to de-risk dependency on China.
o Production Linked Incentive Scheme for domestic manufacturing of critical Key Starting Materials/
Drug Intermediates and APIs.

8.7. TOY SECTOR IN INDIA

Why in news?
Make in India has yielded positive
results for the toy sector as toy
imports in India have declined 70%
(USD 371 million in FY 2018-19 to USD
110 million in FY 2021-22) while
exports increased by 61% over the
last 3 years.
About Toy sector in India:
• Indian toy sector is fragmented
with 90% of the market being
unorganized and over 4,000 toy
industry units are from the
MSME sector.
• Indian toys industry is estimated
to be $1.5 billion making up 0.5%
of global market share.
• Domestic toy demand is
forecasted to grow at 10-15%
against the global average of 5%.
Why ‘Make in India’ for toys?
• Huge import: Almost 85-90% of
toys sold in India are made in
China. This is primarily because Chinese toys are sold for a cheap price.

91
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Low quality of imported toys: Study by Quality Council of India (QCI) had revealed that 67% of imported
toys failed a testing survey, prompting an aggressive effort to produce safe toys locally.
• Stimulate local economy by boosting local entrepreneurship, encouraging skill development among
youths, and reviving traditional toy industries.
Related News
Toys (Quality Control) Order 2020
• Toys have been brought under compulsory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification through this order.
• A total of 10 Indian Standards have been published, out of which 7 are the part of Quality Control Order (QCO) on
‘Safety of Toys’.
• The QCO makes it mandatory, from Jan 1, 2021, that toys for children under 14 years of age conform to 7 Indian
Standards for Safety of Toys and bear a Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under licence from BIS

8.8. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR

8.8.1. EASE OF DOING BUSINESS (EODB)
Why in News?
The Union Minister of Finance released the 5th assessment report of States and UTs under Business Reforms
Action Plan (BRAP) 2020.
More on News
• BRAP is prepared by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), since 2014, to
steer Ease of Doing Business reforms across the country.
• It has categorized States/UTs into Top Achievers, Achievers, Aspirers and Emerging Business Ecosystems
based on 301 reform points covering 15 business regulatory areas.
o This includes areas such as access to information, single-window system, labour, sectoral reforms,
reforms spanning across the lifecycle of a business etc.
• Objective of BRAP: Boost investor confidence, foster business friendly climate and augment Ease of
Doing Business across the country by introducing an element of healthy competition among states.
About Ease of Doing Business
(EoDB)
• It is an indication of the
business climate of a nation. It
is based on belief that there is a
positive correlation between
the business regulatory
environment and economic
outcomes.
• World Bank started its
promotion in 2002 through
EoDB rankings but discontinued
the same in 2021 due to data
irregularities.
• India ranked 63rd in EoDB
Rankings 2020.
• It seeks to streamline existing regulations by simplifying the life cycle of a business and create an investor-
friendly ecosystem by:
o Replacing redundant regulations/procedures with simple and transparent rules.
o Protection of property rights of business etc.

8.8.2. COMPETITION LAW AND BIG TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES

Why in News?
Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance gave a report titled ‘Anti-competitive practices
by Big Tech companies’ and urged for a Digital Competition Act and code of conduct for tech companies.

92
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Competition: Its Meaning, Types and Role in an Economy
• Competition refers to ‘a situation in a market in which firms or sellers independently strive for the
patronage of buyers in order to achieve a particular business objective.’
o The objective can be profits, sales and/or market share.
• Based on the market structure, economists identify four main types of competition (refer image).

The committee identifies 10 main anti-competitive practices practiced by Big Tech companies
S.N. Anti-Competitive Practice Description
1. Anti-Steering Provisions Prominently associated with ‘App Stores’ (Google and Apple App Stores), the app
publishers prevent their business users (app users) from moving out of the
platform and use other alternatives for payments.
2. Platform Neutrality/ Self- Commonly associated with ‘marketplaces’, some platforms place their own
Preferencing products prominently. E.g., prominent placement of Google Pay on Play Store by
Google.
3. Adjacency/ Building and In it, digital firms force people to buy related services. E.g., Food delivery apps
Tying making it mandatory for restaurants to use the platform’s delivery services.
4. Data Usage (use of non- Monopolistic usage of data by digital firms, especially from leading platforms with
public data) vast repositories of data. E.g., Past purchase data is used by Swiggy and Zomato
to customize offerings for users, dissuading other players from entering.
5. Mergers and Acquisitions ‘Killer acquisitions’ is a repeated issue in digital markets where Big Techs buy
highly valued start-ups, disallowing the smaller firms to grow beyond a certain
limit. E.g., Facebook acquisition of WhatsApp.
6. Pricing/ Deep Discounting Prominently associated with e-commerce sales, huge discounts are also used by
leading platforms in hotel booking, food delivery etc. It compromises service
providers control over the final price and offline player’s ability to compete. E.g.,
Amazon, Flipkart.
7. Exclusive Tie-ups An exclusive arrangement of e-commerce platforms with a brand hampers the
business of other platforms as well as of brick-and-mortar sellers. Similarly,
platforms use price parity clause to stop businesses from selling at lower rates on
other platforms.
8. Search and Ranking Giving preference to sponsored productsin algorithms used to show results for
Preferencing users search rather than showing organic search results. E.g., Preferential listing
by Amazon and Flipkart.
9. Restricting Third-Party Presence of gatekeepers in digital markets which restrict installation or operation
Applications of third-party applications. E.g., for app developers, Apple’s App Store is the only
channel to distribute their apps to iOS consumers.
10. Advertising Policies Digital advertising market faces issues of conflict of interest and self-preferencing
when platforms operate at all levels of the ad-tech supply chain.

93
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Legislative Framework in India and its issues
• To promote and sustain fair competition, i.e., to
prevent practices having adverse effect on
competition, the government of India enacted the
‘Competition Act, 2002.’
• It provides for the establishment of Competition
Commission of India or CCI (established in 2009) for
its administration, implementation, and
enforcement.
o CCI also protects the interests of consumers and
ensures freedom of trade carried on by other
participants in markets in India.
o Recently, the Competition Law Review
Committee, chaired by Mr. Injeti Srinivas, gave
recommendations to meet new challenges.
• The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal
(NCLAT), constituted under the Companies Act of
2013, is the Appellate Tribunal to hear and dispose appeals against CCI directions, orders, or findings.
o But it is an ex-post approach, i.e., law designed to penalize anti-competitive behavior only after its
occurrence.
o In comparison, digital markets move at high pace due to the Increasing Return of Size Economies –
making ex post effects too delayed to prevent irreparable harm to affected parties from Big Techs.

8.9. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON INDUSTRY

Index of Core • The Eight Core Industries, comprising 40.27% of the weight of items included in the Index of
industries Industrial Production (IIP), registered 10.4% growth during FY 2021-22.
• Index of Core Industries (ICI) measures combined and individual performance of production in
selected eight core industries viz. Petroleum Refinery Products (28.04%); Electricity (19.85%);
Steel(17.92%); Coal (10.33%); Crude Oil (8.98%); Natural Gas (6.88%) ; Cement (5.37%); Fertilizers
(2.63%).
o These sectors have a major impact on the Indian economy and significantly affect most
other industries as well.
National • NPPA is an attached office of Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals &
Pharmaceutical Fertilizers; constituted in 1997 as an independent Regulator for pricing of drugs to:
Pricing o Implement provisions of Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO).
Authority o Monitor availability of drugs, identify shortages and to take remedial steps.
(NPPA) o Maintain data on production, exports and imports etc. for bulk drugs and formulations.
• On the occasion of its 25 years celebration following initiatives were launched:
o Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System 2.0 to provide a single window
for submissions of various forms as mandated under DPCO, 2013.
o Pharma Sahi Daam 2.0 App with updated features like speech recognition, facility for
launching complaints etc.
Indian • The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare released the 9th edition of IP at the Indian
Pharmacopoeia Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) conference.
(IP) o IPC is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, fully
operational from 2009, to set and regularly update standards of drugs in India.
• IP is the official book which contains these standards for drugs under Second Schedule of the
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
• IP prescribes the official standards for drugs produced and/or marketed in India and thus
contributes in the control and assurance of the quality of the medicines.
• These standards are authoritative and legally enforceable.

94
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 9. SERVICES SECTOR
9.1. TOURISM SECTOR IN INDIA
9.1.1. NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Why in news?
The Ministry of Tourism launched the
National Strategy for Sustainable
Tourism.
About National Strategy for
Sustainable Tourism
• Aim: Mainstream sustainability in
Indian tourism sector and ensure
a more resilient, inclusive, carbon
neutral and resource efficient
tourism while safeguarding
natural and cultural resources.
• Vision: Position India as a
preferred global destination for
sustainable and responsible
tourism.
• Mission: Increase the economic,
social, and environmental
benefits to build a low carbon,
inclusive and resilient tourism
sector in India.
• Pillars of the strategy:
o Scheme for Certification of Sustainable Tourism
o Protecting Biological Diversity and Natural Heritage
o Promoting Environmental Sustainability
o Promoting Socio-Cultural Sustainability
o Promoting Economic Sustainability
• IEC and Capacity Building: Ministry of Tourism to set up a National Resource Centre at the National level
for sustainable tourism, adventure tourism and ecotourism.
• Governance:
o National Board on Sustainable Tourism under Secretary (Tourism) will be set up.
o National Nodal Agency to be designated for promotion and development of Sustainable Tourism.
o Each State/ UT may also designate a State Nodal Agency to assist the State Department of Tourism.

9.1.2. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TOURISM SECTOR

YUVA Tourism • CBSE along with Ministry of Tourism has asked its affiliated schools to form YUVA Tourism
Clubs Clubs.
• Objective: To develop young ambassadors for Indian tourism, make them aware of tourism
possibilities in India and appreciate our rich cultural heritage.
• It will also lead to development of soft skills like teamwork, management, leadership and
encourage adoption of ecological tourism.
Craft Villages • Eight Craft Villages are taken up under ‘Linking textile with Tourism’ to promote craft and
tourism at a single location.
• Villages are Raghurajpur (Odisha), Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Vadaj (Gujarat), Naini (Uttar
Pradesh), Anegundi (Karnataka), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Taj Ganj (Uttar Pradesh), Amer
(Rajasthan).
• Craft Village will develop handicrafts as a sustainable and remunerative livelihood option for
artisans in the clusters and thus protecting the rich artisanal heritage of the country.

95
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 9.2. E-COMMERCE

9.2.1. PROMOTION AND REGULATION OF E-COMMERCE

Why in news?
Recently, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce presented its report on ‘Promotion and
Regulation of E-Commerce in India’.
Key Highlights of report
• Committee proposed to bring out a new Digital Markets Act (DMA) to govern business practices,
including data collection and use by digital economy companies.
• The committee has proposed an ex-ante model instead of ex-post model for regulation.
o The ex-ante model of regulation entails a code of conduct for Big Tech including on data collection
and use – to ensure data harvested from consumers is not used for any purpose other than serving
the consumer’s interest.
o It will entail defining big tech companies acting as ‘gatekeepers,’ i.e., business platforms that act as a
gateway for small firms to reach out to end consumer. This will help regulate digital markets better.
• Currently, regulatory vacuum in governing Platform-to-Business user (P2B) relationship and predominant
reliance on ex-post model of regulation does not always lead to optimal restoration of competition in
evolving and fast paced markets, especially involving gatekeepers.
Related News
Framework to check fake reviews on e-commerce platforms
• Department of Consumer Affairs unveiled new standard (19000:2022) made by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
to curb menace of fake and deceptive reviews of products and services.
o Standards, initially voluntary, will be applicable to every online platform which publishes consumer reviews.
• Fake and misleading reviews violate a consumer’s right under Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Key highlights
• Prescribes specific responsibilities for review author and review administrator.
• Responsibilities for organizations and grievance redressal mechanism for consumers.

9.2.2. OPEN NETWORK FOR DIGITAL COMMERCE (ONDC)

Why in news?
ONDC network recently started beta testing with consumers in Bengaluru.

96
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 What is ONDC?
• ONDC is an initiative of the Department
of Promotion of Industry and Internal
Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce.
• It was incorporated as a Section 8 (Non-
Profit Organisation under Companies Act
2013) company in December 2021.
o The Quality Council of India and
Protean eGov Technologies Limited
are its initial promoters.
• It aims at promoting open networks for
all aspects of exchange of goods and services over digital or electronic networks.
How is ONDC different form traditional e-commerce models?
Unlike traditional paradigm of e-commerce, ONDC is an open network of platforms/applications which are
interoperable, as a result of which operational control is decentralised.

Significance of ONDC in India

• Ending monopolistic tendencies of
big players and increase consumers
freedom of choice.
• Moving away from an operator-
driven platform-centric model to
avoid concentration risk, exclusion
and discretionary behavior etc.
• Formalizing local businesses.
• Economic Growth and Development
with job creation.
• Encourage small and medium
enterprises participation by
lowering entry barriers.
• Other potential benefits: Enhanced
supply chain efficiencies; amplifying
geographic and socio-economic
coverage of digital commerce
landscape; Standardization of
operations; enhanced pricing
transparency etc.

97
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 9.3. TELECOM SECTOR

9.3.1. GATISHAKTI SANCHAR PORTAL Key features of the latest amendment

• RoW application procedures simplified to facilitate
Why in News? faster 5G roll-out.
The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has • Administrative fees have been rationalized to
launched GatiShakti Sanchar portal for centralized reduce the cost of compliance.
Right of Way (RoW) approvals. • Telecom licensees may enter into agreement with
private property owners and they will not require
any permission from any government authority.

98
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 More on News
• RoW is a legal right, for online application and permissions to Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).
• Indian Telegraph RoW rules (2016) regulate the underground infrastructure (optical fibre) and
overground infrastructure (mobile towers).
• The portal, developed by MP state Electronics Development Corporation, is a collaborative institutional
mechanism between all stakeholders - Central and State/UT Governments, Local bodies, and Service
Providers.
o It will facilitate smooth deployment of digital communications infrastructure across the country.
Related News
Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)
• Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), a body under DoT has launched TTDF.
• Objectives include:
o Fund R&D in rural-specific communication technology applications.
o Form synergies among academia, start-ups, research institutes, and the industry.
o Promote technology ownership and indigenous manufacturing.
o Develop standards to meet countrywide requirements and create the ecosystem for R&D, prototyping, etc.

9.4. OTHER SERVICES SECTOR DEVELOPMENTS

9.4.1. SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE (SAAS)
Why in news?
The CII and EY released
a report titled “India:
The Next Global SaaS
Capital”, highlighting
Indian SaaS industry’s
unique value and the
enormous impact being
created by Indian SaaS.
About Software as a
service (SaaS)
• SaaS is a software
distribution model
in which a cloud
provider hosts
applications and
makes them
available to end
users over the internet.
o It includes services provided by Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Cloud, Github etc.
Key features of SaaS
• It is rented from a software vendor who also provides technical support.
• It is provided on a subscription basis and the software can be accessed on multiple devices.
• It is one of three main categories of cloud computing, alongside-
o Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) where company leases a whole digital infrastructure (servers,
network resources, etc.) for organizing business activities, creating applications, data storing, etc.
o Platform as a Service (PaaS) where cloud environment (hardware, software, development tools and
infrastructure) is provided for creating apps and their further support.
SaaS sector in India
• India is the 3rd largest SaaS ecosystem globally, after the USA and China.
o India is on the path to surpass China to become the 2nd largest SaaS nation in the world by 2026.
• India presently has 18 SaaS unicorns as compared to one in 2018.

99
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 10. INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR
10.1. LOGISTICS SECTOR
10.1.1. NATIONAL LOGISTICS POLICY (NLP)
Why in News?
The PM unveiled the National Logistics Policy
(NLP) to promote seamless flow of goods
across the country and improve Indian goods
competitiveness in domestic as well as global
markets.
Logistics Ecosystem in India
• Logistics, i.e. the overall process of
managing how resources are acquired,
stored and transported to a final
destination, has become an important part
of the economy (see image).
• The Indian Logistics sector is estimated to
be over $250 billion in 2021 and expected to reach $380 billion by 2025.
• Logistics Performance Ranking in Global Logistics Performance Index 2018of World Bank (44th).
National Logistics Policy (NLP)
• Vision - To develop a
technologically enabled,
integrated, cost-efficient,
resilient, sustainable, and
trusted logistics ecosystem
in the country for
accelerated and inclusive
growth.
• Pillars of NLP: It is based on
four major pillars as given
in the image.
• NLP also includes
Comprehensive Logistics
Action Plan (CLAP) to
implement the policy with
eight key action areas:
o Integrated Digital Logistics System to develop a system of unified logistics interface.
o Standardization of physical assets and benchmarking service quality standards.
o Logistics Human Resources Development and Capacity Building to develop an overarching logistics
human resource strategy.
o State engagement by supporting development of state/city level logistics plans, set up institutional
framework at city/state level, measure and monitor action by states.
o EXIM (Export-import) Logistics to address infrastructure and procedural gaps in connectivity and
create efficient and reliable logistics network.
o Service Improvement Framework for improving regulatory interface to enable seamlessness
between sectors.
o Sectoral Plan for Efficient Logistics to be developed for each sector.
o Facilitation of Development of Logistics Parks.
• Implementation: NLP will be implemented by the Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) created under
the PM Gati Shakti.

100
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 10.1.2. PM GATI SHAKTI
Why in news?
Last year, government identified 197 critical infrastructure gaps across various projects under PM Gati Shakti.

About PM Gati Shakti

• PM Gati Shakti - National Master Plan (NMP) for Multi-modal Connectivity, is a digital platform for
comprehensive database of the ongoing & future projects of 16 Ministries.
• Aim: Create Next Generation Infrastructure by learning from the past and achieving enhanced efficiency
through 6 pillars (refer to the infographic).
• It is integrated with 200+ layers of geospatial data on existing infrastructure, forests, rivers and district
boundaries.
About Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications
• It has been developed by the BISAG-N and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N)
(refer to the box). • BISAG-N is an Autonomous Scientific Society registered
o Dynamic mapping of all under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 under the MeitY.
infrastructure projects with real- • Its three main domain areas- Satellite communication;
time updation by way of a map Geoinformatics; and Geo-spatial technology.
developed by BISAG-N.
o The map will be built on open-source technologies and hosted securely on [Link] cloud.
Digitisation Initiatives
• Existing and proposed economic zones have been mapped along with the multimodal connectivity
infrastructure in a single GIS platform.
• Logistic Data Bank (LDB) and Unified Logistic Interface Platform (ULIP) may be integrated under PM
GatiShakti.

Related News
Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV)
• Ministry of Education introduced the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to convert the National
Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTU), a deemed-to-be university, into the GSV (an autonomous Central
university).
• GSV will address the need for talent in the strategically important and expanding transportation sector and meet
the demand for trained talent to fuel the growth and expansion of the sector.

101
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 10.1.3. LOGISTICS EASE ACROSS DIFFERENT STATES (LEADS) 2022 REPORT
Why in News?
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has
released Logistics Ease Across Different
States (LEADS) 2022.
More on News
• LEADS is an indigenous data-driven
index to assess logistics
infrastructure, services, and human
resources across all 36 States and
UTs.
o It’s a key tool to drive logistics
sector efficiency that helps
achieve target of bringing down
logistics costs compared to global benchmark.
o It was first launched in 2018.
• LEADS 2022 adopted classification-based grading system while previous versions were based on ranking
systems for all states.

10.1.4. MULTI MODAL LOGISTICS PARK

Why in news? India planning 35 MMLPs
Recently, • CCEA had mandated MoRTH to develop 35 MMLPs across the country.
Government awarded • The National Highways Logistics Management (NHLML), a wholly owned special
purpose vehicle (SPV) of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is the nodal
the contract of
agency for getting the 35 MMLPs up and running.
setting up India’s first o These MMLPs are to be developed under PPP on Design, Build, Finance, Operate
multi-modal logistics and Transfer (DBFOT) mode.
park (MMLP) near • This initiative aims to develop MMLP in a hub-and-spoke model - a model where all the
Chennai to Reliance commodities come to a hub and are then sent to smaller distribution units called
Industries (RIL). spokes and finally sent out to customers.
About Multi-modal
logistics park
• A Multi-Modal
Logistics Park
(MMLP) as an
inter-modal
freight-handling
establishment
comprising warehouses, dedicated cold chain facilities, freight or container terminals and bulk cargo
terminals.
• Its objective is to centralize freight consolidation and reduce logistics cost from 14% to less than 10% of
GDP at par with International Standards.
• Under the ‘PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan’, the Government of India has announced that contracts
will be awarded through PPP model for implementation of MMLPs.
• National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has signed a tripartite MoU for swift development of MMLP under
Bharatmala Pariyojana
o Bharatmala Pariyojana, launched under Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in 2017, is an
umbrella program for highways sector with focus on optimizing the efficiency of freight and
passenger movement across the country.

102
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 10.2. RAILWAYS

10.2.1. INNOVATION IN RAILWAYS

Why in News?
Indian Railways (IR) launched “Indian Railway Innovation Policy” to fund innovations.
Key Highlights of Indian Railway Innovation Policy
• IR will invest in startups to get a head start in procuring innovations directly from them with a promise of
up to ₹1.5 crore of seed money.
• Policy Objective:
o Develop cost-effective, implementable, scalable solutions, functional prototypes and innovative
products.
o Leverage new innovative technologies to improve Operational efficiency & Safety.
• Annual budget for the policy is around₹40-50 crore with an additional fund for the divisional railway
managers so that they can find on-field solutions to on-field problems.
• Developed IPR will remain with innovators only.
Efforts undertaken for Innovation in Railways
Area Steps taken by India
Safety • Bridge Management System (BMS), a web-based IT application for 24x7 information availability.
Enhancement • Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags fitted on rolling stock to track and trace the rolling
asset.
• Electronic Interlocking (EI) is being adopted to enhance safety.
• Automatic Train Protection System called Kavach.

103
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Infrastructure • Modern track structure consisting of Pre-stressed Concrete Sleepers.
upgrades • Capacity Augmentation through Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs).
• Microprocessor based Train Control and Management System, Emergency Talk Back system/
Panic Buttons etc.
Passenger • Introduction of ‘Make in India’ semi-high speed Vande Bharat Express trains.
experience • Focus on cleanliness of trains and stations with the installation of bio-toilets etc.
improvement • Safety Information Management System (SIMS) to manage and process information related to
any train accidents.
Organizational • National Monetisation Pipeline also has an asset monetisation plan for IR and there are plans for
capability corporatisation of production units.
enhancement • Restructuring of railway board by trimming its strength to half and unifying its eight railways
services into a central service -Indian Railway Management Service.

10.2.2. ALUMINIUM WAGONS

Why in News?
The Union railway minister flagged off the country’s first freight train with an all-aluminium wagon rake.
More on News
• It is manufactured in collaboration with Besco Limited Wagon Division and aluminium major Hindalco.
• At present, India’s high-speed trains, including the Rajdhanis and the Shatabdis, use Linke Hofmann Busch
(LHB) coaches that are made of stainless steel.
Significance
• Lower carbon footprint as 15-20% weight shift by aluminium wagons can reduce 25 Lakh tonnes of CO2.
• Aluminium is 100% recyclable and resistant to corrosion, reducing maintenance costs.
• Make Indian Railways' logistics more efficient as:
o It can carry 180 tonnes extra payload per trip over conventional rakes.
o Aluminium trains take less time to manufacture and thus can help in speeding up production.
• Reduce import of Nickel and Cadmium consumed by the iron and steel industry.
• Boost domestic aluminum industry.

10.2.3. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN RAILWAYS

Bharat • Maiden Service of Bharat Gaurav Train commenced under Bharat Gaurav Scheme from Coimbatore
Gaurav North to Sainagar Shirdi.
Train • Bharat Gaurav Trains are theme-based trains launched by Indian Railways in November 2021.
• Objective: To showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places to the people
of India and the world.
• Aim: Leverage the core strengths of the professionals of the tourism sector to run theme-based
trains to tap India’s vast tourist potential.
o Bharat Gaurav Scheme guidelines apply to already running tourist circuit trains by IRCTC as well
such as Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train.
Jiribam- • Recent landslide in Manipur has hit the Jiribam-Imphal railway line project.
Imphal • It is a111 km long project started in 2013 to connect Imphal (the capital of Manipur) with Jiribam
Railway district of Manipur near Assam Border.
Line o Estimated to be completed by 2023, the project involves 46 tunnels, including a 12-km single
tube tunnel, and Noney Bridge- slated to become world’s tallest rail bridge, once completed.
World’s • Recently, golden joint connecting two ends of overarch deck of the world’s highest railway bridge
Highest over Chenab river was inaugurated.
Railway o 1.3-km-long Bridge is located 359 metres above Chenab riverbed and is 30 metres higher than
Bridge Eiffel Tower.
• Chenab Bridge will provide all-weather rail connectivity to Kashmir and forms a crucial link from
Katra to Banihal, part of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla section of the Kashmir Railway project.
Vande • Designed and built in India, Vande Metro hydrogen trains would roll out by 2023.
Metro • Germany was the first country that started operating hydrogen-powered trains for the first time in
hydrogen the world in August.
trains • These trains make very little noise and emit no pollution. It only emits just steam and evaporated
water.

104
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 National • NCRTC is a joint venture company of Government of India and States of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan
Capital and Uttar Pradesh.
Region • It is under the administrative control of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and mandated to
Transport implement the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project across NCR, for a balanced and
Corporati sustainable urban development through better connectivity and access.
on o RRTS is a new, dedicated, high speed, high capacity, comfortable commuter service connecting
(NCRTC) regional nodes in NCR.

10.3. CIVIL AVIATION SECTOR

10.3.1. NATIONAL AIR SPORTS POLICY (NASP) 2022
Why in News?
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched the NASP with aim of providing a safe, affordable and sustainable
air sports ecosystem in the country.
Objective of NASP, 2022
• Enable adoption of international good practices in safety.
• Enhance participation and success of Indian sportspersons in global air sports.
• Promote design, development, and manufacturing of air sports equipment in India in line with the
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
o Its vision is to include India among the top air sporting nations by 2030.
o Under it, 11 air sports including Aerobatics, aero modelling and rocketry, ballooning, parachuting,
paragliding, and para-motoring etc. will be promoted.
Governance structure
• NASP 2022 covers 11 different air sports and provides a four-tier governance structure (refer infographic)
with Air Sports Federation of India (AFSI) as the apex governing body.
• ASFI shall be an autonomous body under MCA.
o It represents India at Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), headquartered in Lausanne,
Switzerland and other global platforms related to air sports.
o FAI is world governing body for air sports.

105
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 10.3.2. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CIVIL AVIATION SECTOR
Aviation Safety • As per 2022 rankings, India's position jumped to the 48th place from the 102nd spot in 2018.
Rankings o India's aviation sector has become the third largest domestic aviation market in the world.
o India’s airport capacity is expected to handle 1 billion trips annually by 2023.
• About the Rankings
o Released by: International Civil Aviation Organisation.
o 187 countries were ranked, topped by Singapore.
o Index measures eight critical elements of the safety oversight system, including primary
aviation legislation, resolution of safety issues etc.
Bureau of Civil • Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has notified draft Aircraft Security Rules, 2022.
Aviation o It enables BCAS to impose penalties upto ₹1 crore on airports and airlines for violation of
Security (BCAS) security measures.
• BCAS (HQ: New Delhi):
o It was set up as a Cell in Directorate General of Civil Aviation in 1978 on recommendation
of Pande Committee.
o In 1987, it was reorganized into an independent department under MoCA.
o It lays down standards and measures with respect to security of civil flights at
international and domestic airports in India.
Aircraft Leasing • Indian Airlines is allowed to take wide-body aircraft on wet lease for up to one year.
• Wet lease refers to renting of the plane along with operating crew and engineers.
o In technical term, wet leasing is called ACMI, i.e. Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and
Insurance.
• Dry lease is when the airline leases only the vehicle.
• Damp Lease is the middle between two where an airline wet-leases a plane but uses its own
cabin crew.
Aircraft • The Aircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020 has empowered Directorate General of Civil Aviation
(Amendment) (DGCA) to levy fines without approaching a civil court.
Act, 2020 • DGCA (HQ: New Delhi) is the regulatory body in the field of civil aviation responsible for
carrying out the safety oversight and coordinating regulatory functions with the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
o It was made a statutory body by the Aircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020.

106
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 10.4. ROADWAYS
10.4.1. PRIVATE INVESTMENT MODELS IN ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE

107
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Related News
Turnkey project
• It is a contract under which a firm agrees to fully design, construct and equip a manufacturing/ business/ service
facility and turn the project over to the purchaser when it is ready for operation for a remuneration.
o It is one of modes of carrying out international business project.
• It will help NMDC retain and comply with four axioms of public procurement i.e., transparency, equity, fairness, and
competitiveness.

10.4.2. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ROADWAYS SECTOR

Pre-cast • Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has made mandatory to use factory manufactured
Concrete Policy pre-cast concrete elements in projects within 100 km radius of Pre-cast factory.
• Precast concrete is a form of concrete that is prepared, cast and cured off-site in controlled
factory environment, using reusable moulds.
o Pre-cast factory shall be certified by Quality Council of India (QCI)/IITs and shall have
minimum facility of fully automatic RMC (Ready Mix Concrete) plant for better quality.
Automotive • Ministry of Road Transport and Highway issued a draft amendment to modify technical
Industry requirements as prescribed in AIS -145.
Standard (AIS) • Draft amendment replaces provision for seat belt alarms for ‘driver & co-driver’ with ‘driver
and all other front-facing seat occupants’.
• Seat belt alarms for driver and front row co-passenger were made mandatory in 2019.
• This standard is aligned with international regulation UN Regulation No. 16 (UNR-16).
Convention on • Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued notification on standardizing
International process for issuance of International Driving Permit (IDP) across the country in adherence to
Road Traffic of the Convention.
1949 (Geneva • Geneva Convention is an international treaty promoting the development and safety of
Convention) international road traffic by establishing certain uniform rules among the contracting parties.
• India, being a signatory to convention is required to issue IDP as provided under this
Convention, for acceptance of the same on reciprocal basis with other countries.
Bharat Series • MoRTH has proposed to allow conversion of regular vehicle registrations into BH numbers.
(BH) o At present, only new vehicles can opt for BH series mark.
o Also, the transfer of vehicles with BH series registration mark to other persons, who are
eligible or ineligible for BH series, has been facilitated.
• BH series was introduced to ensure seamless transfer of vehicles across states and free
vehicle owners from re-registration process when they shift from one state/UT to another.
o Vehicle registration under BH series is voluntary to defense personnel, employees of
central and state government, PSUs, private sector companies with offices in four or more
states/UTs.
o Working Certificate is needed to be submitted by private sector employees to prevent
misuse.

10.5. INDIAN SHIPPING INDUSTRY

10.5.1. LANDLORD PORT MODEL
Why in News?
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) became the first 100% Landlord Major Port of India.
Ports in India and Landlord Port Model
• Ports in India are classified as Major (under Union govt) and Minor Ports (under state govt) as per the
Indian Ports Act, 1908.
• Landlord port model is characterized by its mixed public-private orientation.
o Under this, the port authority acts as regulatory body and as landlord, while port operations
(especially cargo handling) are carried out by private companies.
o It aims at decentralizing decision making and to infuse professionalism in governance of major ports.
Other PPP models for Ports
Service port model Tool port model Corporatized ports
The port authority owns the land and all The port authority owns, develops, Ports are entirely being
available assets—fixed and mobile—and and maintains the port infrastructure privatized, except that

108
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 performs all regulatory and port functions. as well as the superstructure, ownership remains public and
Here, the port trust is both the landlord and including cargo handling equipment often assumed as a majority
the cargo terminal operator. such as quay cranes and forklift trucks. shareholder

10.5.2. NATIONAL CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR GREEN PORT & SHIPPING

(NCOEGPS)
Why in News?
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has launched NCoEGPS.
More on News
• NCoEGPS will act as a technological arm of MoPSW and will be working under the framework of the
Sagarmala programme.
• It aims to develop a regulatory framework and alternate technology adoption roadmap for Green
Shipping to foster carbon neutrality and circular economy (CE) in the shipping sector in India.
o Green shipping is when people or goods are transported through ships using minimum resources and
energy as possible, to protect the environment from GHGs and pollutants generated by the ships.
o Main source of CO2 emissions in ship operations: Combustion of fossil fuels in main engines, auxiliary
engines, boilers and incinerators.
o India’s ‘Maritime India Vision 2030’ aims to increase share of renewable energy at major ports to
around 60% by 2030.

10.5.3. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY

National Time • It was recently released by Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
Release Study • NTRS 2022 presents the annual report of cargo clearance process through four categories of
(NTRS), 2022 ports - seaport, Inland Container Depots (ICDs), Air Cargo Complexes (ACC) and Integrated
Check Posts (ICPs).
• Time Release Study is a performance measurement tool for assessing cargo clearance
process of international trade, as recommended by World Trade Organization (WTO) under
Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and World Customs Organization (WCO).

International • India and Iran have signed MoU for smooth movement of seafarers between both countries
Convention on as per STCW provision.
Standards of • STCW Convention is a multilateral convention to establish basic requirements on training,
Training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers on an international level.
Certification and • It was adopted in 1978 and it entered into force in 1984.
Watchkeeping o India notified it in 1984; effective from 1985.
for Seafarers • Compliance and implementation to convention is looked after by International Maritime
(STCW), 1978 Organization (IMO), established in 1948 (HQ: Geneva) as a specialized UN agency.

10.6. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure • The government has accorded infrastructure status to data centres with more than 5MW
status to Data capacity of IT load.
Centres • Data centre is included in Harmonized Master List of Infrastructure sub-sectors.
• It is a dedicated secure space within a centralized location where computing and networking
equipment is concentrated.
• It provides Network infrastructure (connects servers etc. to end-user locations); Storage
infrastructure (to store data); and Computing resources (provide processing, memory, etc. that
drive applications).
• India’s biggest hyperscale data centre ‘Yotta D1’ is in Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh).
National Real • NAREDCO has set up a finance committee to enable member developers to easily access funds
Estate from banks and financial institutions.
Development • NAREDCO is an autonomous self-regulatory body established in 1998underMoHUA.
Council o It acts as premier real estate government industry association of India.
(NAREDCO) o Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs serves as Chief Patron of NAREDCO.
• It aims to provide government, real estate industry and general public a legitimate platform to
address their concerns and find effective solutions for issues plaguing the real estate sector.

109
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Smart • These awards are an initiative of National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and UN in India to
Solutions and address city-level accessibility and inclusion challenges faced by persons with
Inclusive Cities disabilities (PwD), women and girls, and elderly.
Awards 2022 • Awards also aim to promote people-centric design and to foster novel home-
grown technological innovations and solutions.
National • The mandate of apex monitoring authority is to periodically review the activities of NICDP.
Industrial • NICDP is India's infrastructure programme aiming to develop new industrial cities as "Smart
Corridor Cities" and converging next generation technologies across infrastructure sectors.
Development • Under this, India is developing various industrial corridor projects.
Programme • National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) is developing 11 Industrial
(NICDP) corridors comprising 32 nodes/projects.
o NICDC Limited is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• NITI Aayog will also map different projects such as Industrial, Freight and Defence Corridors,
PM-Mitra parks, Medical, Pharma and Logistic Parks to bring them under PM GatiShakti.
National • The Minister of Finance chaired the 5th meeting of the Governing Council (GC) of NIIF along
Investment and with its members from corporates, investments, and policy sectors.
Infrastructure • Anchored by Government of India, NIIF is a collaborative investment platform for international
Fund (NIIF) and Indian investors.
• NIIF manages three funds: Master Fund, Fund of Funds and Strategic Fund.
o Funds were set up to make investments in India by raising capital from domestic and
international institutional investors.
• NIIF’s first bilateral fund - an India Japan Fund has been proposed recently.
Transport 4 All • The ‘Transport4All’ Challenge is an initiative of MoHUA in partnership with Institute for
Challenge Transportation and Development Policy and World Bank.
Stage-2 • It aims at enhancing the mobility experience of citizens and focuses on digital innovation to
improve mobility needs of all citizens.
International • The Cabinet has approved India-France’s contract to support ITF activities in the Indian
Transport Transport Sector, helping in-
Forum (ITF) o New scientific results; New policy insights; Capacity building through increase scientific
interaction; and Identification of technology options for decarbonization of the transport
sector in India.
• ITF (HQ: Paris, France), administratively integrated with the OECD, is an intergovernmental
organisation created in 2006 by ministers from 43 countries (now increased to 64 countries).
o It acts as a think tank for transport policies to improve peoples’ lives.
• It is the only global body with a mandate for all transport modes.

110
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 11. ENERGY SECTOR
11.1. POWER SECTOR
11.1.1. GREEN ENERGY OPEN ACCESS RULES
Why in News?
The Ministry of Power has notified the Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) Rules.
About Open Access and its Objective
• Open access means non-discriminatory access to electricity transmission and distribution system to
eligible consumers, generators, and state distribution companies (DISCOMS).
• The objective of the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Access) Rules,
2022 is to accelerate our renewable energy
programmes.
Salient features of the rule
• Reduction in the limit of Open Access
Transaction from 1 MW to 100 KW for green
energy.
o Any consumer with a connected load of
100 kW or above can get Renewable
Energy (RE) through open access from
any RE generating plant using the Green
Energy Open Access portal.
• Increase transparency in approval process of
OA.
o OA approvals will be granted in 15 days or
else it will be deemed to have been
approved subject to fulfilment of technical
requirements. It will be through national
portal.
• Cross subsidy surcharge and additional
surcharge shall not be applicable if green
energy is utilized for production of green
hydrogen and green ammonia.
• Consumers are entitled to demand supply of
Green Power from Discoms.
o Green certificates for consumers if they
consume green power.
• Commercial and Industrial consumers are allowed to purchase green power on voluntarily basis.
• Uniform Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) on all obligated entities in the area of a distribution
licensees.
o Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia has also been included for fulfilment of its RPO.
Related News
General Network Access (GNA) Regulations
• The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has proposed GNA Regulations to streamline regulatory
framework for country’s power transmission; in line with one nation, one grid.
• GNA regulations seeks to do away with pre-determined point-to-point transmission access to instead enable both
access or drawal on the entire transmission corridor to generators and procurers.
o Users at present have to pay long-term charges under point-to-point connectivity regime and charged for any
deviations from agreed path.
o GNA will enable them to supply from any point.

111
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 11.1.2. ELECTRICITY AMENDMENT BILL 2022
Why in News?
Recently, the government
introduced the Electricity
Amendment Bill 2022 in
the Lok Sabha.
More in news
• The Electricity
(Amendment) Bill,
2022 amends the
Electricity Act, 2003
which regulates the
electricity sector in
India.
Key Provisions of Bill
• Removes requirement of discoms to distribute electricity through their own network.
o Bill adds that a discom must provide non-discriminatory open access to its network to all other
discoms operating in the same area, on payment of certain charges.
• SERC will specify a minimum tariff in case of multiple discoms in the same area of supply, in addition to
maximum ceiling for tariff.
• Cross-subsidy Balancing Fund to be set up by the state government upon grant of multiple licenses for
the same area.
o Cross-subsidy refers to the arrangement of one consumer category subsidizing the consumption of
another consumer category.
o Any surplus with a distribution licensee on account of cross-subsidy will be deposited into the fund.
o The fund will be used to finance deficits in cross-subsidy for other discoms in the same area or any
other area.
• CERC will grant licenses for distribution of electricity in more than one state.
• Electricity will not be scheduled or despatched if adequate payment security is not provided by the
discom.
o The central government may prescribe rules regarding payment security.
• Empowers the CERC and SERCs to adjudicate disputes related to the performance of contracts.
o These refer to contracts related to the sale, purchase, or transmission of electricity. Further, the
Commissions will have powers of a Civil Court.
• Empowers SERCs to specify RPO for discoms.
o RPO should not be below a minimum percentage prescribed by the central government and Failure
to meet RPO will be punishable.

11.1.3. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE POWER SECTOR

Power Trading • Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO-national grid operator) has debarred
discoms of 12 states from buying/selling electricity on exchanges by invoking Electricity
(Late Payment Surcharge and Related Matters) Rules 2022.
• Delayed payments by Discoms trigger a vicious cycle upstream for generation companies
(Gencos); forcing Gencos to borrow to maintain operations.
o These increases borrowing pushes Gencos into debt trap.
PRAAPTI portal • PRAAPTI (Payment Ratification and Analysis in Power procurement for bringing
Transparency in Invoicing of generators) portal was launched by Ministry of Power in 2018
to:
o Bring transparency in power purchase transactions between Generators and Discoms.
o Power Discoms can clear invoices and reply to claims raised by generators on this
portal.
Market-Based • Ministry of Power has proposed to move towards a centralized power model through
Economic MBED.

112
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Dispatch (MBED) • MBED is an electricity market operations reform for dispatching the entire annual electricity
Mechanism consumption through a central market operator.
o Currently, India follows decentralized power model under the Electricity Act, 2003.
• Aim: To move towards a “One Nation, One Grid, One Frequency, One Price” framework.
World Energy • It is released by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Outlook 2022 Key highlights
• India will see the highest increase in energy demand globally, rising at more than 3% annually
from 2021 to 2030.
• Over 60% of growth in power demand will be met by renewables, accounting for 35% of
electricity mix by 2030.
• Electricity generation through coal will peak around 2030, rising from 240 GW in 2021 to 275
GW in 2030.
National Open • Recently, the National Open Access Registry was made live.
Access Registry o NOAR is a centralized online platform to maintain the short-term open access to the
(NOAR) inter-state transmission system in India.
• National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC) is the nodal agency for implementation and operation
of NOAR.
Hindustan Power • HPX is the 3rd power exchange in the country as Indian Energy Exchange and Power
Exchange begins Exchange of India Ltd are already operational.
operation (HPX) o It is promoted by Power Trading Corporation of India Limited, Bombay Stock Exchange,
and ICICI Bank.
• Power exchanges provide the market participants a platform for trading and hence manage
their power portfolios efficiently.

113
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 11.2. COAL, OIL, GAS AND OTHERS

114
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 11.2.1. COAL BEARING AREAS (ACQUISITION & DEVELOPMENT) ACT
Why in News?
Union Cabinet recently approved the policy for land acquired under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition &
Development) Act, 1957 (CBA Act).
Coal 2022: Analysis and forecast to 2025
More on the news • It is an annual report of International Energy
Agency (IEA) which offers a thorough analysis of
• CBA Act provides for acquisition of coal bearing
recent trends in coal demand, supply, trade,
land and its “vesting in a government company", costs and prices.
free from any encumbrance. • It states that India, along with China, is world’s
• The approved policy provides clear policy largest coal producer, consumer and importer.
framework for utilization of following types of
lands acquired under the CBA Act:
o Lands no longer suitable or economically viable for coal mining activities; or
o Lands from which coal has been mined out / de-coaled and such land has been reclaimed.
• Government coal companies, such as Coal India Ltd. (CIL) shall remain owners of these lands acquired
under the CBA Act and the policy allows only leasing of the land for the specified purposes.

11.2.2. HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION AND LICENSING POLICY (HELP)

Why in News?
Government has offered 42 hydrocarbon blocks {26 oil and gas blocks and 16 blocks for prospecting for coal-
bed methane (CBM)} for exploration and development in latest auction under the HELP, 2016.
More on News
• CBM is an unconventional form of natural gas found in coal deposits or coal seams.
• Generally, it consists predominantly of methane gas, although it can contain trace amounts of ethane,
carbon dioxide and water.
About HELP (replaced New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP))
• A Single license covering Exploration and Production (E&P) of all types of hydrocarbon viz. conventional
oil and gas, coal-bed methane, shale oil, gas hydrates, etc.
• Launch of Open Acreage Licensing (OALP) mechanism which allows the investors to carve out blocks of
their choice by assessing E&P data.
• Adoption of Revenue Sharing Contract model (earlier contracts were based on concept of profit sharing
where profits were shared between Government and the contractor after recovery of cost).
• Reduced royalty rates, no Oil Cess, marketing and pricing freedom.
• Round the year bidding, an easy, transparent and swift bidding and awarding process.
Related News
ONGC is on its way to commercialize Vindhyan Basin, a Proterozoic intercontinental basin in the central part of Indian
shield.
• Vindhyan Basin is bounded by Son-Narmada Geo-fracture in the south, Great Boundary Fault in the west, Monghyr-
Saharsa Ridge in the east, and Bundelkhand Massif and Indo-Gangetic Plains in the north.
• It would be the 9thproducing Basin of India and the 8thby ONGC.
o Earlier, in 2020, Bengal basin became India’s 8thproducing basin, joining the ranks of Krishna-Godavari (KG),
Mumbai Offshore, Assam Shelf, Rajasthan, Cauvery, Assam-Arakan Fold Belt and Cambay.

11.2.3. NATURAL GAS PIPELINE TARIFF, AUTHORISATION AND CAPACITY REGULATIONS

Why in News?
PNGRB has amended Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff, Authorisation and Capacity Regulations.
More on News
• PNGRB aims to provide access to natural gas in far-flung areas at competitive and affordable rates to
achieve one nation one grid and one tariff objective.
• These amendments will act as stepping- stone for implementation of Unified Tariff regulations which will
be effective from 1 April 2023.

115
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Key amendments
• Increased number of unified tariff zones from 2 to 3 to protect
overall interest of consumers in different regions.
• Entity level integrated natural gas pipeline tariff has been
introduced in regulations which will act as building block for
unified tariff at national level.
• Natural Gas is an odourless, gaseous mixture of
hydrocarbons—predominantly made up of methane.
• India, world's 4th largest Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) importer,
aims to raise natural gas share in its energy mix from present 6% to 15% by 2030.

11.2.4. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN GAS SECTOR

World’s First • Prime Minister has laid foundation stone of the World’s First CNG Terminal and of the
compressed brownfield port at Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
natural gas • It is expected to be operational by 2026.
(CNG) Terminal • It will be developed using a public-private partnership (PPP) approach and has a cargo handling
capacity of 1.5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA).
o It will have direct door-step connectivity to the existing roadway and railway network
connecting to the largest industrial zones, Dedicated Freight Corridor and northern
hinterland of India.

Indian Gas • ONGC became the first E&P Company in India to trade domestic gas on IGX.
Exchange (IGX) • IGX, a subsidiary of Indian Energy Exchange (IEX), is a trading platform for natural gas.
• It allows buyers and sellers of natural gas to trade both in spot market and in forward market
for imported natural gas.
• Trading is allowed across three hubs —Dahej and Hazira in Gujarat, and Kakinada in Andhra
Pradesh.
• It operates under the regulatory framework of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board
(PNGRB).

One nation one • ONOGG refers to the joining of several regional grids, creating a national grid, and supplying
gas grid multiple stakeholders, with natural gas-produced energy.
(ONOGG) o Under this Natural gas-based energy can be produced and distributed throughout the
entire country on a single gas system.
o It intends to reduce the regional disparity in gas availability in the Country.
• Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is responsible for approving the
construction of pipelines.

Kirit Parekh • The panel has made recommendations to ensure a fair price for consumers and increase share
Panel on Gas of gas in India’s energy mix to 15% by 2030.
Pricing • Presently, we have multiple gas pricing mechanisms including, APM (Administered Price
Mechanism), non-APM etc.
o Mechanism is formula based and considers prices prevailing at major international
markets such as Henry Hub, National Balancing Point, Alberta, and Russia.
o Prices are notified after every six months.

11.2.5. DEVELOPMENTS IN THE OIL SECTOR

Exclusive • The Defence and Space Agencies has released 99% of EEZ prohibited areas for oil exploration
Economic Zone and production (E&P).
(EEZ) • Prohibited for security reasons, decision came as part of prioritizing energy security of India.
o It will reduce the ‘no go’ areas of around 2.37 million sq km of India’s EEZ from 42% to just
1%.
• Under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), EEZ is the area beyond and
adjacent to the territorial sea, generally extending 200 nautical miles from shore.

Deregulation of • Government has approved Deregulation of sale of Domestically Produced Crude Oil from
sale of October 1, 2022.

116
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Domestically • It waives the earlier conditions in Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) to sell crude oil to
Produced Crude government or its nominee or government refinery companies (like BPCL).
Oil • As earlier, exports will not be permissible.

Russia becomes • Russia has overtaken Saudi Arabia to become India's second-biggest supplier (for May 2022) of
India’s second oil behind Iraq.
biggest oil o Russia is selling crude oil at discounted rates (following Ukraine war) to ramp up oil
supplier imports.
• After U.S. and China, India is third-largest consumer of oil, over 80% of which is imported.
• India’s top oil supplier in 2021: Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, U.S., Nigeria.

Oil Bonds • An oil bond is a promissory note issued by the government to the oil marketing companies
(OMCs), in lieu of cash that government owes them.
• Need: When fuel prices are high for consumers, government directs oil marketing companies
(OMCs) to charge consumers less prices and the balance is to be paid by the government.
o However, if government pays in cash, it would have to tax the same people to collect the
money to pay.

11.3. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON ENERGY SECTOR

Energy • Energy poverty, also referred as fuel poverty, is usually defined in two ways as-
Poverty o Energy Accessibility, i.e., lack of access to electricity, and
o Energy Affordability, I.e., household dependence on inefficient and polluting energy
sources such as burning of solid biomass.
Kaleshwaram • Minister of Jal Shakti said that KLIS was not eligible for inclusion under the National Project (NP)
Lift Irrigation Scheme as Telangana has obtained investment clearance from Centre.
Project (KLIS) o KLIS is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram
(Telangana).
• NP Scheme is implemented with a view to expedite completion of identified National Projects
for the benefit of the people.
• Such projects will be provided financial assistance by Centre in the form of Central grant, which
will be 90% of the estimated cost of such projects.
UN- Energy • The PoA towards 2025 was launched by the UN Energy against the backdrop of a global energy
Plan of Action crisis and worsening climate emergency.
(PoA) • It is a major step to catalyse the large-scale action and support needed for the transition to
clean, affordable energy for all and net-zero emissions.
• About UN-Energy
o UN-Energy is the United Nations’ mechanism for inter-agency collaboration in the field of
energy.
o It aims to promote coherence in the UN system´s multi-disciplinary response to achieve SDG
7 in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on
climate change.
Petroleum • Government has exempted ISRO from getting nod for use, storage of solid propellant for space
and Explosives rockets.
Safety o Earlier, it was required to take a license form the PESO.
Organisations • PESO, formerly known as Department of Explosives, (HQ: Nagpur) is the nodal agency for
(PESO) regulating safety of hazardous substances such as explosives, compressed gas and petroleum
under the:
o Explosives Act, 1884; Petroleum Act, 1934; and related rules.
o It is an arm of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry Of
Commerce and Industry.
BM-SEAL-11 • Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved additional investment by Bharat Petro
Project Resources Ltd. (BPRL) for development of BM-SEAL-11 Concession Project in Brazil.
• BPRL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.
Petroleum • India received its first ever cargo from Venezuela in the beginning of 2022.
Coke or • Petroleum coke is a carbonaceous product obtained in the oil refining process.
Petcoke • It has higher calorific value than coal but causes huge emission of sulphur dioxide and other
pollutants.
• It is used as fuel in Cement, Lime Kilns, Gasification units, Industrial Boilers and as carbon source
in Electrodes for electrometallurgical industries, Synthetic Graphite, Aluminum Anodes, etc.
• The Supreme Court has banned the use of petroleum coke or petcoke in the NCR.

117
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 12. MISCELLANEOUS
12.1. NOBEL PRIZE FOR ECONOMICS 2022
Why in News?
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award
the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences for research
on banks and financial crises.
Winners and their Research
• The prize has been awarded to 3 US-based economists:
o Ben S Bernanke: Former Chair of the US Federal
Reserve and currently associated with the Brookings
Institution in Washington DC.
o Douglas W Diamond and Philip H Dybvig are
professors of banking and finance.
• Their work focused on understanding the role of banks in
the economy; benefitting the society by improving its
ability to avoid serious crises and expensive bailouts.
About the Research Deposit insurance in India
• Bernanke analyzed the Great Depression of • Deposit insurance in India was launched in 1962.
the 1930s, the worst economic crisis in • India was the second country in the world to introduce
such a scheme after the United States in 1933.
modern history.
• In India each depositor in a bank is insuredupto a
• Before his study, bank failures were seen as a maximum of ₹5 Lakhs for both principal and interest
“consequence” of the financial crisis. amount.
• However, in 1983, he proved bank runs led to
bank failures which turned a relatively ordinary recession into depression.
• When the banks collapsed, valuable information about borrowers was lost and could not be recreated
quickly.
• He also demonstrated that the economy did not start to recover until the state finally implemented
powerful measuresto prevent additional bank panics.
• Bernanke as the head of the US Federal Reserve used his wisdom to prevent further deterioration of the
2008 financial crisis.
• Research by Diamond and Dybvig: They developed theoretical models explaining following:
Conflict of saver and investors:
• For the economy to function, savings must be
channelled to investments. However, there is a
fundamental conflict between savers and
investors (refer infographics).
• Diamond and Dybvig show how banks offer an
optimal solution to this problem:
o By acting as intermediaries that accept
deposits from many savers, allow them
access their money when they wish, while
also offering long-term loans to borrowers.
o However, their analysis also showed how
the combination of these two activities
makes banks vulnerable to rumours about
their imminent collapse.
o If a large number of savers simultaneously run to the bank to withdraw their money, the rumour may
become a self-fulfilling prophecy – a bank run occurs and the bank collapses.
o These dangerous dynamics can be prevented through the government providing deposit insurance
and acting as a lender of last resort to banks.

118
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Role of banks in the society: Diamond demonstrated how banks perform another societally important
function.
o As intermediaries between many savers and borrowers, banks are better suited to assessing
borrowers’ creditworthiness and ensuring that loans are used for good investments.

12.2. STANDARDS NATIONAL ACTION PLAN (SNAP) 2022

Why in News?
The draft SNAP, released by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), proposes a set of actions that would enable
BIS to fulfil its mandate as the National Standards Body and deliver standards according to the market needs
in an efficient and timely manner.
Key features of the draft SNAP
• Specific focus in developing and updating standards w.r.t. India’s commitment on UN SDG 2030 and Paris
Agreement.
• Proposal to bring technologies such as semiconductors, IT services, Information and Communications
Technologies (ICT) such as metaverse, and cybersecurity techniques under BIS.

Related News
Quality Council of India
• It is an autonomous non-profit organization registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.
• It was set up through a PPP model in 1997 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry jointly with the Indian Industry.
o It is under the administrative control of the DPIIT.
o The Indian industry is represented by ASSOCHAM, CII and FICCI.
• Aim: To establish and operate national accreditation structure and promote quality through National Quality
Campaign.
• It is governed by a Council with equal representations of government, industry and consumers.
o Chairman of Council is appointed by the PM on industry recommendation to the government.

12.3. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Why in News?
MCA has released the Companies (Corporate social responsibility or CSR Policy) Amendment Rules 2022,
amending the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 of Company Act 2013.
Highlights of New rules
• Companies are mandated to utilise fund kept in unspent CSR account within three financial years and
shall constitute CSR committee to oversee its implementation.

119
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Expenditure for Social
Impact Assessment
(SIA) which can be
included in CSR
spending shall not
exceed 2.5% of total
CSR expenditure or
₹50 lakh whichever is
higher for relevant FY.
o Earlier, it was 5%
of total CSR
spending or ₹50
lakh whichever is
less.
• SIA is mandatory for
businesses with ₹10
crore or more CSR
budget and for all
projects with an
outlay of ₹1 crore or
more.
• Companies are required to disclose composition of CSR committee, CSR policy on company website.
Related News
Environmental Social and Governance (ESG)
• SEBI has constituted an advisory panel to look into enhancements in Business Responsibility and Sustainability
Report (BRSR), ESG ratings and ESG investing.
• ESG criteria are a set of standards for a company’s operations that socially conscious investors use to screen
potential investments.
o Environmental criteria consider how a company performs as a steward of nature.
o Social criteria examine how it manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, communities
where it operates etc.
o Governance deals with company’s leadership, audits, internal controls, shareholder rights etc.
• BRSR shall be applicable to the top 1000 listed entities (by market capitalization) and reporting of BRSR shall be
mandatory from FY 2022-23.
National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)
• NFRA was constituted in 2018 by the Government under the Companies Act, 2013to improve the quality of all
corporate financial reporting in India.
• Its chairperson is appointed by the Central Government and it has a maximum of 15 members.
• Functions and Duties include:
o Recommend accounting and auditing policies to be adopted by companies;
o Monitor and enforce compliance with accounting standards and auditing standards;
o Oversee quality of service of the professions associated with ensuring compliance.
• Objective is to oversee compliance with Accounting and Auditing Standards by companies that can be described
as Public Interest Entities (PIEs).
• This group includes all listed companies, and large unlisted companies.

Copyright © by Vision IAS

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission of Vision IAS.

120
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 ENVIRONMENT
Table of Contents
2.2.7. Other Initiatives for Water Conservation 37
1. CLIMATE CHANGE __________________ 5
2.3. Land Degradation _________________ 38
1.1. Global Scenario _____________________ 5 2.3.1. COP15 of United Nations Convention
1.1.1. IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report: Part III __ 5 to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) _________ 38
1.1.2. Methane Emission ___________________ 6
1.1.3. Ocean Acidification and Arctic Ice _______ 7 2.4. Light Pollution ____________________ 39
1.2. International Conferences, Conventions 2.5. Waste Management _______________ 39
and Initiatives _________________________ 8 2.5.1. Ban on Single Use Plastic _____________ 39
1.2.1. 27th Conference of the Parties (COP 27) _ 8 2.5.2. E-waste (Management) Rules 2022 _____ 40
[Link]. India’s Long-Term Low Emission 2.6. International Conventions and Treaties 42
Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) __________ 10 2.6.1. Stockholm Convention _______________ 42
1.2.2. 50 years of Stockholm Conference _____ 11 2.6.2. Rotterdam Convention ______________ 42
1.2.3. Montreal Protocol __________________ 13
1.2.4. UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) ________ 14 2.7. Reports and Indices ________________ 43
1.2.5. Innovation Roadmap of the Mission
Integrated Biorefineries (IRMIB) ____________ 14 3. BIODIVERSITY ____________________ 45
1.2.6. Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) _ 15 3.1. International Treaties and Conventions 45
1.2.7. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism 3.1.1. COP15 to the United Nations Convention on
(CBAM) ________________________________ 16 Biological Diversity (CBD) __________________ 45
1.2.8. International Solar Alliance (ISA) _______ 16 [Link]. World Restoration Flagships _______47
1.2.9. Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council17 [Link]. Restoration Barometer Report 2022 48
1.2.10. Other Initiatives in News ____________ 19 [Link]. Updated Red List of Threatened
1.3. Climate Mitigation and Adaptation ____ 20 Species ______________________________49
1.3.1. India’s Updated NDCs _______________ 20 3.1.2. International Treaty on Plant Genetic
1.3.2. Adaptation Gap Report 2022 __________ 21 Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) _ 50
1.3.3. Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage 3.1.3. Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction
(CCUS)_________________________________ 22 (BBNJ) _________________________________ 51
1.3.4. Uniform Carbon Trading Market _______ 23 3.1.4. CITES (Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) _ 52
1.4. Other Climate Related News and Concepts
____________________________________ 24 3.2. Wildlife and Conservation ___________ 53
3.2.1. The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act,
1.5. Reports and Indices ________________ 25 2022 __________________________________ 53
3.2.2. Cheetah Reintroduction ______________ 54
2. POLLUTION ______________________ 29 3.2.3. Project Tiger _______________________ 56
2.1. Air Pollution ______________________ 29 3.2.4. Great Indian Bustards _______________ 58
2.1.1. New Targets for National Clean Air 3.2.5. India’s 33rd Elephant Reserve _________ 58
Programme (NCAP) ______________________ 29 3.2.6. Invasive Species ____________________ 59
2.1.2. Norms for Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) _ 29 [Link]. Other Invasive Species in News ____60
2.1.3. Commission for Air Quality Management 3.2.7. Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) _____________ 60
(CAQM) ________________________________ 30 3.2.8. Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHSS) ______ 62
2.1.4. WHO’s Air Quality Database __________ 31 3.2.9. Protected Areas in News _____________ 64
2.1.5. Other Initiatives to Tackle Air Pollution__ 31 3.2.10. Species in News ___________________ 68

2.2. Water Pollution and Conservation ____ 32 3.3. Forests __________________________ 77

2.2.1. United Nations (UN) Water Summit on 3.3.1. Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022 ______ 77
Groundwater (GW) 2022 __________________ 32 3.3.2. Community forest rights (CFR)_________ 78
2.2.2. Water Convention __________________ 33 3.3.3. Other Forest Related News ___________ 78
2.2.3. Unconventional Water Resources ______ 33 3.4. Wetlands, Coastlands and Oceans ____ 79
2.2.4. Heavy Metal Contamination __________ 34 3.4.1. New Ramsar Sites___________________ 79
2.2.5. Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) 3.4.2. Other Ramsar Sites in News ___________ 81
______________________________________ 35 3.4.3. Island Protection Zone _______________ 82
[Link]. Other Water pollutants in news ____ 35 3.4.4. Blue Flag Beaches ___________________ 82
2.2.6. Arth Ganga ________________________ 36 3.4.5. Great Barrier Reef (GBR) _____________ 83

1
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 3.5. Other Biodiversity Related Initiatives __ 84 [Link]. Hydroelectric Projects in News ____107
4.9.3. Deep Sea Mining __________________ 108
3.6. Reports and Indices ________________ 85 4.9.4. River Projects _____________________ 108
4. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ________ 88 4.10. Reports and Indices ______________ 109
4.1. Sustainable Development Report 2022_ 88 5. GEOGRAPHY ____________________ 112
4.2. Sustainable Cities Integrated Approach 5.1. Sea Floor Spreading _______________ 112
Pilot (SCIAP) Project ___________________ 89
4.2.1. Other Sustainable Habitat Initiatives ___ 89 5.2. La Ninã Conditions Enter 3rd Year, 6th
Time Since 1950 _____________________ 112
4.3. India’s First Sovereign Green Bonds (SGB)
Framework ___________________________ 90 5.3. Karakoram Anomaly ______________ 113
4.4. Green Permits _____________________ 90 6. DISASTER MANAGEMENT __________ 114
4.5. Cloud Forest Assests ________________ 92 6.1. Joshimath Land Subsidence ________ 114
4.6. Alternative Fuels and Energy Resources 94 6.2. Cyclone Asani ____________________ 114
4.6.1. Ocean Thermal Energy _______________ 94
6.3. Coalition for Disaster Resilient
4.6.2. Coal Gasification ___________________ 95
4.6.3. National Policy on Biofuels-2018 _______ 96
Infrastructure (CDRI) __________________ 115
4.6.4. National Bioenergy Programme _______ 97 6.4. Global Platform for Disaster Risk
4.6.5. Pradhan Mantri Urja Suraksha evam Reduction 2022 (GP2022) ______________ 116
Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM KUSUM) Scheme __ 98
[Link]. Other Solar Energy Related news ___ 98 6.5. Other Disaster Related News _______ 117
4.6.6. Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy
6.6. Reports and Indices _______________ 117
Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022
______________________________________ 99 6.7. Mawmluh Cave __________________ 118
4.6.7. Other Alternative Energy sources ______ 99
6.8. Other Important News ____________ 118
4.7. Energy Efficiency __________________ 101
4.7.1. Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 6.9. Places in News ___________________ 120
2022 _________________________________ 101 6.9.1. Places in News: India _______________ 120
4.7.2. State Energy & Climate Index ________ 102 6.9.2. Places in News: International ________ 122
4.7.3. Other Energy efficiency initiatives _____ 103 [Link]. Geographical Features __________122
[Link]. Countries in News ______________123
4.8. Sustainable Agriculture ____________ 103
4.8.1. National Mission on Natural Farming __ 103 7. APPENDIX ______________________ 124
4.8.2. International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 104 7.1. Initiatives Launched During COP27___ 124
4.8.3. Direct-seeded Rice (DSR) ____________ 105
7.2. Declared Biodiversity Heritage Sites in
4.9. Miscellaneous ____________________ 106 India _______________________________ 129
4.9.1. Right to Repair ____________________ 106
4.9.2. Scope Of Authority Under Dam Safety Act 7.3. List of New Ramsar Sites ___________ 130
2021 _________________________________ 106

Copyright © by Vision IAS

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission of Vision IAS.

2
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
3
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 4
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 1. CLIMATE CHANGE
1.1. GLOBAL SCENARIO
1.1.1. IPCC’S SIXTH ASSESSMENT REPORT: PART III
Why in news?
The IPCC released
the third part of
the Sixth
Assessment Report
(AR6), titled
‘Climate Change
2022: Mitigation of
Climate Change’,
the Working Group
III contribution to
the Sixth
Assessment
Report.
About the report
• Provides an
updated global assessment of
climate change mitigation
progress and pledges and
examines the sources of global
emissions.
• Other reports of AR6-
o Report of Working Group I-
‘Climate Change 2021: The
Physical Science Basis’,
released in August 2021.
o Report of Working Group
II- ‘Climate Change
2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability’ released in February 2022.
o ‘Synthesis Report’ scheduled to release in 2023.
Key Findings and Observations of the report
Parameters Key Trends
Emission trends • 2010–2019: Total net anthropogenic GHG
emissions continued to rise.
• 1850-present: Cumulative net CO2 emissions
rose.
• Net anthropogenic GHG emissions
increased since 2010 across all major sectors
globally.
• Average annual GHG emissions during 2010-
19 higher than any previous decade.
o Rate of growth between 2010 and 2019
lower than previous decade.
Variation in • At least 18 countries sustained GHG emission reductions for longer than 10 years.
Regional • Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have much
contributions to lower per capita emissions than the global average, excluding CO 2 emitted from land use,
global GHG land-use change and forestry (LULUCF).
emissions • 10% of households with the highest per capita emissions contribute a disproportionately
large share of global household GHG emissions.

5
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Inadequate • Projection of median global warming of 3.2°C by 2100 without a strengthening of policies.
Current policies
Climate finance • Financial flows are 3-6 times lower than levels needed by 2030 to limit warming to below
1.5°C or 2°C.

1.1.2. METHANE EMISSION

Why in news? About Methane (CH4)

• Characteristics:
Recently, the o Colourless and
‘Global Methane odourless gas.
Assessment: 2030 o Primary component
Baseline Report’ of natural gas.
was released by • Powerful GHG:
Climate and Clean o Lifespan in
atmosphere: 20
Air Coalition
years (fewer than
(CCAC) and United CO2).
Nations o Global Warming
Environment Potential: more than
Programme 80 times greater
(UNEP). than that of CO2.
• Responsible for:
More on news o More than 25% of global warming.
• Report was o ~1/2 of the growth in tropospheric ozone formation.
launched at • India among the top 5 methane emitters in world.
Climate and Clean Air Ministerial Meeting at 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) to United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
o Examines baseline projections of methane emissions over the coming decade and implications for
Global Methane Pledge (GMP) target.
• Key findings:
o Amount of Methane in the atmosphere is 260% of pre-industrial levels.
o Human-driven methane emissions are responsible for nearly 45% of current net warming.
o 2021 saw the largest annual increase recorded.
Related News
Global Methane Pledge (GMP)
• Recently, Australia joined GMP.
• Launched at COP26 in 2021 to catalyse action to reduce methane emissions.
• Led by: United States and European Union.
• Aim: To collectively reduce methane emissions by at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.
• Membership: More than 100 country participants, together responsible for 45% of global
human-caused methane emissions.
o India did not sign the pledge because of its concerns over the impact on trade, on the
country's vast farm sector, and the role of livestock in the rural economy.
Global Energy Monitor (GEM)
• As per GEM, just 30 fossil fuel companies account for nearly half of the planet-warming methane emitted by the
world’s energy sector.
• A non-profit organization which aims to develop and share information in support of the worldwide movement
for clean energy.
International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO)
• According to a report by IMEO, cutting methane emissions is fastest way to tackle climate change in short-term.
• An initiative by UNEP, launched in 2021, with support from European Commission
• Aim: To catalyse reduction of methane emissions, starting with fossil fuel sector.
• Core implementing partner of Global Methane Pledge.
NASA’s Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) Mission
• Methane ‘Super-Emitters’ were mapped by NASA’s Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT).
• EMIT mission helped to identify more than 50 super-emitters of methane gas in central Asia, west Asia and
southwestern United States.
• Super-emitters: Facilities, equipment, and other infrastructure, typically in the fossil-fuel, waste, or agriculture
sectors, that emit methane at high rates.

6
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 1.1.3. OCEAN ACIDIFICATION AND ARCTIC ICE
Why in news? Related information: Global Ocean Acidification Observing
A team of researchers has flagged changing Network (GOA-ON)
• A collaborative international network, established in 2012.
chemistry of western region of the Arctic
• Aim: To detect and understand the drivers of ocean
Ocean after discovering acidity levels
acidification in estuarine-coastal-open ocean environments,
increasing three to four times faster than the resulting impacts on marine ecosystems, and to make
ocean waters elsewhere. the information available to optimize modelling studies.
About Ocean acidification
• Reduction in the pH of
the ocean over an
extended period of
time.
• Primary cause: Uptake
of CO2 from the
atmosphere.
• Impacts: Harmful to
life forms relying on
carbonate-based
shells and skeleton,
altered marine food
chains etc.
About Arctic Region
• Geographic region
spreading around the
North Pole.
• Generally defined as
the area within the Arctic Circle, a line of
latitude about 66.5° north of the Equator.
• Significance of Arctic:
o Melting of ice due to Climate change
making region more accessible for
economic exploitation (oil & gas
reserves, metals and minerals).
o Possibilities to open Northern Sea Route
as a new trade route.
o Helps circulate world's ocean currents.
o Characterized as world's climate change
"barometer".
India in Arctic
• Arctic research programme since 2007 with
several expeditions undertaken till date.
• Unveiled its first Arctic policy.
• One of the Observers in the Arctic Council.
• Indian Arctic station 'Himadri' is located at
Norway and serves as a hub of Indian
scientific investigations since 2008.

7
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Related News:
Arctic Amplification
• Arctic is heating up 4 times as fast as
rest of world due to Arctic
amplification (AA).
• AA: Enhancement of near-surface air
temperature change over Arctic
relative to lower latitudes
• Causes of AA: Global warming, Ice-
albedo feedback, lapse rate feedback,
water vapour feedback and ocean
heat transport.
• Impact: Affects fauna of the region
especially, Polar Bears, whales and
seals; would open up new sea-trade
routes; would facilitate further extraction of natural resources.
Zombie Ice or doomed ice
• Zombie ice from massive Greenland ice sheet will eventually raise global sea level by at least 10 inches.
• It’s the ice that is still attached to thicker areas of ice, but is no longer getting fed by those larger glaciers because
parent glaciers are getting less replenishing snow.
Arctic Report Card 2022
• Released by: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), annually since 2006
• A peer-reviewed source that provide an up-to-date environmental information on Arctic.
• Key highlights of Report
o Arctic continues to warm more than twice as fast as rest of globe.
o Persistent summer sea ice due to cooler surface waters and north winds at Chukchi Sea.

1.2. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES, CONVENTIONS AND

INITIATIVES
1.2.1. 27TH Major Outcomes of COP26 (2021 in Glasgow): Glasgow Climate Pact
CONFERENCE OF THE • First-ever COP decision to explicitly target action against fossil fuels
calling for a “phasedown of unabated coal” and “phase-out” of inefficient
PARTIES (COP 27) fossil-fuel subsidies.
Why in news? • Finalization of International Carbon Markets.
• Sharm el-Sheikh Work Programme on the Global Goal on Adaptation.
The 27th Conference of the o Post COP26, Bonn Climate Change Conference was held with
Parties (COP) of the United outcomes such as first technical dialogue of the Global Stocktake,
Nations Framework Convention Draft of a “Global Goal on Adaptation” (GGA), etc.
on Climate Change (UNFCCC),
held at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, recently concluded.
About COP27
• Significance: Aims to build on previous successes,
including the Glasgow Climate Pact of COP26 and pave
the way for higher ambition on mitigation, adaptation
and climate finance, with focus on loss and damage.
• Also included the 17th session of the COP serving as the
meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 17),
and the fourth session of the COP serving as the
meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA
4).
• Concluded with release of Sharm el-Sheikh
Implementation Plan.

8
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Key outcomes of the COP27
Areas of Important Decisions and Developments
discussion
Climate • Countries requested to revisit and strengthen their 2030 climate targets by the end of 2023, as
targets necessary to align with the Paris Agreement.
Mitigation • Finalised the details of Mitigation work programme to urgently scale up mitigation ambition and
implementation in this decade.
Adaptation • Development of a framework for the global goal on adaptation to be undertaken through a
structured approach under the Glasgow–Sharm el-Sheikh work programme in 2023 at COP28.
• New pledges, totalling more than USD 230 million, made to the Adaptation Fund.
Finance • Sharm el-Sheikh dialogue launched on Article 2.1c of the Paris Agreement to report back at COP28.
o Article 2.1c – reads “financial flows” should be aligned with global temperature targets.
Loss and • New funding arrangements established for loss and damage.
damage o Will assist developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of
climate change.
o A transitional committee to be set up to make recommendations for the operationalization
of the new funding arrangements at COP28.
• Institutional arrangements for operationalization of the Santiago network.
o The host of the secretariat of the network will be selected by 2023.
Energy • Call to transition towards low-emission energy systems.
• Call to accelerate efforts towards the phasedown of unabated coal power and phase-out of
inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
Financial • Multilateral development banks and international financial institutions encouraged to reform
system their operational model, channels and instruments to address the global climate emergency.
reform
Just • A work programme on just transition launched.
transition • Includes annual “high-level ministerial round tables”, with the first taking place at COP28 next year.
Agriculture • Koronivia Joint Work for Agriculture (KJWA) given another four-year lease by establishment of
the four-year Sharm el-Sheikh joint work on implementation of climate action on agriculture and
food security.
o KJWA is the only programme to focus on agriculture and food security under UNFCCC.
Technology • First joint work programme of the Technology Executive Committee and the Climate Technology
transfer and Centre and Network, set up for 2023–2027.
deployment
Other • First COP cover decision to mention food, rivers, nature-based solutions, tipping points and the
right to a healthy environment.
For details on Initiatives launched during COP27, please refer to the ‘Appendix: Major Initiatives launched during
COP27’ at the end of the document.
Related Developments
Breakthrough Agenda sets priorities
• Signatories to Breakthrough Agenda have mapped out Priority Actions, to be delivered by COP28
climate summit, to help make clean technologies cheaper and cleaner.
• Launched at COP26 by a coalition of about 45 world
leaders (India is also a signatory).
About First Movers Coalition
• Objective: To provide a framework for countries,
• Launched by: US and World Economic Forum
businesses and civil society for decarbonisation
(WEF) at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland.
under five key sectors of power, road transport,
o India has joined the First Movers Coalition
steel, hydrogen and agriculture.
Steering Board.
• Priority Actions include agreements to:
• A global initiative harnessing the purchasing
o Develop common definitions for low-emission
power of companies to decarbonize 7 “hard to
and near-zero emission steel, hydrogen and
abate” industrial sectors.
sustainable batteries.
o Includes Aluminum, Aviation, Chemicals,
o Ramp up deployment of essential
Concrete, Shipping, Steel, and Trucking sector
infrastructure projects.
accounting for 30% of global emissions.
o Set a common target date to phase out polluting
• Seeks to commercialize zero-carbon technologies
cars and vehicles, consistent with Paris
and to scale up critical emerging technologies
Agreement.
essential for the Net-Zero Transition.
o Stimulate global demand for green industrial
goods.

9
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 o Drive investment in agriculture research, development & demonstration.
• Priority actions supported by various initiatives
including:
o First Movers Coalition
o Climate Investment Funds: largest multilateral
climate fund focused on transformational
climate innovation in 72 middle- and low-
income countries (including India).
o Mission Possible Partnership: an alliance of
leading climate organizations
Indonesia Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP)
• Recently, Indonesia Just Energy Transition
Partnership to mobilise $20 billion was presented
at the side-lines of theG20 summit.
• JETP: Climate finance agreements in which donor
countries work together to-
o Accelerate the early retirement of high-emission infrastructure in partner countries.
o Provide support for investment in renewable energy and related infrastructure.
First JTEP: Announced in 2021 by South Africa and an International Partners Group (IPG) of France, Germany, the
United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union.

[Link]. INDIA’S LONG-TERM LOW EMISSION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (LT-LEDS)

Why in news?
India has submitted its
Long-Term Low Emission
Development Strategy (LT-
LEDS) to the United Nations
Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC)
recently.
About Long-term low-
emission development
strategies (LT-LEDS).
• Parties to the UNFCCC agreed to formulate and communicate LT-LEDS under Article 4.19 of the Paris
Agreement.
o During COP 26 at Glasgow, Parties that have not yet done so had been urged to communicate their
LT-LEDS by COP 27.
10
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Formulated
mindful of Article
2.
• Considers
common but
differentiated
responsibilities
and respective
capabilities, in
the light of
different national
circumstances.
• Not mandatory
unlike NDCs.
• Typically,
broader in scope
than NDCs and
incorporate
developmental
goals as well as
required levels of
investment and
government
expenditure.
About India’s Long-
Term Low Emission
Development
Strategy (LT-LEDS)
• Lays out the
steps to achieve
net zero carbon
emission by 2070.
• Rests on 7 key transitions to low-carbon development pathways.
• Informed by the vision of LiFE, Lifestyle for the Environment.
Related News: ‘In Our LiFEtime’ campaign
• Launched by: National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate
Change and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
• Objective: To encourage youth between the ages of 18 to 23 years to become message bearers of sustainable
lifestyles.
o The youth will be encouraged to submit their climate actions that contribute to lifestyles for the environment
within their capacity, which are sustainable and scalable, and serve as good practices that can be shared
globally.

1.2.2. 50 YEARS OF STOCKHOLM CONFERENCE

Why in news?
Recently, Stockholm+50 meeting was held at Stockholm, Sweden to commemorate the 50 years since the
1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (also known as the Stockholm Conference),
which made the environment a pressing global issue for the first time.
More about news
• Stockholm+50 theme: A healthy planet for the prosperity of all — our responsibility, our opportunity.
• Stockholm+50 agenda:
o To share experiences and initiatives to protect the planet.
o Sustainable recovery from the COVID -19 pandemic.

11
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 About Stockholm
conference
• UN's first major
conference on
international
environmental issues.
• Organized in 1972 to
coordinate global
efforts to promote
sustainability and
safeguard the natural
environment with the
theme ‘Only One Earth’.
o 122 countries
adopted the Stockholm Declaration on to 26 principles and an action plan.
• 3 dimensions of the conference:
o Countries agreeing not to harm each other’s environment or the
areas beyond national jurisdiction;
o Action plan to study the threat to Earth’s environment; and
o Establishment of an international body called the UN Environment
Programme (UNEP) to bring in cooperation among countries.
• Other outcome & success of Stockholm Conference
o Identification of a theme of sustainable development: 20 years later,
the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development – the
Earth Summit – in Rio de Janeiro defined sustainable development.
o Establishing Key Principles
✓ Precautionary principle: The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was the
first multilateral environmental agreement (MEA) that codified precautionary measures in 1985.
✓ Polluter-pays principle (PPP): Those producing pollution should bear the costs of managing it to
prevent damage to human health and the environment.

Stockholm 50+ Recommendations for actionable agenda

• Placing human well-being at the center of a healthy planet and prosperity for all.
• Recognizing and implementing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
• Adopting system wide changes in our current economic system.

12
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Accelerate transformations of high impact sectors.
• Help developing countries tackle environmental challenges by providing access and support for digital and
technological solutions.

1.2.3. MONTREAL PROTOCOL

Why in news? India and Montreal Protocol
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone • Became a Party to Montreal Protocol in 1992
Layer was celebrated on 16 September with the theme • Has successfully met phase out targets of all
ODS as per Montreal Protocol Schedule.
Montreal Protocol@35: global cooperation protecting
• Approved the ratification of Kigali Amendment
life on earth.
to Montreal Protocol in 2021.
About Montreal Protocol, 1987 o Accordingly, India has to start phase down
by 2028 and cut HFC emission by 15% of
• Protocol of Vienna Convention for the 2024-26 levels by the year 2047.
Protection of the Ozone Layer, 1985.
• Governments, scientists and industry work together to cut out 99% of
all ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
• Membership: Ratified by all 198 UN Member States (including India).
• Kigali Agreement:
o Adopted in 2016 and entered into force in 2019.
o Provided a path to achieve an 80% reduction in HFCs consumption
by 2047.
o Adopted because Montreal Protocol led to replacement of
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) with Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
which do not destroy the Ozone layer but are extremely potent in
causing global warming.
About Ozone (O3) and Ozone-depleting substance (ODS)
• Ozone layer: Concentrated in Stratosphere, absorbs UV rays.
• Thinning of the ozone layer: 1985, ozone hole over the Antarctic.
• ODS: Man-made chemicals having high Ozone depleting potential (ODP).
o E.g.: chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, methyl bromide (CH3Br),
bromochloromethane
(CH2BrCl) etc.
o Uses of ODS:
Refrigerators, air
conditioners, fire
extinguishers, foams
etc.
• Impact of ozone layer
depletion: Increases risk of
skin cancer and cataracts,
weakens human immune
systems, decreases
agricultural productivity,
affects terrestrial and
aquatic biogeochemical
cycles etc.

Related news: Ozone Depleting Gas Index

• Released by: US’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
• Tracks the overall stratospheric concentration of ozone-depleting chlorine (ODC) and bromine from long-lived
ODSs relative to its peak concentration in the early 1990.
o Ozone concentration is commonly measured through Dobson Unit.
• Key finding: Overall concentration of ODC in the mid-latitude stratosphere in 2022 are back to those observed in
1980 before ozone depletion was significant.

13
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 1.2.4. UN OCEAN CONFERENCE (UNOC)
Why in news?
The second UNOC, co-hosted by Kenya and
Portugal at Lisbon, ended with the Lisbon
Declaration, a political declaration entitled ‘Our
Ocean, Our Future: call for action’.
About UNOC
• First UNOC held in 2017 at UN Headquarters
in New York, co-hosted by the Governments
of Fiji and Sweden.
• Key Highlights of second UNOOC
o India was a participant and committed to
a Coastal Clean Seas Campaign and will work toward a ban on single use plastics.
o Over 150 countries collectively agreed to scale up science-based and innovative actions to address ocean
emergency, supporting the implementation of SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
✓ This is in line with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-
2030).
o Emphasized the particular importance of implementing the Paris Agreement (2015) and Glasgow Climate
Pact (2021) to help ensure the health, productivity, sustainable use, and resilience of the ocean.
o States made voluntary commitments to conserve or protect at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030
within Marine Protected Areas, and other effective area-based conservation measures.
o UNESCO launched its key State of the Ocean Report (pilot edition) during the event.

1.2.5. INNOVATION ROADMAP OF THE MISSION INTEGRATED BIOREFINERIES

(IRMIB)
Why in news? About Mission Innovation (MI)
• Global initiative to catalyze
India announced launch of ‘Innovation Roadmap of action and investment in
the Mission Integrated Biorefineries’ (IRMIB) at research, development and
Global Clean Energy Action Forum. demonstration to make clean
energy affordable, attractive and accessible to all this
About IRMIB decade.
• Consists of 22 countries and EU.
• Developed by: Co-leads of Mission Integrated Bio- o India is a founding member.
refineries (MIB) with active inputs from Brazil, • First phase of the mission launched alongside the Paris
Canada, EC and the UK. Agreement in 2015.
• Aims to fill the void by: o Mission Innovation 2.0, second phase of MI, was
o identifying gaps and challenges in current launched in 2021.
biorefining value chains,
o prioritising Eight key actions to support the
Mission,
o guiding the Mission's overall path in achieving
its goal.
About Mission Integrated Bio-refineries (MIB)
• 7th mission under Mission Innovation (MI).
• Launched in April 2022.
• Aim: Greater international collaboration and
financing for Energy RD&D during the next five
years.
• Members:
o Co-lead: India and Netherlands
o Core mission members: Brazil and Canada
o Mission support group: European
Commission and UK

14
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Goal: To develop and demonstrate innovative solutions to accelerate the commercialization of
integrated biorefineries.
• Target: To replace 10% of fossil-based fuels, chemicals and materials with bio-alternatives by 2030.
• Prioritizes eight collaborative actions organized around 3 Pillars of-
o Supporting Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D).
o Accelerating Pilots and Demonstrations.
o Improving Policy and Market Conditions.
Related news: Funding Opportunity on Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Hydrogen Valley Platform were also launched.
• National Funding Opportunity on Sustainable Aviation Fuels to support and conduct RD&D to foster technological
innovations in advanced biofuels for aviation applications.
• Hydrogen Valley Platform: Developed by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, A global initiative to
optimise the hydrogen demand and supply by onsite generation and utilization, utilize the renewable resources
effectively, and water excess areas with geographical identity.

1.2.6. MISSION LIFE (LIFESTYLE FOR ENVIRONMENT)

Why in News?
Recently, the Prime Minister (PM)
launched Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for
Environment) at the Statue of Unity at
Kevadia, Gujarat to protect the
environment.
About Mission LiFE: Objectives and
Implementation
• India-led global mass movement.
• Aim: To nudge individual and
collective action to protect and
preserve the environment.
• Concept introduced by the Indian PM
at the UNFCCC COP-26 in Glasgow.
• Targets: Mobilise at least 1 billion
Indians and other global citizens to
take individual and collective action
for protecting and preserving the
environment in the period 2022 to
2027.
○ Within India, at least 80% of all
villages and urban local bodies
aimed to become environment-
friendly by 2028.
• Mission Duration: 5-year programme,
visualizing three core shifts in our
collective approach towards
sustainability.
○ In 2022-23, the mission will focus
on Phase I.
• Implementation: NITI Aayog to
curate and incubate in the first year.
○ Subsequently implementation by
the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change
(MoEFCC) in a non-linear and non-
sequential manner.
• Vision: To live a lifestyle that is in tune with our planet and does not harm it. People living such a lifestyle
are called “Pro-Planet People (P3)”.

15
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 ○ Recently at the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Davos Agenda 2022, India’s PM introduced the "P3
movement" that underlines India's climate change commitments.
• Lists 75 lifestyle practices under 7 categories (refer image), these actions are.

1.2.7. CARBON BORDER ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM (CBAM)

Why in News?
Recently, India opposed CBAM or
carbon border tax proposed by
European Union (EU) in 27th edition of
Conference of Parties (COP) in Sharm El
Sheikh.
About Carbon Border Adjustment
Mechanism (CBAM)
• Plan from the European Union
(EU), proposed in 2021.
• Will tax carbon-intensive products,
such as iron and steel, cement,
fertilizer, aluminium, electricity,
and hydrogen, from 2026.
• Aim: To eliminate the
difference in carbon price paid
by companies subjected to the
EU’s Emissions Trading System
(ETS) or its domestic
compliance-based carbon
market.
• Part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030
package”- EU’s plan to reduce
GHG emissions by at least 55%
by 2030 compared to 1990
levels, in line with the
European Climate Law.
• Functioning:
o EU importers buy carbon
certificates corresponding
to the carbon price on the lines of
EU’s carbon pricing rules.
o Deductions can be claimed from
their CBAM liability if Non-EU
producer has already paid for the
emission in the country of
production.
• Also known as a carbon border tax or a
carbon leakage instrument.

1.2.8. INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE (ISA)

Why in news?
In its General Assembly meeting, ISA approved the ‘Solar Facility’.
About Solar Facility
• A payment guarantee mechanism expected to stimulate investments into solar projects, with two
financial components:

16
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o Solar Payment Guarantee Fund to provide a partial guarantee and enable investments in geographies
that do not receive investments.
o Solar Insurance Fund to reduce the burden of insurance premium for solar developers in pre-revenue
phase of project.
• Objective: To attract private capital to flow into “underserved markets” in Africa.
• The assembly also re-elected India and France as its President and Co-President.
Related news: MoU between International Solar Alliance (ISA) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
• MoU was signed to check growth of CO2 emissions in the sector and idea of ICAO becoming a partner organisation
of ISA was mooted by India.
o Aviation sector responsible for around 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions.
o In 2015, India’s Cochin International Airport became world’s first fully Solar powered airport.
About International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
• Established under Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as ‘Chicago Convention’.
• Objective: Committed towards reducing carbon emissions in aviation sector.
• Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• Membership: Funded and directed by 193 national governments.
• Other Key information: Functions-
o Maintain ICAO Secretariat supporting diplomatic interactions
o Research new air transport policy and standardize innovations as directed and endorsed by governments
through ICAO Assembly.

1.2.9. GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY (GEF) COUNCIL

Why in news?
The 62nd meeting will be the final council of GEF Trust Fund (GEF-7), closing four-year funding cycle, and
commencing GEF-8 cycle.
More on the news
• GEF-7 safeguard the world’s forests, land, water, climate, and oceans, build green cities, protect
threatened wildlife, and tackle marine plastic pollution.
• Key highlights of the GEF-7 Council
o Leaders’ Pledge for Nature to reverse species loss by 2030 by protecting land and ocean territory with
globally important biodiversity.

17
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 o 29 donor counties have pledged $5.33 billion for GEF-8 replenishment period i.e. July 2022 to June
2026 to meet nature and climate targets.
o Address threats from climate change, land degradation, and chemicals and waste, and easing
pressures on ocean and international waters.
About GEF Council
• GEF’s main governing body.
• Composition: 32 members appointed by constituencies of GEF member countries-
o 14 from developed countries
o 16 from developing countries.
o 2 from economies in
transition.
• Members rotate at
different intervals
determined by each
constituency.
• India presently a
member of a
constituency comprised
of the following
countries: Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India, Maldives,
Nepal, Sri Lanka.
• Meets twice annually.
• Makes decisions by
consensus.
• Functions: Develops,
adopts and evaluates the
operational policies and
programs for GEF-
financed activities.
Funds managed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF)
• Established in 2001, to finance projects relating to: • Established in 2001 to support a work
o Adaptation; programme to assist Least Developed Country
o Technology transfer and capacity building; Parties (LDCs).
o Energy, transport, industry, agriculture, forestry, and • Only existing fund with mandate to finance the
o Waste management and Economic diversification. preparation and implementation of National
• Open to all vulnerable developing countries. Adaptation Programs of Action (NAPAs).
• The GEF’s new climate change adaptation strategy for the o NAPAs use existing information to identify
2022-2026 period will focus SCCF support in the following a country’s priorities for adaptation
two priority areas: actions.
o Supporting the adaptation needs of Small Island • Also supports the implementation of National
Developing States (SIDS). Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and the Least
o Strengthening technology transfer, innovation, and Developed Countries work program under the
private sector engagement. UNFCCC.

Related news:
GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP)
• 2022 marks the 7th phase of SGP and is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change, UNDP and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
• A corporate program of the GEF, launched in 1992 during Rio Earth Summit.
• Provides financial and technical support to local civil society to develop and implement innovative local actions
that address global environmental issues.
• Works closely with and complements other GEF projects and programs, supporting 136 countries and funds grants
up to $50,000.

18
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 1.2.10. OTHER INITIATIVES IN NEWS
Major Economies • MEF meeting was aimed to build on the progress achieved at COP 26 by
Forum (MEF) on further strengthening climate action while also addressing urgent energy
climate and Energy and food security concerns arising from Russia-Ukraine war.
• Launched in 2009 by US President.
• Aim: Facilitating dialogue among major emitting countries, both developed and
developing, to advance efforts against climate change.
• Major Participating countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, EU, France, Germany,
India, Japan, UK etc.
o Together they account for roughly 80% of global GDP and global GHG emissions.
• New initiatives that were announced-
o Global Methane Pledge Energy Pathway: Tackling methane leaks, venting, and
flaring from the oil and gas sector.
o Collective 2030 Zero-Emission Vehicle Goal and Green Shipping Challenge to reduce
emissions in transport sector.
o Clean Energy Technologies Demonstration Challenge to break dependence on fossil
fuels.
o Efforts to Enhance Food Security by increasing fertilizer efficiency.
• India also called upon the members of MEF to launch a global movement on LiFE.
World Green • Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change attended Ministerial
Economy Summit Roundtable for Green Economy at WGES in Dubai, UAE.
(WGES) • WGES: Led by UAE, aims to propel action to deliver a sustainable future.
o Brings together world-class experts in critical sectors from around the world to
directly focus on advancing global green economy and sustainability agenda.
Clean Energy • India is hosting the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) senior officials’ meetings.
Ministerial (CEM) o Discussions on topics such as energy transition, Clean Power, Green Steel,
and Hydrogen held as part of meeting.
• A high-level global forum of 29 member countries.
• Aim: To promote policies and programs that advance clean energy technology through
sharing of knowledge and best practices.
Global Clean Energy • Union Minister of Science and Technology to take part in GCEAF at Pittsburg, US.
Action Forum • GCEAF is first-of-its-kind meeting where 30 countries will participate.
(GCEAF) • A joint convening of 13th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM13) and 7th Mission Innovation
Ministerial (MI-7) hosted by US Department of Energy and Carnegie Mellon University.
Science Based • A partnership between CDP (a global non-profit), United Nations Global Compact, World
Targets initiative Resources Institute (WRI) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
(SBTi) • Drives climate action in private sector by enabling organizations to set science-based
emissions reduction targets.
• Also the lead partner of Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign.
o Campaign is a call from a global coalition of UN agencies, business and industry
leaders mobilizing companies to set net-zero science-based targets.
Zero-Emission • A global forum formed in 2020.
Vehicle Transition • Aim: To accelerate the pace of the global transition to zero emission
Council (ZEVTC) vehicles (ZEVs).
o At COP26, India, represented by NITI Aayog, participated in the fourth
ministerial dialogue of the ZEVTC.
• Brings together ministers and representatives of some of the world’s largest automobile
markets to collectively address key challenges in the transition to ZEVs, to enable faster,
cheaper, and easier transition to EVs for all.
Leaders in Climate • National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and World Resources Institute (WRI) jointly
Change announced LCCM.
Management (LCCM) • A practice-based learning program.
• Aim: Building capacity among urban professionals to lead climate action across sectors
and geographies in India.
• Envisions capacitating 5,000 professionals and preparing them to champion climate
change adaptation and mitigation solutions.
• Administrative Training Institute (ATI), Mysuru became the first delivery partner of LCCM
program.
Green Events Tool • Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD), UNFCCC secretariat and UNEP
(GET) unveiled an online GET to facilitate eco-friendly events.
19
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • Platform first introduced at UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow,
Scotland in 2021.
• Aim: To encourage actions to reduce negative impacts of events, including their carbon
footprint, at planning and implementation stages.
Global Climate • The GCOS Implementation Plan 2022, was released by the World Meterelogical
Observing System Organisation (WMO), identifying gaps in earth observations and areas that require
(GCOS) improvement.
• It regularly assesses the status of global climate observations of atmosphere, land and
ocean and produces guidance for its improvement.
• Co-sponsored by:
o World Meteorological Organization,
o Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization,
o United Nations Environment Programme, and
o International Science Council.
Global Alliance for • International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), co-founding partner Siemens Energy,
Industry and 13 companies including Tata Steel and Jindal Steel Works have launched Global
Decarbonization Alliance for Industry Decarbonization.
o Decarbonisation: Process of reducing anthropogenic CO2 emissions.
• Formed under Bali Declaration.
• Aim: To accelerate net-zero ambitions and decarbonization of industrial value chains in
pursuit of Paris Agreement climate goals.
• Will strengthen dialogue and coordinate action by industrial stakeholders from across
the public and private sectors.
• First meeting of Alliance to take place at UNFCCC COP27.

1.3. CLIMATE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION

1.3.1. INDIA’S UPDATED NDCS
Why in news? About Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
• Post-2020 climate actions requested by the Paris Agreement from each Party.
India recently submitted its
o ‘Glasgow Climate Pact’, signed by the countries during the COP26 of
Updated Nationally UNFCCC had requested Parties to revisit and strengthen the 2030
Determined Contributions targets in their NDCs by the end of 2022.
(NDCs) to the United Nations • In their NDCs, countries communicate-
Framework Convention on o actions they will take to reduce their GHG emissions in order to reach the
Climate Change (UNFCCC). goals of the Paris Agreement and
o actions they will take to build resilience to adapt to the impacts of rising
About India’s NDCs temperatures.
• First NDC submitted to • Submitted every 5 years to the UNFCCC secretariat.
UNFCCC in 2015. • Manifestations of the Paris Agreement’s ‘ratcheting mechanism’— wherein
countries must revise their pledges to be more ambitious every five years.
• India’s updated NDCs:
o Prepared after
carefully considering India’s
national circumstances and
the principle of common but
differentiated responsibilities
and respective capabilities
(CBDR-RC).
o Represents the framework for
India’s transition to cleaner
energy for the period 2021-
2030.
o Updates two of the three quantitative targets of 2015 NDCs related to emissions intensity and share
of non-fossil fuels in installed electricity capacity.
o Two panchamrita commitments (promises made during COP26 in Glasgow) not converted into
official targets i.e. of 500 GW non fossil fuel energy & emissions of at least one billion tonnes of carbon
dioxide by 2030.

20
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 1.3.2. ADAPTATION GAP Related news: Principles for Locally Led Adaptation (LLA)
• The Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA) developed a set of
REPORT 2022
principles to strengthen locally led adaptation.
Why in news? o GCA was established by Netherlands and the leaders of 22 other
convening countries (including India) in 2018 with the mandate
The Adaptation Gap Report 2022: to accelerate adaptation by elevating the political visibility of
‘Too Little, Too Slow – Climate adaptation and focusing on concrete solutions.
adaptation failure puts world at • The Principles, launched at the 2021 Climate Adaptation Summit, are
risk’, was recently released by the intended to guide the adaptation community as it moves programs,
UN Environment Programme funding and practices towards adaptation that is increasingly owned
(UNEP). by local partners.

21
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Key Findings of the report
• More than 8 out of 10 countries (84% of Parties to the UNFCCC) have at least one national adaptation
planning instrument.
• Combined adaptation and mitigation finance flows in 2020 fell at least US$17 billion short of the
US$100 billion pledged to developing countries.
• Adaptation finance gap in developing countries is likely 5 to 10 times greater than current international
adaptation finance flows.

Related News: Emissions Gap Report 2022 released

by UNEP
• An annual report that assesses the emission gap.
• Key Findings of the report
o To get on track for limiting global warming
to below 2.0°C and 1.5°C, global GHG
emissions must be reduced by 30% and 45%
respectively, compared with current policy
projections.
o India is the third largest GHG emitter (China
is at 1st and US at 2nd), but its per capita emission remains far below the world average at 2.4 tCO2e.
o The bottom 50% of households contribute 12% of the global total GHG emissions, whereas the top 1% emit
contribute 17% of the total.
Initiative for CCUS in India
1.3.3. CARBON CAPTURE • National Centres of Excellence: Establishment of two National
UTILISATION AND Centres of Excellence in CCUS at IIT Bombay and JNCASR, Bengaluru.
STORAGE (CCUS) o These centres will facilitate capturing & mapping of current R&D
and innovation activities in the domain and also develop
Why in News? networks of researchers, industries and stakeholders.
NITI Aayog launched carbon capture • Mission Innovation Challenge on CCUS to enable near-zero CO2
utilisation and storage (CCUS) policy emissions from power plants and carbon-intensive industries.
framework and its deployment • Accelerating CCS Technologies (ACT) to facilitate R&D and
mechanism in India. innovation that can lead to development of safe and cost-effective
CCUS technologies.

22
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 About the policy framework
• Aims to develop and implement a practicable framework to accelerate research and development on
CCUS in India.
• Explores the importance of the technology as an emission reduction strategy to achieve deep
decarbonization from the hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement etc.
About CCUS
• Encompasses technologies to remove CO2
from flue gas and the atmosphere,
followed by recycling the CO2 for
utilization and determining safe and
permanent storage options.
o Flue gases are produced when coal, oil,
natural gas, wood or any other fuel is
combusted in an industrial furnace, a
power plant's steam-generating boiler,
or other large combustion device.
• CO2 captured using CCU technologies are
converted into fuel (methane and
methanol), refrigerants, building materials
etc.
o Captured gas is used directly in fire extinguishers, pharma, food and beverage industries as well as
the agricultural sector.
• Different Carbon Capture technologies for different applications are as follows:
Technology Details
Chemical Solvent • Preferred when dealing with gas streams that are lean in CO2.
• Have relatively lower pressures such as flue gas streams from power plants etc.
Physical Solvent • Work well on gas streams with relatively higher CO2 concentration and pressure such as
pre-combustion capture in case of gasification projects.
Adsorption • Suitable for gas streams with moderate to high pressure and moderate CO2
concentration such as steam methane reforming (SMR) flue gas.
Cryogenic Separation • Preferred in cases where cost of power is low.

1.3.4. UNIFORM CARBON TRADING MARKET

Why in news?
The central government is considering
implementation of a carbon trading scheme
that will subsume all carbon trading
mechanisms in India.
More on the news
The government proposes to begin with a
voluntary carbon market and gradually shift
to 'cap and trade', where industries are given
emission targets like in EU emission trading
system markets.
About Carbon trading/carbon emissions
trading
• Market-based system of buying and
selling permits and credits for carbon
emission.
o Most use model- cap and trade.
• The idea of cap-and-trade originated with
the Kyoto Protocol.

23
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 o Kyoto Protocol created 3
market mechanisms:
Emissions Trading, Clean
Development Mechanism,
Joint implementation.
o Paris Agreement under
Article 6, created a new
market mechanism and
a framework for non-
market approaches
mechanism.
• Can exist at international,
national, state or local level.
o E.g., in 2021, China launched the
world's largest market for carbon
emissions trading.
Related news: Digital Monitoring,
Reporting and Verification (D-MRV)
Systems
• With growing interest of countries to
participate in carbon markets to meet
their climate change goals, innovative
D-MRV are evolving to track reductions
in GHG emissions.
• Represent the first step in end-to-end
digitalization of post-2020 carbon
markets.
• Based on AI, machine learning,
blockchain, smart sensors, drones etc.

1.4. OTHER CLIMATE RELATED NEWS AND CONCEPTS

First Carbon- • Palli in Jammu became India’s first carbon-neutral panchayat.
Neutral • Carbon neutrality: Balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the
Panchayat atmosphere in carbon sinks.
o Carbon sequestration: Removing carbon oxide from the atmosphere and then storing it.
Climate Tipping • For the first time, since wide
points availability of satellite images,
Scientists observed breakup of
Conger Ice Shelf in eastern
Antarctica.
o Reason: Rising temperatures
with both North and South Pole
seeing warmer than average
temperature despite opposite
seasons.
• Also, new research highlighted that
Antarctica is approaching a climate
tipping point by 2060- when Antarctic
ice could begin melting at a runaway
rate.
• Climate tipping points: Points where
any small change could push the
earth system into abrupt or
irreversible change.
o Globally 9 climate tipping points
including the Antarctic Ice Sheet.

24
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Greenwashing • Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor called for a taxonomy on green finance to avoid the risk
of greenwashing.
• Term coined by environmentalist Jay Westerveld in 1986.
• Practice of misleading general public into believing that companies, sovereigns or civic
administrators are doing more for the environment than they actually are.
• May involve making a product or policy seem more environmentally friendly or less damaging
than it is in reality.

Keeling curve • CO2 levels measured at Mauna Loa Atmospheric

Baseline Observatory (MLABO), Hawaii, run by US
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA), are now comparable to what they were 4
million years ago.
• MLABO: Site for daily record of global atmospheric
CO2 concentration since 1958 under Keeling Curve.
o Location- Slopes of Mauna Loa volcano,
world’s largest active volcano
• Other gases measured- carbon monoxide,
methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide etc.
• Keeling Curve: Named after Dr. Charles David
Keeling, longest uninterrupted instrumental
record of atmospheric CO2 in the world.

1.5. REPORTS AND INDICES

Reports Details
State of the Global • Released by: World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Climate Report 2021 • Gives details of climate indicators such as temperatures, ocean heat, ocean
acidification, sea level rise, sea ice glaciers and extreme weather.
• Complements the IPCC Sixth Assessment report.

25
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Key findings
• Global mean sea level reached a new record high in 2021, rising an average of 4.5 mm
per year over the period 2013–2021.
o Sea levels along almost the entire Indian coast rising faster than the global
average.
• Countries with the highest numbers of internal displacements (due to Hydro-
meteorological hazards): China, Vietnam and Philippines.
Global Ocean Observing • Released by: World Metrological Organisation in partnership with Intergovernmental
System (GOOS) Report Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) and other GOOS partners
Card, 2022 (Annually since 2017)
o GOOS: A permanent global system for observations, modeling, and analysis of
marine and ocean data.
• Highlighted biological observations for the first time and identifies gap in system.
o Pointed at inequality in operational services across oceans like Indian, Atlantic
and Southern Ocean.
Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, • Released by: World Meteorological Organization (WMO) (annually).
2022 • Key findings
o Atmospheric levels of 3 main GHGs - carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide-
reached new record highs in 2021.
o Emissions will also increase by 10.6% by 2030 from 2010 levels.
Climate Investment • Released by: World Bank
Opportunities in India’s • Key highlights
Cooling Sector o By 2030, over 160-200 million people across India could be exposed to lethal
heat waves annually.
o By 2030, around 34 million people will face job losses due to heat stress related
productivity decline.
o By 2037, demand for cooling is likely to be eight times more than current
levels, leading to an expected rise of 435% in annual GHG emissions over next
two decades.
Climate and • Released by: World Bank
Development: An • Compiles and harmonizes results from the World Bank Group’s ‘Country Climate and
Agenda for Action Development Reports’ (CCDRs).
o CCDRs: New core diagnostic reports that integrate climate change and
development considerations.
• Covers 24 countries that account for 34% of the world’s GHG emissions.
Nationally Determined • Released by: UNFCCC
Contributions (NDC) • Second such report.
Synthesis Report, 2022 • An annual summary of climate commitments made by countries and their impact on
GHG emissions.
• Analysed NDCs of 193 Parties to the Paris Agreement, including 24 updated or new
NDCs submitted after COP 26 (Glasgow).
• Key Highlights:
o Cumulative CO2 emissions in 2020-2030 to likely use up 86% of the remaining
carbon budget.
o Combined climate pledges could put the world on track for about 2.5°C of
temperature rise by 2100, from a possible range of 2.1°C to 2.9°C.
Investing in carbon • Released by: UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and European Bank for
neutrality: Utopia or the Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
new green wave? • Carbon neutrality/ Net zero CO2 emissions: Anthropogenic CO2 emissions balanced
globally by anthropogenic CO2 removals over a specified period.
State of Climate Action • Released by: Climate Action Tracker (an independent analytic group comprising
Report 2022 Climate Analytics and New Climate Institute), the United Nations High-Level Climate
Change Champions, World Resources Institute and others.
• Provides a comprehensive assessment of the global gap in climate action across the
world’s highest-emitting systems.

26
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Climate Transparency • Released by: Climate Transparency
Report (CTR o It is a global partnership with a shared mission to stimulate a “race to the top” in
climate action in G20 countries through enhanced transparency.
• Key highlights:
o G20 members responsible for around 3/4th of global emissions.
o Six G20 members including India did not sign the global methane pledge.
Global Carbon Budget • Released by: Global Carbon Project (GCP)
2022 report o Established in 2001, GCP is shared partnership between International Geosphere-
Biosphere Programme, International Human Dimensions Programme on Global
Environmental Change, World Climate Research Programme and DIVERSITAS
(partnership of inter-governmental and NGOs integrating biodiversity science).
• Aim: To develop complete picture of global carbon cycle.
• Key highlights of the Report
o Global CO2 concentrations set new record.
o Atmospheric CO2 concentrations are now 51% above pre-industrial levels.
o Projected CO2 emissions decrease in China and European Union, but increase in
US, India (6%), and rest of world.
Climate Change • Released by: Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute and Climate Action Network.
Performance Index 2023 • Evaluates 59 countries and European Union including India.
(CCPI) • Looks at four categories: GHG emissions, renewable energy, energy use, and climate
policy.
o Also tracks implementation of Paris Agreement by various countries.
• Key Findings
o First 3 places left empty as no country performed well enough in all index
categories.
o Denmark ranked fourth.
o India ranked 8th (rose two spots).
Carbon Pricing • Released by: Secretariat of Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (CPLC)
Leadership Report 2021- o CPLC is a voluntary initiative that brings together leaders from government,
22 business, civil society and academia to enhance global understanding of carbon
pricing as a tool for accelerating and financing effective climate action.
• Prepared to review global developments in carbon pricing, implications for carbon
market growth and broader limitations to carbon pricing potential.
• Key Finding: Less than 4% of global emissions are currently covered by a carbon price
within the range needed by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals.
The World Heritage • Released by: Jointly released by UNESCO and IUCN (International Union for
Glaciers Report Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources).
• Key findings:
o 1/3rd of Glaciers among the World Heritage sites will disappear by 2050.
o Glaciers identified in 50 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

27
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Finance for climate • Released by: Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance (CF).
action: Scaling up o Group was launched in 2021 by COP26 and COP27 presidencies and UN Climate
investment for climate Change High-Level Champions.
and development Report • Status of CF
o 90% of total CF is targeting mitigation activities.
o Most CFs were raised as debt, of which only 16% was low-cost.
o Most financing remains in its country of origin.
o Emerging markets and developing economies, except China, will need $2 trillion
per year by 2030.

28
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 2. POLLUTION
2.1. AIR POLLUTION
2.1.1. NEW TARGETS FOR NATIONAL CLEAN AIR PROGRAMME (NCAP)
Why in news?
The Centre has set a new target of a 40% reduction in
particulate matter concentration in cities covered under
the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) by 2026,
updating the earlier goal of 20 to 30% reduction by 2024.
About NCAP
• Launched in 2019 for reducing for comprehensive
mitigation actions for prevention, control and
abatement of air pollution.
• Initially envisaged to achieve targets of 20 to 30 %
reduction in Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5)
concentration by 2024 across the country taking 2017
as the base year.
• Key features:
o Preparation of City-specific action plans which
include measures for strengthening the air
quality monitoring network, reducing vehicular and industrial emissions, increasing public awareness,
etc.
o Implemented in 132 cities-
✓ 123 Non-Attainment cities (NACs) identified under NCAP based on non-conforming to National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) consecutively for five years.
✓ 8 million Plus Cities (MPCs) identified by 15th Finance Commission (XV-FC), for receiving
performance-based grant for air quality improvement.
o PRANA (Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in Non-Attainment cities) portal monitors the
implementation of NCAP.
Related News:
Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will launch Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan under NCAP.
• 131 cities to be ranked in the country for implementing City Action Plans prepared NCAP for reducing air pollution
upto 40% by 2025-26.
o Cities categorized into 3 groups based on population (population > 10 lakh, population between 3 to 10 lakh
and population < 3 lakh).
• For the survekshan cities are required to-
o do the annual self-assessment as per the framework provided on PRANA online portal.
o report implementation of activities and measures taken in respect of solid waste management, road dust
management, management of construction and demolition waste, control of vehicular emissions and
industrial pollution.
• Based on the self-assessment and third party assessment, 3 best performing cities in each group will be given
cash award.

2.1.2. NORMS FOR THERMAL POWER PLANTS (TPPS)

Why in news?
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) gave two-
year extension to thermal power plants (TPPs) on SO2 norms.
About TPP Norms
• In 2015, MoEF&CC notified environmental norms for particulate matter
(PM), sulphur dioxides (SO2), nitrogen oxides and mercury and water use for coal based TPPs.

29
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 o Initially deadline for implementation-
2017 was extended to 2022.
• Deadline for SO2 further extended for all
three categories of TPPs.
o However, deadline remains same for
meeting PM and NOx standards.
• Compliance with norms requires
retrofitting existing TPPs with auxiliaries
to control emissions such as Flue Gas
Desulphurisation (FGD), Selective Catalytic
Reduction etc.
o FGD: A set of technologies used to
remove SO2 from sources of
emissions, e.g., exhaust flue gases of
fossil-fuel power plants.

2.1.3. COMMISSION FOR AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT (CAQM)

Why in news?
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) bans use of coal in Delhi and nearby cities from January
2023
More on the news
• The CAQM issued directions to ban the use of coal in industrial, domestic and other miscellaneous
applications to bring down GHG emission.
o Use of low-sulphur coal in thermal power plants has been exempted from the ban.
• Date of implementation of ban on use of coal-
o October 1, 2022 in areas having PNG (piped natural gas) infrastructure and supply.
o January 1, 2023 in areas where PNG supply is still not available.
About Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
• A statutory body established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital
Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
• First established in 2020 through an Ordinance.
• Headed by Chairperson with at least 15 years’ experience in the field of environment and pollution or 25
years of administrative experience.
• Appeal of CAQM orders, directions etc.: National Green Tribunal.
• Functions of CAQM
o Coordinate actions on monitoring of air quality.
o Planning and executing plans to prevent and control air pollution in NCR.
o Conduct research and development through networking with technical institutions.
Related news:
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
• CAQM issued orders for enforcing measures
under ‘stage-1’ of GRAP in National Capital
Region (NCR) after air quality deteriorated
to be in ‘poor’ category in Delhi.
• GRAP: An action plan to address air
pollution in Delhi-NCR, based on 4 different
stages of adverse air quality. (refer table)
o It was revised recently by CAQM
under provisions of CAQM in NCR and
Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
Bio-decomposer
• Delhi government sprayed bio-
decomposers on fields to curb stubble
burning.

30
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Bio-decomposer capsule:
o Developed by Indian Agricultural Research Institute.
o Accelerates decomposition process of stubble by turning it into manure over a period of 15-20 days.
o Composed of a group of beneficial micro-organisms.

2.1.4. WHO’S AIR QUALITY DATABASE

Why in news?
WHO has released 2022 update of its air quality database.
About the 2022 update
• Almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air
that exceeds WHO air quality limits.
• Introduces for the first time, ground measurements of
annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2),
a common urban pollutant and precursor of particulate
matter and ozone.
• Includes measurements of particulate matter with
diameters equal or smaller than 10 μm (PM10) or 2.5 μm
(PM2.5).
About the WHO Air quality guidelines
• Recommended levels and interim targets for common air pollutants: PM, O3, NO2, and SO2.
• First released in 1987 and Latest global version published in 2021.
Related news: National Air Quality Resource Framework of India (NARFI)
• NARFI is an information mechanism to help decision-makers in government, municipalities, start-ups and in
private sectors to address air pollution issues in different climatic zones of India.
• Developed by: National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru with support from Office of Principal
Scientific Adviser.
• Will provide an all-inclusive guide to collecting air quality data, studying its impact and implementing science-
based solutions.
• Will have 5 modules including Emission Inventory, Air Shed, and Mitigation; Impacts on Human Health and
Agriculture etc.

2.1.5. OTHER INITIATIVES TO TACKLE AIR POLLUTION

Bharat stage • In a bid to curb rising air pollution, BS-III petrol vehicles and BS-IV diesel vehicles are banned
(BS)-VI norms in Delhi-NCR.
• BS norms: Regulate output of air pollutants from internal combustion engine equipment,
including motor vehicles.
o Based on the European emission standards
o First BS norms (BS-I) introduced in 2000.
o From April 1, 2020, BS-VI norms became mandatory.
• BS-VI compliance:
o For petrol vehicles: Required to be 25 % cleaner by reducing NOx (Nitrogen Oxide)
numbers from 80mg/km to 60mg/km.
o For diesel cars: Reduces three pollutants HC (Hydrocarbons), NOx, PM (Particulate
Matter) and NOx level by 70%.
• Timelines and standards to be followed by automakers set by Central Pollution Control Board.
Trem Stage-IV • Centre may again defer the date for implementing Trem Stage-IV emission norms for farm
Emission Norms equipment.
• TREM IV emission norms: Applicable to tractors with engines bigger than 50 HP (horsepower)
from April 2022,
o Less than 50 HP will continue to be governed by TREM III A norms.
• At present, TREM III A emission norms are applicable for tractors across various HP
categories and were implemented in April 2010/2011.
• Bharat Stage (CEV/Trem) V standards, starting from April 1, 2024, cover a wider range of
engines, including those smaller than 8 kW and those larger than 560 kW.

31
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Pelletisation and • MoEFCC released Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines for grant of one-time
Torrefaction financial support for promoting establishment of paddy straw based pelletisation and
torrefaction plants.
• Pelletisation: Involves shredding, drying, grinding and pellet making.
• Torrefaction: Thermal degradation of organic biomass.
• Major difference between pelletisation and Torrefaction: Presence of a torrefaction reactor.
• Use of Paddy straw made into pellets or torrefied: Can be mixed along with coal in TPPS to
save coal and reduce carbon emissions.
Green Crackers • Green crackers cause 30 % less air pollution as
compared to traditional ones.
• Benefits: Reduce emissions substantially, absorb
dust and don’t contain hazardous elements like
barium nitrate.
• Produced by: Licensed manufacturers approved by
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).
• Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation
(PESO) under Ministry of Commerce and Industry
tasked with certifying that crackers are made
without arsenic, mercury, and barium, and are not loud beyond a certain threshold.
Breathelife • A global campaign launched in 2016 that mobilizes cities and individuals to take action to
Campaign bring air pollution to safe levels by 2030 to protect our health & climate.
• Led by: WHO, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and Climate & Clean Air Coalition.
• Several member cities from India: Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Dehradun etc.
• Strategies used by Breathelife: Connect cities (to share best practices), increasing monitoring,
accelerating solutions by building demands and empowering individuals.

2.2. WATER POLLUTION AND CONSERVATION

2.2.1. UNITED NATIONS (UN) WATER SUMMIT ON GROUNDWATER (GW) 2022
Why in news? Related information
United Nations (UN) Water Summit on • UN-Water: A UN inter-agency coordination
Groundwater (GW) 2022 concluded in Paris. mechanism for all freshwater and sanitation related
matters.
About the Summit • IGRAC: A UNESCO Centre that works under World
Meteorological Organisation (WMO), and financially
• Organized by: UN-Water, UNESCO and supported by Netherlands.
International Groundwater Resources o Specializes in regional- and transboundary-level
Assessment Centre (IGRAC) assessment and monitoring of GW resources.
• Aim: To bring attention to groundwater at o One of IGRAC’s flagship products is Global
highest international level. Groundwater Information System (GGIS).
• Will mark the completion of “Groundwater:
Making the invisible visible” campaign run by UN-Water throughout 2022.
• Uses UN World Water Development Report 2022 as a baseline and SDG 6 Global Acceleration Framework
(GAF) to define actions towards more responsible and sustainable use and protection of this vital natural
resource.
o In 2020, five pillars of SDG 6 GAF released namely data and information, capacity development,
innovation, finance and governance.
• GW: Water stored in rocks and soil, 99% of liquid freshwater on Earth.
Related news: Dynamic Ground Water (GW) Resource Assessment
2022 Report
• Released by: Ministry of Jal Shakti
• Carried out at periodical intervals jointly by Central Ground
Water Board and States/UTs.
• Key highlights
o India is largest user of GW with a 1/4th of total global
withdrawal.
o Total annual GW recharge has increased and rainfall
contributes to nearly 61 % in this.

32
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o Stage of GW extraction (percentage of utilisation of groundwater against recharge) saw a decline reaching
at 60%.
✓ 87% of the GW was extracted for irrigation.
✓ GW extraction is very high (100%) in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
o Categories: 67% GW units are safe and there was a decline in the number of over-exploited units.
o 14 % assessment units are ‘Overexploited’ and 4% are ‘Critical’.

2.2.2. WATER CONVENTION

Why in news? Related news: World Water Forum
2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the United • In 2022, Water Convention organized the first ever
Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)’s transboundary pavilion at the ninth World Water
Forum in Dakar, Senegal.
Water Convention.
• World's largest event on water, organized every
About Water Convention (Convention on the three years since 1997 by the World Water Council
Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses (a think tank), in partnership with a host country.
and International Lakes 1992) • Provides a unique platform where the international
water community and key decision makers can
• An international legal instrument and collaborate on global water challenges.
intergovernmental platform.
• Adopted in Helsinki in 1992 and entered into force in 1996.
o Initially negotiated as a regional instrument, opened globally for accession to all UN Member States
in 2016.
• Aim: To ensure the sustainable use
of transboundary water resources.
o Requires Parties to use
transboundary waters in a
reasonable and equitable way
and ensure their sustainable
management.
o Parties bordering the same
transboundary waters must
cooperate by entering into
specific agreements and
establishing joint bodies.
• A powerful tool to achieve the
objectives of SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and its target 6.5- all States to implement integrated
water resources management at all levels by 2030, including through transboundary cooperation.

2.2.3. UNCONVENTIONAL WATER RESOURCES

Why in news?
Book titled ‘Unconventional Water Resources’
was compiled by experts at United Nations
University’s Institute for Water, Environment
and Health (UNU-INWEH), UNU Institute for
Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and
of Resources and UN Food and Agriculture
Organisation.
About Non-conventional/ Unconventional
water resources (UWRs)
• Commonly include waters of inferior or
marginal quality like- saline water, brackish
water, agricultural drainage water, treated
or untreated wastewater effluents etc.
o Use of this water requires adoption of
more complex management practices and stringent monitoring procedures.

33
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • The book identified 6 broad categories of UWRs.
Related news: Grey Water
• 100% Saturation of Grey Water Management has been achieved in Pappankuzhi Village, Tamil Nadu.
• Grey water: Wastewater from baths, showers, hand basins, washing machines, dishwashers and kitchen sinks,
excludes streams from toilets.
• Significance of grey water recycling:
o Prevent potential harm to the environment and reduce the demand for freshwater.
o Reliable water resource unlike rainwater harvesting.
o Good fertilizer source due to high nitrogen and phosphorus content.

2.2.4. HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION

Why in news?
75% of river monitoring stations
reported heavy metal pollution
as per Centre for Science and
Environment (CSE).
More on the news
• In one- fourth of monitoring
stations, across 117 rivers and
tributaries, high levels of two
or more toxic metals were
reported.
• Seven states and Union
Territories under threat- Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and
Kashmir, and Ladakh.
About Heavy Metals
• Naturally occurring elements.
• High atomic weight and density at least 5 times greater than that of water.
• E.g.: lead, iron, nickel, cadmium, arsenic, chromium and copper.
• Effects of heavy metals exposure
o Health: Slowly progressing physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes that mimic
Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease etc.
o Environment: Affect biodegradability of organic pollutants, making them less degradable.
o Plants: Influences soil fertility, disturbs photosynthesis etc.
• In 2021, IIT Mandi has developed fibrous membrane filter using a biopolymer-based material to separate
out heavy metals from water samples.
Related news: Lead Poisoning
• A report about lead poisoning was prepared jointly by
government think tank Niti Aayog and Council of
Scientific & Industrial Research.
• Findings:
o India bears world’s highest health, economic
burden due to lead poisoning.
o Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh had
the highest average blood lead levels.
• Sources of lead:
o Naturally found in the Earth’s crust.
o Mining, smelting and refining industries and
their waste.
o Household Products such as Cosmetic Products,
Ayurveda medicines etc.
o Present in printed circuit boards and batteries due to unscientific recycling
o Potteries (e.g. utensils and glazed ceramic wares), water bodies etc.

34
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 2.2.5. PER AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES
(PFAS)
Why in news?
New research suggests that rainwater around the world is contaminated
by PFAS.
About PFAS
• Chemicals with partially or completely fluorinated carbon chains of
varied lengths.
• Referred as “forever chemicals” as do not degrade easily in the
environment due to strong carbon-fluorine bonds.
• PFAS like perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and
perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) listed under Stockholm Convention
on Persistent Organic Pollutants (their production and use are
restricted or eliminated in the Parties.)
• Concerns associated with use of PFAS:
o Found in the blood of people and animals.
o High exposure associated with health risks like decreased fertility, developmental effects in children,
interference with body hormones, increased cholesterol levels, liver damage, kidney and testicular
cancer etc.
o Difficult to capture and destroy.
• Measures to reduce PFAS contamination: Safe disposal of PFAS using methods like filtration through
activated carbon tanks, incineration etc.; phasing out PFASs listed under the Stockholm Convention and
replace them with safer alternatives; Avoid PFAS-based non-stick pans and kitchen utensils; etc.

[Link]. OTHER WATER POLLUTANTS IN NEWS

Pollutants Details
Nonylphenol • A study revealed the presence of high levels of toxic chemical NP in drinking water across India.
(NP) • Nonylphenol is commonly used in the production of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs).
o NPEs used as surfactants and in day-to-day consumer products such as detergents, wetting
agents and dispersants.
• Impacts in Human: Endocrine disruptor associated with adverse effects like birth defects, skin
and eye irritation etc.
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has designated NP as a chemical of global
concern.
o No standards exclusively for NP in drinking and surface waters in India.
Endosulfan • Supreme Court (SC) directed Kerala to pay ₹5 lakh compensation each victim of toxic Endosulfan
pesticide.
• Endosulfan: An organochlorine biocide used for controlling pests and mites by generating
neurotoxic effects.
o Sprayed on cotton, cashew, fruits, tea, paddy, and tobacco etc.
o Banned in 2011 by SC and under Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
o Complete ban w.e.f of December 2020 was also put on Alachlor, Dichlovos, Trichlorfon,
Phosphamidon, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos.
Chlorpyrifos, • According to a report by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) a non-profit body, chlorpyrifos,
fipronil, fipronil, atrazine and paraquat are being used in excess in various states than what has been
atrazine and recommended by the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee, India's pesticides
paraquat regulator.
o Chlorpyrifos is used to control foliage and soil-borne insect pests.
o Fipronil used to control ants, beetles, cockroaches, fleas, etc.
o Atrazine used to selectively control annual grasses and broadleaf weeds before they
emerge.
o Paraquat is a herbicide used primarily to control weed and grass control.
Microplastic • Indian Institute of Science (IISc) study cautions Microplastics in Cauvery river may be harming fish.
• For the purpose of the study of microplastics in water bodies, samples were collected from three
different locations with varying water flow as water speed affects the concentration of
pollutants.

35
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • Microplastics: Less than 5mm in size
o Include microfibres (most abundant), fragments, pellets, flakes, sheets or foams.
o Enter water bodies through atmospheric deposition, run-off from contaminated land or
through municipal wastewater.
Key findings of the study
• Using Raman spectroscopy,
microplastics and toxic chemicals
containing the cyclohexyl functional
group were detected which were
found responsible for the ailments in
the fish.
o Chemicals containing the
cyclohexyl group, are commonly used in agriculture and the pharmaceutical industry.
Nanoplastics • Researchers have developed a new, metallic fingerprint-based method to detect and measure
amount of nanoplastics in organisms.
o Researchers exposed lettuce plants to nanoplastics from commonly found plastic waste in
environment — polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoplastics.
• Nanoplastics: Smaller than 1,000 nanometre (1 nm is equal to one billionth of a metre).
o Can lead to cell damage and inflammation in humans; growth impairments, larval
deformities and other toxic effects in marine organisms.

2.2.6. ARTH GANGA

Why in news?
Recently, several new initiatives were launched
under Arth Ganga concept during the event of
‘Yamuna Par Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' organized
by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
About Arth Ganga
• A concept espoused by the Prime Minister
during National Ganga Council meeting in
Kanpur in 2019.
• Focuses on creating economic livelihood
opportunities to sustain the activities under
Namami Gange Programme, the flagship
program of the Government to clean Ganga
and its tributaries.
• Aim: To contribute about 3% to the GDP from
Ganga Basin.
o Expected to generate economic
benefit of more than Rs 1000 crores
over the next 5 years.

36
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Related news
District Ganga Committees (DGCs)
• Minister for Jal Shakti launched Digital Dashboard for DGCs Performance Monitoring System.
• DGCs: Constituted in districts on Ganga River basin to ensure people’s participation in management and pollution
abatement in Ganga and its tributaries.
• DGCs are mandated to-
o Ensure proper utilization of assets created under Namami Gange,
o Monitor drains/sewage falling in Ganga and its tributaries,
o Create strong connect of people with Ganga rejuvenation.
o District Collector is the Chairperson of DGC.
Stockholm World Water Week 2022
• The World Water Week is an annual event organized by Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) to address
the global water issues and related concerns of international development.
• SIWI: A not-for-profit institute with a wide range of expertise in water governance – from sanitation and water
resources management to water diplomacy.

2.2.7. OTHER INITIATIVES FOR WATER CONSERVATION

Bharat Tap • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched Bharat Tap initiative.
• Conducted under aegis of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT) and
Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 (SBM).
• Aim: To provide low-flow, sanitary-ware at scale, and thereby reduce water consumption at
source considerably.
o Estimated to save minimum 40% water, in turn result into energy saving.
Nirmal Jal • MoHUA launched ‘Nirmal Jal Prayas’, initiative of National Real Estate Development Council
Prayas (NAREDCO) Mahi.
o Aim: To map ground water and save 500 crore litres of water per annum.
o Through the initiative, advocacy, awareness and amplification towards saving water will
be disseminated and highlighted.
• NAREDCO: An autonomous self-regulatory body, established in 1998, under aegis of MoHUA.
o It strives to be the collective force influencing and shaping real estate industry.
o NAREDCO had established Mahi - NAREDCO Women's Wing for empowering women
entrepreneurs and encouraging participation of women in real estate sector and allied
fields.
National Water • Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched 4th NWA on Rashtriya Puraskar portal.
Awards (NWA) • NWAs: Introduced to recognize and encourage exemplary work and efforts made by States,
Districts, individuals, etc. in accomplishing government’s vision ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’.
o Aim: To sensitize the public about importance of water and motivates them to adopt best
water usage practices.
o Award winners in different categories will be presented with a citation, trophy, and cash
prize.
JALDOOT App • Developed by: Ministry of Rural Development.
• Aim: To identifythe ground water level in selected villages.
• Gram Rojgar Sahayak (GRS) will measure the water level of selected wells twice a year (pre-
monsoon and post-monsoon).
• Data collected could be utilised as part of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) and
Mahatma Gandhi NREGA planning exercises.
Swachh Sujal • Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands have become India’s first Swachh Sujal Pradesh.
Pradesh • Swachh Sujal Pradesh certification: Provided by Ministry of Jal Shakti, 3 important
components:
o Safe and secure drinking water supply and management.
o ODF (open defecation free) Plus: ODF Sustainability and Solid and Liquid Waste
Management (SLWM), and
o Cross-cutting interventions like convergence, IEC (Information, Education
Communication), action planning, etc.
• All villages on A&N Islands have received Har Ghar Jal certification.
Pey Jal • Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs conducted ground survey of PJS under Atal Mission for
Survekshan Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0.
(PJS) • PJS: Serves as a monitoring tool and an accelerator for AMRUT Mission.
o Aim: To instill healthy competition motivation among cities and Urban Local Bodies.

37
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 o Key focus areas: Water utility services, used water utility services, water bodies, Non-
Revenue Water (NRW) estimation, best practices and innovation .
o Based on Self- assessment of service level, Direct Observation and Citizen’s Feedback.
o Third-party agency- IPSOS (a private firm) will conduct Survekshan.

2.3. LAND DEGRADATION

2.3.1. COP15 OF UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION TO COMBAT
DESERTIFICATION (UNCCD)
Why in News?
Fifteenth session of Conference
of the Parties (COP15) of United
Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification (UNCCD), held in
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire,
concluded recently.
About COP of UNCCCD
• Meets biennially since 2001.
• COP15 theme: ‘Land. Life.
Legacy: From scarcity to
prosperity'.
• COP15 will bring together
leaders from governments,
private sector, civil society
and other key stakeholders
from around the world to
drive progress in future
sustainable management of
land.
o India had hosted COP-14 of UNCCD in 2019 and made commitment to restore 26 million hectares of
degraded land by 2030.
o COP-14 theme- ‘Restore land, Sustain future’.
Key outcomes of COP15
New • Accelerate restoration of one billion hectares of degraded land by 2030 by improving data
commitments gathering and monitoring.
• Establish an Intergovernmental Working Group on Drought for 2022-2024 to support a shift
from reactive to proactive drought management.
• Address sand and dust storms and other escalating disaster risks by designing and
implementing plans and policies.
• Ensure greater synergies among the three Rio Conventions: Convention on Biological Diversity,
UNCCD, and UNFCCC.
New • Abidjan Call: Issued by the Heads of State and Government to boost long-term environmental
Declaration sustainability.
Issued • Abidjan Declaration on achieving gender equality for successful land restoration.
• COP15 “Land, Life and Legacy” Declaration, which responds to findings of UNCCD’s flagship
report Global Land Outlook 2.
Other • Drought in Numbers, 2022 report: Identified that in 2022, more than 2.3 billion people face
Initiatives water stress.
• Business for Land initiative: for bringing visibility to the commitments made by participating
companies towards land degradation neutrality, both in supply chains and CSR activities.
• Sahel Sourcing Challenge: To enable communities growing Great Green Wall (GGW) to use
technology to monitor progress, create jobs and commercialize their produce.
o GGW: An African-led movement, to grow an 8,000 km belt of trees across the entire width
of Africa.
• Droughtland: a new UNCCD public awareness campaign.

38
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 2.4. LIGHT POLLUTION
Why in news?
2022 International Dark Sky Week was
recently conducted.
About International Dark Sky Week
• An annual event hosted by International
Dark-Sky Association (IDA).
• Aim: To raise awareness about the
negative impact of light pollution and
celebrate the night sky.
About Light Pollution or Photo Pollution
• Presence of excessive, misdirected, or
obtrusive artificial (usually outdoor)
light.
• Components of light pollution-
o Glare – excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort.
o Skyglow – brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas.
o Light trespass – light falling where it is not intended or needed.
o Clutter – bright, confusing and excessive groupings of light sources.
• Ways to tackle light pollution-
o Promoting the use of LED technology and green energy for displays and illuminations.
o Avoid illuminated advertisements (ads) that obscure or diminish the effectiveness of traffic signals.

2.5. WASTE MANAGEMENT

2.5.1. BAN ON SINGLE USE PLASTIC
Why in news?
Several single use plastic (SUP) items identified
by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change (MoEFCC) were be banned
across India from 1st July 2022.
About the SUP Ban
• SUP items which have low utility and high
littering potential identified under the
Plastic Waste Management (PWM)
Amendment Rules, 2021.
o Their manufacture, import, stocking,
distribution, sale and use is prohibited.
o Ban not applicable to compostable
plastic products.
• Penalties for violation: Under the
Environment Protection Act 1986 –imprisonment up to 5 years, or a penalty up to Rs 1 lakh, or both.
Important provisions of PWM Amendment Rules, 2021
• Aimed to curb pollution caused by littered and unmanaged plastic and phase out SUP items by 2022.
• Single use plastic (SUP) defined as a plastic item intended to be used once for the same purpose before being
disposed of or recycled.
• Thickness of plastic carry bags increased from 50 microns to 75 microns with effect from 30th September 2021
and to 120 microns with effect from the 31st December, 2022.
• Complete ban on use of sachets using plastic material for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan
masala.

39
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Guidelines given legal force: Plastic packaging waste not covered under
identified SUP items shall be collected and managed in an environmentally sustainable way through EPR of the
producer, importer and brand owner (PIBO) as per PWM Rules, 2016.

Steps taken by the Government to ensure enforcement of the ban

Mascot • PRAKRITI mascot to spread greater awareness among masses and bring behavioural change.
E- • National Dashboard on Elimination of Single Use Plastic and Plastic Waste Management set up
governance by MoEFCC to bring all stakeholders at one place and track the progress.
portals & • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) launched-
apps o Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal for Plastic Packaging for compliance to EPR
Obligations by Producers, Importers and Brand-owners.
o Mobile App for SUP Grievance Redressal to empower citizens to check sale/usage/
manufacturing of SUP in their area.
o Monitoring module for SUP for local bodies, State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/
Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) and CPCB, to inventorize details of SUP production/ sale
& usage in commercial establishments at district level, and on-ground enforcement of ban on
SUP.

Directions • All leading petrochemical industries to not supply plastic raw materials to the industries engaged
issued at in banned SUP production.
national, • SPCB/PCCs to modify/revoke consent to operate issued under Air/Water Act to industries engaged
state and in banned SUP production.
local level • Customs Authority to stop the import of banned SUP items.
• Local authorities to issue fresh commercial licenses with the condition that SUP items will not be
sold on their premises.
Related news:
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat among top Indian Plastic waste producers
• Findings are based on Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
• Other key Findings
o India ranks 5th in generation of plastic waste with an annual discharge of 3.5 million tonne in 2020.
o Almost 83% of this comes from just 10 states/ UTs.
o On a per capita basis, India’s plastic waste generation has almost doubled over FY2016-20; however, remains
lower than most of the developed economies.
Puneet Sagar Abhiyan (PSA)
• UNEP has signed MoU with National Cadet Corps to tackle issue of plastic pollution through PSA and Tide Turners
Plastic Challenge programme.
• Aim: To increase awareness amongst local population about importance of keeping the beaches and river fronts
clean.
Global Plastics Outlook: Policy Scenarios to 2060
• The ‘Global Plastics Outlook: Policy Scenarios to 2060’ report was recently released by Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD).
• Projections of the report for the year 2060:
o Use of plastics and plastic waste will almost triple globally, driven by economic and population growth.
o Largest increases expected in emerging economies in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
o Following impacts from plastic lifecycle are projected to more than double- GHG emissions, Ozone formation,
acidification, and human toxicity.

2.5.2. E-WASTE (MANAGEMENT) RULES 2022

Why in the news?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEF&CC) has notified E-waste (management)
Rules 2022, in the exercise of the powers conferred by
the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Key Provisions mentioned in E-waste (management)
Rules 2022
• 'E-waste' Definition: Electrical and electronic
equipment, whole or in part discarded as waste, and
rejects from manufacturing, refurbishment and repair processes.

40
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Coverage: Every manufacturer,
producer, refurbisher,
dismantler, and recycler involved
processing of e-waste with
certain exceptions (refer
infographic).
• Compulsory Registration of
manufacturer, producer,
refurbisher, or recycler of the e-
products with Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB).
• Introduction of Extended
Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Certificates to incentivize
registered electronic waste
recyclers by introducing (not part
of 2016 Rules).
• CPCB to conduct random
sampling of electrical and
electronic equipment placed on
the market to monitor and verify
the compliance of reduction of
hazardous substances provisions.
• Imposition and collection of
environmental compensation on
the producer in case of non-
fulfilment of obligations as per
CPCB guidelines.
• Responsibilities:
Manufacturers • Make the end product recyclable.
• Component made by different manufacturers should be compatible with each other.
Producers • Obtaining and implementing extended producer responsibility targets may be made stable for
2 years and starting from 60% for the year 2023-2024 and 2024-25; 70% for the year 2025-26 and
2026-27 and 80% for the year 2027-28 and 2028-29 onwards.
• These rules will be applicable from 1st April, 2023.
• Creating awareness.
Recycler • Ensuring that the recycling processes and facilities are in accordance with the regulatory
standards.
• Maintain a record of e-waste collected.
State • Earmark space for e-waste dismantling and recycling in the existing and upcoming industrial
government parks, estates, and industrial clusters.
• Undertaking industrial skill development and establishing measures for protecting the health
and safety of workers engaged in the dismantling and recycling facilities for e-waste.

Status of E-waste generation in India

• 3rd largest Electronic waste producer in the world
after China and United States.
o Produces about 4 mMT (million Metric Tonnes)
of e-waste. This is expected to increase 40-fold by
2050.
• Computer devices accounts for nearly 70% of annual
e-waste production, followed by telecom sector,
medical equipment and electric equipment.
• Only 1.5% of electronic waste generated is recycled through institutional processes.
o Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, and Haryana are among the States that have a bigger
capacity to dismantle and recycle e-waste.

41
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 2.6. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND TREATIES
2.6.1. STOCKHOLM CONVENTION
Why in news?
18th Meeting of the Persistent Organic
Pollutants Review Committee to the
Stockholm Convention (POPRC-18) was held
recently.
Outcomes of the meeting
• Committee concluded its review of four of
the five chemicals under consideration.
o The 5 chemicals: Dechlorane Plus
(flame retardant), UV-328 (stabiliser),
medium chain chlorinated paraffins
(flame retardant), Long-Chain
Perfluorocarboxylic Acids, and
chlorpyrifos (Pesticide).

2.6.2. ROTTERDAM CONVENTION

Why in news?
International trade of 2 hazardous pesticides was recommended for ‘prior informed consent’ (PIC).

42
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 More on the news
• Recommendations were made by the Chemical
Review Committee (CRC) for 2 hazardous pesticides:
o Iprodione: A fungicide used on vines, fruits,
trees and vegetables, classified as carcinogenic
and toxic for reproduction.
o Terbufos: A soil insecticide used commonly on
sorghum, maize, beet and potatoes, found to
pose risk to aquatic organisms due to its toxicity.
• In India, the use of these chemicals was permitted by
the 2015 Anupam Verma committee report.
o India is among the largest exporters of
Terbufos.

2.7. REPORTS AND INDICES

Reports Details
State of Global • Released by: World
Water Resources Meteorological Organisation
(SGWR) 2021 (WMO)
report • Report assesses the effects of
climate, environmental and
societal change on Earth’s
water resources including the
conditions of streamflow,
terrestrial water storage
(TWS) and selected cryosphere
parameters.
Key observations
• With increased melting of
glaciers, annual glacier run-off
increases at first, until a
turning point, often called
“peak water”, is reached, upon which run-off declines.

43
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • 74% of all natural disasters between 2001 and 2018 were water related.
• 3.6 billion people face inadequate access to water at least a month per year. It is expected to
reach 5 billion by 2050.
World Water • Released by: UNESCO
Development • Officially launched by the UNESCO Director-General at the 9th World Water Forum in Dakar,
Report 2022 Senegal.
o Encapsulated global concern over the sharp rise in freshwater withdrawal from streams,
lakes, aquifers, and human-made reservoirs leading to water scarcity being experienced
in different parts of the world.
Global Land • Released by: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Outlook 2: Land • Key observations
Restoration For o Humans have transformed more than 70 % of the earth’s land area from its natural state
Recovery And causing environmental degradation.
Resilience o Modern agriculture is major factor for degradation land.
o Up to 40% of the planet’s land is degraded, directly affecting half of humanity and affect
half of global GDP.

44
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 3. BIODIVERSITY
3.1. INTERNATIONAL TREATIES AND CONVENTIONS
3.1.1. COP15 TO THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL
DIVERSITY (CBD)
Why in news?
The 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the
Convention on Biological Diversity recently concluded
in Montreal, Canada.
About COP15
• Chaired by China and hosted by Canada.
• Held in two phases:
o Phase one took place virtually in Kunming,
China, in October 2021 and
o Phase two was recently held in Montreal,
Canada.
• Objective: To adopt a global biodiversity
framework (GBF), which will replace the Aichi
Biodiversity Targets that expired in 2020.
o GBF and its underlying documents are not legally binding.
Major outcomes of COP15
• Adoption of Kunming-Montreal
Global Biodiversity Framework
(GBF) to address biodiversity
loss, restore ecosystems and
protect indigenous rights, with-
o 4 long-term goals for 2050
related to the 2050 Vision
for Biodiversity (refer
infographic) and
o 23 action-oriented global
targets for urgent action
over the decade to 2030.
• Global Environment Facility
requested to establish a Special
Trust Fund in 2023, and until
2030, to support the
implementation of the GBF.
o Fund would have its own
“equitable governing body” About Digital Sequencing Information
• Data derived from or linked to genetic resources.
dedicated to achieving the goals of
• Placeholder term for genetic information, bioinformation,
the GBF and must be prepared to
sequence information, natural information, genetic sequence
receive “financing from all data, nucleotide sequence data or genetic resources.
sources”, including official • Help in developing vaccines, regulating invasive species,
development assistance. ecosystem research, identifying plant pests, repair gene
• Set clear indicators to measure defects, identifying organisms etc.
progress to form an agreed
synchronized and cyclical system based on National biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs),
National reports, Global review of collective progress, Voluntary peer reviews etc.
o Revised or updated NBSAPs in alignment with the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework
and its goals and targets to be communicated in a standardized format by COP-16 in Turkey in 2024.

45
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 o Parties should submit national reports containing agreed headline indicators in 2026 and 2029.
• Multilateral mechanism for benefit-sharing from the use of digital sequence information on genetic
resources: This may include innovative revenue generation measures and a global fund within GBF.
• Adoption of the Gender Plan of Action to support and promote the gender-responsive implementation of
the GBF and its associated mechanisms.

46
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 India and CBD
• Became a party in 1994.
• Enacted the Biological Diversity Act in 2002 to give effect to the convention.
• Part of the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People, supporting the 30 X 30 Target by seeking to
integrate other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) into the wider landscapes and seascapes.
o HAC for Nature and People: An intergovernmental group co-chaired by Costa Rica and France and by the
United Kingdom as Ocean co-chair, championing a global deal for nature and people with the central goal of
protecting at least 30% of the world’s land and ocean by 2030.
o The 30X30 Target was first floated in 2019 and presently more than 100 countries are part of it.

[Link]. WORLD RESTORATION FLAGSHIPS About the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

• 2021 to 2030 has been declared by the United
Why in news? Nations General Assembly as the UN Decade on
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration declared first Ecosystem Restoration.
10 World Restoration Flagships at the side-lines of • Led by: UN Environment Programme and the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN,
COP15 of CBD.
together with the support of partners.
About World Restoration Flagships • Aim: To prevent, halt, and reverse the loss and
degradation of ecosystems worldwide and
• For honouring the best examples of large-scale and revive billions of hectares, covering terrestrial
long-term ecosystem restoration in any country or as well as aquatic ecosystems.
region, embodying the 10 Restoration Principles of
the UN Decade.
• Initiatives eligible to receive United Nations-backed promotion, advice or funding.
• Progress of all Flagships to be transparently monitored through the Framework for Ecosystem
Restoration Monitoring, the UN
Decade’s platform for keeping track of
global restoration efforts.
• Flagship Initiatives Selection Criteria
o Clearly identifiable geographically.
o Part of nominated area already under
successful, measurable, and well-
documented restoration.
o Well-defined ecological, cultural, and
socio-economic objectives and goals.
• First 10 Flagships stretch across 23
countries and all ecosystems.
o Together aim to restore more than
60 million hectares and create more
than 13 million jobs.
List of 10 inaugural World Restoration
Flagships
Flagship Countries Details
initiative
Trinational Argentina, Brazil, • Aim: To mend South America’s iconic Atlantic Forest and restoring 15
Atlantic Paraguay million ha of degraded forest by 2050.
Forest Pact • Coordinated by: The Pact for the Restoration of the Atlantic Forest and
the Trinational Network for the restoration of the Atlantic Forest.
Abu Dhabi United Arab • Aim: To restore coral, mangrove and seagrass in Abu Dhabi, creating a
Marine Emirates refuge for the dugong, a fast-disappearing aquatic mammal.
Restoration • Coordinated by: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.
Great Green Burkina Faso, • Aim: To restore savanna, grasslands and farmlands across an 8,000km
Wall for Djibouti, Eritrea, belt of Africa known as the Sahel.
Restoration Ethiopia, Mali, • Coordinated by: Pan-African Great Green Wall Agency, Initiative of the
and Peace Mauritania, Niger, Great Green Wall for the Sahara and the Sahel Burkina Faso, UNEP Finance
Senegal, Sudan, Initiative etc..
Chad

47
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Namami India • Aim: To rejuvenate India’s sacred Ganges River and surrounding basin and
Gange restore people’s connection to the river, while reducing pollution and
reversing deforestation.
• Coordinated by: National Mission for Clean Ganga under the Government
of India, and supported by the World Bank, the Japan International
Cooperation Agency and the German Development Agency.
Multi-country Democratic • Aim: To protect mountain landscapes in Kyrgyzstan, Rwanda, Serbia and
Mountain Republic of the Uganda and to safeguard a range of imperiled species, including
Flagship Congo, Kyrgyzstan, mountain gorillas and snow leopards.
Rwanda, Serbia, • Coordinated by: The United Nations Environment Programme, The
Uganda Carpathian Convention, and The Mountain Partnership.
Small Island Vanuatu, Comoros, • Aim: To restore sensitive ecosystems in Vanuatu, St. Lucia and Comoros
Developing Saint Lucia and help the island nations safeguard wildlife, brace for climate change
States and strengthen their economies.
• Coordinated by: Governments of Comoros, Saint Lucia, and Vanuatu, The
Small Island Developing States Coalition for Nature, The United Nations
Department of Economic and Social Affairs, FAO and UNEP.
Atlyn Dala Kazakhstan • Aim: To conserve and restore Kazakhstan’s steppe, semi-desert and
Conservation desert ecosystems across the historical range of the Saiga antelope.
Initiative • Coordinated by: Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of
Kazakhstan, Frankfurt Zoological Society etc.
Central Costa Rica, El • Aim: To restore 300,000 ha of drought-stricken Central American
American Dry Salvador, farmland and forests.
Corridor Guatemala, • Coordinated by: Central American Commission on Environment and
Honduras, Development, Green Climate Fund, IUCN etc.
Nicaragua, Panama
Building with Indonesia • Aim: To naturally regenerate mangroves and protect Indonesia’s coast
Nature in against flooding.
Indonesia • Coordinated by: Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs, Wetlands
International etc.
Shan-Shui China • Aim: To restore 10 million hectares of ecosystems across China, including
Initiative in forests, grasslands and waterways.
China • Coordinated by: Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Finance,
People’s Republic of China.

[Link]. RESTORATION BAROMETER REPORT 2022

Why in news?
At the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Conference of the
Parties (CBD COP15), the International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) launched its first Restoration Barometer Report.
About the Restoration Barometer report
• Restoration Barometer was launched in 2016 as the Bonn
Challenge Barometer.
• Tracks restoration progress across terrestrial ecosystems
including coastal and inland waters where use or
management rights can be identified (i.e., not high seas).
• Has 8 indicators that build a comprehensive picture of a
country’s restoration progress and progress towards global
goals.
• Currently, 22 countries are using the Barometer to report
the progress of their restoration targets and more than 50
have endorsed it.
• Findings of 2022 report:
o Financial investments of $26 billion across 18 countries.
o 14 million hectares of degraded landscapes.
o Data from Ecuador, India, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan is being finalized and will be published later.

48
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 [Link]. UPDATED RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES
Why in News?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN)
has unveiled its updated Red List of Threatened Species
during the COP15 biodiversity conference in Canada.
Key Updates
• The IUCN Red List now includes 150,388 species, of
which 42,108 are threatened with extinction.
• Over 1,550 of the 17,903 marine animals and plants
assessed are at risk of extinction.
• Climate change impacts at least 41% of threatened
marine species.
Affected Marine Species
Dugong • Dugong populations in East Africa and New Caledonia have entered the IUCN Red List as
Critically Endangered and Endangered respectively.
o The species remains Vulnerable globally.
• Threats: Unintentional capture in fishing gear in East Africa and poaching in New
Caledonia, and boat injuries and destruction of seagrass habitats in both locations.
• Protection status in India:

• Characteristics:
o Also known as Sea Cows.
o Only herbivorous marine mammals and feed on seagrass.
o Only member of the Order Sirenia found in India.
o Live in groups and come to the surface to breathe with a distinct dolphin-like tail.
o Have mammary glands.
• Habitat and distribution:
Shallow coastal waters of
the Indian and western
Pacific Oceans.
o In India, found in Gulf of
Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf
of Kutch and Andaman
and Nicobar Islands.
• Conservation Measures in
India:
o State animal of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
o Tamil Nadu government announced India’s first conservation reserve for Dugongs in
Palk Bay.
Pillar • Pillar coral found throughout the Caribbean from the Yucatan Peninsula and Florida to
coral (Dendrogyra Trinidad and Tobago, has moved from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered, after its
cylindrus) population shrunk by over 80% across most of its range since 1990.
• Threats: Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease and bleaching caused by increased sea surface
temperatures and excess antibiotics, fertilisers and sewage.

Abalone • 44% of all abalone shellfish species enter the IUCN Red List as threatened with extinction.
o Poaching threatens Endangered perlemoen abalone of South Africa.
o Marine heatwaves have exacerbated abalone diseases worldwide, affecting the
Critically Endangered black abalone in California and Mexico, and the Vulnerable
green ormer (H. tuberculata), found from the English Channel to Northwest Africa
and the Mediterranean.

• India specific findings: 239 new species analysed in India have entered the list, of which, 29 are threatened.
49
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Details of some of New Threatened species in India
Species Description
White-cheeked • Only known from a small range with an extent of occurrence of 167
Dancing Frog square kilometers (km2) in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, a
(Micrixalus candidus) biodiversity hotspot.
• Threats: Loss of their habitat, pollution, changes in temperature,
diseases, pests, invasive species.

Andaman • Shark is found in the Andaman Sea in the Eastern Indian Ocean off the
Smoothhound shark coast of Myanmar, Thailand, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
(Mustelus • Threats: Subject to fishing pressure including trawl, longline, and
andamanensis) gillnet.

Yellow Himalayan • Mostly found in the Himalayas, it occurs in Bhutan, China, India,
Fritillary Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan.
(Fritillaria cirrhosa) • Species is threatened due to unorganised harvest, over-extraction,
unsustainable and premature harvesting of bulbs, coupled with illegal
hidden markets.
• Medicinal uses: This is supposedly antiasthmatic, antirheumatic,
febrifuge, galactagogue, haemostatic, ophthalmic and oxytocic.

3.1.2. INTERNATIONAL TREATY ON PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD

AND AGRICULTURE (ITPGRFA)
Why in News? Governing Body of ITPGRFA
• Highest organ of ITPGRFA.
India hosted the Ninth Session of the Governing Body
• Composed of representatives of all Contracting
(GB9) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Parties.
Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). • Function: To promote the full implementation
Major decisions taken at GB9 of the Treaty.

• Historical first: Federation of Seed Industry

of India (FSII) contributed Rs 20 lakhs to the
Benefit-Sharing Fund (BSF).
• India appointed as Co-Chair of the Working
Group on Enhancement of Multilateral
System of Access and Benefit-sharing (MLS).
• Consensus on implementation of Farmers
Rights reached.
o GB9 considered the options for
encouraging, guiding and promoting the
realization of Farmers’ Rights.
• Contracting Parties acknowledged the
intervention made by India, and supported by many
African nations, regarding effect due to institutional
reform within the CGAIR system (a global research
partnership for a food-secure future) on funding of
gene-banks globally.
• Decisions deferred for later: Issues like the
multilateral system (MLS) of access and benefit
sharing (ABS) and digital sequence information
(DSI).

50
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 About Plant Genetic Resources for
Food and Agriculture (PGRFA)
• Any plant materials, such as
seeds, fruits, cuttings, pollen,
and other organs and tissues
from which plants can be
grown.
• Include traditional crop
varieties and their wild
relatives, modern cultivars,
breeding lines etc. which
provide food, feed for
domestic animals, fibre,
clothing, shelter, medicine and
energy.
o Can be used to develop
new varieties or improve
the quality and productivity
of crops.
• National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), established in 1976, is the nodal organisation in
India for planning, conducting, promoting, coordinating and lending all activities concerning plant.
• Threats to PGRFA conservation and utilization: Population growth and urbanization; pollution; climate
change; invasive alien species; genetic vulnerability and erosion; etc.
Technique for protecting plant varieties
Technique Benefits of the technique Issues with the technique
Field gene • Simple and traditional preservation • Accumulation of mutations and endophytic
bank strategy organisms
• Direct evaluation and characterisation • Exposure of adverse weather conditions
• Seasonal accessibility and availability • Exposure to pathogens and insects
• Natural selection pressure • Plant ageing; Handling errors
In vitro gene • Virus elimination • Plant ageing
bank • Immediate accessibility • Handling errors
• Immediate availability • Soma clonal variations
• High multiplication rate • Specific protocol development
• Low space requirements • Infestation of insects (mites, thrips, other
• Precise environment modulation arthropods)
• Medium term storage, < 2 years • Contamination with fungi, bacteria & endophytic
organism
Cryo bank • Minimum space requirements • Restricted availability
• Low long-term costs • Restricted accessibility
• High genetic stability • Access to liquid nitrogen
• Long-term storage, >100 years • Specific protocol development
• High initial workload to cryopreserve clonal plants

3.1.3. BIODIVERSITY BEYOND NATIONAL JURISDICTION (BBNJ)

Why in news?
UN meet begins over treaty to govern use of high seas.
About Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty (Treaty of
High Seas)
• An international agreement on conservation and sustainable use of
marine biological diversity of areas beyond national
jurisdiction.
• Another instrument under the framework of 1982 United
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

51
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 o UNCLOS (India also a state party) lays
down a comprehensive regime of law
and order in world's oceans and seas
establishing rules governing all uses of
oceans and their resources.
o Other instruments under UNCLOS:
1994 agreement on implementation of
Part XI of UNCLOS and 1995 UN Fish
Stocks Agreement.

3.1.4. CITES (CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED

SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA)
Why in news?
The 19th Meeting of Conference of
the Parties (CoP 19) to CITES, also
known as the World Wildlife
Conference, was held in Panama.
Outcomes of the conference
• Multiple species of sharks and
rays, trees, amphibian, turtle
and tortoise, and several
songbirds brought under
CITES’ protection.
• Accepted a proposal to
include sea cucumbers in
Appendix II of Convention.
• On India’s initiative a proposal to About Shisham
clarify the quantity of Shisham • A deciduous tree ascending up to 25-30 m.
(Dalbergia sissoo) items such as • Native to Indian subcontinent and southern Iran and occurs
throughout sub-Himalayan tract from Ravi to Assam.
furniture was considered.
• Included in Appendix II of convention.
• Resolution documents on
• Indian rosewood or the shisham tree is used to make durable dark-
tortoises and fresh water turtles reddish tables, beds, bookshelves or chairs.
specifically mentioned • State tree of Punjab.
commendable result achieved by
India’s Operation Turtshield (by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau).
• Proposal to allow a regular form of controlled trade in ivory was defeated.
o Abandoning its decades-old stance of strongly opposing ivory trade, India for the first time abstained
from voting.
o International ivory trade was banned in 1989 when all African elephant populations were put in CITES
Appendix I.
o Later, populations of several countries including Namibia, Botswana etc. were transferred to
Appendix II.

52
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 India and CITES
• Extensive use of Appendix III: Since its ratification of CITES in 1976, India has listed 39 taxa in Appendix III.
o Through the listings, important international trade data was gathered that supported decision for application
to a different CITES Appendix (with stricter trade controls).
• Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) programme: An international collaboration that measures the
levels, trends and causes of elephant mortality.
o India has 10 sites participating in MIKE programme.
• Acts regulating International trade in all wildlife species of India (including the species covered under CITES):
Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972, Export–Import Policy (EXIM Policy) under the Foreign Trade (Development and
Regulation) Act of 1992 and Customs Act
of 1962.
• Management Authority for CITES
(CITES-MA) in India: Director of Wildlife
Preservation, Government of India.
• Government of India appointed five
Scientific Authorities to assist the CITES
MA on scientific aspects of CITES-
o Zoological Survey of India (ZSI),
Kolkata.
o Botanical Survey of India (BSI),
Kolkata.
o Central Marine Fisheries Research
Institute (CMFRI), Cochin.
o Wildlife Institute of India (WII),
Dehradun.
o Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree
Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore.

3.2. WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION

3.2.1. THE WILD LIFE (PROTECTION) AMENDMENT ACT, 2022
Why in News?
Recently, the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 was enacted to amend the WLPA, 1972 to
incorporate more species protected under the law.
About the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act (WLPA), 2022
2022 act seeks to conserve and protect wildlife through better management of protected areas and
implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
About Wild Life (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972
• Provides for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants
with a view to ensuring the ecological and environmental
security of the country.
• Empowers the State to declare protected areas, under 4
categories- National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Community
Reserves and Conservation Reserves.
• Created 6 schedules for specially protected plants (1), specially
protected animals (4) and vermin species (1), which gave
varying degrees of protection to classes of flora and fauna.

Key Amendments
New Chapter VB • Designation of authorities by the Central government-
for o Management Authority (MA)- responsible for issuance of permits and certificates for
implementation trade of scheduled specimens in accordance with the Convention.
of CITES o Scientific Authority- to advice MA on aspects related to impact on the survival of the
specimens being traded.
• Identification mark to be used by the MA for a specimen, as per CITES.
o Modification or removal of the identification mark prohibited.

53
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • Registration certificate to be obtained by person possessing live specimens of scheduled
animals from the MA.
• Breeders of species in Appendix I of Schedule IV required to make an application for licence
to the Chief Wild Life Warden within 90 days of the commencement of the amendment.
• Conditions for export, import, re-export and introduction from sea of scheduled specimens
have been specified.
Rationalisation of Number of schedules from 6 to 4 by:
schedules • Reducing the number of schedules for specially
protected animals from 4 to 2.
• Inserting a new schedule for specimens listed
in the Appendices under CITES (scheduled
specimens).
• Removing the schedule for vermin species.
o Wild animals will be declared as Vermin by
Central Government by the way of
notification for any area and for a specified
period.

Control of • Chief Wildlife Warden will manage and protect sanctuaries in accordance with the
sanctuaries management plans prepared as per guidelines of the central government.
• In case of sanctuaries falling under Scheduled Areas or areas where Forest Rights
Act 2006 is applicable, the management plan for such sanctuary prepared after due
consultation with the Gram Sabha concerned.
Increase in • For General violation increases to 1 lakh from Rs25,000.
Penalties • For specially protected animals increases to 25,000 from Rs10,000.
Exemptions for • Transfer or transport of live elephants allowed for a religious or any other purpose by
‘live elephant’ person having ownership certificates in accordance with conditions prescribed by the Central
(section 43) Government.
New section 42A • Any person having a certificate of ownership for captive animals or animal products, can
for Surrender of voluntarily surrender them to the Chief Wild Life Warden.
captive animals • No compensation to be paid to the person for surrendering such items and the items will
become the property of the State Government.
Relaxation of • Permits may be granted for Film-making (without causing any adverse impact to the habitat
certain or wildlife) to enter or reside in a sanctuary.
restrictions • Certain activities such as, grazing or movement of livestock, bona fide use of drinking and
household water by local communities etc. allowed without a permit in a sanctuary.
Other Provisions • Central government empowered to regulate or prohibit the import, trade, possession or
proliferation of invasive alien species.
• No renewal of any arms licences to be granted to any person residing within 10 kilometres
of a sanctuary except under the intimation to the Chief Wild Life Warden or the authorised
officer.
• State Board for Wild Life permitted to constitute a Standing Committee.

3.2.2. CHEETAH REINTRODUCTION

Why in news?
Eight wild African Cheetahs (5 female and 3 male) from
Namibia, were recently introduced in Kuno National
Park (KNP), Madhya Pradesh under Project Cheetah.
About Project Cheetah
• World's first inter-continental large wild carnivore
translocation project.
• Part of the centrally Sponsored Scheme- ‘Project
Tiger’ of India.
• Funding: Funds from Project Tiger and Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management & Planning
Authority (CAMPA).

54
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Aim: To introduce African cheetah in India.
o Cheetah declared extinct from India in 1952 becoming only large
wild mammalian species that went extinct since independence
(1947).
o Reasons for extinction: large scale capture of animals from the wild
for coursing, bounty and sport hunting, extensive habitat conversion
and decline in prey base.
• Nodal Agency: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
authorized for funding, supervision and hand holding of the project.
o Wildlife Institute of India (WII), national and international
carnivore/cheetah experts/agencies for technical and knowledge support.
• Future plan: To introduce at least 50 cheetahs into various national parks over the next five years.
o 12 more Cheetah are due to arrive from South Africa at KNP.
• Significance of Cheetah Relocation: Establish viable cheetah metapopulation in India, resource
mobilization, contributing to global conservation efforts, enhance local community livelihoods, contribute
to climate change mitigation goals etc.
About African Cheetah
• Both a flagship species (selected to act as
an ambassador, icon or symbol for a
defined habitat, issue, campaign or
environmental cause) and an umbrella
species (its conservation ensures
conservation of other species of wild
animals and forests).
• Characteristics:
o World’s fastest land mammal, capable
of running at 80 to 128 km/h.
o Diurnal i.e., they hunt during the day.
o Unlike other big cats (lions, tigers, etc.)
don’t roar.
o Gestation period- 93 days.
o Live in three main social groups:
females and their cubs, male coalitions, and solitary males.
✓ Females lead a nomadic life searching for prey in large home ranges, males are more sedentary
and instead establish much smaller territories.
o Average female home ranges have been estimated to be about 750 sq km.
o Among large carnivores, conflicts with human interests are lowest for cheetahs, as they are not a
threat to humans and usually do not attack large livestock.
Related news: Measures taken for ensuring success of the programme
• Soft-release: Cheetahs placed in a quarantine period for a month, in an electronically-fenced area of 500 hectares,
before being released into the wild.
• All cheetahs vaccinated and fitted with Satellite radio collars for monitoring them at all times.
• Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah prepared based on the modern scientific approach recommended by the
latest International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines.
• Public awareness campaigns for the local communities:
o Cheetah mitras, dedicated team of volunteers, trained by the forest department trained to create awareness
among the villagers about protecting cheetahs.
o Local mascot named Chintu Cheetah to sensitise locals.
• Cheetah Task Force: Constituted by MoEF&CC for a period of 2 years to monitor Cheetah introduction in Kuno
National Park, Madhya Pradesh, and other suitable designated areas. Its functions will include-
o Reviewing, progressing and monitoring the health status of Cheetah, upkeep of the quarantine & soft release
enclosures, adherence to the defined protocols by forest & veterinary officials, etc.
o Suggesting and advising on development of tourism infrastructure in the fringe areas of KNP.
o Regularly interacting with Cheetah mitras and local communities for their awareness raising etc.

55
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 About Kuno National Park (KNP)
• Geographical location and other Important features of KNP:
o Location: Lies in North-West of Madhya Pradesh close to state border with Rajasthan in Vindhyan Hills of
Central India.
o On its south-eastern side of the boundary, it
forms a contiguous forest landscape with
patchy connectivity to Panna Tiger reserve
(TR) through the Shivpuri forest area.
o Ranthambhore NP and Kailadevi WLS (both
part of the Ranthambhore TR) are connected
with it through good forest patches towards
the north- western boundary from across the
river Chambal.
o Only wildlife site in the country with a complete
incentivized voluntary relocation of villages
from inside the park.
• River: Perennial Kuno river
• Forest Type: Northern tropical dry deciduous forest
• Flora and Fauna:
o Trees like Kardhai, Salai, Khair etc.
o Herbivores include- sambar, nilgai, wild pig (Sus scrofa), chinkara, chousingha, blackbuck etc.
o Carnivores include leopard, sloth bear, striped hyaena, gray wolf, golden jackal, Indian fox etc.

3.2.3. PROJECT TIGER

Why in news?
Project Tiger will complete 50 years in
the year 2023.
About Project tiger
• A Centrally Sponsored Scheme of
the Ministry of Environment,
Forests and Climate Change,
launched in 1973.
o Initially launched in 9 Tiger
reserves (TRs) in different
states of India.
• Provides central assistance to tiger range States for in-situ Related news: Integrated Tiger Habitat
conservation of tigers in designated tiger reserves. Conservation Programme (ITHCP)
• Implementing Agency: Statutory body National Tiger • German Development Cooperation
Conservation Authority (NTCA), established through Wild and ITHCP have contributed total of
Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006. €47.5 million for tiger conservation in
o Overarching supervisory/coordination role and Asian countries.
approves the Tiger Conservation Plan prepared by the o Initiated in 2014, ITHCP or ‘Tiger
Programme’ is grant-making
State Governments.
initiative which contributes to
• Funding pattern: Centre provides financial assistance to Global Tiger Recovery Programme
States of 60% and 50% for expenditure on all non-recurring (GTRP), global effort to double
items and expenditure on recurring items respectively. tiger numbers in wild by 2022.
o Northeastern and Himalayan States are provided 90% • GTRP consists of 12 large-scale projects
central assistance in both cases. in Tiger Conservation Landscapes
across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,
Activities undertaken under project Tiger Indonesia, Nepal and Myanmar.
• Establishment and development of new TRs: 52 tiger
reserves covering over 75,000 sq. km.
o Recently declared TRs: Ranipur TR (53rd TR) and Ramgarh Vishdhari TR (52nd TR).
o Other Protected areas accorded approval for declaration as TR: Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
(Odisha), Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka), and Guru Ghasidas National Park &
Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh).

56
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Core buffer strategy for TRs: Core areas are kept free of all human
activities, a co-existence agenda adopted in buffer and fringe areas with
landscape approach.
o NTCA recently banned new construction in tiger reserves’ core
areas.
• NTCA conducting 5th cycle of assessment using application M-STrIPES
(Monitoring System for Tigers Intensive-Protection & Ecological
Status): Uses GPS to geotag photo-evidence.
• Independent monitoring and the evaluation of tiger reserve by
developing Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) Framework
as per international standards.
• Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) deployed in several TRs for focused anti-poaching operations.
• Technological advancements: E-Bird project uses Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for Surveillance and
Monitoring.
About Indian Tiger or Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera Tigris)
• Tiger species native to India.
• A flagship species of India, declared as the National
Animal of India.
• Habitat: Largest population is in India, smaller groups in
Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Myanmar.
o India home to more than 70% of global tiger
population.
o Nearly 35% of tigers in India are found outside tiger
reserves.
• Distribution of Tiger population in India: Habitats ranging from the high mountains, mangrove swamps,
tall grasslands, to dry and moist deciduous forests, as well as evergreen and shola forest systems.
o Madhya Pradesh has the maximum number of tigers followed by Karnataka and Uttarakhand.
• Significance of tiger conservation: Both an Umbrella species and a Keystone species (has a
disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its abundance).
• Characteristics:
o Solitary and territorial animal, and the territory of an adult male may encompass territories of two to
seven females.
o Stripes are individually as unique as human fingerprints.
Recently declared Tiger reserves
Tiger reserve Details
Ramgarh • Rajasthan Government has notified the Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve.
Vishdhari o It is the 4th Tiger Reserve of Rajasthan after Ranthambore, Sariska and Mukundra; and 52nd
Tiger Reserve tiger reserve of India.
• Geographical location and other Important features:
o Location: Bundi district and in part in Bhilwara and Kota districts.
o Serves as a tiger corridor between Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and Mukundra Hills Tiger
Reserve.
o The topography varies from gentle slopes to steep rocky cliffs from flat-of hills of Vindhya
to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravallis.
• River: Mez, a tributary of Chambal river.
• Forest Type: Dry Deciduous Forest
• Fauna and Flora: Golden jackal, Indian wolf, leopard, striped hyena, chinkara, antelope, Chital,
Sambar, Nilgai etc.
Ranipur Tiger • UP cabinet approved the notification of state’s 4th (Dudhwa, Pilibhit and Amangarh are
Reserve (RTR) remaining 3) and India’s 53rd tiger reserve in Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary in Chitrakoot district.
• Geographical location and other Important features:
o Location: Chitrakoot district of Uttar Pradesh.
• Forest Type: Tropical dry deciduous forests.
• Fauna and Flora: Tiger, leopard, bear, spotted deer, sambhar, chinkara, reptiles and other
mammals.

57
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 3.2.4. GREAT INDIAN BUSTARDS
Why in news?
Supreme Court (SC) seeks update on power cables at Great
Indian Bustard’s (GIB) habitat.
More on the news
• In April, 2021, SC had ordered the power companies in
Rajasthan and Gujarat to make the high-tension power
lines underground so that GIB do not get caught in the
web.
o A three-member high-level committee (HLC)
formed to look into the feasibility of the work.
o Now SC has directed the HLC to submit a status report in three weeks.
• However, Centre and Rajasthan government objected to SC order stating the order was not feasible as
area falling in GIB habitat is crucial for development of renewable energy sector.
About Great Indian Bustard
• Characteristics:
o Called ‘Son Chiriya’ in Madhya Pradesh, ‘Godawan’ in Rajasthan and ‘Maldhok’ in Maharashtra.
o Looks like an ostrich.
o Despite weighing heavy, can easily fly.
o Bustard Species Found in India: Great Indian Bustard, the Lesser Florican and the Bengal Florican.
• Habitat:
o Arid and semi-arid grasslands, open country with thorn scrub, tall grass interspersed with cultivation.
Avoids irrigated areas.
o Endemic to Indian Sub-continent, Rajasthan has the highest population.
o Important Sites: Desert National Park Sanctuary (Rajasthan), Naliya (Gujarat), Warora (Maharashtra)
and Bellary (Karnataka)
• Threats to GIB: Hunting, habitat erosion, 'greening' projects that transform arid grasslands to wooded
areas, predators preying on the eggs etc
• Steps taken for GIB Conservation:
o One of the Species for Recovery Programme under Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of
the Ministry of Environment and Forests
o Included under National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016).

3.2.5. INDIA’S 33RD ELEPHANT RESERVE

Why in news?
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change gave its
nod to Terai Elephant Reserve (TER), spread over 3,000
square kilometre in Dudhwa-Pilibhit region in Uttar
Pradesh.
More on the news
• The area also includes: Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Pilibhit
Tiger Reserve and comprise forest areas of the
Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Katarniaghat Wildlife
Sanctuary
• TER will conserve four wild species - tiger, Asian elephant, swamp deer and one-horned rhinoceros in the
entire landscape.
About Elephant reserves
• Declared as an administrative category by government to demarcate large landscapes that hold elephants
and their movements.
• Notified under centrally sponsored scheme Project Elephant.

58
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Two recently notified ERs: Lemru in Chhattisgarh and Agasthymalai in Tamil Nadu.
• 33 elephant reserves together cover a total area of nearly 80,000 sq km.
• Tamil Nadu and Assam have the highest number of ERs (5 each) followed by Kerala (4) and Odisha (3).
o Mysore ER in Karnataka is the largest ER.
About Indian elephant (Elephas maximus)
• Characteristics:
o Highly intelligent animals characterised by strong family bonds, sophisticated forms of
communication and complex behaviour, including tool use and the ability to feel grief and
compassion.
o Form herds of related females led by the oldest female, the 'matriarch'.
o Have longest gestation period of all mammals (18 to 22 months).
o Adult male Asian elephants are less social than females. They enter musth -- a mate-searching strategy
for old (above 30 years of age) males, annually.
• Habitat: Found in the central and southern Western Ghats, North East India, eastern India and northern
India and in some parts of southern peninsular India.
o As per the last count in 2017, India has 29,964 elephants.
o Karnataka has the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala.
• Threats: Man-elephant conflict, habitat loss and fragmentations, poaching and the loss of genetic viability
resulting from small population size and isolation.
• Conservation measures
o India launched ‘Project Elephant’ in 1992. Under the project, the government provides technical and
financial help to states to save elephants.
o Development of Elephant Reserves.
o Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE), an international effort for conservation of
elephants in Asia and Africa.

3.2.6. INVASIVE SPECIES

Why in news? About Kaziranga National Park (KNP)
• Geographical location and other Important features:
Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve
o Locations: Edge of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity
faces new threat from invasive plant hotspots – Golaghat and Nagaon district.
species. o Brahmaputra lies on the North and Karbi Anglong hills
More on the news on the South of Kaziranga.
o A UNESCO’s World Heritage Site and a Tiger Reserve.
• Kaziranga’s field director submitted a o Houses largest-population of the one-horned
list of 18 invasive plants that are silently rhinoceros in the world.
taking over the landscape at cost of • Rivers: Brahmaputra, Diphlu, Mora Diphlu and Mora Dhansiri.
indigenous grasses, shrubs and trees. • Forests: Tropical moist broadleaf forests.
o Herbivores usually avoid the • Fauna and Flora:
invasive plants, which regenerate at o Great Indian Rhinoceros, Tiger, Leopard, Elephant etc.
o Kumbhi, Indian gooseberry, cotton tree, elephant Apple
an alarming speed and threaten to
etc.
edge out the indigenous flora.
• Several identified invasive species:
Bombax ceiba, Crateva magna, Trevia
nudiflora, Lagerstroemia speciose,
Lagerstromia parvifiora, Litsea
salicifolia, Securinega irosa, Rosa
involucrata, pomoea camea, Derms
cuneilolia, Calamus tenuis, and Leea
macrophylla etc.
o Some identified species have
herbal properties (E.g., Leea
macrophylla, Cestrum diurnum etc)
but their toxicity outweighs their
utility.

59
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • Permission has been sought under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to go in for experimental culling,
cutting, slashing, uprooting, and girdling of invasive species.
About invasive species
• An organism that causes ecological or economic harm in a new environment where it is not native.
o For E.g.: In India, Parthenium (came from wheat imported from U.S. in 1950s) and lantana (brought
by British as ornamental plants from South America) threatens more than 40% of India’s tiger
reserves.

[Link]. OTHER INVASIVE SPECIES IN NEWS

Invasive species Details
Vilayati Kikar • Delhi is implementing ecological restoration of its central ridge which involves replacing
invasive vilayati kikar (Prosopis juliflora) with indigenous species.
• A native of South and Central America, introduced in India (by Britishers) to meet the fuel and
wood requirement of the rural poor and to restore degraded lands.
• Has weedlike properties- grow in arid conditions, relative native species killing any
competition and water-table depletion.
American • As per a recent study, these species cost world an estimated $16 billion between 1986 and
bullfrog and 2020, by causing problems ranging from crop damage to power outages.
brown tree
snake
Senna • An invasive species, Senna spectabilis has taken over between 800 and 1,200 hectares of the
spectabilis buffer zones of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR)
• Another major weed Lantana camara, also poses a threat to biodiversity in the tiger reserve.
• About Senna spectabilis:
o An exotic tree bright yellow flowers.
o Introduced as an ornamental species and for use as firewood from South and Central
America.
o Negative effect on local biodiversity, crowding out native species and limiting food
availability for wildlife.
Red-eared slider • Invasive south red-eared slider turtle poses threat to Indian biodiversity.
turtle • Mature fast, grow larger, and produce more offspring, thus, threat to native freshwater turtle.
• Can out-compete native turtles for food, nestling, and basking sites.
• Can transfer diseases and parasites to native reptile species.
• Habitat: Native to south-eastern USA and Mexico.
• Scientific name: Trachemys scripta elegans.
• IUCN Red List status: Least concern.

3.2.7. ECO-SENSITIVE ZONES (ESZ)

Why in news?
The Supreme Court has directed that every protected forest, national park and wildlife sanctuary in the country
should mandatorily have a minimum 1 km ESZ, from their demarcated boundaries.
More about the judgment
• The directions were passed in reference to applications filed under the TN Godavarman Thirumalpad
versus Union of India case.
• Applicability: All such states/UTs where the minimum ESZ is not prescribed.
• Other highlights of the judgment:
o Extended boundary shall prevail if the existing ESZ goes beyond 1 km buffer zone or if any statutory
instrument prescribes a higher limit.
o No new permanent structure will be allowed within the ESZ.
o Mining within national wildlife sanctuary or national park is not permitted.
o Activity already being undertaken, within the 1km or extended ESZ, but lying outside the ambit of
prohibited activities may continue with permission.
o The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of each State/UT directed to make a list of subsisting
structures at the ESZs and submit a report to the court within 3 months.
o Requirements could be diluted if there is “overwhelming public interest”.

60
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o In respect of PAs for which the proposal of a State/UT has not been given, the 10 kilometres buffer
zone as ESZ shall be implemented, according to MoEFCC guidelines, till a final decision is arrived.
About Eco-sensitive
zones (ESZs)

• Ecologically
important and
fragile areas
around
protected areas
designated
under the
Environment
Protection Act
(EPA), 1986, to
be protected
from industrial
pollution and
unregulated
development.
• Notified by: The
Central
Government in
exercise of the
powers
conferred by section 3 of the EPA, 1986.
• Aim of ESZs
o Create some kind of “Shock Absorber” for the Protected Areas (PAs).
o Act as a transition zone from areas requiring higher protection to those requiring lesser protection.
o Regulate human activities, rather than prohibit, around PAs.
• Extent of ESZs as per 2011 guidelines: Generally, width of up to 10 kms around a PA.
o Also includes Sensitive corridors, connectivity and ecologically important patches, crucial for
landscape linkages, even beyond 10 kms width.
o Distribution of an area of ESZ and the extent of regulation may not be in uniform all around and are
kept PA specific.
Related news: Supreme Court quashes plea against Gadgil, Kasturirangan reports
• Plea was filled in the court for not implementing the recommendations of the Gadgil Committee and
Kasturirangan Committee Report on Western Ghats.
o According to petitioners, it would lead to the violation of the ‘Right to Life’ of the citizens hailing from the
Western Ghats, especially Kerala.
• Western Ghats Conservation Background
o Gadgil panel (2011) recommended tagging 64% of the Western Ghats region as an Ecologically Sensitive Area
(ESA) with varying degrees.
o However, after widespread opposition, Kasturirangan committee ( 2013) was appointed that proposed 37 per
cent of the total area of Western Ghats, to be declared as ESA.
✓ The Kasturirangan report removed the system of gradation recommended by the Gadgil commission.
✓ Instead, it continued the existing system of ‘red’, ‘orange’ and ‘green’ categorisation of activities
according to their polluting effects.
✓ It recommended a blanket ban on mining, quarrying, setting up of red category industries and thermal
power projects.
o To solve the conflict in two reports Kerala Government proposed to implement the Oommen V Oommen
Report that recommended that plantations and inhabited areas in the Western Ghats be kept out of the ESA.

61
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 3.2.8. BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITES (BHSS)
Why in news? About Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage site
Tamil Nadu issued a notification declaring Arittapatti and • Houses Anaikondan tank, built during the
Meenakshipuram villages in Madurai district the first reign of Pandiyan kings in the 16th century.
• Has megalithic structures, rock-cut temples,
biodiversity heritage site in State.
Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, Jain beds etc.
About Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHSs) • Arittapatti village houses several species of
birds including three important raptors:
• Well defined areas that are unique, ecologically fragile Laggar Falcon, the Shaheen Falcon and
ecosystems, spread over terrestrial, coastal and inland Bonelli’s Eagle.
and marine waters having rich biodiversity. • Other Fauna: Indian Pangolin, Slender Loris
• Notified by: State Governments, in consultation with and pythons.
‘local bodies’.
o Identified and notified as per the
provisions of the Section 37 of the
Biological Diversity Act 2002.
o State Government in consultation with
Central Government may frame rules for
the management and conservation of BHS.
• Creation of BHSs may not put any restriction on
prevailing practices and usages of local
communities, other than those voluntarily
decided by them.
o State Governments are also empowered to
frame schemes for compensating or
rehabilitating any person or section of
people economically affected by such
notification.
• State Biodiversity Boards (SBB) may invite
suggestion for declaration of BHSs through
relevant community institutions (Gram sabhas,
panchayats, urban wards, forest protection
committees, tribal councils).
• Presently 35 BHS are in India including Majuli,
Unakoti, Silachari Caves, Amarkantak etc.
o First Biodiversity Heritage Site of India-
Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru,
Karnataka (2007).
Other types of Protected Areas in India
Protected Area Details
National Park • Notified under: Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
• Notified by: Both Central and State Government.
• More protected vis-a-vis protection in wildlife sanctuaries.
• No human activity is permitted inside the national park except for the ones permitted by the
Chief Wildlife Warden of the state under the conditions given in WPA 1972.
• More than 100 national parks in covering 1.23% of the geographical area of the country.
o Highest number of national parks in Madhya Pradesh.
Wildlife • Notified under: Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA) of 1972.
Sanctuary • Notified by: State Government to constitute as a sanctuary.
• Criteria: If any area (other than area comprised with any reserve forest or the territorial waters)
is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural or zoological significance.
• Some restricted human activities are allowed inside the Sanctuary area.
• More than 550 wildlife sanctuaries in India covering 3.64 % of the geographical area.
o Highest number of WS in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Community • Notified under: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (introduced in the Wildlife (Protection)
Reserve or Amendment Act of 2002).

62
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Conservation • Notified by: State Government after consulting with the central government and the local
Reserves communities.
• Criteria: An inhabited area which typically act as buffer zone to or connectors and migration
corridors between established national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserved and protected
forests of India. Parts of the land in this area are privately owned.
o Such areas are designated as conservation areas if they are uninhabited and completely
owned by the Government of India but used for subsistence by communities.
• More than 200 community reserves in India and 97 Conservation reserves.
Tiger Reserve • Notified under: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Governed by: Project Tiger, administrated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority
(NTCA).
• Criteria: A National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary considered significant for protecting tigers.
• Consists of a ‘Core’ or ‘Critical Tiger Habitat’, managed as an inviolate area and a ‘Buffer’ or
Peripheral area is immediately abutting a Core area, which may be accorded a lesser degree of
habitat protection.
• Currently 53 tiger reserves in the country.

Critical Tiger • Notified under: Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.

Habitat • Notified by: State govt.
• Also known as core areas of tiger reserves.
• Demarcated areas of National Parks/Sanctuaries, to be kept as inviolate for the purposes of
tiger conservation, without affecting the rights of forest dwellers.
• Largest area under CTH in India: Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
Marine • A space in the ocean where human activities are more strictly regulated than the surrounding
Protected Areas waters - similar to parks on land.
• Given special protections for natural or historic marine resources by local, state, territorial,
native, regional, or national authorities.
Biosphere • An international designation by UNESCO comprising terrestrial, marine and coastal
Reserve ecosystems.
• Divided into core, buffer and transition zone in decreasing order of protection.
• 18 biosphere reserves in India, of which 13 are part of the World Network of Biosphere
Reserves, based on the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme
Bird Sanctuary • Nature facilities that ensure conservation of various species of birds and their natural habitats.
• More than 70 Bird Sanctuaries in India.
Important Bird • Declared under: IBA programme of Birdlife International.
Areas (IBAs) o Aim: To identify, monitor and protect a global network of IBAs for conservation of the
world's birds and associated biodiversity.
• Serve as conservation areas for protection of birds at the global, regional or sub-regional level.
• Criteria according to Birdlife International:
o hold significant numbers of one or more globally threatened bird species,
o be one of a set of sites that together hold a suite of restricted-range species or biome-
restricted species and
o have exceptionally large numbers of migratory or congregatory birds.
• The Bombay Natural History Society and Birdlife International identified 554 IBAs in India.
Natural World • Place that is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as of
Heritage Sites special cultural or physical significance.
• 7 Natural World Heritage Sites in India- Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area,
Kaziranga National Park, Keoladeo National Park, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Nanda Devi and
Valley of Flowers National Parks, Sundarbans National Park and Western Ghats.

63
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 3.2.9. PROTECTED AREAS IN NEWS

Valmiki Tiger • The forest department of Bihar has established an elephant rescue centre in VTR.
Reserve (VTR) • Geographical location and other Important features:
o Location: Extreme north- eastern end along the international border with Nepal in western
Champaran district.
o Contiguous with Nepal's Chitwan National Park to the north, sharing a forested boundary
with Sohagibarwa Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.
o Only protected area where Gauris found in the Shivaliks and Gangetic plains landscape.
o Among the 14 tiger reserves in India which received accreditation of Global
Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS).
• Rivers: Gandak River on the West boundary
• Forest Type: Unique combination of the terai-bhabar vegetation.

64
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Fauna and Flora: Champa Trees, Tiger, Sloth bear, Leopard, Wild dog, Bison, Wild boar, barking
deer, spotted deer, hog deer, sambar and blue bull.

Wayanad • Money spider, ant-mimicking spider have been reported for the first time from Muthanga range
Wildlife of WWS.
Sanctuary • Geographical location and other Important features:
(WWS) o Location: Southern trenches of famous Western Ghats.
o Contiguous to protected areas of Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks of Karnataka on
north-east and Mudumalai National Park of Tamil Nadu on south east.
o Covers the Wayanad Plateau situated at the confluence of three biologically distinct and
diverse regions- the main Western Ghat Mountains, the Nilgiri Hills and the Deccan Plateau.
o Component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
o Tribal communities in the area: Kuruma, Paniya, Kattunaicka, Urali, Kurichiar and Adiyar.
o Sanctuary is divided into two parts- Muthanga towards the east and Tholpetty on the north
side.
• Rivers: Kabini river (tributary of Cauvery River).
• Forest Type: South Indian Moist Deciduous forests, West coast semi-evergreen forests and
plantations of teak, eucalyptus and Grewelia.
• Fauna and Flora: Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Red headed vultures and White rumped
vultures, Spotted deer, four-horned antelope , Wild boar, Sloth bear, Nilgiri langur etc.

Changthang • Department of Science & Technology has announced setting up of India’s first dark sky reserve
Cold Desert at Hanle in Ladakh as a part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wildlife • Geographical location and other Important features :
Sanctuary o Location: Ladakhi Changthang Plateau in the east of Leh District.
o Situated between Ladakh and Tibet (China) border.
o Has Korzok village, considered to be the world’s highest village.
o Home to highest altitude water lakes, namely, Tso Moriri (a Ramsar Wetland site),
PangongTso and TsoKar.
• Rivers: Indus River
• Fauna and Flora: Snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, wild yak, bharal, brown bear, Kiang or Tibetan wild
ass, Dark-necked crane.
Karakoram • Ladakh has identified proper mapping and boundary
(NubraShyok) identification of Changthang and Karakoram
WLS sanctuaries along India-China border as a priority
concern.
o Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has been asked
to map and identify areas of 'high conservation
value' to help 'rationalise' boundaries - allowing
for addition or deletion of land.
• Geographical location and other Important
features:
o Location: Easternmost reaches of Karakoram
Range in Leh District.
o Bounded on North and South by China and
Pakistan, the Karakoram ranges lines the north.
o Situated just to the north of Hemis National Park, east of Deosai National Park and to the
northwest of the Changthang WLS.
o Community of Diskit is located in the heart of the Sanctuary.
o Kargil is situated to the west of Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary within the Suru River Valley.
• Rivers: Shyok River (tributary of the Indus)
• Flora and Fauna: Tibetan antelope (chiru) Tibetan gazelle, Himalayan ibex, Shapo, bharal, wild
yak, Snow leopard etc.

National • To end illegal sand mining, Madhya Pradesh plans to make it legal in parts of NCS.
Chambal o Sand mining has been banned in NCS since 2006.
• Geographical location and other Important features:

65
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Sanctuary o Location: Area spanning across three states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar
(NCS) Pradesh.
o A Riverine sanctuary.
o Main area for species reintroduction programme of crocodilian species Gavialis gangeticus
(Gharial).
o Listed as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
• Rivers: Chambal River (tributary of Yamuna River) and its tributary Parvati.
• Forest Type: Part of Khathiar dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
• Flora and Fauna: Gharials, gangetic dolphins, mugger crocodiles and several rare turtle species.
Durgavati • Madhya Pradesh (MP) Wildlife Board approved a new reserve for tigers of Panna Tiger Reserve
Tiger Reserve (PTR).
o One-fourth of PTR will get submerged due to linking of Ken-Betwa rivers.
o In wake of river linking project, NTCA had asked UP and MP governments to notify new tiger
reserves.
• Geographical location and other Important features:
o Location: Spread across Narisinghpur, Damoh and Sagar districts of MP.
o A green corridor linking PTR with Durgavati to be developed for the natural movement of
the tiger to the new reserve.
• Forests: Tropical mixed dry deciduous forest and some teak forests.
• Flora and Fauna: leopard, wolf, jackal, sloth bear, Barking deer, Four Horned Antelope etc.
Madhav • Tigers are being reintroduced in the MNP more than six decades after they were last seen there
National Park in 1960s.
(MNP) o Tigers from Panna, Bandhavgarh and Satpura National Parks will be reintroduced.
• Geographical location and other Important features:
o Location: Madhya Pradesh in Shivpuri District, part of upper Vindhyan hills.
o Two lakes- Sakhya Sagar & Madhav Sagar and Madikhera dam situated here.
• Forest Type: Northern Tropical dry deciduous mixed forest as well as dry thorn forest.
• Flora and Fauna: Tigers, hyena, sloth bear, and crocodile, Nilgai, Chinkara and Chowsinga, Chital,
Sambar, migratory birds including geese, pochard, pintail, teal, mallard, and gadwall, Kardhai tree
etc.

Sanjay Gandhi • A pair of Asiatic lions have been brought to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park from Gujarat.
National Park • Geographical location and other Important features:
o Location: Borivali East, Mumbai
o Previously known as 'Borivali National Park'.
o Site of archaeological importance because of presence of Kanheri caves which represent a
rare fragment of Buddhist history.
o Forms approximately 20% of Mumbai’s geographical area.
o 2 man-made lakes inside the park premises, Tulsi Lake and Vihar Lake.
o Tribes in the area: Warlis and Mahadeo Kolis.
• River: Dahisar River.
• Forest Type: Southern mixed-deciduous forest
• Fauna and Flora: Leopard, monkey, spotted deer, Indian hare, wild cat etc. and Flora are
dominated by the Tectona, Albizzia, Terminalia, Butea, bamboo etc.

Bhitarkanika • Number of newborn saltwater crocodiles in BNP reached a record 3,700 this year during the
National Park nesting period.
(BNP) • Geographical location and other Important features:
o Location: Kendrapara, Odisha.
o At the south end of the national park is the Gahirmatha Beach which is the lone mass nesting
spot in Indian Ocean region.
o Has India’s Largest Heronry.
• Rivers: Lies in the estuarial region of Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra and Patasala River.
• Forest Type: Second-largest mangrove forest in India (after the Sundarbans).
• Fauna and Flora: Saltwater crocodiles, hyenas, wild boar, Open Billed Stork, Grey Heron,, White
Ibis etc.

66
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Desert • A green agriculture project funded by the FAO’s Global Environment Facility (GEF) will help with
National Park the conservation of critical biodiversity in DNP.
(DNP) • Geographical location and other Important features:
o Location: Jaisalmer and Barmer districts of Rajasthan.
o Only place where Rajasthan State Bird (Great Indian Bustard), State animal (Chinkara) and
State tree (Khejri) and State flower (Rohida) are found naturally.
o Khejri tree revered and protected by the local communities specially the 'Bishnois'.
o Landform consists of sand dunes, craggy rocks and compact Salt Lake bottoms.
o Climate: extreme hot, arid region of very low rainfall zone.
• Forest Type: Thorn Forest
• Fauna and Flora: Great Indian Bustard, Blackbuck, Chinkara, wolf India Fox, desert fox, etc.
Ranthambore • A Tiger was recently shifted from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) to Sariska Tiger Reserve
Tiger Reserve (STR).
• Geographical location and other Important features:
o Location: Junction of Aravali valley and Vindhyas near Sawai Madhopur district in Eastern
Rajasthan.
o Also, a National Park.
o Ranthambhore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated inside the Park.
o Lakes: Padam Talao, Malik Talao, Raj Bagh Talao.
• Rivers: Enclosed by Chambal River and Banas River from the two sides.
• Forest Type: Dry deciduous forest and open grassy meadow.
• Fauna and Flora: Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, etc.
Sariska Tiger • A Tiger was recently shifted from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) to Sariska Tiger Reserve
Reserve (STR).
• Geographical location and other Important features:
o Location: Alwar district of Rajasthan.
o Part of the Aravalli Range.
o Harbors Neelkanth temple; Pandupol Hanuman Temple; Kankwadi fort.
• Forest Type: Mountains, grasslands, dry deciduous forests.
• Fauna and Flora: Indian leopard, jungle cat, caracal, striped hyena, golden jackal, etc. and bird
species, such as sand grouse, harbor quails, crested serpent eagles, etc.
Tal Chhapar • To protect the sanctuary, Rajasthan High Court ordered a “complete prohibition” on any action
Blackbuck to reduce wildlife sanctuary’s area.
Sanctuary o Court directed to complete the formalities for declaration of eco-sensitive zone surrounding
Tal Chhapar at the earliest.
• Geographical location and other Important features:
o Location: Thar Desert, Rajasthan and part of famous Shekhawati region.
o Tal is Rajasthani word means plane land.
o Only sanctuary in India with a good number of blackbucks in an almost tree-less, saline and
flat-land.
o “Mothiya” or pearl-a special type of grass is found here.
• Forest Type: Grassland
• Fauna and Flora: Desert fox, desert cat and Migratory birds are harriers, eastern imperial eagle,
short-toed eagle, little green bee-eaters etc.

Cauvery South • Tamil Nadu government has notified the sanctuary as state’s 17th wildlife sanctuary, under Wild
Wildlife Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Sanctuary • Geographical location and other Important features:
o Location: Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri Districts
o Connects Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu with Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
in neighboring Karnataka.
o Maintains further continuity to the Nilgiri Biosphere through Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife
Sanctuary, Billigiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve in Karnataka and
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and Erode District.
o Important elephant habitat comprising of 2 elephant corridors: Nandimangalam-Ulibanda
Corridor and Kovaipallam-Anebiddahalla Corridor.
• River: Cauvery River

67
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • Fauna and Flora: Grizzled giant squirrel, four-horned antelope, and Lesser Fish Eagle, Leith's soft
shelled turtles, smooth coated otters, marsh crocodile, etc
Mudumalai • Newly captured and reintroduced wild elephant PM2 (Pandalur Makhna) in MTR is adapting to
Tiger Reserve new habitat.
(MTR) o Theppakadu Elephant camp in MTR is oldest elephant camp in Asia, established before
independence.
• Geographical location and other Important features:
o Location: Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu at tri-junction of 3 states- Karnataka, Kerala and
Tamil Nadu.
o Shares boundary with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) on West, Bandipur Tiger Reserve
(Karnataka) on North.
o Part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve.
o Among the 14 tiger reserves in India which received accreditation of Global
Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS).
• River: Moyar.
• Forest Type: Tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, moist teak
forest, dry teak forest, secondary grasslands and swamps.
• Fauna and Flora: Elephants, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar,
Porcupine etc., birds like-minivets, hornbill, fairy Blue Birds, etc.

Shivalik • Uttarakhand govt announced repeal of the decision to denotify the Shivalik Elephant Reserve
Elephant to expand the airport in Dehradun.
Reserve • Geographical location and other Important features:
o Location: Much of this reserve falls inside protected areas: Rajaji National Park, Corbett
Tiger Reserve, Nandaur Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.
o Home to almost all of Uttarakhand’s wild elephants.
o Protects key patches and corridors that allow elephants to move from their habitats near
the Yamuna river in the west to those on the Sharda
River in the east.
o A Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE)
site in India.

Sepahijala • Two baby leopards join Sepahijala Zoo after 12 years.

Wildlife • Geographical location and other Important features:
Sanctuary o Location: Bishalgarh, Tripura.
o A woodland with an artificial lake and natural botanical and zoological gardens.
o A kind of Zoo plus Garden and Sanctuary.
• Fauna and Flora: Clouded leopard, spectacle langur, capped langur, pig-tailed macaque, slow
loris, Barking deer, Wild boar and Flora-Artocarpus chaplasa, Albizzia procera etc.

3.2.10. SPECIES IN NEWS

Terrestrial Species
Asiatic Lion • Recently parliament was informed that Project Lion document “Lion @ 47: Vision for
Amrit kal” has been prepared to secure & restore lions’ habitats.
• About Project Lion:
o Envisages landscape ecology based conservation of the Asiatic Lion in Gujarat by
integrating conservation and eco-development.
o Being implemented in Gir landscape in Gujarat, last home of Asiatic lion.
Protection Status:

Characteristics:
• Second-largest cats in the world, after tigers.
• Social cats which live in groups called prides.

68
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Male lions have a distinctive thick mane of hair around their heads that females lack.
• Asiatic lions and African lions are subspecies of the same species.
Difference between Asiatic and African Lions
Criteria Asiatic African
Size Larger Smaller
Mane Relatively dense, Lighter mane Relatively short, Darker, sparse mane

Skin Fold Absent Longitudinal fold of skin that runs along

the belly
Pride Size Larger Smaller
• Threat: Vulnerable to disease, genetic inbreeding, disaster, potential poaching and
accidental lion deaths due to human causes.
Habitat: Population limited to only five protected areas in Gujarat – Gir National Park, Gir
Sanctuary, Pania Sanctuary, Mitiyala Sanctuary and Girnar Sanctuary.
Conservation Measures: Asiatic Lion Conservation Project, funded from the Centrally
Sponsored Scheme- Development of Wildlife Habitat (CSS-DWH).
Snow Leopard • Snow leopard conservationist (Charudutt Mishra) won Whitley Gold Award for efforts
to involve local communities.
Protection Status:

Characteristics:
• Termed as Ghost of Mountain due to their
camouflage.
• Patterned with black spots called rosettes unique
to every snow leopard.
• A flagship species of high-altitude Himalayas in
India.
• Threats: Loss of natural prey species, human
animal conflict and illegal trade of its fur and
bones.
Habitat:
• Mountainous landscape of Central and Southern Asia with 12 snow leopard range
countries being- Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic,
Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
o China has world's largest snow leopard population.
• In India, found in a large part of the western Himalayas, including the Union Territories
of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim and
Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern Himalayas.
Conservation Measures:
• Declared as State animal of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
• India has ratified the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program
(GSLEP).
• Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI).
• Project Snow Leopard (2009), a centrally supported program for conservation.
• SECURE Himalaya project (2017) by Government of India and UNDP with support of
Global Environment Facility.
Nilgiri Tahr • Tamil Nadu is set to implement Project Nilgiri Tahr, aimed at developing a better
understanding of its population for the 2022-27 periods.

Protection Status:

69
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Characteristics:
• Only mountain ungulate (animal with hooves) in southern India amongst the 12 species
present in India.
• Locally known as 'Varaiaadu'.
• Diurnal, but are most active grazing in the early morning and late afternoon.
• Only Tahr is adapted to a cold and wet tropical environment.
• State animal of Tamil Nadu.
• Threats: Habitat loss due to rampant deforestation, competition with domestic
livestock, hydroelectric projects, and monoculture plantations, occasional hunting for
its meat and skin.
Habitat:
• Endemic to the Western ghats with current distribution between Nilgiris in the north
and Kanyakumari hills in the south of the region.
• Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills, Kerala, is home to the largest population of
the Nilgiri tahr.
• Mukurthi national park created to protect the keystone species.

Red pandas • Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (West Bengal) has started a programme to
release 20 red pandas in about five years to the forests.
Protection Status:

Characteristics:
• Shy, solitary and arboreal (spending life on trees) animals.
• An indicator species for ecological change.
• Feed mainly on bamboo and has an extra thumb for feeding and climbing.
• Use their long, bushy tails for balance and to cover themselves in winter .
• Threats: Habitat loss and degradation, human interference and poaching.
Habitat:
• Almost 50% of red panda’s habitat is in the Eastern Himalayas.
• In India, found in Sikkim (State Animal), Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal and
Meghalaya.
• India home to both (sub) species: Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens) and Chinese
red panda (Ailurus styani).
Greater One-Horned • The reintroduction of Greater One-Horned Rhino in Manas National Park of Assam has
Rhino indicated higher life expectancy of them.
o Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a tiger reserve in
Western Assam.
Protection Status:

Characteristics:
• Asia’s largest Rhino species and 4th largest land animal.
• Excellent swimmer and can run at a speed of 55 km/hr for
short periods.
• Solitary animal, though several may occupy the same patch
of grassland or water source.
• Has incredible sense of hearing and smell, but eyesight is
relatively poor.
• Gestation period is about 16 months.
• Threats: Hunted for their horn (an ingredient in traditional Asian medicines),
destruction of their preferred habitat
Habitat:
• Alluvial Terai-Duar savanna grasslands and riverine forest.
• Found commonly in Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and India.
• India home to over 85% of the population.

70
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o Mainly found in the seven Protected Areas viz. - Kaziranga NP, Pobitara WLS,
Orang NP, Manas NP in Assam, Jaldapara NP and Gorumara NP in West Bengal and
Dudhwa NP in Uttar Pradesh.
o Assam has 71% of the world’s population (2652 as per 2018 census) with Kaziranga
National Park harbouring the highest number.
Conservation Measures: Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (to expand rhino’s range), Special Rhino
Protection Force, National Rhino Conservation Strategy launched in 2019 to conserve the
greater one-horned rhinoceros, etc.
Sangai • PM addressed Manipur Sangai Festival via video message.
(Manipur Brow- • Sangai Festival is named after, Sangai, brow-antlered deer found only in Manipur.
antlered deer)
Protection Status:

Characteristics:
• A medium-sized deer, with uniquely distinctive antlers.
• Called the Dancing Deer as it walks on the hind surface of its pasterns with mincing
hops over floating foliage known as Phumdi.
• Threats: Steadily degenerating habitat of phumdi as a result of pollution, continuous
inundation and flooding, invasion of non-native plants like Paragrass etc., threats of
diseases from the livestock, inbreeding depression and poaching.
Habitat: Loktak Lake inside Keibul Lamjao National Park (Manipur), over floating biomass,
called phumdi.
Conservation measures:
• State animal of Manipur.
• Loktak Lake designated as a wetland of International Importance under Ramsar
Convention.
Fishing cat • Chilika lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, is home to around 176 fishing cats,
according to a recent study conducted by the Chilika Development Authority in
collaboration with The Fishing Cat Project.
o The first population estimation carried out outside the protected area network.
Protection Status:

Characteristics:
• Nocturnal animal and an adept swimmer and twice the size of a house cat.
• Remarkable feature: Layered structure of their fur, a crucial adaptation to life in the
water.
• Threats: Destruction of wetlands, depletion of its main prey-fish due to unsustainable
fishing practices, poached for its skin.
Habitat:
• Found primarily in wetland and mangrove habitats.
• In India, mainly found in the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, on the foothills of
the Himalayas along the Ganga and Brahmaputra river valleys and in the Western
Ghats.
Conservation Measures:
• State animal of West Bengal and also designated as ambassador of Chilika since 2020.
Slender Loris • India’s first sanctuary for slender lorises was notified recently, named Kadavur Slender
Loris Sanctuary, in Tamil Nadu. It is declared under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Protection Status:
• IUCN Status: Grey Slender Loris is Near Threatened and Red Slender Loris is
Endangered.

71
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Characteristics:
• Arboreal in nature i.e., spend most of their life on trees.
• Primates that cannot jump.
• Threats: Threat from poachers due to the misplaced belief that these animals have
magical and medicinal powers, destruction of their habitat.
Habitat:
• Commonly found in the tropical scrub and deciduous forests and the dense hedgerow
plantations bordering farmlands of Southern India and Sri Lanka.
• Grey Slender Loris: found only in South India and small parts of Sri Lanka,
• Red Slender Loris: found only in Sri Lanka.
Indian Pangolin • CITES COP19 urged parties to remove references to pangolins from pharmacopoeia- an
official collection of approved pharmaceutical standards.
Protection Status:

Characteristics:
• Large anteater covered dorsally by scales.
• Can roll into a ball when in danger, exposing only the tough scales for protection.
• Have no teeth and pick up food with their sticky tongues.
• Only mammal wholly covered in scales.
• Behavior: solitary, primarily nocturnal animals.
• Gestation period: 65-70 days, which is much shorter than for other species of pangolin.
• Threats: Hunting and poaching for local consumptive use (e.g. as a protein source and
traditional medicine) and international trade, for its meat and scales in East and South
East Asian countries.
Habitat:
• There are 8 species of pangolins in the world, of which 2 are found in India: Indian
Pangolin (Endangered) & Chinese Pangolin (Critically Endangered).
• Indian Pangolin is widely distributed in India, except the arid region, high Himalayas
and North East.
Jeypore Ground Gecko • Jeypore Ground Gecko has been included in Appendix II of CITES.
Protection Status:

Characteristics:
• Nocturnal, comes out during the evening, after darkness, and forages on ground.
• Threats: Habitat loss and poaching for domestic and international trade.

Habitat:
• Endemic to peninsular India.
• Found in Eastern Ghats and southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh.

Avian species
Great Indian Hornbill • A video of the Great Indian Hornbill being tortured in Wokha District, Nagaland went
viral.
Protection Status:

72
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Characteristics:
• Largest member of the hornbill family.
• Female Great hornbills are smaller than males and have bluish white instead of red
eyes.
• Figs comprise a major part of their diet but the species also takes eggs, amphibians,
reptiles, insects, mammals, and small birds.
• Threats: Habitat loss from logging and shifting cultivation, hunting (meat, feathers and
casque are used for ornamental purposes) etc.

Habitat:
• Found in wet evergreen and mixed deciduous forests.
• Distributed in a range from western India, through Indochina, south of Malaya and
through Sumatra.
• In India, mainly Found in foothills of Himalayas and parts of northeast India, along with
Western Ghats.
Conservation measures:
• State Bird of Kerala.
• Hornbill Nest Adoption Program (community-based conservation) which was adopted
in 2011 to protect breeding populations of hornbills that occur outside Pakke Tiger
Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh.
Lesser Florican • Recently, Supreme Court directed the Rajasthan and Gujarat power producers to
install bird diverters to protect endangered Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican.
Protection Status:

Characteristics:
• Also known as Kharmor.
• A small and gracile bustard of the bustard family.
• Smallest of India’s 3 resident bustards.
• Male floricans are generally shorter and lighter than their female counterparts.
• Threats: Hunting, Grassland conversion to agriculture, overgrazing, collision with
energy infrastructure.
Habitat: Endemic to India and mainly found in grasslands and scrubby fields in parts of
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Indian Skimmer • Indian skimmer is seen in huge flocks during winter at the Coringa wildlife sanctuary
(Rynchops albicollis) (Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh).
Protection Status:

Characteristics:
• Breeds colonially on large, exposed sand-bars and islands.
• Feeds on surface-dwelling fish, small crustaceans and insect larvae.
• Threats: Habitat degradation, Excessive and widespread increases in disturbance,
Predation by corvids like House crows etc.
Habitat:
• Found in the coastal estuaries of western and eastern India.
• Chambal river is an important nesting site for Indian Skimmer.
Aquatic species

Gangetic River dolphin • Dolphins have started coming back to Ganga river with improvement in the quality of
its water through Namami Gange programme.
Protection Status:

73
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Characteristics:
• Can only live in freshwater and is blind.
• Has a slit similar to a blowhole on top of its head, which
acts as a nostril.
• Popularly referred to as 'Susu' due to the sound it
produces when breathing.
• Symbols of the ecological health of our major river
systems.
• Threats: Direct killing, habitat fragmentation by dams
and barrages and indiscriminate fishing.
Habitat: Found in the Ganges, Brahmaputra and their tributaries.
Conservation Measures:
• India’s national aquatic animal.
Olive Ridley turtle • Tamil Nadu will set up an international olive ridley turtle protection and rehabilitation
centre in Chennai.
Protection Status:

Characteristics:
• Smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles.
• Best known for their unique mass nesting called Arribada, where thousands of females
lay eggs on the same beach.
o A single turtle can lay over 110 - 140 eggs around.
• Diet: Carnivores, feed on jellyfish, shrimp, snails, crabs etc.
• Threats: Unintended capture in fishing gear, Direct Harvest of Turtles and Eggs, loss and
degradation of habitat, marine debris, climate change etc.
Habitat:
• Warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and
Indian oceans.
o Rushikulya river mouth is considered
the second-biggest rookery in India
after Gahirmatha.

Red-crowned roofed • India has put forward a proposal to better protect-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur
turtle kachuga) under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Protection Status:

Characteristics:
• Freshwater turtle species.
• Found in deep flowing rivers with terrestrial nesting sites.
• In comparison to their female counterparts, the males are shorter.
• Threats: Loss or degradation of habitat, drowning by illegal fishing nets, Poaching and
illegal trade etc.
Habitat:
• Native to India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
• Currently in India, the National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary is the only area with
substantial population of the species.
Leith’s soft-shell turtle • Two freshwater Indian turtle species have made to Appendix I from Appendix II of
CITES- Red-crowned roofed turtles (Batagur kachuga) and Leith’s soft-shell turtle
(Nilssonia leithii).

74
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Protection Status:

Characteristics:
• Large fresh water soft-shelled turtle.
• Can grow upto 1 m with average adult size varying from 700 mm to 1 m.
• Threats: High demand in traditional Chinese medicine and soup delicacy
Habitat:
• Endemic to peninsular India and inhabits rivers and reservoirs.
• Found in all major rivers of the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Orissa, like- Cauvery, Tungabhadra, Ghataprabha, Bhavani,
Godavari and Moyar.
Vaquita porpoise • Global population of Vaquita porpoise (porpoise family) declined by 98% in 2 decades.
Protection Status:

Characteristics:
• World’s smallest cetacean and most endangered marine mammal.
• Most often found close to shore in the Gulf's shallow waters.
• Known as "panda of the sea" for the distinctive black circles around its eyes.
Habitat: Northern Gulf of California and the Sea of Cortez, Mexico

Reptiles, Insects, amphibians etc.

Salt water crocodile • A record number of saltwater crocodiles laid eggs during the nesting season this year in
Bhitarkanika National Park situated in Odisha’s Kendrapara district.
Protection Status

Characteristics:
• Largest of all crocodilians, and the largest reptile in the world.
• Female saltwater crocodiles are smaller in size than their male counterparts.
• Threats: Illegal hunting for its meat and eggs, as well as for its commercially valuable
skin; Habitat loss and habitat alterations; Negative attitude towards the species.
Habitat:
• Extends from northern Australia to eastern India and South-east Asia.
• Present mostly on the eastern coast of the country around the Bhitarkanika,
Sunderbans and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Purple frog • Kerala is likely to announce the Purple Frog as its state frog.
(Nasikabatrachus Protection Status
sahyadrensis)

Characteristics:
• First discovered in October 2003 in the Idukki district of Kerala.
• Prefers loose, damp and well-aerated soil close to ponds and ditches or streams.
• Remains underground most of the year except for 2-3 weeks during the monsoon when
it comes out to mate.
• Threats: Deforestation from expanding cultivation, consumption and harvesting by
local communities.
Habitat: Endemic to the Western Ghats in India

75
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Monarch Butterfly • The International Union for the Conservation of Nature added the migrating monarch
butterfly for the first time to its red list of Threatened species and categorized it as
"endangered".
Protection Status

Characteristics:
• Migratory butterfly known for longest migration of any insect species known to
science.
• Each adult butterfly lives only about four to five weeks.
• Threats: Loss of habitat, increased use of herbicides and pesticides for agriculture, and
climate change.

Habitat: North, Central, and South America.

Blue Duke • Blue Duke, a native butterfly species to Sikkim and the eastern Himalayas,
edged past another contender Krishna Peacock to be announced as the State Butterfly
of Sikkim.
o Its scientific name is Bassarona durga.
Protection Status

Characteristics:
• Found at an altitude below 1,500 metres
• Discovered in Sikkim in 1858.
Habitat: Native to Sikkim and the eastern Himalayas.
Plant Species
Red Sanders • Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized Red Sanders worth Rs. 11.70 crore
under “Operation Rakth Chandan”.
o Its export from India is prohibited as per the Foreign Trade Policy.
Protection Status

Characteristics:
• Used in cosmetics, medicinal products and high-end furniture/woodcraft.
• Well-drained red soils with graveled loam are suitable for cultivation.
• Regenerates well in a dry hot climate and requires rainfall ranging from 800 mm to
1000 mm annually for excellent growth.
Habitat: Endemic to a distinct tract of forests in Eastern Ghats region of Andhra Pradesh.
Neelakurinji • The MoEFCC has listed Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) under Schedule III of the
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, including it on the list of protected plants.
o Those who uproot or destroy the plant will invite a fine of ₹25,000 and three years’
imprisonment.
o The cultivation of Neelakurinji and its possession is also not allowed.
Protection Status

Characteristics:
• Grows at an altitude of 1,300 to 2,400 meters.

76
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Acts like a soil binder in grasslands and is fire hardy and resistant.
• Blooms once every 12 years season.
Habitat: It is endemic to Western ghats generally bloom in the regions of Tamil Nadu, Kerala
& Karnataka.
Himalayan medicinal • Three Himalayan medicinal plant species have made it to IUCN Red List.
plant species • Meizotropis pellita (IUCN: Critically Endangered)
o Endemic to Uttarakhand.
o Oil extracted from leaves possesses strong antioxidants and can be natural
substitute for synthetic antioxidants in pharmaceutical industries.
• Fritilloria cirrhosa (IUCN: Vulnerable)
o Used in treatment of bronchial disorders and pneumonia.
• Dactylorhiza hatagirea (IUCN: Endangered)
• Used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and other alternative systems of medicine to cure
fever, cough etc.

3.3. FORESTS
3.3.1. FOREST (CONSERVATION) RULES, 2022
Why in news? Forest Conservation Act 1980
Recently, Ministry of Environment, Forest and • Came into force to address deforestation. Though the
Climate change has notified the Forest Indian Forest Act has been in force since 1927, it was
geared to allow the colonial British administration to
Conservation Rules 2022.
control the extraction of timber.
Salient features of Forest (Conservation) Rules, • There have been at least two major amendments to the
2022 FCA — in 1988 and 1996 to incorporate the Supreme
court judgment in the Godavarman case relating to
• These rules are notified under the Forest
definition of forest.
(Conservation) Act, 1980 and will replace the
Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003.
• The rules establish certain committees to perform various functions-
Committees Features
Project • To be constituted by State or UT.
screening • To meet atleast twice every month to recommend projects to State/UTs administration.
committee • To examine the proposal received from the State Government or Union territory Administration,
except proposals involving forest land of five hectares or less.
Regional • To be setup by Central govt in each of the regional offices.
Empowered • To meet atleast twice every month to examine every referred project for approval or rejection.
Committee
Advisory • To be setup by the Central govt consisting 6 members to meet every month.
Committee • To advise with regards to grant of approval under various sections of rules.
• Time frame:
o Non-mining projects between Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016
5-40 hectares reviewed within • Compensatory Afforestation (CA) refers to afforestation and
regeneration activities carried out as a way of compensating for
60 days.
forest land diverted to non-forest purposes.
o Mining projects between 5-40
• The act establishes National and State Funds for the same
hectares reviewed within 75 purpose.
days. • 90% of the all money collected for compensatory afforestation by
o For projects involving a larger a State/UT shall be transferred to the State Fund and the balance
area: 10% to the National Fund.
✓ 120 days for non-mining o The money received in the National and State fund shall be an
projects involving more interest bearing and non-lapsable under public account.
than 100 hectares. • National and State Authority: Their function is to manage and
✓ 150 days for mining utilise the respective funds for the purposes of this Act such as
projects involving more conservation and development of forest and wildlife.
than 100 hectares.
• Proposals for Prior Approval of the Central Government
o In- Principle’ approval after considering the recommendation of the Advisory Committee.

77
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 o Final approval: The Nodal Officer may, after receipt of the ‘In-Principle’ approval from the Central
Government.
• Compensatory Afforestation
o Land for compensatory afforestation shall be provided which is neither notified as forest under the
Indian Forest Act, 1927 or any other law nor managed as forest by the Forest Department.
Related news: Zoos Exempted from Permissions Under FCA
• The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change approved consideration of Central Zoo Authority
approved Zoos on forest land as forestry activity under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA), 1980.
• FCA considers zoos, rescue centres etc as a non-forestry activity and makes forest clearance from Centre
mandatory.
• Now, zoos will be exempted from taking multiple permissions under FCA.
• About Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
o Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for establishment of CZA (1992) to complement and strengthen the
national effort in conservation of the rich biodiversity of the country.
o CZA consists of a Chairman, ten members and a Member Secretary.
o Every Zoo in India needs CZA recognition for its operation.

3.3.2. COMMUNITY FOREST RIGHTS (CFR)

Why in news? About Kanger Ghati National Park (KNP)
• The name of KNP is derived from the Kangar
Chhattisgarh recognized community forest rights
river, which flows in its length.
(CFR) of the tribals of the Kanger Ghati National Park • Home to three exceptional caves –Kutumbasar,
(KNP). Kailash and Dandak- with Stellagmites and
More on the news Stalactitees structures.
• Tirathgarh Waterfall is located in the park.
• The KNP became the 2nd protected area in the • Forest type: Typical mixed humid deciduous type
country, after Simlipal in Odisha, where CFR of forest, in which the Sal, Saugaun, teak and
rights have been recognised. bamboo trees are available in abundance.
• Fauna and flora: Tiger, Panther, Wildcats,
• CFR area is common forest land that has been
Cheetal (Spotted Deer), Sambhar, Barking Deer,
traditionally protected and conserved for Wild Pig, Jacal, Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Sloth
sustainable use by a particular community. Bear, Flying Squirrel, Python, Hyena, Rabbit,
o May include forest of any category – Crocodile other and Civet.
revenue forest, classified & unclassified o The most popular species in this area is
forest, deemed forest, reserve forest, Bastar Maina (State Bird of Chhattisgarh
State), which is capable of emulating the
protected forest, sanctuary and national
human voices.
parks etc.
About community forest rights (CFR)
• CFR are recognised under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition
of Forest Rights) Act (FRA), 2006 which:
o Recognize and vest the forest rights and occupation in forest land in forest dwelling Scheduled
Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in such forests for
generations but whose right could not be recorded.
o Allow the community to formulate rules for forest use by itself and others.
o Give the authority to the Gram Sabha to adopt local traditional practices of forest conservation
and management within the community forest resource boundary.
• FRA provides for Community Rights (CRs) and CFR rights recognition in all forest lands, including
wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves and national parks.

3.3.3. OTHER FOREST RELATED NEWS

Trees Outside • Launched by: Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and US Agency for
Forests in India International Development (USAID) to:
Initiative o Enhance carbon sequestration,
o Support local communities,
o Strengthen climate resilience of agriculture.

78
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • To be implemented in seven states: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Odisha, Rajasthan,
Tamil Nadu, and UP.
• Will bring together farmers, companies, and private institutions in India to rapidly expand
tree coverage outside of traditional forests by 28 lakh hectares.
‘Tree City of the • Mumbai and Hyderabad have been jointly recognised as ‘2021 TCW’.
World’ (TCW) Tag • TCW programme has been started by United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation
and American non-profit organisation Arbor Day Foundation.
o Provides direction, assistance, and worldwide recognition for a community’s
dedication to its urban forest and framework for healthy, sustainable urban forestry
programme in town or city.
o City was evaluated based on five standards i.e. Establish Responsibility, Set the Rules,
Know What You Have, Allocate the Resources, and Celebrate the Achievements.
Nagar Van Scheme • Launched in 2020, on World Environment Day (5th June) to develop 400 Urban Forests
(Nagar Van) and 200 Nagar Vatika across the country in the next five years.
• Under the scheme
o A minimum of 20 hectares of forests will be created in the city.
o Forests will come up either on existing forest land or on any other vacant land
offered by urban local bodies.
o Van Udyan once established will be maintained by the State Government.
o Fully funded by the under CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016)
funds.
Miyawaki method • Fazilka district of Punjab has become a trendsetter in expanding forest cover by applying
the Miyawaki method.
• It is a technique of urban afforestation by creating micro forests over small plots of land.
o Devised by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in 1980s.
o Ensures 10 times faster growth of plant and 30 times denser than usual.
o In this technique, native trees of region are divided into four layers (shrub, sub-tree,
tree, and canopy) after identification and analysis of soil quality.
Vanikaran project • Kerala forest department launches ‘Vanikaran’ project to restore natural vegetation.
• It is an afforestation project to root out invasive plants, especially Senna spectabilis.
o It is being executed in Sulthan Bathery forest range of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
(WWS).
o Its pillars include planting saplings of Bamboo, fruit plants etc. and Rainwater
harvesting.
• WWS is an integral part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

3.4. WETLANDS, COASTLANDS AND OCEANS

3.4.1. NEW RAMSAR SITES
Why in news? Related news: Wuhan Declaration
• 14th Conference of the Parties (COP14) to Ramsar Convention on Wetlands adopted
Recently, India has
the Wuhan Declaration
designated 26 new • Wuhan Declaration calls for practical actions to promote conservation, restoration,
wetlands of management and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide.
international • Key priorities of Wuhan declaration are
importance under the o Take measures to halt and reverse wetland loss globally.
Ramsar Convention. o Incorporate wetlands into national actions to contribute to domestic
legislation, plans and implementation of SDGs.
More on the news o Define strategic goals and priority areas for wetlands in partnership with civil
• With this society stakeholders, academia and private sector.
designation, now o Importance of healthy wetland ecosystems as nature-based solutions for climate
mitigation, adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
India has a total of
• Also, another report presented at COP14 stated that information on 75% of wetlands
75 Ramsar sites
included in list of Ramsar Sites is outdated.
covering an area • Parties to Ramsar Convention are required to update information for their Ramsar
of 13,26,677 ha. Sites at least once every six years.
• Designation of
these sites would help in conservation and management of wetlands and wise use of their resources.
For more details on the newly added Ramsar Sites, kindly refer appendix at the end of the document.

79
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 About Wetlands
• Defined as any land area that is
saturated or flooded with water,
either seasonally or permanently.
• As per Ramsar convention, wetlands
include areas of marsh, fen, peatland
or water, whether natural or artificial,
permanent or temporary, with water
that is static or flowing, fresh,
brackish or salt, including areas of
marine water the depth of which at
low tide does not exceed six metres.
• India has over 7 lakh wetlands covering
~16 Mha i.e., 4.86% of the total
geographic area of the country.
• In comparison to man-made wetlands
area in India, natural wetlands area is
approximately two times.

80
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Nine criteria for identifying Wetlands of International Importance
1. Contains a representative, rare, or unique example of a natural or near-natural wetland type found within the
appropriate biogeographic region.
2. Supports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species or threatened ecological communities.
3. Supports populations of plant and/or animal species important for maintaining the biological diversity of a
particular biogeographic region.
4. Supports plant and/or animal species at a critical stage in their life cycles, or provides refuge during adverse
conditions.
5. Regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds.
6. Supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of waterbird.
7. Supports a significant proportion of indigenous fish subspecies, species or families, life-history stages, species
interactions and/or populations that are representative of wetland benefits and/or values and thereby contributes
to global biological diversity.
8. Important source of food for fishes, spawning ground, nursery and/or migration path on which fish stocks, either
within the wetland or elsewhere, depend.
9. Supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of wetland-dependent nonavian animal
species.

3.4.2. OTHER RAMSAR SITES IN NEWS

Ramsar Site Details
Chilika lake • Number of Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika lake has fallen.
• Chilika Lake, located in east coast of Odisha, is Asia's largest brackishwater lake and second
largest coastal lagoon in the world.
• Irrawaddy dolphins are coastal dolphins that are patchily distributed in the nearshore waters
of south and southeast Asia.
o Three discrete riverine populations occur in the Mekong, Mahakam and Ayeyarwady
Rivers of Cambodia, Indonesia and Myanmar, respectively.
o IUCN status: Endangered
Sundarbans • Comptroller and Auditor General pointed out delay in the coastal zone management plan
Wetland (CZMP), construction of multi-purpose cyclone shelters without clearances of CRZ norms in
Sunderbans.
• CRZ Notification, 2011 designated Sunderbans as Critically Vulnerable Coastal Area (CVCA)
and any development requires permission of WBSCZMA (West Bengal State Coastal Zone
management authority).
o However, no permission was taken before construction of the eco-tourism hub at
Jharkhali.
o Project resulted in the destruction of mangroves, riverine channels and natural habitats
of wildlife.
About Sunderbans
• It is located within the largest mangrove forest in the world, in the delta of the Rivers Ganges
and Brahmaputra.
• It is home to Tigers (Sundarban Tiger Reserve) and a number of other rare and threatened
species such as Irrawaddy Dolphin, fishing cat etc.
East Kolkata • Comptroller and Auditor General pointed out lack of effective action by the EKWMA (East
Wetlands (EKW) Kolkata Wetland Management Authority).
• It is a unique peri-urban ecosystem on the eastern fringes of Kolkata.
• It is a multiple use wetland with facilities to treat the city's wastewater and use it to support
pisci-culture or fish farming and agriculture.
Loktak Lake • The Central Bureau of Communication is organizing a floating photo exhibition at Loktak
Lake, Manipur.
• Loktak Lake, situated in a valley near Imphal, is the largest freshwater lake of Northeast
India.
• Hosts hundreds of floating islands called Phumdis with multiple plant species and Keibul
Lamjao National Park- the only floating national park in the world.
• Last natural habitat of Sangai Deer, an endangered deer, also known as dancing deer.
• Other Species of Loktak Lake: Hog Deer, Otter, a host of waterfowls and migratory birds.

81
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 3.4.3. ISLAND PROTECTION ZONE
Why in news?
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has approved changes under Island Protection Zone
(IPZ) and Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) for setting up gas-powered plants in A&N Islands.
More on the news
• The decision is based on the National Coastal Zone Management
Authority (NCZMA) recommendation for Gas based power plant
within the ICRZ-III area i.e. between 200-500m to:
o Meet the islanders' energy requirements, and
o Reduce dependence on highly polluting conventional fuels such
as Diesel.
• Under IPZ 2011 notification certain coastal stretches were declared as
CRZ and restrictions were imposed on the setting up and expansion of
industries, operations, and processes in that area.
• Further, ICRZ 2019 notification, limits infrastructure development on
vulnerable coastal stretches, especially for places such as A&N
Islands.
o It divides the 8 bigger oceanic islands in Andaman and Nicobar
into2 groups and declares their coastal stretches and the water area up to the territorial water limits
of the country, as the ICRZ.
o ICRZ covers the land area from the High Tide Line to 200 meters on the landward side along the sea
front for Group-I Islands and 100 meters on the landward side along the sea front for Group-II Islands.

3.4.4. BLUE FLAG BEACHES

Why in news?
The globally recognized International eco-label "Blue Flag”, has been accorded to two new beaches – Minicoy
Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach- both in Lakshadweep, taking the number of beaches certified under the
Blue Flag certification to 12.
About Blue Flag certification
• Awarded by: the Denmark-based non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education or FEE.
• Mission: To promote sustainability in the tourism sector, through environmental education,
environmental protection
and other sustainable
development practices.
• Awarded to: beaches,
marinas and sustainable
boating tourism operators.
• Eligibility criteria: A series
of stringent
environmental,
educational, safety, and
accessibility criteria must
be met and maintained.
• Award is based on
compliance to four main
categories:
o Environmental
Education and
Information;
o Water Quality;
o Environmental Management;
o Safety and Services.

82
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Related news: Abidjan Convention
• The COP13 of the Abidjan Convention was held.
• Formally, Convention for Cooperation in the Protection, Management and Development of the Marine and Coastal
Environment of the Atlantic Coast of the West and Central & Southern Africa Region came into force in 1984.
• It covers marine environment, coastal zones and related inland waters falling within West and Central and
Southern African Region.
• Mission: To “Protect, Conserve and Develop the Abidjan Convention Area and its Resources for the Benefit and
Well-being of its People.”

3.4.5. GREAT BARRIER REEF (GBR)

Why in news?
Scientists have successfully trialled a new method i.e., Cryomesh
to freeze and store coral larvae.
More on the news
• Cryomesh method will help in building reefs threatened by
climate change.
• Mesh technology will help to store coral larvae at -1960 C
(-320.8°F).
About GBR
• GBR is world’s largest barrier reef, located at north eastern
coast of Australia in coral sea.
o It was declared a World Heritage Area in 1981 because of
its 'outstanding universal value'.
About Corals
• Invertebrate animals belonging to a large group of colourful animals
called Cnidaria.
• Features:
o Each coral called a polyp.
o Contain microscopic algae called zooxanthellae (exist with animal
in a symbiotic relationship).
o Coral polyps (animals) provide algae (plants) a home, and in
exchange the algae provide polyps with food they generate
through photosynthesis.
Coral reefs in India
o Significance of Coral reefs:
• Found in Gulf of Mannar, Palk-bay, Gulf of Kutch,
o Share less than 1% of the earth’s surface but
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep islands
provide a home to nearly 25% of marine life. and Malvan (Maharashtra).
o Form barriers to protect shoreline from • About 570 species of hard corals found in India
waves and storms. and almost 90% of them are found in waters
• Types of Corals: surrounding A&N Islands.
o Hard corals, primary reef-building corals, • They are protected under Schedule I of Wildlife
extract calcium carbonate from seawater to Protection Act (WPA), 1972.
build hard, white coral exoskeletons.
o Soft Corals, flexible because they lack solid
skeleton.
• Threats: Ocean acidification, unsustainable fishing
(Blast fishing), nutrients run-offs, coral harvesting etc.
Related news
List of World Heritage in Danger
• A joint report by the IUCN and UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre (WHC) has recommended that the GBR “be
inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger”.
o Warming waters, coral bleaching, and crown-of-thorns starfish are contributing to the reef's decline.
• Inscribing a site on the Danger List allows the WHC to allocate immediate assistance from the World Heritage
Fund, while simultaneously gathering international support and attention to the site.

83
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Acropora corals
• A recent report stated that highest levels of coral cover, within the past 36 years, have been recorded in northern
and central parts of GBR, fuelled largely by increases in fast-growing Acropora corals.
• These fast-growing corals are also most susceptible to environmental pressures such as rising temperatures,
cyclones, pollution etc.
Black Corals
• Researchers have discovered new species of black corals living 2,500 feet below surface off the coast of Australia.
• They are all over the world and at all depths. However, typically, they are known as deep-sea corals.
• They are rarely black, but rather vary in color from white to red, green, yellow, or brown.
• They are filter feeders and eat tiny zooplankton.
Azooxanthellate Corals
• For the first time, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recorded four species of azooxanthellate corals from waters of
Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands.
• All four groups of corals are from same family Flabellidae.
o Four species, namely Truncatoflabellumcrassum, T. incrustatum, T. aculeatum, and T. irregulare, were
previously found from Japan to Philippines and Australian waters.
o Only T. crassum was reported within range of Indo-West Pacific distribution including Gulf of Aden and
Persian Gulf.
• Azooxanthellate corals are a group of corals that do not contain zooxanthellae and derive nourishment not from
the sun but from capturing different forms of plankton.
o They are deep-sea representatives, with the majority of species reporting from between 200 m to 1000 m.
o Their occurrences are also reported from shallow coastal waters.

3.5. OTHER BIODIVERSITY RELATED INITIATIVES

Animal Welfare • AWBI has issued advisories regarding stray dogs and pet dogs because of rising atrocities
Board of India against dogs, feeders of dogs and caregivers.
(AWBI) • A statutory body (HQ: Ballabhgarh, Haryana) established in 1962 under Prevention of
Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960 (PCA Act).
o Mandate: Prevent infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals under
provisions of PCA Act, 1960 and Rules framed under this Act.
• Acts as an advisory body to Central Government and State Government.
Champions of the • Indian wildlife biologist Dr Purnima Devi Barman honoured with UN Environment
Earth award Programme’s (UNEP) 2022 Champions of the Earth award in Entrepreneurial Vision
category.
• Barman leads Hargila Army, an all-female grassroots conservation movement to protect
Greater Adjutant Stork from extinction in Assam.
• About Champions of the Earth award:
o Inception in 2005, awarded annually.
o UN’s highest environmental honour, it recognizes outstanding leaders from
government, civil society, and private sector.
• Honours individuals and organisations whose actions have a transformative impact on
environment.
Oran land • Residents from Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) are demanding the Oran land to be declared as
community-conserved sacred spaces against its current status of wastelands.
• Orans are sacred spaces, which are rich in biodiversity and usually include a water body.
o The orans are habitats of the great Indian bustard, desert cat, etc.
• Orans are also spaces where herders take their livestock for grazing and are places for
communal congregations, festivals, and other social events.
Aceclofenac • Indian Veterinary Research Institute has demanded a ban on using aceclofenac in cattle.
• Aceclofenac is a veterinary painkiller.
• It metabolises into diclofenac in water buffaloes and cows which eventually threatens
vulture populations in the country.
• Diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug, was banned in 2006 as it was the main cause of
dramatic decline (99 per cent) of vulture population across Asia.
World Green City • Hyderabad city won the overall ‘World Green City Award 2022’ and ‘Living Green for
Award 2022 Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth’ award.
• The results are announced by The International Association of Horticulture Producers.
Sponge bleaching • This year, New Zealand recorded the largest-ever sponge bleaching event off its southern
coastline.
• About Sponges – simple aquatic animals with dense, yet porous, skeletons

84
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o Habitat - reefs across the world.
o Key features
✓ Filter large quantities of water
✓ Captures small food particles
✓ Moves carbon from water column to seafloor where it can be eaten by bottom-
dwelling invertebrates.
✓ Provides habitat for species such as crabs, shrimps and starfish.
• Threats – Like coral they are prone to bleaching due to heat stress.

3.6. REPORTS AND INDICES

Reports Details
State of the World’s • Released by: BirdLife International
Birds o It is a non-profit global conservation group, is the official Red List
Authority for birds.
o From India, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Mumbai is
BirdLife International partner.
Key findings of the report
• Report highlighted threat to
almost half of the 10,994
recognised extant species of
birds.
• Maleo Macrocephalon
maleo and Vietnamese
Crested Argus Rheinardia
ocellata are added to
Critically Endangered (CR).
• Threats affecting the
greatest number of world’s
threatened bird species are
(in descending order):
Agriculture, logging, hunting
and trapping, invasive alien
species, residential and
commercial development,
and fire and fire suppression.
• Apart from tropical forests,
threat of natural grasslands
has been particularly worrying for North America, Europe, and India.
• More threatened bird species (86.4%) are found in tropical than in temperate latitudes.
State of the World's • Released by: United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) during World
Forests 2022 Forestry Congress
• Presents data and analysis on the interaction between forests and people every two
years, with a focus on a specific pertinent topic.
• SOFO 2022 explores the potential of three forest and tree based pathways for
achieving green recovery and tackling environmental crises, including climate change
and biodiversity loss.
• Key Findings
o More than half (54%) of the world’s forests is in only five countries – the Russian
Federation, Brazil, Canada, the United States of America and China.
o Forests absorbed more carbon than they emitted in 2011–2020.
o The rate of deforestation is declining but was still 10 million ha per year in 2015–
2020.
IPBES Assessment • Released by: Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem
Report: Sustainable Services (IPBES)
Use of Wild Species • Offers insights, analysis and tools to establish more sustainable use of wild species of
plants, animals, fungi and algae around the world.
• First of its kind and has been conceived after a period of four years.
• Identifies five broad categories of ‘practices’ in the use of wild species i.e. fishing,
gathering, logging, terrestrial animal harvesting (including hunting), and non-
extractive practices such as observing.

85
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 State of Mangroves • Released by: Global Mangrove Alliance (annual report).
2022 Key findings
• Global Mangrove extent is of 147,359 km2 (2020). It is higher than previous estimates of
136,000 km2 (for 2016) largely due to improved maps rather than real gains.
• The rates of loss have greatly diminished, with averaged losses over the last decade of
just 66 km2 of all mangroves per year (327 km2 between 1996 and 2010).

Living Planet Report • Released by: World Wide Fund

Living Planet Index (LPI).
2022 and Living Planet for Nature (WWF)
• LPI measure of state of world's biological
Index (LPI) o WWF is an international
diversity based on population trends of
non-governmental
vertebrate species from terrestrial,
organization founded in
freshwater and marine habitats.
1961, headquartered in
Gland, Switzerland. • LPI has been adopted by the Convention of
Biological Diversity as an indicator of
• Released every two years,
progress towards its 2011-2020 targets and
measures how species are
can play an important role in monitoring
responding to pressure in the
progress towards the post-2020 goals.
environment due to biodiversity
loss and climate change.
• Title: Building A Nature-Positive Society

86
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Key findings
o 69% decline in the wildlife populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles,
and fish, across the globe in the last 50 years.
o Highest decline was in Latin America and the Caribbean region.
Global Forest • Global Forest Declaration Assessment is an independent, civil society-led initiative.
Declaration • The report assesses progress towards halting deforestation and restoring 350 million
Assessment Report hectares of degraded land by 2030.
(2022) o These goals are set through international manifestos. These include the New York
Declaration on Forests (2014) and the Glasgow Leaders Declaration on Forests and
Land Use (2021).
• The Report divides the assessment in 4 major themes. Overarching forest Goals i.e.,
Ending the loss
and degradation of
natural forests by
2030; Sustainable
Production and
development;
Forest Governance
including legal,
policy, and
institutional
frameworks; and
Finance for forest.

87
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 4. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
4.1. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2022
Why in news?
India ranked at 121 out of 163
countries in the Sustainable
Development Report (SDR),
2022, published by a group of
independent experts at the
Sustainable Development
Solutions Network (SDSN).
About the report
• SDR (formerly SDG Index
& Dashboards) assess
where each country
stands with regard to
achieving SDGs.
• Key Findings of the
report
o For the second year in a row, world is no longer making progress on the SDGs.
o Based on 2022 International Spillover Index, rich countries generate negative international spillovers
notably through unsustainable consumption.
✓ Spillover effect refers to effect on the economy of a country from unrelated events happening in
another country.
o Peace, diplomacy, and international cooperation are fundamental conditions for the world to
progress on the SDGs towards 2030 and beyond.

• India’s Performance
o India’s rank slipped for the 3rd consecutive year from 117 in 2020 and 120 in 2021.
o India achieved 2 SDG goals (SDG 12 & 13), challenges remain in 1 (SDG 4), significant challenges remain
in 3 (SDG 1, 7 & 10) and major challenges remain in 11 out of total 17 SDGs (SDG 2, 3, 5,6,8,9,11,14,15,16
& 17).
Related news: India-UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023–27
• The framework is the single most important instrument capturing the entirety of 26 UN entities’ plans and
programmes in India.

88
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • It aims to align the four pillars of the 2030 Agenda—People, Prosperity, Planet and Participation, with India’s
national priorities.
• It has six outcome areas: (i) health and well-being (ii) nutrition and food (iii) quality education (iv) economic growth
and decent work (v) environment, climate, wash and resilience (vi) empowering people, communities, and
institutions.
• It takes up from the GoI–UNSDF 2018–22 and will be signed as India completes 75 years of independence.

4.2. SUSTAINABLE CITIES INTEGRATED APPROACH PILOT (SCIAP)

PROJECT
Why in news?
UN-Habitat has, based on its findings on sustainable cities integrated approach pilot (SCIAP) project,
highlighted issues related to Jaipur’s urban development to propose strategic interventions and promote
sustainable development.
About sustainable cities integrated approach pilot (SCIAP) project
• Implemented by: UNIDO and UN-Habitat in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
(MoHUA), Government of India.
• Funded by: Global Environment Facility.
• Covers 5 pilot cities: Jaipur, Mysore, Vijayawada, Guntur and Bhopal.
• Goal: To infuse sustainability strategies into urban planning and management at the city level and create
an enabling climate for investments in green infrastructure that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
improve service delivery and enhance the quality of living for all citizens, thereby building resilience and
strengthening the governance capacity of the cities.
• Major component of the project: To develop an Urban Sustainability Assessment Framework (USAF) for
spatial planning in India.
o It is designed as a decision support tool for municipal commissioners and urban practitioners to
support sustainable and resilient urban planning and management of cities in India.
• Jaipur has received an overall sustainability rating of three on USAF.

4.2.1. OTHER SUSTAINABLE HABITAT INITIATIVES

11th World Urban • Held at Katowice, Poland, the WUF is the premier global conference on sustainable
Forum (WUF), urbanization co-organized by UN-Habitat.
2022 • WUF was established in 2001 by the UN to examine rapid urbanization and its impact on
communities, cities, economies, climate change and policies.
○ First WUF was held in Nairobi, Kenya in 2002.
• At 11th WUF, the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) Climate Centre for Cities (NIUA C-
Cube), World Resources Institute India (WRI India) etc. launched India’s first national
coalition platform for urban nature-based solutions (NbS).
GRIHA (Green • UIDAI Headquarter in New Delhi has won the GRIHA Exemplary Performance Award 2022.
Rating for

89
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Integrated • GRIHA was developed by TERI (private energy research institute) and was adopted as
Habitat national rating system for green buildings by Government of India in 2007.
Assessment) • It evaluates environmental performance of a building holistically over its entire life cycle,
thereby providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a ‘green building’.
• It is also recognized as India’s own green building rating system in INDIA’s INDC submitted
to UNFCCC.
CITIIS (City • The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) under the CITIIS program organised a
Investments to photography exhibition, titled “Cities of Tomorrow”.
Innovate, • CITIIS is a joint program of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs the French
Integrate & Development Agency the European Union, and NIUA.
Sustain) program o Aim: to provide financial assistance by way of grants and technical assistance through
international and domestic experts.
o Main component of the ‘Program to fund Smart City projects through a Challenge
Process.’

4.3. INDIA’S FIRST SOVEREIGN GREEN BONDS (SGB) FRAMEWORK

Why in news? Green Bonds in India
Ministry of Finance approves India’s First Sovereign Green Bonds • In 2017, SEBI had brought disclosure
(SGB) Framework. norms for green bonds whereby issuer
will have to make disclosure about
About Sovereign Green Bonds environmental objectives of issue of
such securities.
• A green bond is a fixed-income instrument designed to • India’s First Green Bond was issued by
support specific climate-related or environmental projects. Yes Bank Ltd in 2015.
o SGBs are issued by the Government.
• Earlier, Union Budget 2022-23 announced the issuance of SGBs.
• Key highlights of framework
o A ‘green project’ classification is based on the principles like: Encourages energy efficiency, reduces
carbon & GHG emissions etc.
o Eligible projects under the framework include: Renewable energy, clean transportation, water and
waste management, green building etc.
o Excludes, nuclear power generation, landfill projects, direct waste incineration, hydropower plants
larger than 25 MW etc.
o Green Finance Working Committee constituted to validate key decisions on issuance of SGB.
o Proceeds will be deposited with Consolidated Fund of India.
Related news
Municipal Green Bonds
• Sebi has announced that issuers of municipal debt securities can issue green bonds in compliance with guidelines
for issuance and listing non-convertible debentures.
• Eligible projects include, renewable energy, clean transportation, water and waste management, green building
etc.
Blue Bonds
• SEBI has proposed the concept of blue bonds as a mode of sustainable finance.
• A blue bond is a relatively new form of debt instrument that is issued to support investments in healthy oceans
and blue economies.
o Blue Economy is sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs.
• Blue bonds offer an opportunity for mobilising private sector capital to be mobilized to support the blue
economy.
• India can deploy blue bonds in various aspects of blue economy like oceanic resource mining, sustainable fishing,
national offshore wind energy policy etc.

4.4. GREEN PERMITS

Why in news?
Ministry of Environment extends tenure of green permits.
More on the news
• The tenure of Environmental Clearances (EC) given has been extended for the following projects -

90
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o River valley projects to have 13-year validity
o Nuclear power projects or those involving the processing of nuclear fuel to have 15 years validity
o For projects and activities other than mining and river valley projects will valid for 10 years.
• EC for mining leases is also under review as presently, mining leases are granted for 50 years and EC is
valid for 30 years.
• Need for the extension arose as- Other recent Amendments to Environmental Impact Assessment
o Nuclear power and hydropower (EIA) rules 2006
projects have high gestation • Exempts highway projects related to defence and strategic
importance within 100 km of Line of Control or border from
period due to geological
requirement of environmental clearance.
surprises, delays in forest • Increases exemption threshold of biomass-based power plants
clearance, etc. which use auxiliary fuels such as coal, lignite or petroleum
o Considering the time taken for products up to 15% and fish handling capacity of ports and
addressing local concerns harbours which exclusively handle fish.
including environmental issues • Exempts projects pertaining to expansion of terminal buildings
relating to implementation of at airports (without an increase in existing area of airport) from
such projects. seeking green nod.
• Any Category ‘B’ projects of national importance shall be
About EC appraised at the Central level as Category ‘B’ projects. These
• First made mandatory under the projects are related to-
o National Defence or strategic or security importance
Environmental (Protection) Act 1986
o Notified by the Central Government on account of
for expansion or modernisation of exigencies such as pandemics, natural disasters or to
any activity or for setting up new promote environmentally friendly activities under National
projects listed in Schedule 1 of the Programmes or Schemes or Missions.
notification.
• Currently, EIA process in India is ruled by EIA Notification, 2006 and its subsequent amendments.
Key Features of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) rules 2006
• Prior Environmental Clearance (EC) mandatory for notified projects such as mining, thermal power plants, river
valley, infrastructure and industries like electroplating or foundry units to get.
• EC process for projects comprises of 4 stages namely screening, scoping, public consultation and appraisal.
o Time period of 105 days for granting EC which includes 60 days for appraisal and 45 days for decision by
regulatory authority.
• Categorization of the projects based on the spatial extent of potential impacts and potential impacts on human
health and natural and man-made resources.
• All Category ‘A’ and Category B1 projects or activities shall undertake Public Consultation with some exemptions
like- modernization of irrigation projects, expansion of Roads and Highways which do not involve any further
acquisition of land, Building /Construction projects/Area Development projects and Townships etc.
o Public hearing is completed within a period of 45 days from date of receipt of the request letter from the
Applicant.

91
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Related news:
State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAAs)
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has been directed by NGT to form panel to
formulate safeguards and guidelines to be followed by SEIAAs.
o Earlier, MoEF&CC had decentralised environmental clearance process required for a certain category of
projects.
• SEIAAs are responsible for providing environmental clearance for a bulk of infrastructure, developmental and
industrial projects.
o Their main purpose is to assess the impact of proposed project on environment and people, and to try and
minimize this impact.
Revised Draft of Standards for Firms to Self-Report Environmental Impact
• The draft has been published for public comment by the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB), the
independent standard-setting body of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Biodiversity Standard.
• GRI: A global entity that helps businesses take responsibility for their impacts on biodiversity.
o GRI Standards designed to be used by organisations to report on their impacts on the economy, the
environment and society.
o GRI disclosures on biodiversity were last revised in 2006.

4.5. CLOUD FOREST ASSESTS

Why in News?
Recently a new report “Cloud Forest Assets
Financing a Valuable Nature-Based Solution"
was released by Earth Security, a global
nature-based asset management advisory firm.
More on News
• The suggested Cloud forest bonds as per
the report are a part of ‘ Nature Based
Solutions (NBS)’ and their financing to
protect these Cloud forests.

About Cloud Forest and The Cloud Forest 25 (CF25) initiative

• Cloud Forests are mountain tropical forests generally found at the river headstreams and mostly covered
with clouds.
o These forests serve as the storage of clean water for communities, industries and hydropower plants.
o Majority of Cloud Forest i.e., 90% are found in 25 developing countries in tropical regions which bears
the disproportionate impact of climate change.
• CF25 is an Investment Initiative to bring countries, their creditors and multilaterals organizations together
to accelerate, and consolidate the progress and scale such investment products.
• Financing Mechanisms
o Water Payments: To create a mechanism for payments for ecosystem services from water users such
as hydropower dams which works on a national scale and is subject to compliance norms.
o Sovereign Carbon: The financing of forest carbon at sovereign and sub-sovereign jurisdictional scales
as part of an approach to wider areas of lowland tropical rainforests.
o For these, the report proposes Cloud Forest bonds, which can be issued through such collective
mechanisms.
92
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o Cloud forest bonds are debt based instruments to mobilise finance for protection of cloud forest.
Their value is based on the economic value of a country’s Cloud forest resources.

93
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Related news: State of Finance for Nature (SFN) 2022 report
• The recently released ‘State of Finance for Nature (SFN) 2022’ report revealed that nature-based solutions are still
significantly under-financed.
• It was released by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the BMZ-financed Economics of Land
Degradation (ELD) Initiative with support from Vivid Economics by McKinsey.
o ELD is a global initiative aimed at integrating the true value of land into decision-making processes and
promoting sustainable land use.
o It was launched in 2011 by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ),
the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the European Commission.
• It quantifies public and private finance flows to nature-based solutions (NbS) to tackle global challenges related to
biodiversity loss, land degradation and climate change.

4.6. ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND ENERGY RESOURCES

4.6.1. OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY
Why in news?
The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an autonomous Institute under Ministry of Earth Sciences
(MoES) is establishing India’s first Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) plant.
More about news
• OTEC plant will have a capacity of 65kW in
Kavaratti, Lakshadweep with indigenous
technology.
• It will power the Low Temperature Thermal
Desalination (LTTD) based desalination plant for
conversion of Sea water into Potable water.
• Earlier in 1980, India had planned to set up an
OTEC plant, off the Tamil Nadu coast, but it was
abandoned.
About Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)
• A process for producing energy by harnessing the
temperature differences (thermal gradients)
between ocean surface waters and deep ocean
waters.
o In tropical regions, surface water, heated by
Sun’s energy, can be much warmer than deep
water.
o This temperature difference can be used to produce electricity and to desalinate ocean water.
• OTEC systems use a temperature difference of at least 20° Celsius to power a turbine to produce
electricity.
• India’s potential: OTEC
has a theoretical potential
of 180,000 MW in India
subject to suitable
technological evolution.
• Advantages: India is
geographically well-
placed; Generates a
constant, clean source of
electricity unlike
intermittent electricity
from renewable resources
like wind and solar;
Potential to generate potable water, hydrogen, and ammonia; Cold and nutrient rich water from the
OTEC process can benefit commercial products such as air conditioning, aquaculture, etc.

94
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Challenges associated with OTEC:
o High up-front capital costs;
o Currently at pre-R&D/demonstration stage or the initial stage of commercialization;
o Potential impact on marine organisms and ecosystem due to discharge of cooler, denser and nutrient
rich water from OTEC facilities, entanglement in cables, entrapment, noise generation, accidental
release of biocides (used for water treatment) or other potential pollutants etc.
Related news: Sindhuja-I
• It is an Ocean Wave Energy Converter developed by IIT Madras.
• It consists of a floating buoy, a spar, and an electrical module.
o Electric module generates electricity by using the relative motion between floating buoy (moving up and
down with waves) and fixed spar passing through buoy centre.
o It can help India to meet energy needs of its islands and also achieve climate change-related goal of
generating 500 GW (gigawatt) of renewable energy (RE) by 2030.
• Seawater stores tidal, wave and ocean thermal energy, make the harnessing of 40 GW wave energy possible in
India.
• Advantages: No pollution, Renewable, Higher available energy densities, Predictable and Less volatile in
comparison to some other RE sources.
• Disadvantages: High Initial Cost, Threat to Marine Life and Navigation, Location dependent and risk of damage
from natural forces.

4.6.2. COAL GASIFICATION

Why in news?
Union government has allowed a concession
of 50% in revenue share for coal gasification.
More about news
• Concession of 50% in revenue share can be
availed if the successful bidder consumes
the coal produced either in its own
plant(s) or plant of its holding, subsidiary,
affiliate, associate for coal gasification or
liquefaction or sells the coal for coal
gasification or liquefaction on a yearly
basis.
o This is subject to conditions that at
least 10% of scheduled coal production
as per approved mining plan for that
year shall be consumed or sold for
gasification or liquefaction.
About coal gasification (CG)
• Process converting coal into synthesis gas
(syngas), which is a mixture of hydrogen (H2),
carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide
(CO2).
• In-situ process, in which oxygen is injected
into the seam along with water and ignited at
high temperature.
o In ex-situ process, reactor is developed
for simulating the gasification process
above the surface of ground.
• In the gasification process, sulphur present in
the coal is converted to hydrogen sulphide
(H2S) and minor amounts of carbonyl
sulphide (COS).
o These sulphur compounds can be easily and economically removed using acid gas removal systems.

95
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • Advantages:
o Clean coal technology compared to burning of coal as CG plants do not produce any scrubber sludge;
o Most part of the wash water is recycled and the residual waste waters from gasification plants can
be effectively treated.
o Coal can be used to produce number of products using clean coal technologies
✓ Hydrogen, Methanol and Fertilizers through coal gasification.
✓ Carbon Fibres, Plastic composites using ash/ residue of the coal power plant/ gasifier.
Related news
• Centre has prepared a National Mission document to achieve 100 million tonne (MT) coal gasification by 2030.
• Under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, Ministry of Coal has taken National Coal Gasification Mission initiative for
utilizing coal through coal gasification and achieve 100 MT coal gasification by year 2030.
o Nodal officer: All coal companies have been advised to appoint a nodal officer and to prepare an action plan
for gasifying at least 10% of their coal production.
o Interest Rate Subvention: Interest Rate Subvention may be provided thereby reducing the interest burden on
coal gasification projects and improve the bankability of these projects.
o Import duty exemption: Import duty exemption for capital goods for setting up coal gasification projects may
be considered.

4.6.3. NATIONAL POLICY ON BIOFUELS-2018

Why in News?
Recently, the Cabinet approved amendments to the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 to advance the target of
20% ethanol blending in petrol to Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26 from earlier 2030.
About Biofuels
• Refers to liquid transportation fuels,
such as ethanol and biodiesel,
derived from agricultural produce,
forests or any other organic material
(feedstock).
• Based on the feedstock (raw
materials) used to produce biofuels,
they are classified into four
generations (see image).
○ Presently, first-generation
biofuels are the main source of biofuels globally despite 140
billion tonnes of agro-waste or biomass generated from
agriculture every year.
National Policy on Biofuels-2018
• Aim: To increase usage of biofuels in the energy and
transportation sectors of the country in the coming decade; and
to utilize, develop and promote domestic feedstock and its
utilization for production of biofuels.
• Biofuels Covered: Bioethanol, Biodiesel and BioCNG.
• Implementation: By National Bio-fuel Coordination Committee
(NBCC), set up in 2020, chaired by Minister Petroleum and Natural
Gas. It has representatives from 14 other ministries and departments to-
o Take decisions for effective implementation and monitoring of biofuels program in the country, and
o Provide overall coordination among FCI and oil marketing companies.
• Recent Amendments: Apart from advancing of target, the cabinet also approved:
o Use of more feedstock for production of biofuels.
o Production of biofuels under the ‘Make in India’ programme in Special Economic Zones and Export
Oriented Units.
o To grant permission for export of biofuels in specific cases.
o Addition of new members to the NBCC and it has the permission to change the policy.
• Other Features (apart from achieved and amended targets):
96
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o Categorization of Biofuels up to three generations and support production of second generation
ethanol Bio refineries through Viability Gap Funding.
o Increased scope of Raw Material for 1st Generation Ethanol such as damaged foodgrains, Starch
containing materials, sugar containing materials etc.
o Allows use of surplus foodgrains as raw material after NBCC approval.
o To develop the National Biomass Repository by conducting appraisal of biomass across the country.

4.6.4. NATIONAL BIOENERGY PROGRAMME

Why in news? Related terms
Recently, Ministry of New and Renewable • Bioenergy refers to electricity and gas that is generated from
Energy (MNRE) has notified that National organic matter, known as biomass.
• Biomass is renewable organic material that comes from plants
Bioenergy Programme (NBP) will
and animals. Biomass is the raw material to produce biogas.
continue from FY 2021-22 to 2025-26 with Major component of biomass is carbon.
a budget outlay of ₹858 crore for the first • Biogas is a renewable fuel produced by the breakdown of
phase. organic matter such as food scraps and animal waste by
About NBP microorganisms in absence of oxygen.
o Biogas is composed mostly of methane (CH4), and carbon
NBP will comprise the three sub-schemes dioxide (CO2).
namely Waste to Energy Programme,
Biomass Programme, and Biogas Programme.
Sub-scheme Objective Scope Advantages
Waste to Energy • To support the setting up of • Provides Central • Safe,
Programme Waste to Energy projects for Financial Assistance technologically
(Programme on generation of Biogas/ Bio-CNG/ (CFA) to project advanced means
Energy from Urban, Power plants (excluding developers and service of waste disposal
Industrial and municipal solid waste to power charges to that reduces
Agricultural Wastes project)/ producer or syngas implementing/inspection greenhouse
/Residues) from urban, industrial and agencies in respect of gases, generates
agricultural wastes/residues. successful clean energy and
• Implementing agency: Indian commissioning of waste recycles metal.
Renewable Energy to energy plants.
Development Agency (IREDA).
o IREDA, established in 1987,
is a Mini Ratna (Category-I)
Enterprise under
administrative control of
MNRE.
Biomass • To support setting up of • Provides CFA to project • Reduce stubble
Programme Biomass Briquette/Pellet developers and service burning.
(Scheme to Support manufacturing plants and to charges to implementing • Provide additional
Manufacturing of support Biomass (non-bagasse) agency and inspection source of income
Briquettes & Pellets based cogeneration projects in agencies in respect of to farmers and
and Promotion of Industries. setting up of Briquette / better
Biomass (non- • Implementing agency: IREDA. Pellet manufacturing environmental
bagasse) based plants and Biomass (non- practices and
cogeneration in bagasse) cogeneration reduced pollution.
Industries) projects in industries.
Biogas Programme • Setting up of biogas plants for • Covers setting up of small • GHG reduction,
small power needs of users. and medium biogas improved
• Implemented by designated plants ranging from 1M3 sanitation,
Programme Implementing (cubic meter) to 2500 M3 Employment
Agency (PIA) of State/ Union biogas generation per Creation, and
Territory/Biogas Development day for individual user, digested slurry
and Training Centres (BDTC). farmers, poultry etc. from biogas plants
• IREDA, NABARD/ RBI approved can supplement /
Financial Institutions may also reduce use of
implement it in consultation chemical
with PIAs. fertilizers.

97
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 4.6.5. PRADHAN MANTRI URJA SURAKSHA EVAM UTTHAAN MAHABHIYAAN (PM
KUSUM) SCHEME
Why in News?
Recently, the Central Government removed the performance bank guarantee (PBG) clause for Solar Power
Generators (in Component-A) to improve the
PM-KUSUM Scheme performance.
About PM-KUSUM Scheme
• Launched in 2019 by the Ministry of New
and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) of MNRE
will coordinate with States/UTs, Discoms
and farmers for implementation of the
scheme.
• Aim: To ensure energy security for
farmers by Harvesting Solar Energy and
increase the share of installed capacity of
electric power from non-fossil-fuel sources to 40% by 2030 as part of Intended Nationally Determined
Contributions (INDCs).
• Target: To add 30.8 Gigawatt (GW) of solar capacity by FY2025-26 (Earlier target was to be completed by
2022), and De-dieselization of Farm Sector by replacing Diesel Pumps with Solar Pumps.
PM-KUSUM: Components and Implementation
Component-A: Component-B: Component-C:
• To set up 500 KW to 2 MW Renewable Energy • To support 20 lakh individual • Restructured to
based power plants by individual farmers/ farmers in installing standalone Solarisation of
cooperatives/panchayats /farmer producer solar pumps of capacity up to agricultural
organizations (FPO), on their barren or 7.5 Horsepower (HP) where feeders instead of
cultivable lands or pastureland and marshy land, grid supply is not available. pumps and
referred as Renewable Power Generator (RPG). o Pumps of Higher Capacity supports 15 lakh
o Projects smaller than 500 kW may be can also be installed; individual farmers
allowed (earlier not allowed) by states however, the financial to solarise pumps
based on techno-commercial feasibility. support will be limited to of capacity up to
• The power generated will be purchased by the 7.5 HP capacity. 7.5 HP.
DISCOMs at a pre-fixed tariff determined by o It is mandatory to use • For Components B
respective SERC. indigenously and C Centre bears
• Performance Based Incentives @ Rs. 0.40 per manufactured solar panels 30% of pump cost
unit or Rs. 6.60 lakhs/MW/year, whichever is with indigenous solar cells while 70% is borne
less, will be provided by MNRE to DISCOMs for and modules. by State-owned
five years for buying from RPGs. DISCOMs.

[Link]. OTHER SOLAR ENERGY RELATED NEWS

Scheme for • Under the ‘Scheme for Development
Development of of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar
Solar Parks and Power Projects’, a total of 57 solar
Ultra Mega parks of aggregate capacity of 39,285
Solar Power MW were sanctioned until November-
Projects end.
o However, only solar power
projects of 10,027 MW have been
commissioned in these parks.
• Scheme was rolled out by Ministry for
New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
in 2014 to help solar project
developers set up projects in a plug-and-play model.
o Target: To set up at least 25 Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects targeting
over 20 GW of solar power installed capacity within a span of 5 years starting from 2014-
15.

98
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o Capacity of the Scheme: enhanced from 20 GW to 40 GW in 2017.
o Implementing agency: Solar Power Park Developer (SPPD).
o Facilitates and speeds up installation of grid connected solar power projects for
electricity generation on a large scale.
Organic solar • Recently researchers at IIT Kanpur have developed an organic solar cell on steel substrates.
cells (OSCs) o It can convert a steel roof into an energy producing device.
• OSCs are one of the emerging photovoltaic (PV) technologies and are classified as third-
generation solar cells with organic polymer material as the light absorbing layer.
• Benefits of OSCs
o Lightweight, can cover a much larger area, and has low manufacturing costs.
o Potential to store much larger amounts of solar energies than other solar technologies.
India’s Largest • NTPC has said it has commissioned India’s largest floating solar power project.
Floating Solar • 100 MW Floating Solar Power Project has been operationalized at NTPC Ramagundam,
Power Project Telangana.
• The project is endowed with advanced technology as well as environment friendly features.
‘Gharkeupar • Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy launched the Pan-India Rooftop Solar
solar is super’ Awareness Campaign in a bid to mobilize public support for installing solar rooftop panels.
campaign (Solar • The campaign is aimed at mobilizing local government, citizens, and municipalities to spread
Rooftop) awareness of Solar Rooftop among 100 Indian towns and cities, especially tier 2 and tier 3
towns/cities.
o Government is providing 40% of subsidy for households to install solar.

4.6.6. ELECTRICITY (PROMOTING RENEWABLE ENERGY THROUGH GREEN

ENERGY OPEN ACCESS) RULES, 2022
Why in news?
Ministry of Power has notified Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access)
Rules, 2022.
Key highlights of the Rules
• Consumers are entitled to demand supply of Green Power from Discoms.
• Commercial and Industrial consumers are allowed to purchase green power on voluntarily basis.
• Green Open Access is allowed to any consumer and reduction in the limit of Open Access Transaction
from 1 MW to 100 KW for green energy.
o This aims to enable small consumers also to purchase renewable power through open access (OA).
• Increase transparency in approval process of OA.
o OA approvals will be granted in 15 days or else it will be deemed to have been approved subject to
fulfilment of technical requirements. It will be through national portal.
• Uniform renewable purchase obligation on all obligated entities in the area of a distribution licensees.
• Green certificates for consumers if they consume green power.
• Cross subsidy surcharge and additional surcharge shall not be applicable if green energy is utilized for
production of green hydrogen and green ammonia.
Related news: Green Energy Open Access Portal
• Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy launched Green Energy Open Access Portal.
• Portal will allow consumers to access green power easily through transparent and streamlined procedure.
• Any consumer with a connected load of 100 kW or above can get Renewable Energy (RE) through open access
from any RE generating plant.
o Open access means non-discriminatory access to electricity transmission and distribution system to eligible
consumers, generators and state distribution companies (DISCOMS).

4.6.7. OTHER ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

Coal-bed Methane
• Ministry of Coal has released policy guidelines for utilisation of de-coaled land for
(CBM)
setting up thermal and renewable energy (RE) power plants, CBM extraction units,
and coal to chemical plants.
• CBM is an unconventional form of natural gas found in coal deposits or coal seams,
formed during the process of coalification, transformation of plant material into
coal.

99
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • When coal and methane conversion process occur
such that coal is saturated with water and methane is
trapped within coal, the result is CBM.
• Uses: Power generation, as CNG auto fuel, feedstock
for fertilisers, industrial uses such as in cement
production, rolling mills, steel plants, and for
methanol production.
• Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas formulated CBM
Policy under Oilfields (Regulation & Development) Act
1948 and Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules 1959 to
harness the potential of CBM.

Geothermal Energy • ONGC has reportedly started drilling its first

well at Puga (Ladakh) to generate electricity
using geothermal power.
• Geothermal power plants use hydrothermal
resources that have both water (hydro) and
heat (thermal).
o Hot water and steam from deep
underground can be piped up through
underground wells and used to generate
electricity in a power plant.
• Benefits of Geothermal: carbon-free,
renewable, provides a continuous, uninterrupted supply etc.
• Disadvantages: Location-specific energy source, associated with other emissions like
sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide, causes mini tremors in area of operation, high
initial cost etc.
• As per preliminary investigations undertaken by Geological Survey of India, there
are around 300 geothermal hot springs in India.
o Other promising geothermal sites are Chumathang in Ladakh, Cambay in Gujarat,
Tattapani in Chhattisgarh, Khammam in Telangana & Ratnagiri in Maharashtra.
Biomass co-firing • Government had launched the SAMARTH Mission i.e., National Mission on Use of
Biomass in coal based thermal Power Plants.
o While till FY 2020-21, only 8 power plants had co-fired biomass pellets, the
corresponding number has increased to 39 as on date.
• Co-firing biomass consists of burning biomass in coal-fired power plants along with
coal.
o Three different concepts for co-firing i.e, Direct co-firing, Indirect co-firing,
Parallel co-firing.
• Advantages: lower capital costs, higher efficiency, increased economies of scale,
Lower electricity costs due to the larger size and superior performance of
conventional coal power plants.
Green Methanol • National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) and Tecnimont (Italy based
company) signed MoU to jointly explore green methanol production facility at a
NTPC project in India.
• Green Methanol is methanol produced via a process that emits zero or a minimal
amount of GHGs, usually measured as an equivalent amount of CO2.
o It is produced from sustainable biomass, or from carbon dioxide and hydrogen
produced from renewable electricity.
• Applications: material for the chemical industry, storing renewable electricity,
transportation fuel and substitute fuel for maritime fuel applications.
Compressed Bio- • Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas inaugurated Asia's largest CBG plant in
Gas (CBG) Sangrur, Punjab.
• CBG is the compressed and purified bio-gas produced from waste/bio-mass sources
like agricultural residue, cattle dung etc.
o In 2018, the government launched the Sustainable Alternative Towards
Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme to establish the CBG production
ecosystem.

100
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Benefits:
o Reduce the problem of Stubble Burning and related carbon dioxide emissions.
o Produce fermented organic manure for organic farming.
o Generate employment and additional income for farmers.
World’s First • Prime Minister laid foundation stone of the World’s First CNG Terminal and of the
compressed natural brownfield port at Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
gas (CNG) Terminal o Expected to be operational by 2026.
o Developed using a public-private partnership (PPP) approach and has a cargo
handling capacity of 1.5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA).
• The upcoming project will have direct door-step connectivity to the existing roadway
and railway network connecting to the largest industrial zones, Dedicated Freight
Corridor and northern hinterland of India.
Global Offshore • Nine new countries including Belgium, Colombia, Germany, US, UK etc. join GOWA.
Wind Alliance • Initiated by: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Denmark and Global
Wind Energy Council (GWEC).
o GWEC is international trade association for the wind power industry (India is also
a member).
• Brings together governments and other stakeholders to accelerate deployment of
offshore wind power.
• Objective: To contribute to achieving a total offshore wind capacity of a minimum
of 380 GW by 2030 and an installed capacity increase of at least 70 GW per year from
2030.

4.7. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

4.7.1. ENERGY CONSERVATION (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2022
Why in news?
Recently Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 came into force.
About Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022
• Amends Energy Conservation Act, 2001 2010 amendments to Energy Conservation Act (ECA), 2001.
which provides a framework for regulating The Act was first amended in 2010 to expand its scope and
energy consumption and promoting energy bring the following subjects under its ambit
efficiency and energy conservation. • Energy conservation norms for buildings; enhanced
• While 2001 act deals with saving energy, energy efficiency norms for appliances and equipment,
2022 amendment deals with saving the • A framework for the trade of energy savings among
environment and tackling climate change, energy-intensive Designated Consumers (DCs).
thus broadening scope and objective of • Increased penalties for offences committed under the
Act, including violation of norms for efficiency and
principal Act.
consumption standards.
Key Features • Provided room for appeals to be heard by the Appellate
Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL).
• Empowers central government to specify a
carbon credit trading scheme.
o Carbon credit implies a tradable permit to produce a specified amount of CO2 or other GHGs.
o Central government or any authorized agency may issue carbon credit certificates to entities
registered and compliant with scheme.
• Government empowered to set requirements for designated consumers to meet a minimum share of
energy consumption from non-fossil sources like green hydrogen, green ammonia, etc.
o Failure to meet obligation will be punishable with a penalty of up to Rs 10 lakh.
• ‘Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code’ to replace Energy Conservation Code for buildings.
o This new code will provide norms for energy efficiency and conservation, use of renewable energy,
and other requirements for green buildings.
o Also applicable to the office and residential buildings meeting above criteria. It also empowers state
governments to lower the load thresholds.
• Expands the scope of energy consumption standards to include vehicles (as defined under the Motor
Vehicles Act, 1988), and vessels (includes ships and boats), in addition to equipment and appliances.

101
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) empowered to make regulations for discharging their
functions.
• State Governments required to constitute energy conservation funds for promotion of energy efficiency
and conservation measures. It will receive contribution by both Union and State govt.
• Increases and diversifies number of members and secretaries in governing council of BEE.

4.7.2. STATE ENERGY & CLIMATE INDEX

Why in news?
NITI Aayog has recently launched the State Energy &
Climate Index (SECI)-Round I.
About the Index
• First index that aims to track the efforts made by
states and union territories (UTs) in the climate and
energy sector.
• Objectives of the index:
o Ranking the States based on their efforts towards
improving energy access, energy consumption,
energy efficiency, and safeguarding environment;
o Helping drive the agenda of affordable, accessible, efficient
and clean energy transition at the State level;
o Encouraging healthy competition among the states on
different dimensions of energy and climate.
• Parameters: SECI rank states and UTs on six parameters which
include a total of 27 indicators
o Discoms’ Performance;
o Access, Affordability and Reliability of Energy;
o Clean Energy Initiatives;
o Energy Efficiency;
o Environmental Sustainability; and
o New Initiatives.
• Classification of States: For better comparison, the states have been classified based on size and
geographical differences as larger states, smaller states, and UTs.
• Categorization
of State and
UTs based on
the outcome of
SECI Round-1
scores: States
and UTs have
been
categorized
into three
groups: ‘Front
Runners’,
‘Achievers’, and
‘Aspirants’.
Performance of
States and UTs
• More than half
the states scored higher than the average.
• Overall performance- Top Scorer- Chandigarh, Lowest scorer- Lakshadweep
• Top 3 performers based on classification
o Larger States: Gujarat, Kerala, and Punjab.

102
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o Smaller States: Goa, Tripura, and Manipur.
o UTs: Chandigarh, Delhi, and Daman & Diu/Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

4.7.3. OTHER ENERGY EFFICIENCY INITIATIVES

Initiative Details
Promoting • Project’s success was showcased in National Conclave which was organised by Bureau of
energy Energy Efficiency (BEE).
efficiency and • Project was initiated in 2011 and executed by United Nations Industrial Development
renewable Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration with BEE.
energy in o Funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF).
selected MSME o Aims to develop market environment for introducing energy efficiency and enhance use
clusters in India of renewable energy in selected energy-intensive MSME sector.
project • Has been supported by Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and Ministry of New
and Renewable Energy.
Saksham 2022 • Sakshan 2022 was launched recently.
• An annual one-month long people centric fuel conservation campaign of the Petroleum
Conservation Research Association (PCRA).
o PCRA is a registered society set up under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
o It helps the government in proposing policies and strategies for petroleum conservation,
aimed at reducing excessive dependence of the country on oil requirement.
o Aim: To spread the message of fuel conservation and greener environment across India.

4.8. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

4.8.1. NATIONAL MISSION ON NATURAL FARMING
Why in news?
Recently, the Government launched a
portal on National Mission on Natural
Farming (NMNF) for the benefit of the
farming community.
More about news
• The portal has been developed by
the Union Ministry of Agriculture
and Farmers Welfare.
• It contains all the information
about the mission, implementation
outline, resources, implementation
progress, farmer registration,
which will help in promoting
natural farming in the country.
• Presently, more than 10 lakh ha.
area is covered under natural
farming in India.
About Natural farming
• An ecological farming approach
where farming system works
with the natural biodiversity,
encouraging the soil’s biological
activity and managing the
complexity of living organisms to
thrive along with food
production system.
• Chemical- free farming and
livestock based.

103
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 About National Mission on Natural Farming
• In India, Natural farming is promoted as
Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati
Programme (BPKP) and is a sub-mission
under centrally sponsored scheme-
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).
o PKVY falls within the umbrella of the
National Mission on Sustainable
Agriculture (NMSA).
• BPKP is being up-scaled as ‘National
Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)/
(Bhartiya Prakratik Krishi Paddhati)’ for
implementation all across the country.
• Financial outlay: Rs 4645.69 crore
• Tenure: 6 years (2019-20 to 2024-25).
• It will be a demand driven programme and
states shall prepare a long-term
perspective plan with year-wise targets
and goals.
• Knowledge partner for natural farming
extension: National Institute of
Agricultural Extension Management
(MANAGE).
• National Centre of Organic and Natural
Farming (NCONF) shall work
towards development of
certification programme for
Natural Farming, establish
secretariat for certification
management, portal
development, management,
maintenance and integration
with other portals.

4.8.2. INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MILLETS (IYM) 2023

Why in news? About International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023
Recently, the Food and Agriculture • The United Nations 2021 has adopted India’s proposal to declare
Organization (FAO) of the United 2023 as the IYM.
• The IYM 2023 will raise awareness about the importance of millets
Nations, organized an opening
in food security and nutrition.
ceremony for the International Year of
• The IYM 2023 will provide an opportunity to:
Millets – 2023 (IYM2023) in Rome, o increase global production,
Italy. o efficient processing and better use of crop rotation,
About millets o promote millets as a major component of the food basket,
o promote research and development on millet.
• A diverse family of small-grained
cereals (Poaceae family), indigenous to various parts of India.

104
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Popularly known as Nutri-cereals as
they provide most of the nutrients
required for normal functioning of the
human body.
• Contain 7-12% protein, 2-5% fat, 65-75%
carbohydrates and 15-20% dietary
fibre.
• Before the Green Revolution, millets
were one of the largest grown
staples in India, but have been
reduced to a marginal fodder crop to
feed livestock.
o India produces 20% of the globe’s
production that is led by Africa
and the Americas.
o India exports millets products
worth of USD 34.32 million during 2021-
22.
• Top 5 millet-producing states in India-
Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka,
Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
• Initiative to promote millet
o National year of millets was observed in
2018
o Increase in Minimum Support Price
(MSP) to support millet cultivators.
o Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
mandates supply of millets at least once
a week in midday meal scheme.

4.8.3. DIRECT-SEEDED RICE (DSR)

Why in news?
Farmers have rejected the direct-seeded rice (DSR)
technique for transplanting paddy in Punjab.
About direct-seeded rice (DSR)
• DSR refers to the process of establishing a rice
crop from seeds sown in the field rather than by
transplanting seedlings from the nursery.
o It is a water-saving method of sowing
paddy.
o DSR is also known as broadcasting seed
technique.

Advantages of DSR Issues with DSR

• Saves labour. • Uses more seed than transplanting.
• Sowing can be done in stipulated time frame because • Laser land levelling costs Rs 1,000/acre is compulsory
of easier and faster planting. in DSR. This is not so in transplanting.
• Early crop maturity by 7-10 days which allows timely • Some direct-sown crops may be harder to get started
planting of subsequent crops. in cold (or hot) conditions.
• More efficient water use and higher water stress • Non- availability of the herbicides.
tolerance. • Seed requirement for DSR is higher, at 8-10 kg/acre,
• Less methane emission. compared to 4-5 kg in transplanting.

105
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 4.9. MISCELLANEOUS
4.9.1. RIGHT TO REPAIR
Why in news?
Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)
recently set up committee on the Right to
Repair to emphasize on the LiFE (Lifestyle for
the Environment) movement through
sustainable consumption.
More on the news
Key sectors identified for this framework
include Farming Equipment, Mobile Phones/
Tablets, Consumer Durables and Automobiles
& Automobile Equipment.
About Right to repair movement
• Calls for manufacturers to make authentic
parts available to consumers so that they
can get their device repaired from
independent shops as well, if they so
desire.
o Recognised in many countries including the US, UK and European Union.
• Concern associated with right to repair: Large tech companies including Apple, Tesla, etc. argued that it’ll
open their intellectual property to third party repair services or amateur repairers could jeopardise
safety and security of their devices.
Related news: ‘Right to Repair’ Portal
• Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution unveiled ‘right to repair’ portal on occasion of
National Consumer Day (December 24).
• On the portal, manufacturers would share manual of product details with customers so that they could either
repair by self, by third parties, rather than depend on original manufacturers.
o Initially, mobile phones, electronics, consumer durables, automobile and farming equipment would be
covered.

4.9.2. SCOPE OF AUTHORITY UNDER DAM SAFETY ACT 2021

Why in news?
Supreme Court asked the Centre to specify the plan as regards
making functional the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and
the other bodies under the Dam Safety Act 2021.
More on the news
During the hearing, SC cited that the Dam Safety Act of 2021 is a
panacea to end the “perennial” legal battle between Tamil Nadu and
Kerala over the Mullaperiyar dam.
About the Dam Safety Act
• A comprehensive act postulation for surveillance, inspection,
operation, and maintenance of dams to prevent disasters.
• Mandates the setting up of 2 specialized bodies to evolve policies, recommend regulations for dam safety
standards, and resolve disputes between the States:
o National Committee on Dam Safety
o NDSA
• Under the Act, Dam owners will be required to prepare an emergency action plan, and carry out risk
assessment studies for each dam at specified regular intervals.

106
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Related news
Mullaperiyar Dam
• A 126-year-old dam owned, operated, and maintained
by Tamil Nadu Government.
• Located in the upper reaches of the river Periyar,
which flows into Kerala after originating in Tamil Nadu.
The reservoir is within the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
• Dispute
o In 1886, the then Maharaja of Travancore signed a
999-year lease agreement with British rule that
the operational rights were handed over to Tamil
Nadu.
o Kerala says that the dam structure is weak and
can give way at any moment, causing the deaths
of thousands in the state, Tamil Nadu claims
Mullaperiyar is safe and well-maintained.
Rule Curve
• As per Tamil Nadu Water Resources Organisation,
Mullaperiyar is first reservoir to have Rule Curve
implemented in country.
• Rule Curve is a tabulation which specifies quantum of
storage of water or empty space to be maintained in a
reservoir during different times of year, based on the
rainfall data for 35 years.
o Under Rule Curve method, water is not allowed to
be stored to permissible maximum level at the time when reservoir receives huge inflows.
o It is part of core safety mechanism in a dam.

[Link]. HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS IN NEWS

Project Details
Kwar Hydroelectric • Location: Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Project • River: River Chenab.
• Other Details: Other projects (running or under-construction) initiated to harness
potential of Chenab basin: Baglihar HE Power project; Dulhasti Power Station; Salal
Power Station; PakalDul HE Project; Kiru HE Project; Kirthai-II HE Project.
Upper Siang multi- • Location: Yingkiong in Arunachal Pradesh.
purpose storage • River: Brahmaputra.
project • Other Details: NHPC has been tasked with building the 10 GW Storage project that is
central to counter China’s water diversion scheme of Siang river that feeds
downstream into the Brahmaputra.
Dibang hydel project • Location: Lower Dibang Valley district in Arunachal Pradesh
(DHP) • River: Dibang, with dam site located upstream of the confluence of Ashu Pani and
Dibang rivers.
• Other Details: The DHP has been designed as the world’s tallest concrete gravity dam
at 278 metres above sea level.
Etalin Hydroelectric • Location: Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh
Project (HEP) o Dibang Valley is situated in the Eastern Himalayan Global Biodiversity Hotspot and
home to unique and endemic species of flora and fauna such as Tigers, Clouded
Leopard, Asiatic Golden Cat, Red Panda etc.
• River: Dibang river (tributary of Brahmaputra river).
• Other Details:
o Proposed in 2008, expected to produce 3097MV of electricity.
o Envisages construction of two dam on Dir River and Tangon river (tributaries of
Dibang).
o Anonpani small HEP and Athunli HEP are other HEP on the Tangon River.

107
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 4.9.3. DEEP SEA MINING
Why in news?
Experts during the 27th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) meeting highlighted that deep
sea mining can lead to loss of species and ecosystem (or fragmentation) of Deep-Sea Habitat.
About Deep-Sea Mining
• Involves extracting ores rich in cobalt, manganese, zinc and other rare metals from the sea floor of the
deep ocean.
• India has a
Deep-Sea
mission for
mining
Central Indian
Ocean Basin,
access for
which was
granted by
ISA.
• 54% of the
world’s ocean
seafloor is
beyond
national
jurisdiction and their mineral resources are designated as the common heritage of all mankind.
• Deep-sea contains a number of critical minerals needed for batteries, smartphones, laptops and
renewable energy capacity; found in three main resource types-
o Polymetallic
Nodules, i.e. the
precipitated iron
oxyhydroxides and
manganese oxides
on abyssal plain
sediments at about
3,500–6,000 m
water depths.
o Seafloor Massive
Sulphides or
Polymetallic
Sulphides formed
along tectonic plate
boundaries and volcanic provinces in water depths from <500 to 5000m.
o Cobalt-rich Ferromanganese Crusts on rock outcrops on seamounts and ridges at water depths of
400–7,000 m.

4.9.4. RIVER PROJECTS

Kalasa-Banduri • Centre has given approval for implementation of Kalasa-Banduri canal construction project.
project • Proposes to divert water from two tributaries of the Mahadayi river (also known as
Mandovi): Kalasa and Banduri to the Malaprabha river (Tributry of Krishna River).
o Entire project aims to construct several dams on the river Mandovi.
o Aimed at facilitating drinking water for towns in drought-hit northern Karnataka.

Eastern Rajasthan • At 20th meeting, Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers (SCILR) approved proposal of
Canal Project considering the modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) link project integrated with Eastern
(ERCP) Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) as a part of national perspective plan.

108
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o A SCILR was constituted in September, 2014 for the implementation of Interlinking of
Rivers (ILR) programme in a consultative manner.
• ERCP envisages intra-basin transfer of water within the Chambal Basin.
• ERCP will create a network of water channels which will cover 23.67 % area of Rajasthan along
with 41.13 % population of the state.

4.10. REPORTS AND INDICES

Reports Details
Fostering Effective Energy • Released by: World Economic Forum (WEF)
Transition • Report uses ‘Energy Transition Index’ to benchmark countries' energy transition
progress annually on the three dimensions of energy triangle and the enabling
dimensions for transition (see image).
o Energy transition refers to shift from fossil-based systems of energy production
and consumption to renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

Environment Performance • Released by: World Economic Forum (WEF) in collaboration with Yale Center for
Index (EPI) Environmental Law and Policy and Columbia University Center for International
Earth Science Information Network
• A biennial index, started in 2002 as Environmental Sustainability Index.
• Ranks 180 countries on climate change performance, environmental health, and
ecosystem vitality.
• India ranked at 180thwith a score of 18.9 in EPI 2022.
Renewables 2022 Global • Released by: REN21
Status Report o REN21 is the only global community of actors from science, governments,
NGOs and industry working collectively to drive the rapid uptake of renewables.
o It was created in 2004 as an outcome of the Bonn 2004 International
Conference on Renewable Energy.
• India specific findings:
o India added around 15.4 GW of renewable power capacity in 2021, third highest
after China (136 GW) and the US (43 GW).
o India is now the third-largest market in the world for new solar PV capacity
and ranked fourth in the world for total solar energy installations (60.4 GW)
following China (305.9 GW).
o India ranked 2ndin new Solar Water Heating Capacity addition, 3rd in
Hydropower capacity addition and 5th in Ethanol production addition in 2021.
Renewable Capacity • Released by: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Statistics 2022 o IRENA is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their
transition to a sustainable energy, and serves as the principal platform for
international cooperation.
• India’s total renewable capacity has marked an increase of 9% over the last year.
Renewable Power • Released by: IRENA
Generation Costs in 2021 • It highlighted increased competitiveness of Renewable Energy (RE) on account of:
o Increasing fossil fuel costs,
o Technology improvements- increasing efficiency and scale of RE (e.g. Photo
Voltaic modules),
o Decline in RE cost etc.
109
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Renewable Energy (RE) • Released by: IRENA and the
and Jobs Annual Review International Labour Organization
2022 • The report provides the latest
estimates of renewable energy
employment globally.
• India related findings
o Reaching India’s goal of 500 GW
of non-fossil-fuel energy sources
by 2030 could create 3.4 million
new job opportunities.
o India accounted for about 18% of
global hydropower
employment, followed by Brazil.

Renewable Energy (RE) • Released by: International Energy Association (IEA).

Report 2022 • Key findings of report
o RE will comprise 90 percent of global electricity capacity expansion in next five
years and much of it will be in India.
o With addition of 145 GW, India is forecast to almost double its renewable power
capacity over 2022-2027.
o Solar photovoltaic accounts for three-quarters of this growth, followed by
onshore wind (15 percent) and hydropower providing rest of it.
World Energy • Released by: International Energy Agency (IEA)
Employment Report 2022 • It provides a comprehensive inventory of the global energy workforce.
• Key findings
o Energy sector employed over 65 million people in 2019, equivalent to around
2% of global formal employment.
o Clean energy employs over 50% of total energy workers, owing to the
substantial growth of new projects coming online.
o Over half of energy employment is in the Asia Pacific region.
o Construction of new projects, including the manufacture of their components,
is the largest driver of energy employment.
World Energy Outlook • Released by: International Energy Agency (IEA) (Annual report).
2022 • Key findings:
o World is in the midst of the first global energy crisis, triggered by Russia's
invasion of Ukraine.
o India is likely to see world's biggest rise in energy demand this decade, with
demand climbing 3 per cent annually.
• Outlook projects continued expansion in coal generation (in absolute terms) in
India, peaking around 2030.
Global Wind Report 2022 • Released by: Global Wind Energy Council
• Report examines the challenges of scaling up wind energy in an increasingly
interconnected world, like supply chain geopolitics, social impacts, disinformation,
cybersecurity and cryptocurrencies.
o Global Wind Energy Council is the international trade association for the wind
power industry.
State of India’s • Released by: Centre for Science and Environment
Environment (SoE) in • Key findings
figures, 2022 o India recorded 280 heatwave days across 16 states in 2022 — most in decade.
o Himachal Pradesh (HP), Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir — all in Himalayan
regions — have been unusually warm.
o April was the hottest month for northwest and central India.
• Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Haryana accounted for
54 percent of heatwaves.

110
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 EnviStats India 2022 • Released by: National Statistics Office (NSO).
• EnviStats brings together a large number of statistics bracketed in a single
publication which is sourced from the coordination of multiple public institutions.
• Environment statistics aims at providing statistical information to improve
knowledge of the environment. It helps-
o to support evidence-based policy and decision-making.
o to provide information for the general public, as well as for specific user groups.
• The data in EnviStats is categorized in six sections based on the division in
Framework for Development of Environment Statistics (FDES 2013).
Framework for
Development of
Environment Statistics
(FDES 2013)
• The FDES 2013 is a
multipurpose
conceptual and
statistical framework
that is comprehensive
and integrative in
nature.
• FDES is based on a
conceptual foundation
that considers people
and their demographic,
social, and economic
activities as integral
parts of and interacting
with the environment.

111
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 5. GEOGRAPHY
5.1. SEA FLOOR SPREADING
Why in news?
A study pointed that sea floor spreading has slowed by 35% globally.
More on the news
• Key findings from study
o Not all ridges moved alike: Some sped up while others slowed down.
✓ Ridges along the eastern Pacific were 100 millimetres per year slower, lowering the world’s
average.
• Reasons identified by the report include growing mountains and changes in mantle convection which
transports heat from the earth’s interior to the surface.
About Sea floor spreading
• A geological process that creates crusts, the outermost shell of Earth.
• Tectonic plates separate, allowing magma from the earth’s interior to fill the gap in this phenomenon.
The magma cools to form a new oceanic crust.
• These activities occur along mid-ocean ridges - large mountain ranges rising from the ocean floor.

5.2. LA NINÃ CONDITIONS ENTER 3RD YEAR, 6TH TIME SINCE 1950
Why in news?
As per India Meteorological Department (IMD)
data, La Ninã conditions prevailing over
Equatorial Pacific Ocean since September 2020
have entered third year.
More on the news
Having started in September 2020, it has
prevailed for the last 24 months, and looks set
to continue for another six months, and has
thus been classified as a ‘triple dip’ La Niña.
About La Niña
• La Niña (known as little girl) is a weather
pattern that occurs in Pacific Ocean.

112
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Observed when sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in Eastern Equatorial Pacific (EEP) get comparatively
colder than normal.
o This results in a strong high pressure over EEP (i.e. tropical west coast of South America).
• A counterpart to El Niño (known as little boy or Christ Child), which is characterized by unusually warm
SSTs in EEP and causes suppressed Monsoon.
• Together, La Niña and El Niño are "cold" and "warm" phases of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO),
which involves temperature changes in waters of Eastern and Central Pacific Ocean.
• Generally, El Niño and La Niña occur every 4 -5 years. El Niño is more frequent than La Niña.
• Impact of La Niña
o Better monsoon rains in India.
o Frequent and intense hurricanes and cyclones in Atlantic Ocean and Bay of Bengal.
o Causes drought in Peru and Ecuador, heavy floods in Australia, high temperatures in Western Pacific,
Indian Ocean, off Somalian coast.
o The recent case of rising heat wave events in India were being driven by the La-Nina.
✓ Due to a weak La Nina, this temperature difference was low and so the western disturbances
that came to India were weak with hardly any rain driving hot Westerly winds into India.

5.3. KARAKORAM ANOMALY

Why in news?
Scientists solve the case of
the Karakoram Anomaly (KA).
About Karakoram Anomaly
• Refers to the stability or
abnormal growth of
glaciers in the central
Karakoram, in contrast to
the retreat of glaciers in
nearby mountainous
ranges of the Himalayas
and other mountainous
ranges of the world.
• A recent study conducted
by researchers has
postulated new theory to
explain the reasons of glaciers in Karakoram Range are resisting glacial melt due to global warming.
o While previous studies highlighted role of temperature in establishing and sustaining anomaly, it is for
the first-time highlighted impact of precipitation in feeding the anomaly.
• Reasons of KA
o Revival of western disturbances (WDs) has been instrumental in triggering and sustaining KA.
o Contribution of WDs in terms of snowfall volume over core glacier regions of Karakoram have
increased by about 27% in recent decades, while precipitation received from non-WD sources have
significantly decreased by around 17%.
o Winter precipitation associated with WDs over Karakoram–Himalayas as one of key drivers behind its
emergence.
• Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region is a critically important natural global asset that extent up to 3500
km over 8 countries i.e., Afghanistan in the west to Myanmar in the east and crossing Pakistan, India, China,
Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

113
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 6. DISASTER MANAGEMENT
6.1. JOSHIMATH LAND SUBSIDENCE
Why in news?
Joshimath has been declared as a
landslide and subsidence-hit zone.
About Land subsidence

• Gradual settling or sudden sinking

of Earth’s surface due to removal
or displacement of subsurface
earth materials.
• Land subsidence vs. Landslides:
Land subsidence refers to the
gradual sinking of the ground
surface while Landslides are
sudden and rapid movements of
soil and rock downhill.
Factors that make Joshimath highly vulnerable to
sinking

• Situated in middle slopes of a hill.

• Area around town covered with thick layer of
overburden material.
• Perennial streams- Karmanasa and Dhaknala
streams on west and east and Dhauliganga and
Alaknanda rivers on south and north.
• Snow in upper reaches, and highly weathered
rocks with low cohesive characteristics.
• Tectonic activity due to location
on a fault line (Vaikrita Thurst) Related information: Mahesh Chandra Mishra committee (1976)
and near Main Central Thrust and • The government appointed MC Mishra committee for
Pandukeshwar Thrust. reconnaissance of the land subsidence near the Himalayan border.
• Findings of the report: Joshimath was situated on an old landslide
• City built on an ancient landslide
zone, and it does not have high load bearing capacity.
material i.e. rests on a deposit of o Joshimath could sink if development continued unabated.
sand and stone, not rock, which • Recommendation
doesn’t have high load-bearing o Restrictions on heavy construction work, agriculture on slopes,
capacity. felling of trees.
• Unplanned construction and o Construction of pucca drainage to stop seepage of rainwater,
proper sewage system, and cement blocks on riverbanks to
improper water drainage without
prevent erosion.
due regard to bearing capacity.

6.2. CYCLONE ASANI

Why in news? About Asani
As per Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), • Asani was the first cyclonic storm in North Indian
Cyclone Asani, which developed over southeast Ocean region in 2022.
• Named by Sri Lanka, meaning “wrath” in Sinhalese.
regions of Bay of Bengal, had intensified into a
• Cyclone that form after Asani will be called Sitrang,
‘severe cyclone’ storm.
name given by Thailand.
• Ghurni, Probaho, Jhar and Murasu are upcoming
names from India.

114
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 About Tropical cyclones
• Violent storms that originate over warm ocean
waters near the equator.
• Favourable conditions for their formation are-
o Large sea surface with temperature higher
than 27° C.
o Presence of the Coriolis force.
o Small variations in the vertical wind speed.
o A pre-existing weak low-pressure area or low-
level-cyclonic circulation.
o Upper divergence above the sea level system.
• Naming of cyclone
o Six Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs), including IMD, and five regional Tropical
Cyclone Warning Centres are mandated for issuing advisories and naming of cyclonic storms.
o Naming of cyclones in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea started in September 2004.
Related news:
Fujiwhara Effect
• Recently two cyclones, namely Hinnamnor and Gardo interacted showcasing Fujiwhara Effect.
• Fujiwhara effect is any interaction between tropical storms with the following features:
o Storms are formed around same time in same ocean region.
o Their centres or eyes are at a distance of less than 1,400 km.
o Intensity that could vary between a depression (wind speed under 63 km per hour) and a super typhoon
(wind speed over 209 km per hour).
• Outcome of Fujiwhara effect
o Changes in track and intensity of either or both systems.
o In rare cases, two systems could merge to form a bigger storm.
Dvorak Technique
• US meteorologist Vernon Dvorak, credited for developing Dvorak technique (read as Do-rak), passed away.
• It is a statistical method for estimating intensity of tropical cyclones (TCs) based on cloud patterns on satellite
imagery.
o Uses enhanced Infrared and/or visible satellite imagery to quantitatively estimate intensity of a tropical
system.
o Quantifies TCs intensity on a 1-8 scale (at 0.5 intervals) called T-numbers and final output is Current Intensity
(CI) number.
Bomb Cyclone
• Also known as an explosive cyclogenesis, is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs-
o When a low-pressure system experiences a rapid and drastic drop in atmospheric pressure.
o When this rapid pressure drop is accompanied by strong winds and can lead to severe weather, including
heavy snowfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms.
• Typically associated with the winter months, but they can also occur during other seasons.
• Most common in the mid-latitudes, such as the eastern United States, Europe, and Asia
Cyclone Mandous
• Tamil Nadu and Southern part of Andhra Pradesh were affected due to cyclone Mandous (named by UAE)
expected to make landfall.

6.3. COALITION FOR DISASTER About International legal personality

• Refers to entities endowed with rights and obligations
RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE under public international law. This includes states,
(CDRI) international organizations, NGOs etc.
• It will allow CDRI to
Why in news? o Deputing experts and also bringing in experts
from member countries to India.
India signed ‘Headquarter Agreement’ with
o Deploying funds globally and receiving
CDRI, thereby according the status of an contributions from member countries.
'independent and international legal entity' to o Making available technical expertise to assist
CDRI. countries to develop resilient infrastructure.
o Leveraging international engagement to foster
disaster resilient infrastructure at home.

115
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 About Headquarters Agreement (HQA)
• An agreement between an international organisation and host state to determine the privileges and
immunities necessary for its good functioning.
• Enables CDRI to pursue
functions
internationally with all
rights, immunities, and
privileges, as per
Section-3 of United
Nations (Privileges &
Immunities) Act, 1947.
o India enacted UN
(Privileges &
Immunities) Act,
1947 to give effect
to Convention on
Privileges and
Immunities of
United Nations,
adopted by UN General Assembly in 1946.
o Article 104 and 105 of the UN Charter allows UN to enjoy in the territory of each of its Members with
such legal capacity, privileges and immunities which are necessary for the exercise of its functions and
the fulfillment of its purposes.
Related news: PM addresses 4th Edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI)
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in partnership with United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) has organized the ICDRI 2022.
• ICDRI is an annual international conference of CDRI in partnership with member countries, organizations and
institutions to strengthen the global discourse on disaster and climate resilient infrastructure, with an emphasis
on human-cantered approaches.

6.4. GLOBAL PLATFORM FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION 2022

(GP2022)
Why in news?
Recently, the seventh session of the GP2022 was organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
(UNDRR) in Bali, Indonesia.
About GP2022
• Main global forum to assess and discuss progress on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction.
• Key takeaways of GP2022 outcomes as summarised in the Bali Agenda for Resilience:
o Need for a whole-of-society approach to disaster risk reduction (DRR), ensuring no one is left behind.
o DRR must be at the core of development and finance policies, legislation and plans to achieve the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
o A participatory and human rights-based approach in DRR planning and implementation is crucial as
people are affected differently by disasters.
o DRR and climate change adaptation have the common objective of reducing vulnerability and
enhancing capacity as well as resilience.
About UNDRR:
• United Nations system’s focal point for disaster risk reduction and the custodian of the Sendai Framework,
supporting countries and societies in its implementation, monitoring and review of progress.
• Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
o It was the first major agreement of the post-2015 development agenda and provides Member States with
concrete actions to protect development gains from the risk of disaster.

116
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 6.5. OTHER DISASTER RELATED NEWS
Earthquake • Ministry of Earth Science inaugurated a seismological observatory at Udhampur in Jammu and
observatory Kashmir.
o Udhampur is India’s 153rd Seismic Station.
• Udhampur district lies between the two major seismogenic faults, namely Main Frontal Thrust
(MFT) and Main Boundary Thrust (MBT), which are among the potential factors for generating
earthquakes in the J&K region.
• Udhampur will record the data related to the inner activities of the earth’s crust and will
provide data to various seismological stations across the globe.
Derecho • Several states in U.S. were hit by a storm system derecho that turned skies green.
o Green color is due to light interacting with huge amount of water hold by such systems.
• A derecho is a widespread, long-lived, straight-line windstorm that is associated with a band
of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms.
o In straight-line storms thunderstorm winds have no rotation unlike a tornado.
o For a storm to be classified as a derecho it must have wind gusts of at least 93 km per hour.
• Being a warm-weather phenomenon, a derecho generally occurs during summertime.
Avalanche • An AMR the first of its kind in India, has been installed in North Sikkim.
Monitoring • It has the capability to detect avalanches (mass of snow, rock, etc, that flows down a mountain)
Radar (AMR) within three seconds of its trigger.
• It was made operational by the Army and Defence Geoinformatics and Research Establishment
(DGRE), a laboratory under the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO).
• DGRE is involved in forecasting and mitigation of avalanche hazards faced by the Army in the
Himalayan region.
South Asia • SADMS was developed by International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and Indian
Drought Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Monitoring • SADMS aims to address existing and potential challenges to drought management and
System provide a framework for proactive drought mitigation measures across nations in South Asia.
(SADMS) • It monitors drought conditions.
• It provides agriculture and water resources authorities with all information needed to forecast,
monitor and manage drought on weekly basis.
• It has been tested in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Afghanistan and
Bhutan.
Damini App • Recently Home Minister stressed on making Damini app available in all local languages.
• App is monitoring all lightning activity which are happening over India and alert the person if
lightning is happening near the person by GPS notification under 20KM and 40KM radius.
• Gives lightning warning three hours in advance.
• Developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM-Pune) and Earth System
Science Organization (ESSO) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

6.6. REPORTS AND INDICES

Reports Details
Global Assessment Report on • Released by: UN, published biennially by the UN Office for Disaster Risk
Disaster Risk Reduction 2022 Reduction (UNDRR)
• Builds on the analysis of United Nations-mandated SDG data on increased
gender-based violence in disasters.

Global Status of Multi-Hazard • Released by: Jointly by United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction and World
Early Warning Systems Meteorological Organisation
(MHEWS) - Target G • Assesses current global status of MHEWS against Target G (one of the seven
targets) of Sendai Framework.
o Target-G aims to increase availability of and access to MHEWS and disaster
risk information and assessments by 2030.
• Early warning systems (EWS) reduce harm to people and damage to assets ahead
of impending hazards, including storms, tsunamis etc.

117
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 6.7. MAWMLUH CAVE
Why in news?
Mawmluh Cave, in Meghalaya has been listed as
one of the ‘First 100 IUGS (International Union of
Geological Sciences) Geological Sites’ in the world.
About IUGS Geological Heritage Site
• According to IUGS, a Geological Heritage Site is
a key place with geological elements and/or
processes of scientific international relevance,
used as a reference with a substantial
contribution to the development of geological
sciences through history.
• The designation of First 100 geological sites is done under the project International Geoscience
Programme (IGCP-731).
o IGCP serves as a knowledge hub of UNESCO to facilitate international scientific cooperation in the
geosciences.
• Under the list of first 100 sites, all kinds of geological sites like tectonic, stratigraphical, sedimentological,
petrological, mineralogical, hydrogeological paleontological, geomorphological and those related to the
history of geological sciences, are considered.
About Mawmluh Cave (also known as Krem Mawmluh)
• Fourth longest cave in the Indian subcontinent with a total length of seven kilometre of cave passages.
• Location: Sohra (well-known as Cherrapunji) of the East Khasi Hills District (Meghalaya) and was first
explored by a British official named Lieutenant Yule in 1844.
• Set at an altitude of 4503 m, the cave belongs to the Meghalayan Age and is famous for its stalagmite and
other rock formations.
o Stalagmites are upward-growing mounds of mineral deposits and are crucial for understanding the
global climate system.
• There’s a deep pool inside the cave which is formed by five different rivers that pass through the cave.
Meghalayan Age
• The most recent subdivision of the
Holocene Epoch, and began about 4,200
years ago, at a time when agricultural
societies around the world experienced a
very abrupt, critical and significant
drought and cooling.
• Unique among the many intervals of the
Geologic Time Scale in that its beginning
coincides with a cultural event produced
by a global climatic event.
• Resulted in the collapse of civilisations in
Egypt, Greece, Syria, Palestine,
Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and the
Yangtze River Valley.
• The Holocene epoch (which started 11,700 years ago) falls under Cenozoic Era and is the time after Ice Age.
o It itself can be subdivided, according to the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) into 3 stages.
o Each subdivision of the Holocene Epoch is marked out by sediments accumulated on sea floors, lake bottoms,
glacial ice and in stalactites and stalagmites across the world.

6.8. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Mei Yu Front • All-India June rainfall this year was 152.3 mm against an average of 165.3 mm (based on 1971-
2020 data).
• Reasons for deficit rainfall:
o Mei Yu Front: It is an active rainfall spell over western Pacific regions (eastern China)
which drives away moisture from the Indian region.
118
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) remained out of phase and did not bring much rainfall
over India.
✓ MJO is the rain-bearing, eastward propagating intraseasonal circulation over the
tropical atmosphere.
Azores High • An extremely large ‘Azores High’ has resulted in abnormally dry conditions across the western
Mediterranean, including the Iberian Peninsula, primarily occupied by Spain and Portugal,
according to a new study.
• It is a subtropical high pressure system that extends over the eastern subtropical North
Atlantic and western Europe during winter.
o Formed by dry air aloft descending the subtropics and coincides with the downward
branch of the Hadley Circulation.
o Associated with anticyclonic winds in the subtropical North Atlantic.
Hydraulic • Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking ban
Fracking has been lifted in England.
• Fracking: Technique for recovering
gas and oil from shale rock.
• Opposed as injection of fluid at high
pressure into the rock can cause
earth tremors - small movements in
the earth's surface.
• Guar gum or cluster bean powder is
used in fracking in order to release oil
and gas trapped in the rock.

119
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 6.9. PLACES IN NEWS
6.9.1. PLACES IN NEWS: INDIA

120
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
121
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 6.9.2. PLACES IN NEWS: INTERNATIONAL
[Link]. GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES

122
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 [Link]. COUNTRIES IN NEWS

123
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 7. APPENDIX
7.1. INITIATIVES LAUNCHED DURING COP27
Initiative Launched by Objective and other information

Agriculture and food

Agricultural UAE & US • Aim: To boost investment and other support for
Innovation Mission climate-smart agriculture and food systems
for Climate (AIM4C innovation over five years (2021-25) to the tune of
or AIM4Climate) $8bn.

Initiative on Egypt as COP27 Presidency, in • Aim: To support Member States in delivering

Nutrition and partnership with WHO, FAO, other climate change adaptation and mitigation policy
Climate Change (I- UN agencies and partners. action which simultaneously-
CAN) o improves nutrition and
o triggers transformative action to deliver
healthy diets from sustainable food systems
International Spain and Senegal led 30 countries • Aim: To lend support to countries exposed to the
Drought Resilience and 20 organisations. continued threat of drought by mobilising
Alliance (IDRA) resources, transferring technology and
knowledge, and fostering innovation.
• IDRA was first announced at the UN General
Assembly in September 2022 by the President of
Spain.

Food and FAO, in collaboration with other UN • Aim: To implement concrete actions that would
Agriculture for agencies. result in improving the quantity and quality of
Sustainable climate finance contributions to transform
Transformation agriculture and food systems by 2030, to support
Initiative (FAST) adaptation and maintain a 1.5-degree pathway
whilst supporting food and economic security.

Finance
Sustainable Debt Egypt • Aim:
Coalition Initiative o Highlight the difficult fiscal position of
emerging market and developing economies
and its debilitating impacts on climate action
and development
o Spur Coalition partners to align on a set of
new crucial commitments to alleviate the
debt burden.
o Launch a new track for consultations at the
intersection of debt, climate, and
development.
Global Shield G7 and V20 (‘the Vulnerable Twenty’). • Aim: To provide climate risk insurance and social
against Climate • V20 is a dedicated protection schemes in developing countries.
Risk cooperation initiative of • The World Bank Group has announced a Global
economies systemically Shield Financing Facility to support the initiative.
vulnerable to climate
change. It was
established in 2015 at Lima, Peru.
o V20 Group membership
stands at 58 economies.

Industry Transition Climate Investment Fund (CIF) • It is the world’s first large scale dedicated finance
Programme programme for developing country industry
transitions.

124
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Forest and Land
Mangrove Alliance The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and • Aim: To educate and spread awareness
for Climate (MAC) Indonesia. worldwide on the role of mangroves in curbing
• Other members global warming and its potential as a solution for
include Sri Lanka, climate change.
Australia, Japan, and
Spain.
Forest and Climate The UK and world Leaders from 26 • Aim: To boost action to implement
Leaders’ countries (India not a part) and EU a commitment made by over 140 countries at
Partnership (FCLP) launched. COP26 in Glasgow last year to halt forest loss and
land degradation by 2030 and to convert ambition
into results on the ground.
• Its action areas include:
o Mobilizing public and donor finance to
support implementation.
o Supporting Indigenous Peoples’ and local
communities’ initiatives.
o Incentivizing conservation of high-integrity
forests.
Enhancing Nature- COP27 Presidency, in collaboration • It will serve as a hub for Party and non-state
based Solutions for with the IUCN and Germany actors working on Nature-based Solutions (NbS)
Climate to foster collaboration and bring global
Transformation coherence to activities.
(ENACT) • The ENACT partnership will function as an enabler
and accelerator of progress towards multilaterally
established global targets such as-
o the UN Decade on Restoration,
o the proposed 30x30 target under the CBD
Global Biodiversity Framework, and
o the G20 Global Initiative on Land
Degradation under the UNCCD.

Health and nutrition

Alliance for Co-convened by the UK and Egypt • Aim: To realize the ambition set at COP26 to build
Transformative climate resilient and sustainable health systems
Action on Climate • It will use the collective power of WHO Member
and Health (ATACH) States and other stakeholders to drive this
agenda forward at pace and scale; and promote
the integration of climate change and health
nexus into respective national, regional, and
global plans.

Initiatives with focus on African region

Africa Just & COP27 Presidency of Egypt • Aim:
Affordable Energy o Provide all Africans with access to clean
Transition Initiative energy, whilst meeting the energy
(AJAETI) requirements for Africa’s economic
development.
o Driving economic growth and supporting
job creation across Africa to build a modern,
resilient, and sustainable energy systems
across the continent.
• The initiative will engage the International Energy
Agency (IEA) and International Renewable
Energy Agency (IRENA).

125
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Decent Life for a President of the Arab Republic of Aim: To improve the quality of life in 30% of the most
climate resilient Egypt vulnerable and poorest villages and rural areas in the
Africa Rationale continent by 2030, in a climate-sensitive manner.
African Women’s COP27 Presidency Aim: To ramp up the inclusion of women for a climate-
Climate Adaptive resilient future.
Priorities
African Carbon The initiative was inaugurated at COP Aim: To support the growth of carbon credit
Markets Initiative 27 in collaboration with the Global production and create jobs in Africa.
(ACMI) Energy Alliance for People and Planet
(GEAPP), Sustainable Energy for All
(SEforALL), and the UN Economic
Commission for Africa.
Friends of Greening Egypt’s Ministry of Planning and Aim: Shaping the process of planning and designing
National Economic Development and the economic policies in a manner that factors in the
Investment Plans in supported by the United Nations impact of climate change.
Africa and Development Programme (UNDP)
Developing
Countries initiative
Global Waste It will leverage voluntary • Aim: To treat and recycle at least 50% of the solid
Initiative 50 by 2050 engagements from over 180 waste produced in Africa by 2050.
countries. • The initiative is first of its kind global coalition
that proposes a collaborative platform for all
stakeholders involved in waste management to
holistically address all solid waste types and
contribute to an ambitious target at the scale of
the African continent.

Mobility and Urban transformation

Low Carbon SLOCAT and BCG (Boston Consulting Aim: To activate systemic change to improve and
Transport for Group) and developed in decarbonize the urban mobility landscape.
Urban collaboration with the UN
Sustainability Environment Programme (UNEP)
(LOTUS) initiative
Accelerating to UK, the High-Level Champions, the • Aim: To promote and support the transition to
Zero (A2Z) International Council on Clean zero emission vehicles globally.
Coalition Transportation, The Climate Group, • It’s the world’s largest transportation coalition
and the Drive Electric Campaign. with over 200 organizations including
governments, industry and civil society.
• It builds off the foundation of the “Zero Emission
Vehicles Declaration” (ZEV Declaration)
generated at COP26, which is the agreement that
establishes the 2035 and 2040 zero-emission goal.
Collective for Clean It is a strategic collaboration between • Aim: To create the tools to change the risk
Transport Finance the High-Level Champions and the profiles of investment in zero-emission
Smart Freight Center, World Bank, transport.
WBCSD, and the Nand & Jeet Khemka
Foundation.
Zero Emission USA • Aim: It is a one-year campaign that seeks to
Vehicles Emerging accelerate zero-emission passenger vehicle
Market Campaign deployment in emerging markets.
(ZEV-EM-C)
Sustainable Urban COP27 Presidency, in collaboration • Objective: To effectively address some of the
Resilience for the with UN-Habitat and with the barriers that limit urban emissions reductions,
next Generation facilitation of ICLEI. adapting urban systems to climate change, and
(SURGe) initiative building urban system resilience.
• It will track buildings and housing, urban water,
urban mobility, urban waste and consumption,
and urban energy
Beat the Heat: Cool Coalition • Cities in developing countries are invited to
Nature for Cool participate in the challenge by pledging to
Cities Challenge increase nature based solutions in their urban

126
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 areas by 2030 and demonstrate tangible progress
by 2025.
• Participants will be supported via funding,
technical assistance, partnership opportunities,
and communications support.

Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Targets

First Movers First Movers Coalition (FMC) • First movers pledged to purchase at least 10% near
Coalition (FMC) zero carbon cement and concrete by 2030.
Cement & Concrete • FMC is a coalition of companies using their
Commitment purchasing power to create early markets for
innovative clean technologies across eight hard to
abate sectors.
o India is a Government Partner of the coalition.
LeadIT (Leadership Hosted by India and Sweden • The summit concluded with the adoption of the
for Industry summit statement by the members of LeadIT
Transition) Summit which re-emphasized the commitment to
2022 continue pursuing the low-carbon transition of
the industry.
• LeadIT (Leadership for Industry Transition)
initiative focuses on low carbon transition of the
hard to abate industrial sector.
o It was launched by the governments of
Sweden and India at the UN Climate Action
Summit in September 2019 and is supported
by the World Economic Forum.
Middle East Green Saudi Arabia led regional dialogue to • Aim: To mitigate the impact of climate change on
Initiative (MGI) bring together leaders from across the the region and to collaborate to meet global
Summit 2022 MENA region (Middle East/North climate targets.
Africa) and beyond. • MGI Summit 2022 was held in Sharm El Sheikh, in
tandem with COP27.
o MGI is a Saudi Arabia led regional dialogue on
climate launched in 2021 to bring together
leaders from across the MENA region (Middle
East/North Africa) and beyond.
o India is one of the endorsing countries.
• Targets MGI:
o Reducing carbon emissions from regional
hydrocarbon production by more than 60%.
o Plant 50 billion trees across the Middle East
and restore an area equivalent to 200 million
hectares of degraded land.
Methane Alert and UNEP’s International Methane • Aim: To accelerate implementation of the Global
Response System Emissions Observatory. Methane Pledge by transparently scaling up
(MARS) • Initial financial support for MARS global efforts to detect and act on major methane
is provided by the European emissions sources.
Commission, the U.S. • It is new satellite-based system that will alert
Government, the Global Methane governments, companies and operators about
Hub, and the Bezos Earth Fund. large methane sources to foster rapid mitigation
action.
Climate TRACE Spearheaded by former U.S. Vice • Aim: To make meaningful climate action faster
(Tracking Real-time President Al Gore and easier by mobilizing the global tech
Atmospheric community to track greenhouse gas (GHG)
Carbon Emissions) emissions with unprecedented detail and speed
Coalition and provide this data freely to the public.
• It is a global non-profit coalition.
• It will harness satellite imagery and other forms
of remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and
collective data science

127
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Action on Water, COP27 Presidency, in partnership • It will address water security as part of climate
Adaptation and with World Meteorological change adaptation and will focus on three
Resilience (AWARe) Organization (WMO) priorities:
• It is a collaboration between o Decrease water losses worldwide and
various stakeholders, including improve water supply.
African Union. o Promote mutually agreed, cooperative water
adaptation action.
o Promote cooperation and interlinkages
between water and climate action.
Insurance Launched as a part of the Race to • Aim: To mobilise 3,000 insurance companies
Adaptation Resilience campaign, which is the UN- (equal to 50% of the market) by COP28 in 2023.
Acceleration backed global campaign to catalyse a • The objective is to scale the industry’s ability to-
Campaign step-change in global ambition for o advance meaningful climate risk reduction,
climate resilience and
o jointly pursue the innovative public-private
partnerships that reflect a shared mission of
protecting vulnerable populations from the
physical ravages of climate change.
Sharm El-Sheikh • COP27 Presidency in partnership • It outlines 30 Adaptation outcomes to enhance
Adaptation Agenda with the High-Level Champions resilience for people living in the most climate
and the Marrakech Partnership. vulnerable communities by 2030.
o Underpinned by the 2,000+ • The outcomes include urgent global 2030 targets
organisations spanning 131 related to Food Security and Agriculture, Water
countries in the Race to and Nature, Ocean and Coastal, Infrastructure
Resilience campaign. Systems etc.
Planning for Green Hydrogen • Aim: It is a new global initiative focused on
Climate Organisation, International speeding up planning and approvals for the
Commission Hydropower Association, the Global massive deployment of renewables and green
Wind Energy Council and the Global hydrogen needed to address climate change and
Solar Council. energy security.
Global Renewables International Geothermal • Aim: To position renewable energy as a pillar of
Alliance Association, Global Wind Energy sustainable development and economic growth.
Council, Long Duration Energy • It brings together, for the first time, all the
Storage Council, Green Hydrogen technologies required for the energy transition in
Organisation, International order to ensure an accelerated energy transition.
Hydropower Association, and the
Global Solar Council

Others
Executive Action World Meteorological Organisation • The plan identifies key areas for advancing
for 2023-2027: Early (WMO) universal disaster risk knowledge, and outlines
Warnings for all the priority actions required to achieve this,
Action Plan building on the Sendai Framework for Disaster
Risk Reduction.
• The action plan calls for a targeted investment of
US$ 3.1 billion between 2023 and 2027 to advance
four Multi-Hazard Early Warning System
(MHEWS) pillars.
o The funding will cover disaster risk
knowledge, observations and forecasting,
preparedness and response, and
communication of early warnings, and focus
on developing countries where major gaps in
early warning systems remain.
Climate Responses Cairo International Center for Conflict Aim: Ensuring that integrated climate responses
for Sustaining Resolution, Peacekeeping and contribute to sustainable peace and development in
Peace (CRSP) Peacebuilding (CCCPA) in its capacity line with national ownership and context specificity
as the Secretariat of the Aswan Forum
for Sustainable Peace and
Development.

128
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 7.2. DECLARED BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITES IN INDIA

129
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 7.3. LIST OF NEW RAMSAR SITES

S. Name of Wetland Key Features

N
o.

1. Karikili Bird Sanctuary • Man-made wetland

• Comprises two rain-fed non-perennial irrigation tanks.
• Site was declared a Birds Sanctuary in 1972.

130
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Important Species: oriental darter, spot-billed pelican, jungle cat, bonnet
macaque, jackal, python, etc.
2. Pallikaranai Marsh • Natural wetland
Reserve Forest • Freshwater marsh and partly saline wetland.
• It serves as an aquatic buffer of the flood-prone Chennai and Chengalpattu
districts.
• Important Species: Russell’s viper, glossy ibis, grey-headed lapwings, Pheasant-
tailed jacana etc
3. Pichavaram Mangrove • Natural wetland
• One of the largest mangrove ecosystems in India, located between the prominent
estuaries of the Vellar and Coleroon Rivers.
• Features littoral and swamp forest habitats.
• Spawning and nursing ground for commercially important prawns, mainly white
prawn and tiger prawn.
• Important Species: a natural hybrid species- Rhizophora annamalayana, great,
white-bellied heron, spoon-billed sandpiper, spotted greenshank, olive ridley
turtle etc.
4. Koonthankulam Bird • Man-made wetland
Sanctuary • Consists of irrigation tanks interconnected by a network of canals built a few
centuries ago and fed by the rivers originating from the Western Ghats mountain
range.
• It is the largest reserve for breeding resident and migratory waterbirds in South
India.
• An Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) on the Central Asian Flyway.
• Important Species: Indian pond heron, Eurasian wigeon, spot-billed pelican,
oriental darter, Northern pintail etc.
5. Gulf of Mannar Marine • Natural wetland
Biosphere Reserve • First Marine Biosphere Reserve in South & South -East Asia.
• Classified as Marine National Park, Important Bird Area, and UNESCO Biosphere
Reserve.
• Local communities are mainly Marakeyars.
• Important Species: Dugong, whale shark, green sea turtle, hawksbill turtle, Indo-
Pacific humpback dolphin etc.
6. Vembannur Wetland • Man-made wetland
Complex • Forms part of an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
• Irrigation tank believed to have been constructed in the regime of Pandyan king
Veeranarayana.
• The tank and the Therrakal canal were designed to take water from River Pazhayar
for irrigation purposes.
• Important Species: Indian river tern, the spotted greenshank, the garganey, grey
pelican, notable plants including Indotristicha ramosissima, Cyrtococcum longipes
etc.
7. Vellode Bird Sanctuary • Man-made wetland
• Forms part of the Central Asian Flyway.
• Important Species: Indian river tern, oriental darter, painted stork, plant species
like Cayratia pedata, Tephrosia purpurea and Commelina tricolor etc.
8. Vedanthangal Bird • Man-made wetland
Sanctuary • Small irrigation tank in Vedanthangal village surrounded by rocky plains and low-
ridged, denuded hillocks.
• Site is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) and one of the oldest bird
protected areas in India.
• Important Species: black-headed ibis, Eurasian spoonbill, black-crowned night
heron, painted stork etc.
9. Udhayamarthandapura • Man-made wetland
m Bird Sanctuary • Consists of human-made irrigation tanks, interconnected by an ancient network of
canals and fed by the Mettur dam through the Koraiyar canal.
• The southern part of the landscape is partly Koraiyar River
• Important Species: oriental darter, black-headed ibis, Eurasian wigeon, Northern
pintail etc.

131
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 10. Chitrangudi Bird • Man-made wetland
Sanctuary • A crescent shaped sanctuary which lies within the community tank embankment.
• A protected area since 1989 and declared as Bird Sanctuary, coming under the
jurisdiction of Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
• Important Species: spot-billed pelican, little egret, grey heron, large egret, open
billed stork, purple, and pond herons etc.
11. Suchindram Theroor • Man-made wetland
Wetland Complex • Part of the Suchindrum-Theroor Manakudi Conservation Reserve.
• Man-made, inland Tank which is perennial.
• Declared an Important Bird Area and lies at the southern tip of the Central Asian
flyway of migratory birds.
• Important Species: Indian Cormorant, Spot-billed Duck etc.
12. Vaduvur Bird • Man-made wetland
Sanctuary • Located in the Vaduvur Lake, a large human-made irrigation tank, 25 kms from
Thanjavur.
• Important Species: Indian Pond Heron, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Pintail,
Garganey etc.
13. Kanjirankulam Bird • Man-made wetland
Sanctuary • Declared a Protected area in 1989 and qualifies as an IBA.
• Important Species: babul trees, painted stork, white ibis, black ibis, little egret,
great egret, forest birds like bee-eaters, bulbuls, cuckoos, starlings, barbets, etc.
Madhya Pradesh
14. Sakhya Sagar wetland • Man-made wetland
• Created due to damming of the Manier River in 1918 by the Maharaja of Scindias.
• The reservoir lies within the Madhav National Park.
• It is a mosaic of landforms including open water and surrounding marshes,
plantations and a small patch of agricultural land.
• Important Species: mugger crocodile etc.
15. Sirpur Wetland • Man-made wetland
• Constructed by Holkers, the ex-rulers of Indore kingdom.
• Has stabilized and acquired near-natural characteristics in the last two centuries,
• Important Species: common pochard, Egyptian vulture, Indian river tern etc.
16. Yashwant Sagar • Man-made wetland
• A dam reservoir on Gambhir river.
• One of the two Important Bird Areas (IBA) in the Indore region as well as one of
the most important birding sites in Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh.
• Mainly used for water supply to the city of Indore.
• Important Species: Sarus Crane etc.

17. Satkosia Gorge • Natural wetland

• Established in 1976 as a wildlife sanctuary and declared as Satkosia Tiger Reserve
in 2007, comprising two adjoining wildlife sanctuaries, the Satkosia Gorge
sanctuary and Baisipalli sanctuary.
• Spreads along the gorge over the river Mahanadi.
• Mosaic of rivers, marshes and evergreen forests at the meeting point the Deccan
Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats.
• Important Species: Plant species include asan, dhaura, simal, Indian thorny
bamboo, Calcutta bamboo etc., animal species include red-crowned roofed turtle,
Indian narrow headed softshell turtle, tiger and black-bellied tern etc.
18. Ansupa Lake • Natural wetland
• An oxbow lake formed by River Mahanadi and the largest freshwater lake of
Odisha.
• Important Species: Rynchops albicollis, Sterna acuticauda, Sterna aurantia, Clarias
magur, Cyprinus carpio, Wallago attu etc.
19. Hirakud Reservoir • Man-made wetland
• The largest earthen dam built across Mahanadi river in Odisha started operating
in 1957.
• The reservoir is a source of- 480 MT of fish annually, around 300 MW of
hydropower and irrigation of 436,000 ha of cultural command area.

132
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Important Species: Common Coot, Lesser Whistling Duck, Great Crested Grebe,
Red Headed Pochard etc.
20. Tampara Lake • Natural Wetland
• One of the most prominent freshwater lakes in the State of Odisha situated in
Ganjam district.
• The depression on the ground gradually filled with rainwater from catchment flow
and was called “Tamp” by the British and subsequently termed “Tampra” by the
locals.
• Important Species: Cyprinus carpio, common pochard and river tern etc.

21. Hygam Wetland • Natural wetland

Conservation Reserve • Falls within the River Jhelum basin and is recognized as an Important Bird Area
(IBA).
• Consequent to the high rate of siltation, the Wetland has lost its wetland
characteristics to a large extent and in many places changed its profile into a
landmass.
• Important Species: Red Crested Pochards, White Eyed Pochards, Common Teal
Coots, Grey Legs etc.
22. Shallbugh Wetland • Natural wetland
Conservation Reserve • Located in the District Srinagar, UT of J&K.
• The area has extensive reedbeds of Phragmites communis and Typha angustata,
and rich growth of Nymphaea candida and N. stellata on open water.
• Important Species: Geese, Bar Geese, White Heeled Duck, Shoveller, Red-Crested
Pochard, White-Eyed Pochard, Common Teal, Pintail, Mallard, etc.

23. Thane Creek • Natural wetland.

• Declared as Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.
• An important part of the wetland complex of the Central Asian Flyway of the birds
and categorized as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
• There are several sources of fresh water to the creek, of which Ulhas River is the
largest.
• Important Species: Fringed by mangroves on both banks & comprises around 20%
of the total Indian mangrove species, flamingos etc.

24. Ranganathittu Bird • Natural wetland

Sanctuary • Part of the Kaveri River.
• Classified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
• Important Species: mugger crocodile, smooth-coated otter, hump-backed
mahseer, painted stork, spot-billed pelican, black-headed ibis etc.

25. Pala wetland • Natural wetland

• Largest natural wetland in the state of Mizoram.
• Revered by the local Mara people.
• Important Species: sambar deer, wild pig, barking deer, Hoolock gibbon, Phayre’s
leaf monkey, slow loris, elongated tortoise, Asian brown tortoise, and black soft-
shelled turtle etc.

26. Nanda Lake • Natural wetland

• Comprises intermittent freshwater marshes that lie adjacent to one of the major
tributaries of the Zuari River.
• Important Species: black-headed ibis, wire-tailed swallow, common kingfisher etc.

133
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
Table of Contents
1. ISSUES RELATED TO CONSTITUTION ____ 4 5.1. Anti-Defection Law ________________ 32
1.1. Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) 5.2. Simultaneous Elections _____________ 32
Quota ________________________________ 4 5.3. Delimitation Commission ___________ 33
1.2. Sub-categorisation of Other Backward 5.4. Electoral Bonds ___________________ 34
Classes (OBC) __________________________ 5 5.5. Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021 _ 34
1.3. Uniform Civil Code (UCC) _____________ 6 5.6. Appointments of Election Commissioners
1.4. Hate Speech _______________________ 6 ____________________________________ 35
1.5. Sedition ___________________________ 7 5.7. Social Democracy __________________ 36
1.6. Preventive Detention ________________ 8 5.8. Other Important News _____________ 37
1.6.1. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act _____ 8 6. IMPORTANT LEGISLATURE/BILLS _____ 39
1.7. Phone Tapping _____________________ 9 6.1. Multi-State Co-operative Societies
1.8. Right to be Forgotten _______________ 10 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 ________________ 39
1.9. Other Important News ______________ 11 6.2. Foreign Contribution Regulation Act
2. FUNCTIONING OF PARLIAMENT, STATE (FCRA) ______________________________ 40
LEGISLATURE/LOCAL GOVERNMENT ____ 12 6.3. Model Tenancy Act, 2021 ___________ 42
2.1. Election of President _______________ 12 6.4. Criminal Procedure (Identification) Rules,
2.2. Pardoning Power of President and 2022 ________________________________ 43
Governor ____________________________ 13 6.5. Mediation Bill 2021 ________________ 44
2.3. Lokpal and Lokayukta _______________ 13 6.6. Registration of Press and Periodicals Bill45
2.4. Parliamentary Committees __________ 14 6.7. Other Important News _____________ 46
2.5. National Register of Citizens (NRC) ____ 15 7. IMPORTANT CONSTITUTIONAL/
2.6. Delegated Legislation _______________ 16 STATUTORY/ EXECUTIVE BODIES IN NEWS 48
2.7. Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled 7.1. Unique Identification Authority of India
Areas) Act, 1996 _______________________ 16 (UIDAI) ______________________________ 48
2.8. Other Important News ______________ 17 7.2. Central Information Commission _____ 48
3. CENTRE- STATE RELATIONS __________ 20 7.3. India’s Investigative Agencies ________ 49
3.1. Reform in Seventh Schedule _________ 20 7.4. Other Important News _____________ 50
3.2. Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal ____________ 21 8. IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF GOVERNANCE 51
3.3. Other Important News ______________ 21 8.1. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) ___________ 51
4. JUDICIARY _______________________ 23 8.2. Audit of Local Self Government ______ 51
4.1. Public Interest Litigation ____________ 23 8.3. Digitalisation of Land Records In India _ 52
4.2. Tribunals _________________________ 23 8.4. Localisation of Sustainable Development
4.3. Appointment of Judges _____________ 25 Goals (SDGs) _________________________ 53
4.4. Prison Reforms ____________________ 25 8.5. Sports Governance ________________ 54
4.5. Death Penalty (Capital Punishment) ___ 26 8.6. Rules for Resignation and Reinstatement
4.6. Legal Services Authorities ___________ 27 of an Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
4.7. Live Streaming of Constitution Bench Officer ______________________________ 55
Hearings _____________________________ 28 8.7. National Standards for Civil Service
4.8. Other Important News ______________ 29 Training Institutions (NSCSTI)____________ 55
5. ELECTIONS _______________________ 32 8.8. Other Important News _____________ 56

Copyright © by Vision IAS

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission of Vision IAS.

1
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 2
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
3
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 1. ISSUES RELATED TO CONSTITUTION
1.1. ECONOMICALLY WEAKER SECTIONS (EWS) QUOTA
Why in news?
SC Constitutional Bench upheld validity
of 103rd Constitutional Amendment
which introduced 10% quota for EWS in
education and public employment.
About EWS quota
• EWS reservation was granted based
on recommendations of Sinho
commission.
• 103rd Amendment Act 2019
o Provides reservation to EWS
among non-OBC and non-
SC/STs.
o Inserted Articles 15(6) and 16(6)
✓ Enables both central and
state governments to
provide reservations to
EWS.
✓ Allows state government to decide whether to provide reservations to EWS for appointment in
state government jobs and admission to state government educational institutions.
o Amended Article 15 to additionally permit government to provide for advancement of EWS.
✓ Up to 10% of seats may be reserved for such sections for admission in educational institutions. (Not
applicable to minority
educational institutions).
o Amended Article 16 to permit
government to reserve up to
10% of all posts for EWS of
citizens.
• EWS reservation is in addition to
existing reservation.
o A person not covered under
reservation for SCs, STs, and
OBCs, and whose family had a
gross annual income below
Rs 8 lakh, was to be identified
as EWS for reservation.
o Also excluded were those who had five acres of agricultural land, or
o A residential flat of 1,000 square feet, or
o A residential plot of 100 square yards and above in notified municipalities, or 200 square yards in other
areas.
Key points of SC verdict (Janhit Abhiyan v Union of India case, 2022)
• Reservation on economic criteria alone did not violate Basic Structure of Constitution.
o EWS is deemed a separate and distinct category.
• Exclusion of SC/ST, SEBC was a part of reasonable classification and necessary to avoid double benefits.
o Also, Reservations as a concept cannot be ruled out in private institutions where education is
imparted.
• 50% rule formed in Indira Sawhney judgment in 1992 has not been held to be inflexible and inviolable for
all times to come. Further, it had applied only to SC/ST/SEBC/OBC communities and not the general
category.

4
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.2. SUB-CATEGORISATION OF OTHER BACKWARD CLASSES (OBC)
Why in news?
Union Cabinet gave the 14th
extension to the Justice Rohini
Commission, set up to examine
issues related to sub-categorisation
of OBCs, to submit its report by July
31, 2023.
More on news
• Commission was formed in 2017
under Article 340.
o Article 340 empowers
President appoints Commission to
investigate conditions of SEBCs.
• In 2015, NCBC had proposed that OBCs
be divided into following three
categories:
o Extremely Backward Classes (EBC-
Group A) facing social, educational
and economic backwardness even
within the OBCs, consisting of
aboriginal tribes, nomadic and semi-
nomadic tribes who have been
carrying on with their traditional
occupations.
o More Backward Classes (MBC-
Group B) consisting of vocational
groups carrying on with their
traditional occupations.
o Backward Classes (BC-Group C)
comprising of those
comparatively more forward.
• According to NCBC, 11 states/UTs
(Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,
Puducherry, Karnataka, Haryana etc.)
have subcategorized OBC for
reservations in state-government
owned institutions.

Reservation for OBCs in Local Bodies

• HC directed the UP government to notify elections immediately without reservation for OBCs.
o This direction is guided by provisions of Article 243-U of Constitution which mandates that election to
constitute a municipality shall be completed before expiry of its duration.
• HC held that until “triple test conditions” as mandated by SC in K. Krishnamurthy v. Union of India (2010) is fulfill,
no reservation for Backward Class shall be provided in ULBs polls.
• Triple test criteria are,
o Set up of a dedicated commission by State government to gather data on backwardness of OBCs in every
local body,
o Specify proportion of reservation in each local body in light of commission’s recommendations, and
o Ensure that such reservation does not exceed 50% of total seats reserved for SC/ST/OBC together
• In case, State/UT is not in a position to fulfil triple test requirement, election to any of its local bodies cannot be
postponed beyond statutory period.
• Constitution provides for reservation for SCs and STs in local bodies as per their population, State governments
are allowed to make decisions on reservation for OBCs.

5
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 1.3. UNIFORM CIVIL CODE (UCC)
Why in news?
Recently a Private
Member Bill titled UCC
in India Bill, 2020 was
introduced in Rajya
Sabha.
About UCC
• UCC refers to
same set of civil
laws applicable to
all citizens of
India in their
personal matters
such as marriage,
divorce, custody,
adoption and
inheritance.
• Provisions for UCC
come under Article 44 (Directive Principles of State Policy) of Constitution.
o Thus, UCC comes under non justiciable part of constitution.
o Also, “Personal laws” comes under
Concurrent List.
Current Status of Personal Laws in India
• Different religious communities are currently
governed by a system of personal laws, which
have been codified over years through various
pieces of legislation.
o For example, Hindu personal law is codified in
four bills: Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu
Succession Act, Hindu Minority and
Guardianship Act, and Hindu Adoptions and
Maintenance Act.
✓ Term ‘Hindu’ also includes Sikhs, Jains and
Buddhists for purpose of these laws.
o Certain aspects of Muslim personal law are expressly recognised in India in acts such as Shariat
Application Act and Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act.
• There are some secular laws as well, for e.g.
o Special Marriage Act: under which Inter-religion marriages take place, and
o Guardians and Wards Act: which establishes the rights and duties of guardians.
• Goa is, at present, only state in India with a UCC.
o Portuguese Civil Code,1867 continues to be implemented after India annexed the territory in 1961,
irrespective of religion or ethnicity of community.
o However, Portuguese Code is not completely a UCC.

1.4. HATE SPEECH

Why in news?
NCRB reported about 500% rise in cases under hate speech law in seven years.
About hate speech
• Hate speech has not been defined in any law in India.

6
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o However, hate
speech,
generally
incitement to
hatred primarily
against a group
of persons, dealt
with IPC section
like 153A, 295A
etc.
• Hate speech can be
conveyed through
any form of
expression,
including images,
cartoons, memes,
objects, gestures
and symbols and it
can be disseminated
offline or online.

1.5. SEDITION
Why in news?
Recently, SC has ordered that 152-
year-old sedition law under Section
124A of IPC should be effectively
kept in abeyance till Union
Government reconsiders the
provision.
About Sedition
• Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines
sedition (Section 124A) as an
offence committed when any
person by words or otherwise
brings or attempts to bring into
hatred or contempt, or excites or
attempts to excite disaffection
towards the government
established by law in India by
o words, either spoken or
written
o signs
o visible representation, or
otherwise
• Sedition is a cognisable, non-
bailable and non-compoundable offence under the law.
• A person charged under sedition law is barred from a
government job.
• They have to live without their passport and must produce
themselves in court at all times as and when required.
• In 2018, Law Commission of India (LCI) recommended to
repeal section 124A of IPC.

7
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 1.6. PREVENTIVE DETENTION
Why in news?
Recently, SC has ruled that preventive detention is
to be used only in exceptional circumstances.
More on news
• SC observed that preventive detention is an
exceptional power of State which affects
personal liberty of individual and has to be
employed sparingly.
o Court distinguished between law-and-
order situations and public disorder.
Preventive detention may apply in the
latter but never for the former situation.
About Preventive Detention
• It is the detention of a person on a mere
reasonable apprehension of him doing an
activity dangerous to public order and
security.
o Here, the person is confined in custody
without undergoing a trial.
• Constitution gives protection against arrest
and detention under Article 22 (1) and 22 (2).
o These protections are not available to a
person arrested or detained under
preventive detention laws (Article 22(3)).
• Multiple laws such as Code of Criminal
Procedure, Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic
Substance Act (NDPS) 1985, Unlawful Activities
(Prevention) Act etc. permit Preventive Detention.
• Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) of India also
provides for Preventive detention under Section
151.
o According to Section 151 of CrPC police are
empowered to make preventive arrests
if they believe they must do so to
prevent commission of “any cognisable
offence”.

1.6.1. UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES

(PREVENTION) ACT
Why in news?
Centre has declared the Popular Front of India
(PFI) an “unlawful association” under Unlawful
Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967.
About UAPA
• UAPA, 1967 (the Act) was enacted for
effective prevention of certain unlawful
activities of individuals and associations,
and for dealing with terrorist activities, and for matters connected therewith.
• Act defines “Unlawful activity” as “any action taken by such individual or association that leads to cession
of a part of territory of India, questions sovereignty of India or disrupt integrity of India”.
8
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Cases under UAPA are
investigated by both
State police and National
Investigation Agency
(NIA).
o UAPA gave powers to
central government
to impose all-India
bans on associations.
o Act had provisions
for a tribunal to
review or to hear an
appeal against the
ban.
o Both Indian nationals
and foreign nationals
can be charged under
act. Also, act holds
offenders
accountable in same
manner if crime is
committed on foreign land outside India.
• UAPA was amended in 2004, 2008, 2012 and most recently in 2019 to enhance the scope of the Act.
Details of UAPA Act, 2019

Specifications Detail
Power to designate • Central government may designate an organisation as terrorist organisation if it: (i)
terrorist commits or participates in acts of terrorism, (ii) prepares for terrorism, (iii) promotes
terrorism, or (iv) is otherwise involved in terrorism.
• Act empowers government to designate individuals as terrorists on same grounds.
Approval for seizure • Investigating officer is required to obtain prior approval of Director General of Police to
of property by NIA seize properties that may be connected with terrorism.
Investigation by NIA • Investigation may be conducted by officers of rank of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant
Commissioner of Police or above.
• Act empowers officers of NIA, of rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases.
Convention • Schedule under original act lists nine treaties including Convention for Suppression of
Terrorist Bombings (1997), and Convention against Taking of Hostages (1979).
o UAPA Act, 2019 added International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear
Terrorism (2005) to list.

1.7. PHONE TAPPING

Why in news?
Recently, an IPS officer was under
probe for tapping the phones of
political leaders in 2019.
About phone tapping
• Definition: Phone tapping refers
to monitoring of internet-based
communications and phones by a
third party by secret means.
o Word ‘phone tapping’ also
means wiretapping or line bugging or interception of the phone.
o It was first commenced in USA in 1890s.

9
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Indian Telegraphic Act, 1885
• Both, Central and State
Governments have a right
to tap phones.
o In states, police have
powers to tap phones.
o At Centre, 10 agencies
are authorised to do
so: Intelligence Bureau,
CBI, Enforcement
Directorate, Narcotics
Control Bureau, Central
Board of Direct Taxes,
Directorate of Revenue
Intelligence, National
Investigation Agency, R&W, Directorate of Signal Intelligence, and Delhi Police Commissioner.
o Tapping by any other agency would be considered illegal.
• Orders could be issued only by Secretary, Union Ministry of Home Affairs or his State Counterpart in
writing; only then can the tapping begin.
o However, in exceptional cases the order may be issuesd by lower authorites also.
o Such order has to be communicated to competent authority within a specified time period.

1.8. RIGHT TO BE FORGOTTEN

Why in news?
Recently, SC directed its registry to remove details of a
couple from search engines and Internet.
About Right to be Forgotten
• RTBF is the right to have publicly available personal
information removed from the internet, search,
databases, websites, or any other public platforms,
once the personal information in question is no longer
necessary.
o RTBF traces its origin to ‘right to oblivion’ in
French jurisprudence.
o However, RTBF is not an absolute right.
• It has been recognised as a statutory right in European
Union under General Data Protection Regulation
(GDPR).
o It was implicitly recognized as a right for the first
time by EU Directive on
Data Protection in 1995.
o Article 17 of GDPR, 2016
provides Right to
Erasure (or RTBF),
which permits a data
subject to request a
controller to delete
personal data
concerning him or her
without undue delay.
• In India, there is no law that
specifically provides for
RTBF.

10
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 1.9. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
Minority status in • Constitution does not define the word Minority.
India • Rights of the minorities under Article 29 and 30.
o Article 350B
mentions about
special officer
for linguistic
minorities.
• However, Centre,
using National
Commission for
Minorities Act, 1992,
has declared
Muslims, Christians,
Sikhs, Buddhists,
Jains and Zoroastrians as 'minority'.
• National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) Act, 2004 has been
enacted to safeguard educational rights of minorities.
Sarna religion • Various tribal communities of five states, including Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam, demanded
demand that Centre recognise their religion as 'Sarna'.
• Sarna, a "religion" based on concept of nature worship, is followed by tribals in several
Indian states.
Article 370 • August 5 marks three years of abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A that gave J&K its special
abrogation and status and mandate to define its domicile rules.
Article 35 A o In 2019, President of India
promulgated Constitution
(Application to J&K) Order,
2019 which stated that
provisions of Indian
Constitution were
applicable in State.
✓ This effectively meant
that all provisions that
formed the basis of a
separate Constitution
for J&K stand
abrogated. With this,
Article 35A was scrapped automatically.
✓ Article 35A provided J&K legislature full discretionary powers to decide
'permanent residents' of state and give them special privileges in employment,
property acquisition, and education etc.
o Parliament passed J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 provides for reorganization of J&K into
two Union Territory (UTs) namely J&K (with legislature) and Ladakh (without
legislature).
Article 142 • Exercising its powers under Article 142 of Constitution, SC set free the remaining six convicts
in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.
• About Article 142 (Enforcement of decrees and orders of Supreme Court):
o SC in exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary
for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it.
o Any decree so passed or order so made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of
India in such manner as may be prescribed.
Article 145 (5) • Constitutional bench of SC ruled that majority view of a larger bench will always prevail over
a bench of lesser strength even if latter saw a greater number of judges agreeing with each
other.
o In view of Article 145(5), concurrence of a majority of judges at the hearing will be
considered as a judgment or opinion of court.
• Article 145(5) states that no judgment shall be delivered by SC without concurrence of a
majority of judges present at hearing of case, but nothing in this clause shall prevent a judge
from delivering a dissenting judgment.

11
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 2. FUNCTIONING OF PARLIAMENT, STATE
LEGISLATURE/LOCAL GOVERNMENT
2.1. ELECTION OF PRESIDENT
Why in news?
Recently 15th President of India was elected.
President Election
• Under Article 62(1) of Constitution, an election to
fill a vacancy caused by expiration of term of office
of President shall be completed before expiration
of term (5 years).
• Election Process
o Electoral College: MPs of both Houses of
Parliament and MLAs of states and Delhi and
Puducherry.
✓ Not included: Nominated members of
Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha and Assemblies,
and members of state Legislative
Councils.
o Election is held as per system of proportional
representation by means of a single
transferable vote.
o Winning candidate has to secure the required quota of votes to be declared elected, i.e., 50% of valid
votes polled +1.
• Anti-defection law is not applicable in presidential election; thus, electors are not bound to vote along
party lines.
• Under Article 324 of constitution, Election Commission of India has authority to conduct presidential
elections.
Value of vote of Members of Parliament (MP)
• In a presidential election, it is based on number of elected members in legislative assemblies of states and
UTs, including Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir.
o Value of vote of has been fixed at 708 since 1997 presidential election.
o In 2022 presidential poll, value of vote of MP reduced to 700 from 708 due to absence of a legislative
assembly in Jammu and Kashmir.
Related information
Vice President of India
• Jagdeep Dhankhar has been elected as India’s
14th VP.
• VP is second-highest constitutional post,
provided under Article 63 of Constitution.
• Elected by, method of indirect election,
members of an electoral college consisting
of members of both Houses of Parliament
o Election in accordance with the system
of proportional representation by
means of the single transferable vote
o The voting at such election shall be by
secret ballot.
• He acts as ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
• Chairman of Rajya Sabha is empowered under
Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business to “direct any Member whose conduct is in his opinion grossly
disorderly to withdraw immediately” from the House.

12
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 2.2. PARDONING POWER OF PRESIDENT AND GOVERNOR
Why in news?
SC made observation on Centre’s claim that the President, and not Tamil Nadu Governor, has exclusive power
to decide Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict A.G. Perarivalan's plea for pardon.
About Governor’s appointment and removal
• Under Article 155 and 156, Governor is appointed by President and holds office during pleasure of
President.
o If this pleasure is withdrawn before completion of five-year term, Governor has to step down.
• There are no provisions laid down in Constitution for the manner in which Governor and state must
engage publicly when there is a difference of opinion.
Comparison between Pardoning Power of President and Governor
President Governor
• Article 72 empowers the President to grant • Under Article 161, governor of a state also possesses
pardons in all cases where, the pardoning power.
o Punishment or sentence is for an offence • But it differs from that of the President in following
against a Union Law; two respects:
o Punishment or sentence is by a court martial o President can pardon sentences inflicted by court
(military court); and martial (military courts) while governor cannot.
o Sentence is a sentence of death. o President can pardon death sentence while
governor cannot.
✓ However, the governor can suspend, remit or
commute a death sentence.
• Pardoning power of the President includes: • Governor can also grant pardons, reprieves, respites
o Pardon It removes both the sentence and and remissions of punishment or suspend, remit and
conviction and completely absolves convict. commute the sentence of any person convicted of any
o Commutation: Substitution of one form of offence against a state law.
punishment for a lighter form.
o Remission: Reducing the period of sentence
without changing its character.
o Respite: Awarding a lesser sentence in place of
one originally awarded due to some special fact.
o Reprieve: Stay of execution of a sentence
(especially that of death) for a temporary period.

2.3. LOKPAL AND LOKAYUKTA

Why in news?
Recently, Kerala Legislative Assembly passed the Kerala Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
Background of Lokpal and Lokayukta
• In 1966, term ‘Lokpal-Lokayukta’, coined by L. M. Singhvi, was first used in a report of Administrative
Reforms Commission.
• In 2014, central Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 was notified.
o It provides for establishment of a statutory body of Lokpal for Union and Lokayukta for States.
o It aims to inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and for matters
connected therewith or incidental thereto.
o Lokayuktas are state equivalents of central Lokpal.
✓ Some States already have established Lokayuktas. For example, Maharashtra in 1971, and Kerala
in 1999.
✓ It extends to the whole of India and apply to public servants in and outside India.

13
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
Specifications Details
Composition • Lokpal consists of a chairperson and a maximum of eight members, of which 50% shall be
judicial members and 50% shall be from SC/ST/OBCs, minorities and women.
Tenure of office • Chairperson and members of Lokpal are appointed for term of five years or until attaining
age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
Selection • Chairperson and Lokpal Members shall be appointed by President on recommendations
Committee (SC) of a SC.
o Selection Committee constitute Prime Minister (Chairperson), LS Speaker, Leader of
Opposition, CJI (or his nominee) and eminent jurist (nominated by President based
on recommendation of other members of panel).
o As per Lokpal Act of 2013, Department of Personnel and Training needs to create a
list of candidates who are interested to become the chairperson or members of
Lokpal.
Confiscation of • Acquired by corrupt means, even while prosecution is pending.
property
Timelines for • 60 days for completion of inquiry and 6 months for completion of investigation by CBI.
enquiry, • This period of 6 months can be extended by Lokpal on a written request from CBI.
investigation
Power with respect • Power of superintendence and direction over any investigation agency including CBI for
to CBI cases referred to them by Lokpal.
• Transfer of officers of CBI investigating cases referred by Lokpal would need approval of
Lokpal.
Lokayuktas • They shall have jurisdiction over CM, Ministers, MLAs, all state government employees and
certain private entities (including religious institutions).
Removal • Lokpal Members and Chairperson shall be removed by President after an inquiry by SC.
For that, a petition has to be signed by at least 100 Members of Parliament (MP).
Lokpal Jurisdiction • It extends to Prime Minister, Ministers, MP, Group A, B, C and D officers and officials of
central government.
o Any society or trust or body that receives foreign contribution above ₹10 lakh

2.4. PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES

Why in news?
In a first ever comprehensive study of Rajya Sabha
Secretariat, a panel has presented its recommendations to
Chairman regarding increasing Tenure of House
Committees.
More on news
• RS secretariat was set up pursuant to provisions
contained in Article 98, which provide for separate
secretarial staff for each House of Parliament.
o It functions under guidance and control of RS
Chairman.
About Parliamentary Committees (PC)
• It is a panel of MPs that is appointed or elected
by House or nominated by Speaker, and which
works under direction of Speaker. It presents its
report to House or to Speaker.
• PCs have their origins in British Parliament.
o They draw their authority from Article 105
which deals with privileges of MPs, and
Article 118 which gives Parliament authority
to make rules to regulate its procedure and
conduct of business.
o Parliament is not bound by recommendations of committees.

14
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Constitution makes a mention of these committees at different places but without making any specific
provisions regarding their composition, tenure etc.
o All these matters are dealt by the rules of two houses.

2.5. NATIONAL REGISTER OF CITIZENS (NRC)

Why in news?
CAG report on compliance audit of ‘logistical arrangements for NRC updation project in Assam’ has flagged
data tampering risk in updating of NRC in Assam.
About NRC
• NRC is an official record of those who are legal Indian citizens and identify migrants from erstwhile East
Pakistan, now Bangladesh.
o At present, Assam is the only state to have an NRC. It was first prepared in 1951 and finally updated in
2019.
o NRC was updated as per provisions of Citizenship Act, 1955 and Citizenship (Registration of Citizens
and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.
✓ Section 6A of Citizenship Act: Under it, foreigners who had entered Assam before January 1, 1966,
would have all rights and obligations of Indian citizens.
o It includes persons whose names appear in any of the electoral rolls up to the midnight of 24th March
1971 or NRC, 1951, and their descendants.
o Its origin can be traced back to Assam Accord 1985.
• Non-inclusion of a person's name in NRC does not by itself amount to him/her being declared a foreigner.
o Such individuals will have option to present their case before foreigners' tribunals.
Related information
Citizenship Norms notified
• Ministry of Home Affairs has issued guidelines for those whose parents had renounced Indian citizenship when
they were minors but now want to reclaim their nationality.
• Under Citizenship Act, 1955, every minor child of a person who renounces their citizenship shall, thereupon, cease
to be a citizen of India.
o Provided that any such child may, within one year after attaining full age, make a declaration that he wishes
to resume Indian citizenship.
• Citizenship Act, 1955 prescribes five ways of acquiring citizenship, viz, birth, descent, registration, naturalization
and incorporation of territory.
o Act has been amended in 1986,1992,2005 and 2019.
• Renounce of Indian citizenship: Any citizen of full age and capacity, who is also a citizen or national of another
country, can renounce Indian citizenship.
• Other ways of Loss of Indian Citizenship
o Deprivation of Citizenship by government if citizenship obtained by means of fraud, etc.
o Termination of Citizenship if a Citizen voluntarily acquires citizenship of another country.

15
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 2.6. DELEGATED LEGISLATION
Why in News?
Recently, SC observed that a delegated
legislation which is ultra vires the parent
Act cannot be given any effect.
More about News
• As per ruling, Delegated legislation
should not travel beyond the purview of
the parent Act.
o If it does, it is ultra vires and cannot
be given any effect.
• SC held that Delegated legislation,
including rules and regulations formed
by State and Central authorities, should
not supplant but supplement
parliamentary statute from which it
draws power from.
About Delegated Legislation
• It is a process by which executive
authority is given powers by
primary legislation to make
laws to implement and
administer requirements of
that primary legislation.
• Parliament thereby, through
primary legislation, enables
others to make law and rules
through a process of
delegated legislation.
• Under Constitution of India,
legislative power is given to
legislature while Executive has
power to execute laws.
o Due to paucity of time,
legislature limits itself to
policy matters, delegating
task of rule and
regulations to executive or any subordinate to supplement parliamentary statute.

2.7. PANCHAYATS (EXTENSION TO THE SCHEDULED AREAS) ACT,

1996
Why in news?
Recently, Chhattisgarh notified the rules for implementation of Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled
Areas) (PESA) Act, 1996 on the occasion of World Tribal Day.
More on news
• With PESA rules being notified, Chhattisgarh became seventh state in country to frame rules and
implement PESA after Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and
Telangana.

16
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 About PESA Act, 1996
• Based on
recommendations of
Dileep Singh Bhuria
Committee, PESA
Act was enacted in
1996 for tribal
empowerment and
to bring them into
mainstream.
• Ministry of
Panchayati Raj is
nodal Ministry for
implementation of
provisions of PESA in
States.
• PESA Act is called a
‘Constitution within the Constitution’.
• It provides for extension of provisions of Part IX of Constitution relating to Panchayats to Scheduled
Areas of 10 States under Article 244(1) read with Schedule 5, with certain modifications and exceptions.
o Ten states are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Telangana.
Other features of PESA Act, 1996
Conformity • State Legislation on Panchayats shall be in conformity with customary law, social and religious
with customary practices and traditional management practices of community resources.
law
Gram Sabha • Every village shall have a Gram Sabha (GS) consisting of persons whose names are included in
electoral rolls for Panchayat at village level.
Role and • GS has roles and responsibilities in approving all development works in village, identify
responsibility beneficiaries, issue certificates of utilization of funds; powers to control institutions and
of Gram sabha functionaries in all social sectors and local plans.
• Every GS to safeguard and preserve traditions and customs of people, their cultural identity,
community resources and the customary mode of dispute resolution.
Reservation • Every panchayat to have reservation of seats in proportion to community population
(minimum of 50 percent) with Chairperson of Panchayats at all levels to be reserved for STs.

2.8. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Office of Profit • Jharkhand Governor had sent the matter of Chief Minister's disqualification as an MLA for
holding office of profit to Election Commission of India.
o Office of profit is interpreted as a position that brings to officeholder some financial
gain, remuneration, or benefit.
o It is not defined in Constitution or Representation of People Act of 1951.
• Under Article 102 (1) and Article 191 (1) of Constitution, an MP or an MLA (or an MLC) is
barred from holding any office of profit under central or state government.
o Provisions also protect a legislator if the office in question has been made immune to
disqualification by law.
o Questions of disqualifications in respect of office of profit shall be referred to
President and Governor.
✓ However, they shall obtain the opinion of Election Commission and shall act
accordingly.
Members of • Ministry of Finance has revised the rules, under which interest accumulated on MPLADS
Parliament Local fund will be deposited in Consolidated Fund of India.
Area Development o Earlier, interest accrued on fund used to be added to MPLADS account and could be
Scheme (MPLADS) used for development projects.
rules o The proposed changes are aimed at timely and efficient utilisation of funds.

17
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • MPLADS, launched in 1993, enables MP to suggest and get executed developmental works
of a capital nature based on locally felt needs with an emphasis on creation of durable
assets.
o Under it, MPs receive Rs.5 crore each year in two instalments of Rs. 2.5 crore each.
o Every year, MP shall recommend atleast 15% of MPLADS funds for areas inhabited by
SC population and 7.5 percent for areas inhabited by ST population.
o Funds under MPLADS are non-lapsable.
o District Authority is responsible for overall coordination and supervision of works
under scheme at district level and inspect at least 10% of works under implementation
every year.
o Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is responsible for
policy formulation, release of funds and prescribing monitoring mechanism for
implementation of Scheme.
National e-Vidhan • NeVA system has been developed to make all work and data related to legislative bodies
Application (NeVA) available online for use of both citizens and members of Assemblies.
o e-Vidhan is re-designated as NeVA.
o Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs is Nodal Ministry for rolling out NeVA.
• NeVA aims to bring all legislatures of country together, in one platform thereby creating a
massive data depository.
o It will also help in streamlining information related to various state assemblies, and to
eliminate use of paper in day-to-day functioning.
Creation/Abolition • Recently, 7 new districts were created in West Bengal.
of District • How are districts created/abolished?
o This power lies with state governments, who can pass a law in Assembly or simply
issue an order and notify it in gazette. Centre does not have a say in the matter.
o The permission of centre is required when a change of name of a district or railway
station is contemplated.
Power of Speaker • SC ruled that Speaker of LA does not have power to take away the status of former MLA’s
of Legislative while deciding a disqualification plea against a lawmaker under 10th schedule of
Assembly (LA) Constitution (Anti- defection).
o In 2014, Bihar LA Speaker not only disqualified some of speakers under 10th schedule
but also took away their status of being treated as former lawmakers, depriving them
of pension and other benefits.
o In Kihoto Hollohan v Zachillhu and Others (1992), SC ruled that power of speaker
under 10th Schedule is subject to judicial review.
Committee of • This Committee has recently submitted its report.
Parliament on • This Committee was set up in 1976 under Official Languages Act, 1963.
Official Language o It is constituted by Ministry of Home Affairs and chaired by Union Home minister.
o It submits the report to the President.
• Mandate: To review the progress made in use of Hindi for official purposes, and to make
recommendations to increase use of Hindi in official communications.
Northeastern • To mark 50 years of
Council (NEC) NEC, Prime Minister
stated that
government should
work on 8 pillars for
Northeast
development, viz.
Peace, Power,
Tourism, 5G
connectivity, Culture,
Natural farming,
Sports, Potential.
• Also, PM inaugurated
'Grih Pravesh'
programme in
Tripura for more than
two lakh beneficiaries
under Pradhan Mantri
Awas Yojana (Urban
and Rural) schemes.

18
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Zonal Council • Eastern Zonal
Council, comprising
states of Bihar,
Odisha, West Bengal
and Jharkhand, held a
meeting in Kolkata.
• Other zonal councils
are
o Northern Zonal
Council: Himachal
Pradesh, Jammu
& Kashmir,
Punjab,
Rajasthan,
National Capital
Territory of Delhi
and Union
Territory of
Chandigarh.
o Central Zonal
Council: Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
o The Western Zonal Council: Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra and the Union Territories of
Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
o The Southern Zonal Council: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the
Union Territory of Puducherry.

19
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 3. CENTRE- STATE RELATIONS
3.1. REFORM IN SEVENTH SCHEDULE
Why in news?
Recently, many experts advocated revisiting the
seventh schedule of the Indian constitution.
About Seventh Schedule
• Seventh Schedule under Article 246 provides
distribution of powers and responsibilities
between state and central governments.
o It specifies role and responsibilities into
three lists namely, Union List, State List
and Concurrent List.
• Article 248 confers residuary powers on
Parliament.
o Residuary powers refer to power of
jurisdiction upon subjects that are not
mentioned in state or concurrent list.

Amending Seventh schedule

• Procedure for amending Seventh schedule
o It can be amended as provided under Article 368 in Part XX of Constitution.
o It requires special majority of Parliament (majority of total membership of House and by a majority
of not less than two-thirds of members of House present and voting) and also consent of half of state
legislatures by a simple majority.
• Other provisions that can be amended in such manner are
o Election of President and its manner.
o Extent of the executive power of Union and states.
o Supreme Court and high courts.
o Representation of states in Parliament.
o Power of Parliament to amend Constitution and its procedure (Article 368 itself).

20
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 3.2. SUTLEJ YAMUNA LINK CANAL
Why in news?
Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue continues to remain
unresolved as Haryana and Punjab have failed to reach any
settlement over water- sharing of Ravi and Beas rivers.
About SYL canal
• It is a proposed 214-kilometer-long canal connecting Sutlej and
Yamuna rivers which was planned in 1966 after state of
Haryana was formed out of Punjab.
• It seeks to provide Haryana its average annual share of surplus
Ravi-Beas water.
• Haryana completed its stretch of SYL Canal in 1980, while
Punjab kept citing Riparian Principles and non-availability of its
water.
o Riparian Principles states that owner of land adjacent to a
water body has the right to use water.
• Haryana argues that its southern parts
of state are facing water problem due
to depleted groundwater.
o Haryana has been denied its rightful
share in water as assessed by Eradi
Tribunal, 1987.

3.3. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Ninth Schedule • Jharkhand Assembly cleared a bill to increase reservation in vacant government posts and
of Constitution services to 77%.
o However, government stated that it will come into force only after Centre include it in
Ninth Schedule.
• Ninth schedule was added by 1st Amendment (1951) to protect the laws included in it from
judicial scrutiny on ground of violation of fundamental rights.
• However, in I R Coelho vs State of Tamil Nadu case, SC ruled that laws cannot escape the
“basic structure” test if inserted into Ninth Schedule after 1973.
Armed Forces • AFSPA was removed by Ministry of Home Affairs on account of improved security and law
Special Powers and order situation in parts of Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur states.
Act (AFSPA) • With this, AFSPA remains in force in parts of these three states as well as in parts of Arunachal
Pradesh. J&K too has a similar act.

21
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • About AFSPA
o AFSPA grants special powers under Section 4 of AFSPA Act and immunity (Section 6) to
armed forces to bring back order in “disturbed areas”.
✓ Disturbed areas are declared under Section 3 of AFSPA Act, 1958 when a part or
whole state/UT is in such a condition that use of armed forces in aid of civil power is
necessary.
✓ Disturbed areas are declared by governor of state and administrator of UT or by
central government.
Inter State • Central government has
Council (ISC) reconstituted ISC.
• President (under Article 263)
can establish such a council
and authorized to define
nature of duties to be
performed by such a council.
• In pursuance of
recommendations of
Sarkaria Commission, ISC
was constituted in 1990.

25 years of Indo- • Ceasefire agreement between Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagalim
Naga Ceasefire (Isak-Muivah) came into effect on August 1, 1997.
agreement o After multiple rounds of talks, “Framework Agreement” with National Socialist Council
(1997-2022) of Nagaland-IM (NSCN-IM) was signed in 2015.
o But peace process failed to progress apparently due to disagreement between two
parties over Naga flag and Yehzabo (Naga constitution), which NSCN (I-M) insists were
incorporated in Framework Agreement.
Post Devolution • Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance has released 7th monthly instalment of PDRD
Revenue Deficit grant to 14 States.
(PDRD) Grants • PDRD Grants are provided to States under Article 275 of Constitution.
• Grants are released to States as per recommendations of successive Finance Commissions to
meet the gap in Revenue Accounts of States post devolution.
o Eligibility of States to receive this grant and the quantum of grant for the period from
2020-21 to 2025-26 was decided by Fifteenth Commission.
Autonomous • Khasi Hills Autonomous
District Councils District Council (KHADC) in
(ADCs) Meghalaya has opposed
State government’s deal
with Assam to resolve
boundary dispute.

Mahajan • In 1966, the Centre set up the Mahajan Commission to resolve the border dispute in
Commission Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala.
• The Commission recommended that 264 villages be transferred to Maharashtra and that
Belagavi (Belgaum) and 247 villages remain with Karnataka.
• Maharashtra rejected the report, and in 2004, moved the Supreme Court.
• Belagavi is currently part of Karnataka.

22
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 4. JUDICIARY
4.1. PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION
Why in news?
Recently, SC objected to frivolous Public Interest
Litigation (PIL) petitions, and imposed penalties on
petitioners for filing luxury litigation.
About Public Interest Litigation and its significance
• PIL is the use of law to advance human rights and
equality or raise issues of broad public concern.
o Expression PIL has been borrowed from
American jurisprudence.
o PIL is based upon Article 39 A which makes
sure that state secures and provides justice
without any discrimination based on caste,
religion, creed etc.
o PIL is the power given to public by courts.
• Public interest cases may arise from both public
and private law matters.
o Some of the matters which are considered under PIL are Bonded Labour, Atrocities on women,
Environmental pollution, Food adulteration, Maintenance of heritage and culture etc.
o PIL can be filed in any High Court or directly in Supreme Court.

4.2. TRIBUNALS
Why in news?
Recently, SC stated that
National Green Tribunal (NGT)
is subordinate to High court in
so far as territorial jurisdiction is
concerned regarding an order
prohibiting construction work
at Rushikonda hills in
Visakhapatnam.
More on news
• In case of conflicting orders, constitutional courts orders will prevail over that of statutory tribunals.
• Earlier, in L Chandra Kumar v Union of India (1997), SC ruled that orders of tribunals under Article 323A
and 323B of Constitution are subjected to Writ Jurisdiction of High Court (Article 226).

23
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Key Differences between Tribunals and Courts
Feature Tribunals High Courts
Establishment By acts of Parliament. By Constitution of India only.
• Inserted via 42nd CAA, 1976 by adding
323A (Administrative Tribunal) and
323B (For other matters)
• Recommended by Swaran singh
committee
Purpose To resolve disputes and complaints on To interpret and maintain law and order in their
specific matters. jurisdiction and give decisions on civil and criminal
cases.
Procedural Not bound by specific procedures like CrPC Bound by procedural codes.
compliance but governed by Principles of Natural
Justice.
Members A mix of judicial and experts with special Judicial only.
knowledge.
Powers Limited to the laws under which they are Power to use all enacted laws before making a
set. decision.

About Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation and

Conditions of Service) Act, 2021
• It replaces Tribunal Reforms (Rationalisation and
Conditions of Service) Ordinance, 2021.
• It proposes to dissolve certain existing appellate bodies
and transfer their functions to other existing judicial
bodies.
o For instance, functions of Appellate Tribunal under
Cinematograph Act, 1952 transfer to HC.
• It proposes to set up a search-cum-selection committee
that will select and appoint Chairperson and Members of
various tribunals.
• It amends Finance Act, 2017 to specifies that these
Committees will consist of:
o CJI, or SC Judge nominated by him, as Chairperson
(with second casting vote in case of tie),
o Two Secretaries nominated by central government,
o Sitting or outgoing Chairperson, or retired SC Judge, or retired Chief Justice of HC, and
o Secretary of Ministry under which Tribunal is constituted (with no voting right).
• It retains term of office of chairperson or member at four years (subject to an upper age limit of 70 years
for Chairperson and 67 years for other members) with provision for re-appointment.
o 50 years is the minimum age limit for appointments as a chairperson or member.

24
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Related information
Speaker as Tribunal
• Speaker office has been under controversies for its decisions on disqualification of MLAs.
• SC has asked Parliament to rethink whether disqualification petitions ought to be entrusted to a speaker as a
quasi-judicial authority, as speaker continues to belong to a political party either de jure or de facto.
• Parliament may seriously consider amending Constitution to substitute speaker of LS and Legislative Assemblies
as arbiter of disputes concerning disqualification which arise under Tenth Schedule with a permanent tribunal.

4.3. APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES

Why in news?
SC of India will have all sanctioned seats
filled i.e., 34 after more than two years.
More on new
• At present, SC has strength of 32
judges as against a sanctioned
strength of 34 judges.
• As per Article 124(1) of Constitution of
India, Parliament by law prescribes
the strength of the SC.
Appointment of Judges in Judiciary
• Chief Justice of India (CJI) and Judges
of SC are appointed by President under Article 124 (2) of Constitution with the help of collegium system.
o CJI should be of senior most Judge of SC considered fit to hold the office.
o Next CJI name is recommended by the outgoing CJI.
• Collegium system is the way by which judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed and
transferred.
o SC collegium is a five-member body, which is headed by incumbent CJI and comprises four other
senior-most judges of the court at that time.
o HC collegium is led by the incumbent Chief Justice and two other senior-most judges of that court.
District Judges
• Highest judicial authority in district.
• Possesses original and appellate jurisdiction in both civil as well as criminal matters.
• Appointment, posting and promotion are made by governor of state in consultation with high court.
• Qualifications:
o Should not already be in service of Central or state government.
o Should have been an advocate or a pleader for seven years.
• Should be recommended by high court for appointment.

4.4. PRISON REFORMS

Why in news?
National Crime Record Bureau has released Prison
Statistics in India (PSI) Report, 2021.
About Prisons in India
• Prisons is a state subject.
o Administration and management of prisons is
responsibility of respective State Governments.
o It is governed by Prison Act 1894 and prison
manuals of respective state governments.
• Ministry of Home Affairs provides regular
guidance and advice to States and UTs on various
issues concerning prisons and prison inmates.

25
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 About PSI Report 2021
• It provides data like numbers and available
capacity of different types of jails, strength and
training of jail officials and prison budget and
expenditure.
• Key findings of report
o High Undertrials: Nearly 8 out of every 10
prisoners in Indian jails are awaiting trial.
✓ Uttar Pradesh jails record highest
number of undertrials followed by Bihar
and Maharashtra.
o Disadvantaged sections prisoners: 67.5%
inmates belong to SC, ST and OBC
communities.
✓ 80% of undertrials are from
disadvantaged sections of society.
o Budget & infrastructure: Sanctioned budget
for 2021-22 has increased by 13% in
comparison to 2020- 21.

About Modernisation of Prisons (MoP) Project

• Government of India has decided to provide financial
assistance (in form of Grant in aid) to States and UTs,
through MoP for using modern-day security
equipment in Prisons for
o Enhancing the security of jails and
o To facilitate the task of reformation and
rehabilitation of prisoners through correctional
administration programmes.
• Duration of the project is for five years 2021-26.
• Project will cover all States and UTs and cover the
following prison types- Central Jails, District Jails, ,
Women Jails,, Special Jails etc.
• Core components of MoP project are video conference infrastructure, body worn cameras, door frame/Metal
detector/Security Poles etc., Baggage Scanners/ Frisking/ Search/ Jamming Solutions etc. correctional programmes
etc.

4.5. DEATH PENALTY (CAPITAL PUNISHMENT)

Why in News?
Recently, Supreme Court had Suo moto opened a review
of the process by which courts award the death penalty.
About Death Penalty
• Death penalty, can be defined as ‘a practice
sanctioned by law whereby a person is put to death
by state as a punishment for a crime after legal trial’.
• Used as a mode of punishment since time
immemorial,
Death Penalty in India and its Framework
• India is among the few countries that retains capital
punishment under different laws (see infographic).
• By end of 2021, 488 prisoners were on death row in India under serious offences with introduction/
proposal of more laws with Death Penalty such as:
○ Punjab and Madhya Pradesh introduced death penalty for causing deaths by spurious liquor.
• In 1980, in Bachan Singh v State of Punjab, SC Judges upheld constitutional validity of death penalty due
to built-in procedural safeguards

26
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 ○ However, it gave a framework for future sentencing judges when deciding between life
imprisonment and death sentence.

4.6. LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITIES

Why in news?
Recently, at first All India District Legal Services
Authorities (DLSA) Meet, Prime Minister urged the
judiciary to speed up the release of undertrials.
• About Legal Service Authorities Act, 1987
o It was enacted to establish a nationwide uniform
network for providing free and competent legal
services to the weaker sections.
✓ Article 39A provides for free legal aid to the
poor and weaker sections of the society and
ensures justice for all.
• NALSA has been constituted under LSA, 1987 to
monitor and evaluate implementation of legal aid programmes and to lay down policies and principles for
making legal services available under Act.
o CJI is Patron-in-Chief. NALSA is housed at Supreme Court of India.
o Under the act, State and District Legal Services Authorities are also constituted.

27
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 4.7. LIVE STREAMING OF CONSTITUTION BENCH HEARINGS
Why in news?
For the first time, SC livestreamed its Constitution Bench Hearings.
About Live-streaming of court proceedings
• Live-streaming of SC proceedings is part of third phase of e-
courts project.
o e-courts project is an initiative to implement use of
information and technology in judiciary.
• In 2018 (Swapnil Tripathy vs Supreme Court), SC declared live
telecast of court proceedings part of right to access justice under
Article 21 of Constitution.
o Publishing court proceedings is an aspect of Article 129, as per which SC is a court of record.
• Currently, six high courts, namely Gujarat, Orissa, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Patna, and Madhya Pradesh,
live-stream court proceedings through their channel on YouTube.
Other platforms to make judiciary more efficient and accessible
• SUPACE (Supreme Court's Portal for Assistance in Court's Efficiency): AI based tool that collects relevant facts
and laws and makes them available to a judge.
• SUVAAS: Neural translation AI based tool for translating SC judgments into vernacular languages.
• Fast and Secured Transmission of Electronic Records (FASTER) System: To ensure that undertrials are not made
to wait for days on end behind bars to be released because certified hard copies of their bail orders were late to
reach the prison.
• Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs): Set up under centrally-sponsored scheme for hearing rape and Protection of
Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases.
Newly initiatives launched under e-Court Project
• Virtual Justice Clock: Exhibits vital statistics at Court level giving the details of cases instituted, cases disposed and
pendency.
• JustIS Mobile App 2.0: Tool for judicial officers for effective court and case management by monitoring pendency
and disposal of cases.
• Digital court: Initiative to make court records available to judge in digitised form to enable the transition to
Paperless Courts.
• S3WaaS Websites: To generate, configure, deploy and manage websites for publishing specified information and
services related to district judiciary.

Related information
In-camera proceedings
• Supreme Court has rejected a plea for in-camera hearing in a rape case.
• In-camera proceedings are private, unlike open court proceedings.
o These are conducted as per court’s discretion in sensitive matters to ensure protection and privacy of parties
involved.
o Proceedings are held through video conferencing or in closed chambers, and public and press are excluded.
• These are conducted at family courts in cases of matrimonial disputes, including judicial separation, impotence
etc.
o Also conducted during deposition of witnesses of terrorist activities as per court’s discretion to protect them
and maintain national security.
Full Court Meeting
• Chief Justice of India (CJI) called a full court meeting.
• Full court meeting literally means one which is attended by all judges of court.
• There are no written rules dealing with this. As per convention, full-court meetings are called by CJI to discuss
issues of importance to judiciary.
o Such meetings are used to arrive at common solutions to deal with problems that beset country’s legal system
and to make any amends in administrative practices of the court.
Language in Higher Judiciary
• Article 348(1) of Constitution provides that all proceedings in SC and in every High Court shall be in English
language until Parliament by law otherwise provides.
o No law has been made in this regard by the Parliament so far.
• Article 348 (2) provides that Governor of State may, with previous consent of President, authorize the use of
Hindi language or any other language used for any official purpose of State, in proceedings of High Court.

28
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 4.8. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
Tele-law • MoU has been signed between Department of Justice and NALSA on Integrated Delivery of
service Legal Services.
o As per agreement, NALSA will provide services of 700 lawyers, in each district exclusively
for Tele-Law program.
o These empanelled lawyers would act as referral lawyers and assist in strengthening the
mechanism for dispute avoidance and dispute resolution at pre-litigation stage.
• Launched in 2017 by Department of Justice (Ministry of Law & Justice), Tele-Law initiative is a
reliable and efficient e-interface and pre-litigation tool.
• Tele–Law mainstreams legal aid to marginalized seeking legal help by connecting them with
Panel Lawyers through tele/video-conferencing infrastructure available at Common Service
Centres (CSCs) across 1 lakh Gram Panchayats.
Broadcast • It is an online portal solution for speedy filing and processing of applications of broadcasters
Seva Portal for various kinds of licenses, permissions, registrations, etc.
o It is launched by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
• It is a simple and user-friendly web portal that would bring Transparency, Accountability &
Responsiveness in the ecosystem.
• It will reduce the turnaround time of applications and at the same time will help applicants track
the progress.
Bodily • SC recently ruled that no individual can be forced to be vaccinated as bodily autonomy and
Autonomy and integrity are protected under Article 21 of Constitution.
Integrity • It also said that government can impose restrictions on individual rights in public health
interests if these restrictions meet the 3-fold requirement laid down by SC in Puttaswamy
Judgement as:
o Legality, Legitimate Need and Proportionality.
• Bodily Autonomy and Integrity is the right of each human being, including children, to autonomy
and self-determination over their own body.
o It is violated by any unconsented physical intrusion.
Sealed cover • It is a practice used by SC and lower courts, of asking for or accepting information from
jurisprudence government agencies in sealed envelopes that can only be accessed by judges.
o No specific law does define the doctrine of sealed cover.
• Need
o Protect dignity of survivors of sexual assaults or child abuse which may affect their future
life.
o If the matter pertained to Official Secrets Act.
o Protect ongoing investigation.
Transit • Bombay High Court has referred to its larger bench to hear issue of transit anticipatory bail.
Anticipatory • TAB is sought when a case against a person has been or is likely to be filed in a state different
Bail (TAB) from one in which he or she is likely to be arrested.
o Purpose of transit bail is to allow the person bail, so they can approach appropriate court
in state in which case has been filed for anticipatory bail.
o TAB is not defined or mentioned under CrPC.
o Section 438 of CrPC talks about grant of bail to a person anticipating arrest.
Constitution • Recently, CJI assured that there will be at least one Constitution Bench functioning throughout
Bench the year in the SC.
o Presently, a total of 492 Constitution bench matters, involving 53 main cases involving key
questions of law and constitutional interpretations, remains pending in the SC.
• Constitution Bench is a bench of the SC having 5 or more judges on it.
o Presently, they are set up by CJI on an ad-hoc basis as and when the need arises.
• Constitution Benches are set up only if one or more of the following circumstances exist:
o Article 143: Case involves a substantial question of law pertaining to the interpretation of
Constitution.
o Article 145(3): President of India has sought the SC’s opinion on a question of fact or law
under Article 143.
o Two or more three-judge benches of SC have delivered conflicting judgments on same
point of law, thus warranting a definitive pronouncement by a larger bench.
o A later three-judge bench doubts the correctness of a judgment delivered by a previous
three-judge bench of SC and decides to refer to a larger bench for a reconsideration of
earlier judgment.
Curative • Centre informed the SC that it will pursue curative petition seeking enhancement of
petition compensation to the victims of Bhopal gas tragedy.

29
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Curative petition is last constitutional remedy available to a person whose review petition has
been dismissed.
o It is not mentioned in constitution and was given by SC in the case of Rupa Ashok Hurra v.
Ashok Hurra & Anr case.
• Review petition is mentioned under Article 137 empowering SC to review any judgment
pronounced or order made by it, to prevent miscarriage of justice.
Split Verdict • Supreme Court delivered a split verdict in Karnataka hijab ban case.
• Split verdict is passed when Bench cannot decide one way or other in a case, either by a
unanimous decision or by a majority verdict.
o Normally, judges sit in Benches of odd numbers (three, five, seven, etc.) for important cases.
o In case of split verdict, case is heard by a larger Bench constituted by CJI.
Doctrine of • SC has observed that Doctrine of Res Judicata is attracted not only in separate subsequent
Res Judicata proceedings but also a subsequent stage of same proceedings.
• Res Judicata, i.e., a matter judged, is the principle that a cause of action may not be re-litigated
once it has been judged on the merits.
o It provides finality to litigation and protects parties from being vexed by same matter
twice.
o It is defined under Section 11 of Civil Procedure Code.
Doctrine of • Pith means ‘true nature’ or ‘essence of something’ and Substance means ‘most important or
pith and essential part of something’.
substance • It says that where the question arises of determining whether a particular law relates to a
particular subject (mentioned in one List or another), court looks to the substance of the
matter.
o Thus, if substance falls within Union List, then incidental encroachment by law on State List
does not make it invalid.
• SC in various cases like Calcutta Gas Company case (1962), India Cement Ltd Vs. State of Tamil
Nadu (1990), Jilubhai Nanbhai Khachar case (1994) referred to the principle of Pith and
Substance.
• It is essential to ascertain the true nature and character of a legislation for purpose of
determining List under which it falls.
Doctrine of • It is based on maxim that what cannot be done directly cannot also be done indirectly.
Colourable • It depicts the notion that legislation cannot be used under ‘colour’ or ‘guise’ of power which
Legislation was conferred for one purpose and use it for some other purpose which is otherwise not valid.
• It is built upon founding stones of Doctrine of Separation of Power.
• It is a tool devised and applied by SC to interpret Constitutional provisions to avoid any unjust or
fraudulent use of Indian laws.
o In “Balaji v. State of Mysore” case, SC held that order reserving 68% of seats for students
belonging to backward classes was violative of Article 14 in disguise of making a provision
under Article 15(4).
Law • Centre constituted 22nd
Commission of Law Commission of
India (LCI) India with Justice (retd)
Rituraj Awasthi at its
head.
• Law Commission was
first constituted in 1955,
Since then 21 Law
Commissions have been
appointed, each with a
three-year term.

Gram • SC sought a response from all high courts on a 2019 plea seeking a direction to Centre and all
Nyayalayas states to set up GNs.
(GNs) o As of December 2021, 476 GNs have been notified by 15 States and 256 are operational in 10
States.
• About GNs
o Law Commission, in its 114th report suggested establishment of GNs.
o In 2008, Parliament passed Gram Nyayalayas Act.

30
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Narco Test • In a narco or narcoanalysis test, a drug called sodium pentothal is injected into the body of
accused, which transports them to a hypnotic or sedated state.
o Sodium pentothal or sodium thiopental is a fast-acting, short duration anesthetic that
belongs to barbiturate class of drugs that act on central nervous system as depressants.
• According to SC (Selvi versus State of Karnataka) narcoanalysis, polygraph and brain mapping
tests cannot be forced upon any individual without their consent and test results cannot be
admitted solely as evidence.
National • Ministry of Home Affairs has inaugurated NAFIS.
Automated • NAFIS is a country-wide searchable database of crime- and criminal-related fingerprints project.
Fingerprint o It is developed by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and would help in quick and easy
identification disposal of cases.
system o It assigns a unique 10-digit National Fingerprint Number (NFN) to each person arrested for
(NAFIS) a crime.
o This unique ID will be used for person’s lifetime, and different crimes registered under
different FIRs will be linked to same NFN.
o Earlier, Madhya Pradesh became first state to identify a deceased person through NAFIS.
National • Government has appointed 15 judicial and technical members at NCLT for a period of five years
Company Law or till they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Tribunal • NCLT (established in 2016 under Companies Act,2013) adjudicates matters related to the
(NCLT) Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and Companies law.
• It has a total of 28 benches, with the principal bench in New Delhi.
Crime Multi • Several states/UTs have not uploaded a single alert on Cri-MAC.
Agency Centre • Cri-MAC was launched in 2020 by Ministry of Home Affairs to share information on crime and
(Cri-MAC) criminals 24x7 with various law enforcement agencies and ensure a seamless flow of
information among them.
• Application run by NCRB aims to help in early detection and prevention of crime incidents
across the country.

31
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 5. ELECTIONS
5.1. ANTI-DEFECTION LAW
Why in News?
Political crisis in Maharashtra has raised discussions over legalities of elected MLAs switching parties.
What is defection?
• Defection may be defined as practice of floor-crossing by a member of one political outfit to another
(also, commonly referred as Horse Trading).
o For instance, in Lok Sabha, if MPs of Party A join Party B, they are said to have defected and thus will
face the prevalent anti-defection proceedings.
About Anti- defection Law National party Status
• A political party would be considered a national party if:
• Anti-defection law provides for
o It is ‘recognised’ in four or more states; or
disqualification of MLAs who, after o If its candidates polled at least 6% of total valid votes in any
being elected on ticket of a political four or more states in last Lok Sabha or Assembly
party, “voluntarily give up their party elections and has at least four MPs in last Lok Sabha polls;
membership”. or
o It was included under 10th schedule o It has won at least 2% of total seats in Lok Sabha from not
less than three states.
via 52nd amendment act, 1985.
• At present, ECI has recognised eight parties as national parties.
o Any question regarding
disqualification arising out of
defection is to be decided by the
presiding officer of the House.
o Presiding officer of a House is
empowered to make rules to give
effect to the provisions of the Tenth
Schedule
• Grounds of Disqualification
o If member votes or abstains from
voting in such House contrary to any
direction issued by his political party
without obtaining prior permission of such party and such act has not been condoned by the party
within 15 days.
o Nominated member, if he joins any political party after expiry of 6 months.
o An independent member, if he joins any political party.

5.2. SIMULTANEOUS ELECTIONS

Why in news?
The issue of holding simultaneous
Parliamentary and Assembly elections
has been referred to Law Commission for
a practicable roadmap and framework.
About Simultaneous Elections (SE)
• It means structuring Indian election
cycle in a manner that elections to
Lok Sabha and State Assemblies are
synchronized together under which
voters in a particular constituency
vote for both on same day.
o SE does not mean that voting across country for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies happen on a single
day.

32
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o It can be conducted in a phase-wise manner and voters in a particular constituency vote for both State
Assembly and Lok Sabha the same day.
• SE were the norm until 1967. But following dissolution of some Legislative Assemblies in 1968 and 1969
and that of Lok Sabha in 1970, elections to State Assemblies and Parliament have been held separately.
• Later, SE idea was proposed by Election Commission in 1983.
o It was also referred by Law Commission and NITI Aayog and recommended by Dinesh Goswami
Committee.

5.3. DELIMITATION COMMISSION

Why in news?
Recently, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)
Delimitation Exercise concludes.
More on news
• Delimitation Commission was set up on
March 6, 2020 to redraw boundaries of
assembly and parliamentary constituencies
in Jammu and Kashmir.
o The commission has proposed
increasing the number of seats in the UT
from 83 to 90.
o Besides, there are 24 seats in Pakistan-
occupied Kashmir (PoK) that continue to
remain vacant.
Delimitation in Northeast States (NES)

• As per Section 8A of RPA 1950, President can

order delimitation exercise to be carried out
in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and
Nagaland.
o Delimitation exercise has not been
carried out for last 51 years in these
states.
o Last delimitation exercise (2002-08) kept out these NES due to apprehensions over use of 2001 Census.
o Also, Presidential Order of 2020, which allowed for conducting delimitation exercises in these 4 states
as well, was restricted to Jammu and Kashmir only.
Related information
Jammu and Kashmir Electoral Roll
• J&K Chief Electoral Officer announced that anyone “who is living ordinarily in J&K” can avail the opportunity to
get enlisted as a voter in J&K in accordance with provisions of RPA, 1951.
o Electoral roll was last revised in 2019 under J&K RPA, 1957 which became null and void after abrogation of
Article 370.
o Under J&K RPA, 1957, only ‘permanent residents’ were eligible to vote.
o RPA 1951, now determines the conduct of elections in J&K.
o With Article 370 scrapped, there will be a single electoral roll now for assembly and parliamentary polls.
• Ordinarily resident is determined by electoral registration officer of a constituency.
o Such a person may be from another part of country but living in J&K for purpose of work, business or other
reasons, provided the person gets their name deleted from electoral roll of their native constituency.
• When Article 370 was in force, those ‘ordinarily residing’ in J&K were eligible to vote only in parliamentary polls
(categorised as non-permanent resident (NPR)).
o NPR includes West Pakistan refugees living in J&K since 1947.
• Revision of electoral rolls in J&K
o Election Commission of India is working on fresh electoral rolls in J&K after J&K Delimitation Commission
carved out seven new Assembly constituencies (six to Jammu division and one to Kashmir) under J&K
Reorganisation Act, 2019.
o Fresh electoral rolls are essential to prepare the ground for any announcement of elections in J&K (last held
in 2014).

33
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 5.4. ELECTORAL BONDS
Why in news?
Recently, Data from
State bank of India
shows that since
2018, political
parties have
collected more than
Rs 10000 crore from
EBs.
About Electoral
Bonds (EBs)
• Union Budget
2017-18
introduced EBs
as interest-free
bearer
instruments in
an attempt to
cleanse the
system of
political
funding in the
country.
• Rationale was
to limit the use
of cash in
political
funding,
eliminate
fraudulent
political parties, protecting donor from political victimization, curb black money etc.

5.5. ELECTION LAWS (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2021

Why in news?
President gave the assent to Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021.
About the Act
• It amends Representation of People Act, 1950 (RPA, 1950) and Representation of People Act, 1951 (RPA,
1951) to implement certain electoral reforms.
Key features of Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021
• Linking electoral roll data with Aadhaar (by amendment of section 23 of RPA, 1950).
o Electoral registration officer may require a person to furnish their Aadhaar number for establishing
their identity.
o Persons will not be denied inclusion in electoral roll or have their names deleted from the roll, if they
are unable to furnish Aadhaar number due to sufficient cause as prescribed.
o Such persons may be permitted to furnish alternate documents prescribed by central government.
• It provides four qualifying dates in a calendar year, which will be January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.
• Act replaces the term ‘wife’ with ‘spouse’ in both the Acts.
• Act expands the purposes for which premises can be requisitioned.

34
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 o These include using
the premises for
counting, storage of
voting machines and
poll-related material,
and accommodation
of security forces and
polling personnel.
o 1951 Act permits state
government to
requisition premises
needed or likely to be needed for being used as polling stations, or for storing ballot boxes after a poll
has been conducted.
Related information
Remote Voting
• Remote voting refers to a mechanism that allows electors to vote from locations other than polling stations
assigned to their registered constituencies —
either within country or even abroad.
o Voting rights for NRIs were introduced in
2011 through an amendment to RPA, 1950.
o However, section 20A of Act requires
overseas electors to be physically present
in their electoral constituencies to cast
their votes.
• Other mechanisms of voting
o Proxy voting (introduced in 2003): A
registered elector can delegate his voting
power to a representative.
✓ Only a “classified service voter”
which includes members of armed
forces, BSF, CRPF, CISF, General
Engineering Reserve Force and
Border Road Organisation.
o Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot
System (ETPBS)
✓ Here, ballot paper is transmitted
through Electronic Means to service
voters.
✓ Members of armed forces, police
(serving outside state), government
employees posted outside India and
their spouses; people under preventive detention; special voters such as the President of India, Vice
President, etc.
Postal ballot for NRIs
• CEC recently told that a proposal on extension of ETPBS facility for NRIs being contemplated.
• While EC at present allows NRIs to register as overseas electors as long as they have not acquired the citizenship
of another country, they have to reach their respective polling booths to cast their votes in person on voting day.

5.6. APPOINTMENTS OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS

Why in News?
Recently, a private member’s Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha regarding formation of selection committee
for Election Commissioners (EC).
More about News
• Bill seeks to insulate appointment process of EC and mandates that they should not be eligible for any
post-retirement jobs.
• It seeks the members of EC, including Chief Election Commissioners (CEC), to be appointed by PM Led
panel.
35
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Bill seeks to give CEC and EC a fixed term of 6 years and Regional Commissioners a fixed term of 3 years
from dates of their respective appointments.
About Private member Bill
• Any bill introduced by a member other than a minister.
• Can only be introduced and discussed on Fridays.
• Admissibility is decided by Chairman in case of Rajya
Sabha and Speaker in case of Lok Sabha.
• No private member’s bill has become an Act since 1970.

5.7. SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

Why in News?
Nordic (Scandinavian) Model of Social Democracy is in discussion due to recent Sweden elections.
More in News
• Nordic model of social
democracy is combination of
social welfare and economic
systems adopted by Nordic
countries (Sweden, Norway,
Finland, Denmark, and Iceland).
• This model has helped these
countries achieve significant
outcomes like high levels of
international trade and
participation in globalization,
economic progress, low levels
of inequality, high living
standards, highest labour
participation rates in world.
Features of social democratic
system include;
• Reliance on representative and
participatory democratic
institutions where separation of
powers is ensured.
• Comprehensive social welfare
schema with emphasis on publicly provided social services and investment in child care, education and
research among others, that are funded by progressive taxation.
• Presence of strong labour market institutions with active labour unions and employer associations.
o This allows for significant collective bargaining, wage negotiations and coordination besides an
active role in governance and policy.

36
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 5.8. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
Association of • India has been unanimously elected as the new Chair of the AAEA for 2022-2024.
Asian Election • AAEA was established in 1998 to provide a non-partisan forum in the Asian region for
Authorities (AAEA) promoting open and transparent elections to support good governance and democracy.
• Election Commission of India is a founder member of Election Management Body (EMB)
of the AAEA.
Registered • Election Commission deleted 111 ‘non-existent’ parties from list of registered political
Unrecognised outfits. These
Political Parties 111 RUPPs
(RUPPs) were found
to be non-
existent and
violating
RPA, 1951.
• It is to be
noted that EC
does not
have power
to deregister
a political
party, a
reform still
pending
approval from government.
o However, it can take up the issue of financial irregularities and seek mandatory
compliance from parties like sources and manner of donations, disclosures by
companies, details of bank account etc.
Election Symbols • Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 empower the ECI which group
(Reservation and is representative of a recognised national and state party if rivalry arises in the party.
Allotment) Order, o Decision of ECI is binding.
1968 o Splinter group of party (other than the group that got party symbol) had to register
itself as a separate party and could lay claim to national or state party status only on
basis of its performance in state or central elections after registration.
• For splits in registered but unrecognised parties, EC usually advises warring factions to
resolve their differences internally or to approach the court.
• In almost all disputes decided by EC so far, a clear majority of party delegates/office
bearers, MPs and MLAs have supported one of factions.
o Whenever EC could not test the strength of rival groups based on support within party
organisation (because of disputes regarding the list of office bearers), it fell back on
testing majority only among elected MPs and MLAs.
Contesting • Recently, Chief Election Commissioner has made a fresh push for amending RPA 1951 to bar
Elections from people from contesting from more than one seat.
Multiple Seats o As an alternative, hefty fine should be imposed on those vacating one of the
constituencies and forcing a bypoll.
• As per Section 33(7) of RPA, one candidate can contest from a maximum of two
constituencies (more constituencies were allowed until 1996 when the RPA was amended
to set the cap at two constituencies).
• Dinesh Goswami Committee report (1990) and 170th report of Law Commission on
Electoral Reforms (1999) had also included recommendations for restricting one
contestant to one seat.
• Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, is the nodal agency in government to
deal with issues related to the EC.
Different types of • Tender votes: These are useful when a person representing himself or herself to be a
Votes particular elector seeks to vote after another person has already voted as such elector.
o Then, he shall be entitled, to mark a tendered ballot paper in the same manner as any
other elector.
• Challenged vote: It is a process where a political agent working at polling booth, called
polling agent, challenges identity of any elector they think is falsifying their identity.
• Test vote: A voter who claims that the electronic voting machine or the paper trail machine
did not record his or her vote correctly is allowed to cast a test vote.

37
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Registration of • Election Commission in pursuance of legal amendments in RPA 1950 and modifications in
Electors Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, has initiated following changes,
o Those above 17 years of age can apply in advance for getting enrolled in voters’ list.
o Electoral roll will be updated every quarter and eligible youngster can be registered in
next quarter of year in which they have attained qualifying age of 18 years.
o Optional provision to link Aadhaar details with the form has been added.
National Advisory • Election Commission of India has set up two sub-committees under NACAE.
Committee on o Sub-committees aim to study ways to improve accessibility features of its websites,
Accessible and make registration of persons with disabilities (PwDs) as electors easier.
Elections (NACAE) • NACAE review work and issues relating to participation of PwDs in electoral process at
state and district level.
o Deputy election commissioner is chairperson of committee.
o Meetings are convened biannually or as decided by chair.
o Time period is two years or until alternate structure is proposed.

38
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 6. IMPORTANT LEGISLATURE/BILLS
6.1. MULTI-STATE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) BILL,
2022
Why in news?
Recently, Lok Sabha referred the Multi-State Co-operative
Societies (Amendment) Bill-2022 to a joint committee of
Parliament.
More on news
• Bill seeks to amend Multi-State Co-operative Societies
(MSCS) Act, 2002 considering 97th Constitutional
Amendment Act, 2011 which inserted Part IXB in
Constitution.
o It aims to enhance transparency, accountability,
improve ease of doing business, and promote
better financial discipline.
• Key Amendments of Multi-State Co-operative Societies
(Amendment) Bill-2022
Specifications Detail
Establishment of Co- • Central government will establish CEA consisting of Chairperson, Vice-chairperson and
operative Election up to 3 members appointed by Central Government to:
Authority (CEA) o Conduct such elections,
o Supervise, direct and control preparation of electoral rolls.
Co-operative • Central government will appoint one or more Co-operative Ombudsman with territorial
Ombudsman jurisdiction for redresses of complain.
Amalgamation and • Allows co-operative societies (registered under state laws) to merge into an existing
Division MSCS.
o At least two-thirds of members of co-operative society present and voting at a
general meeting must pass a resolution to allow such a merger.
Co-operative • Establishment of Co-operative Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Development Fund
Rehabilitation Fund for revival of sick MSCS.
Amends composition • Bill mandate inclusion of 1 Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe member and 2 women
of Board of Directors members.
Increased penalties • Failure to file any return or information will be an offence.
for offences • Fine for all these offences will extend from Rs 5,000 to 1 lakh rupees
Concurrent audit • Insert a new Section 70A, for such multi-state societies with an annual turnover or
deposit of more than the amount as determined by Centre.

About Co-operatives Societies Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002

• 2002 Act was enacted to:
• It is a voluntary association of individuals
o consolidate and amend law relating to co-operative
having common needs who join hands for societies, with objects not confined to one State and
achievement of common economic serving interests of members in more than one State,
interest. o facilitate voluntary formation and democratic
o It aims to provide support to its functioning of co-operatives as people's institutions
members, with focus on interest of based on self-help and mutual aid
poorer sections of society, through o enable them to promote their economic and social
principle of self-help and mutual help. betterment and to provide functional autonomy.
• Cooperatives are a state subject.
o The subject of cooperatives is mainly dealt with by the State Governments and Union Territory
Administrations, with the support and guidance of the Central Government.
o Maharashtra has the highest number at 567, followed by Uttar Pradesh (147) and New Delhi (133).
• Among 300 largest cooperative societies of world, three societies of India namely Amul, IFFCO and
KRIBHCO are also included.

39
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Related information
Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
• Onboarding of cooperatives on GeM will allow cooperatives to procure through GeM portal like other
government buyers.
• GeM is a one-stop portal, developed by Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals under Ministry of
Electronics, delivering economies of scale through online procurement of goods and services.
o Purchases through GeM by Government users have been authorized and made mandatory by Ministry of
Finance.
• In first phase, all eligible cooperatives with a turnover and deposits of ₹100 crore will be able to start placing
orders on GeM portal.
o This will provide cost efficiency for Co-operatives.
o Until now, cooperatives were purchasing goods and services from open market.

6.2. FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION REGULATION ACT (FCRA)

Why in News?
Recently, Central Government notified
Foreign Contribution (Regulation)
Amendment Rules, 2022 to reduce
compliance burden on citizens.
More on News
• Amending Foreign Contribution
(Regulation) Rules, 2011, now
individuals can send up to ₹10 lakh
without informing the government.
○ If amount exceeds ₹10 lakh,
individuals will have three months to inform the government against 30 days earlier.
○ The entities that can receive this includes political parties, legislature members, election candidates,
government servants, judges, journalists, and media houses- who were all barred earlier from
receiving foreign contribution.
• Time limit prescribed for intimation to Central Government for application of obtaining ‘registration’ or
‘prior permission’ under FCRA to receive funds has been increased from 15 days to 45 days.

40
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Also, in a separate notification, list of
compoundable offences under FCRA
was increased to 12 from 7.
o Compoundable offences are those
where complainant can agree to
take back charges levied against
accused.
FCRA: Purpose and Provisions
• Foreign contribution means donation,
delivery or transfer made by any foreign
source of any article, currency, or
security.
o FCRA is implemented by Ministry of
Home Affairs (MHA), supported by
Intelligence Bureau in approvals
and rejections through
investigation on antecedents.
• FCRA Act: Major Provisions of post 2020 amendment
Specifications Detail
Foreign funds • Prior Permission to receive foreign
funds though registration with
mandatory Aadhaar submission of
every office-bearer of NGOs.
• Prohibits receipt of foreign funds.
(see image)

FCRA Account • Designated FCRA Account in such branches of State Bank of India, New Delhi to
receive funds.
o No funds other than foreign contribution can be received or deposited in it and
it can’t be transferred to any other person or NGO.
Validity of FCRA • Validity is five years and NGOs are expected to apply for renewal within six months
registration of date of expiry of registration.
Use of funds • Use of funds is limited to the purpose for which it was received with a maximum
limit of 20% (earlier 50%) to meet administrative expenses.
Submission of annual • Compulsory filing of annual returns and in case of contraventions, government can
reports restrict usage of unutilized foreign contribution after an inquiry

Related information
Regulation of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
• While upholding amendments in FCRA 2010, SC stated that Parliament can prevent NGOs from receiving foreign
donations as no one has fundamental or absolute right to receive foreign contributions.
• SC also made following observations:
o It is open to a sovereign democratic nation to completely prohibit acceptance of foreign donation on the
ground that it undermines the constitutional morality of the nation.
o Foreign contributions can have a material impact on matter of socioeconomic structure and polity of country.
o Foreign aid can create presence of a foreign contributor and influence policies of country.
o Foreign contributions can influence political ideology and should be at a minimum level.
• NGOs are not a part of government but have a legal status and are registered as Trust, Society or Private Limited
Non-Profit Company.

41
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • Provisions regarding Regulation of NGO in India
o Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999: There are certain NGOs that are registered under FEMA
and continue to disburse foreign funds to various associations in India.
✓ FEMA is regulated by Ministry of Finance and was introduced to consolidate and amend law relating to
foreign exchange for facilitating external trade and payments.

6.3. MODEL TENANCY ACT, 2021

Why in news?
Recently, four States (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Assam) revised their tenancy laws to
be in line with Model Tenancy Act (MTA).
About Model Tenancy Act (MTA), 2021
• Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has approved MTA, 2021 to streamline the process of
renting property in all State and Union Territory (UTs) and aid rent economy in estate sector.
o In 2021, Jammu and Kashmir has become the first Union Territory to adopt MTA.
o Since housing is a part of State List under 7th Schedule of Constitution, Model Act is only a suggestive
framework (not binding) for states to follow while regulating rental housing and agreements.
o It replaces existing tenancy provisions of more than 70 years old East Punjab Urban Rent Restriction
Act, 1949.
• Key highlights of MTA, 2021:
Specifications Detail
Applicability • It’ll cover premises let out for residential, commercial or educational use, but not for
industrial use. It also won’t cover hotels, lodging houses, inns, etc.
Tenancy agreement • All premises (residential or commercial) shall be rented only after a written agreement on
mutually agreed terms and informed to proposed Rent Authority within two months from
date of tenancy agreement.
Tenancy period • Tenant may request the landlord for renewal or extension of tenancy period.
• If tenant fails to vacate premises at the end of tenancy, or on termination of tenancy by an
order, he will be liable to pay
o Twice the monthly rent for first two months and,
o Four times monthly rent subsequently till he occupies premises.
Security Deposit • It has been capped to a maximum of two month’s rent for residential properties and,
minimum of six month’s rent for non-residential property.
Digital platform • It’ll be set up in local vernacular language of the State for submitting tenancy agreement
and other documents.
Sub-letting • It can only be done with prior consent of landlord, and no structural change can be done
by tenant without written consent of landlord.
• Model Act establishes a three-tier quasi-judicial dispute adjudication mechanism
comprising Rent Authority, Rent Court and Rent Tribunal to provide fast-track resolution
of disputes and reduce burden of tenancy disputes from civil courts.
Three-tier redressal • To provide fast-track resolution of disputes and reduce
system burden of tenancy disputes from civil courts.
o Disposal of complaint by Rent Court and Rent Tribunal
should be within 60 days.
• Rent Authorities and Rent Courts will be appointed by
District Collector with approval of state government.
• State may establish Rent Tribunal in each district after
consulting with jurisdictional High Court.
• No civil court will have jurisdiction over matters pertaining
to provisions under Model Act.

Eviction • To evict a tenant, landlord must apply to the Rent Authority seeking such eviction.
Conditions for eviction of tenant include
o refusal to pay agreed upon rent.
o failure to pay rent for more than two months;
o occupation of part or whole of premises without written consent; and
o misuse of premises despite a written notice.

42
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 6.4. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (IDENTIFICATION) RULES, 2022
Why in news?
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notified the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Rules, 2022 governing Criminal
Procedure (Identification) Act (CPA), 2022.
About Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act (CPA), 2022
• Act repealed the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 which was enacted to authorise the taking of
measurements and photographs of convicts and other persons.
• 2022 Act expands the scope and ambit of ‘‘measurements’’ which can be taken under provisions of law.
o It will help in unique identification of a person involved in any crime and will assist investigating
agencies in solving criminal case.
Key Provisions of Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act (CPA), 2022
Specifications Detail
Expands ambit of • Expands type of data called as measurements that may be collected, persons from whom such
certain provisions data may be collected, authority that may authorize such collection and rule- making power.
Retention of • Details collected to be retained in digital or electronic form for 75 years from date of
details collection.
o Record may be destroyed in case of persons who have not been previously convicted,
and who are released without trial, discharged, or acquitted by court.
Resistance to • Resistance or refusal to give details will be considered an offence under Indian Penal Code,
giving details 1860.
Role of National • Act empowers NCRB to collect details about persons covered under act from state
Crime Records governments, UT administrations, or other law enforcement agencies.
Bureau (NCRB) o Other functions of NCRB under Bill include storing, processing, disseminating and
destroying those details.

Comparison of key provisions of 1920 Act and 2022 Act

Parameters 1920 Act Changes in 2022 Act
Data permitted to be • Fingerprints, foot-print Adds:
collected impressions, photographs. • Biological samples, and their analysis,
• Iris and retina scan.
• Behavioural attributes including signatures,
handwriting,
• Examinations under sections 53 and 53A of CrPC
(includes blood, semen, hair samples, and swabs,
and analyses such as DNA profiling).
Persons whose data • Convicted or arrested for • Convicted or arrested for any offence. However,
may be collected offences punishable with biological samples may be taken forcibly only from
rigorous imprisonment of 1 persons arrested for offences against a woman or a
year or more. child, or if the offence carries a minimum of 7 years
• Persons ordered to give imprisonment.
security for good behaviour • Persons detained under any preventive detention
or maintaining peace. law.
• Magistrate may order in • On order of Magistrate, from any person (not just an
other cases collection from arrested person) to aid investigation.
any arrested person to aid
criminal investigation.
Persons who may • Investigating officer under • Officer in charge of a police station, or of rank Head
require/ direct CrPC, officer in charge of a Constable or above.
collection of data police station, or of rank • Head Warden of a prison.
Sub-Inspector or above. • Metropolitan Magistrate or Judicial Magistrate of
• Magistrate. first class. Executive Magistrate in case of persons
required to maintain good behaviour or peace,
Rule-making power Vested in state government. Now vested to State as well as Central government.
with regard to
manner of collecting
details etc.

43
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 6.5. MEDIATION BILL 2021
Why in news?
Recently, Parliamentary
Standing Committee on Law
and Justice recommended
substantial changes to
Mediation Bill, 2021.
About mediation
• Mediation is a form of
Alternative Dispute
Resolution (ADR)
available to parties. It is a
voluntary process in
which parties try to settle
disputes with the
assistance of an
independent third person
(the mediator).
o A mediator does not impose a solution on the parties but creates a conducive environment in which
they can resolve their dispute.
o In 2019, India became a signatory to Singapore Convention on Mediation, but has not yet ratified it.
o It provides a framework for cross-border enforcement of settlement agreements resulting from
international mediation.
Mediation in India
• Section 89 of Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), 1908, inserted in 2002, introduced mediation as one of the
means for settlement of disputes.
• Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 designed the use of mediation without court intervention.
• Companies Act, 2013 makes it mandatory for central government to maintain a mediation and conciliation
panel.
• Consumer Protection Bill (Consumer Bill), 2015 provides for mediating disputes at first instance of
admission of a complaint before any consumer disputes redressal agency.
• In 2021, Mediation Bill was introduced in parliament.
Key Highlights of Mediation Bill, 2021
Specifications Details
Pre-litigation • Parties must attempt to settle civil or commercial disputes by mediation before approaching
mediation any court or certain tribunals.
• If they fail to reach a settlement, court or tribunal may at any stage refer parties to mediation
if they request for same.
Disputes not fit • It contains disputes relating to claims against minors or persons of unsound mind, involving
for mediation criminal prosecution, and affecting rights of third parties.
• Central government may amend this list.
Applicability • Apply to mediations conducted in India involving only domestic parties, at least one foreign
party and relating to a commercial dispute (i.e., international mediation).
• If central or state government is a party, it will apply to commercial disputes, and other
disputes as notified.
Mediation • Mediation proceedings will be confidential and must be completed within 180 days (may be
process extended by 180 days by parties).
Mediators • Appointed by parties by agreement, or a mediation service provider (an institution
administering mediation).
Mediation Council • Established by Central government, consist of a chairperson, two full-time members, three
of India (MCI) ex-officio members, and a part-time member from an industry body.
• Its functions include registration of mediators and recognising mediation service providers
and mediation institutes (which train, educate, and certify mediators).

44
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Mediated • Agreements resulting from mediation (other than community mediation) will be final,
settlement binding, and enforceable in same manner as court judgments.
agreement • They may be challenged on grounds of fraud, corruption, impersonation.
International • Definition of ‘international mediation’ and provisions of the Singaporean Convention are
mediation incorporated into the bill.
• Convention facilitates international trade and commerce by enabling disputing parties to
easily enforce and invoke settlement agreements across borders.
Community • Resolve disputes likely to affect the peace and harmony amongst residents of a locality.
mediation
Related information
New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (Amendment) Act, 2022
• Act amends New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Act, 2019 and renames the New Delhi International
Arbitration Centre as India International Arbitration Centre.
• Key features of Act
o Manner of conduct of arbitration and other forms of ADR will be specified by Central government.
o Allows government to provide for removing any difficulties in implementation up to five years from date of
commencement of Act.
• Advantage of ADR: Lower costs, greater flexibility of process, higher confidentiality, greater likelihood of
settlement, choice of forum, choice of solutions etc.
• About International Arbitration
o It is a means of settling international commercial and business disputes through arbitrators where parties
opt for a private dispute resolution procedure instead of going to court.
o Availing international arbitration can be optional, but it could also be made compulsory by inserting a
‘mandatory arbitration clause.
o Arbitration awards are more widely and readily enforceable due to Convention on Recognition and
Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards 1958 (New York Convention) and through Bilateral Investment
treaties.

6.6. REGISTRATION OF PRESS AND PERIODICALS BILL

Why in news? Brief history of the act
Recently, Government decided to introduce • Legacy begins with Censorship of Press Act, 1799 which was
a bill aimed at revising Press and imposed by Lord Wellesley to gag press ahead of French
Registration of Book (PRB) Act, 1867. invasion of India. This was retracted in 1818 by Lord Hastings.
• Acting governor-general John Adams enacted the Licensing
More on News Regulations (ordinance), 1823.
• 1867 act helped governments • Governor General Metcalfe abolished the ordinance to
control press, regulate book replace it with Press Act of 1835.
publishing, and inadvertently curb • Licensing Act, 1857 brought newspapers, printed matter, and
all books under purview of law.
freedom of speech and expression.
• Current PRB Act 1867 aimed at curbing what British
o The printer of every newspaper
Government thought was role of press in “revolt of 1857”.
had to deliver two copies of each
issue of such newspaper free of expense to the Government and one cop y of each issue to
Press Registrar.
• Under the act, Central Government may appoint a Registrar of newspapers for India .
o Press Registrar shall maintain in the prescribed manner a Register of newspapers.
• Every book or paper printed shall have printed legibly on it the name of the printer and the place
of printing, name of the publisher, and the place of publication.
Salient features of Draft Registration of Press and Periodicals Bill
Specifications Detail
Objective • To bring digital media under the scanner of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and
overcoming colonial overhang of the previous law.
Registration • Digital News media Publication will have to register with Press Registrar General within 90
days.
Power of Entity • Government Entity will have power to act against digital Publications for violations and can
suspend or cancel a registration and impose penalties.
Simplification • Lays down “Simple System” of registration of E-papers and remove certain existing provisions
concerning registration of books and connected matters.

45
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Rule-making • Enables Central and State government to frame appropriate rules/regulations to regulate
Authority criteria/conditions for issuing Government advertisements in newspapers, accreditation of
newspapers, and such other facilities for newspapers.
Appellate • Appellate Board to be called Press and Registration Appellate Board consisting of Chairman,
Board Press Council of India (PCI) and one member to be nominated by PCI, from amongst its
members.
o After fulfilling the conditions laid down in the proposed act. Board can make a decision
that will be binding and final.

6.7. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Constitution • Recently, Rajya Sabha passed Constitutional (SC/ST) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2022 to omit
(Scheduled Castes Bhogta community of Jharkhand from SC list and include them in ST list along with other
and Scheduled communities.
Tribe) Orders • Under Article 341 and 342 of Constitution, first specification of SCs/STs in relation to a
(Amendment) particular State/ UT is notified by President order after consultation with Governor of State
Bill, 2022 concerned.
• These orders can be modified subsequently only through an Act of Parliament.
• Also, Cabinet approved the addition of four tribes to STs list as part of Constitution ST Order
(Amendment) Bill 2022.
o Hatti tribe in Trans-Giri area of Himachal Pradesh, Narikoravan and Kurivikkaran hill
tribes of Tamil Nadu and Binjhia in Chhattisgarh were newly added to list.
✓ Hattis are close-knit community who take their name from their traditional
occupation of selling home-grown crops, vegetables, meat, and wool etc.
✓ Narikoravan (jackal catchers) and Kuruvikaras (bird eaters) are nomadic tribal
communities.
✓ Binjhia, ethnic group found in Odisha and Jharkhand, have rich heritage of tradition
and culture.
Betta-Kuruba community in ST category
• Lok Sabha has passed a Bill to give tribal status to Betta-Karuba community.
• The community has been living in Chamarajnagar, Kodagu and Mysuru districts of Karnataka.
o Community involves collection of forest produce and bamboo.
o They have their own dialect with no script, use primitive hunting tools and follow
animism.
Anti-conversion • Karnataka Legislative Council passed Karnataka Right to Freedom of Religion Bill.
Bill • To date, there has been no central legislation restricting or regulating religious conversions.
o Several states like Odisha, Madhya Pradesh etc. have enacted legislation to restrict
religious conversions by force, fraud, or inducements.
• SC in Rev. Stanislaus vs State of Madhya Pradesh (1977) case upheld anti-conversion laws of
Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.
o SC highlighted that Article 25 does not include Right to Convert.
Places of Worship • SC has refused a petition by a sect of Jain community filed under Article 32 of Constitution
Act, 1991 to enforce Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991 against alleged conversion of its
religious places by another sect.
• Act 1991 prohibits conversion of any place of worship and to provide for maintenance of
religious character of any place of worship as it existed on 15th day of August, 1947.
o However, provisions of act shall not apply to Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case.
• Key provisions of Act
o Bars conversion, in full or part, of a place of worship of any religious denomination into
a place of worship of a different religious denomination — or even a different segment
of same the religious denomination.
o Any suit or legal proceeding with respect to conversion of religious character of any
place of worship existing on August 15, 1947, pending before any court, shall abate —
and no fresh suit or legal proceedings shall be instituted.
o Provisions of the act do not apply to ancient and historical monuments and
archaeological sites and remains that are covered by the Ancient Monuments and
Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
Constitutional • While hearing a petition challenging Constitutional (One Hundred and Fourth Amendment)
(One Hundred and Act, 2019, Delhi High Court asked the Centre to file its submissions.
Fourth • Amendment removed the nomination-based representation of Anglo-Indian community in
Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies.

46
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Amendment) Act, • The amendment also extended by ten years the deadline for the cessation of reservation of
2019 seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for members of Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes.
• Erstwhile constitutional provisions
o Article 331: Provision for nomination of two Anglo-Indians to Lok Sabha.
o Article 333: Provision for nomination of one member of that community to Legislative
Assemblies.
Family Courts • Act to grant statutory cover to already established family courts in Himachal Pradesh and
(Amendment) Nagaland has come to force.
Act, 2022 • Act amends Family Courts Act, 1984 which provided an establishment of family courts by
States to deal with disputes related to family and marriage.
o Central government is empowered to notify dates for the Act to come into force in
different states.
o Governments of Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland have set up Family Courts in their states
under the Act. However, central government has not extended application of Act to
these states.
Benami • SC recently struck down certain provisions of Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act of 1988.
Transactions • 1988 act was introduced to prohibit benami transactions and to recover property held as
(Prohibition) Act, benami. However, rules, regulations, and procedures for implementation of law could not
1988 be framed, which made it ineffective.
o Benami transaction means any transaction in which property is transferred to one
person for a consideration paid or provided by another person.
o Benami transactions are used to disguise real ownership for reasons, including tax
avoidance, maintain secrecy, parking unaccounted money etc.
• 2016 amendment expanded scope and punishment for benami transactions and also added
a provision for confiscation of the property obtained as result of benami transaction.
Enemy property • CBI registered FIRs against officials managing enemy properties for allegedly leasing out
prime commercial land.
• About enemy property
o In wake of India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, there was migration of people from
India to Pakistan.
o Under Defence of India Rules, Government of India took over properties and companies
of those who took Pakistani nationality.
o These “enemy properties” were vested in Custodian of Enemy Property for India. Same
was done for property left behind by those who went to China after the 1962 Sino-Indian
war.
o Governed by Enemy Property Act, 1968.
o The 2017 amendment to the Act provided that enemy property shall continue to vest in
the Custodian even if the enemy or enemy subject or enemy firm ceases to be an enemy.
Flag Code of India • Code has been amended to allow national flag to be flown at day and night if it has been
(FCI), 2002 hoisted in the open or on house of a member of public.
o Earlier, tricolor was allowed to be flown from sunrise to sunset, irrespective of weather
conditions.
• Code is a compilation of all laws, practices, conventions, instructions and guidelines
governing the display of National Flag.
o It governs the display of National Flag by private, public, and government institutions.
• Also, FCI 2002 tweaked to cut Tricolor price
o Changes allow machine-made polyester to be used in production of national flag.
o Earlier, only flags made of handspun and handwoven khadi were permitted.
• FCI allows unrestricted display of Tricolor as long as honour and dignity of flag were being
respected.
o It is divided into three parts:
✓ A general description of tricolor,
✓ Rules on display by public and private bodies and educational institutions,
✓ Rules for display by government and government bodies.
National Building • Ministry of Consumer Affairs released handbook on Safety in Electrical Installations and
Code (NBC), India Guide for using NBC, 2016.
2016 • NBC 2016 is a technical document which covered all provisions relating to planning, design,
construction and operation and maintenance of buildings.
o Implementation of these provisions ensures minimum required level for safety, health,
amenity, accessibility and sustainability of buildings.
o It is designed by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

47
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 7. IMPORTANT CONSTITUTIONAL/ STATUTORY/
EXECUTIVE BODIES IN NEWS
7.1. UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION AUTHORITY OF INDIA (UIDAI)
Why in news?
Recently, Government amended
Aadhaar rules.
More in News
• It specifies that supporting
documents may be updated “at
least once” by Aadhaar holders on
completion of 10 years from
enrolment date.
• Updation would ensure continued
accuracy of Aadhaar-related
information in CIDR (Central
Identities Data Repository).
o CIDR is centralised database
containing
✓ all Aadhaar numbers issued to Aadhaar holders along with,
✓ corresponding demographic and biometric information of such individuals etc.
Related information
Aadhaar biometrics for forensics
• UIDAI states that Biometric data collected for Aadhaar cannot be used to identify criminals or solve crimes, as it
does not collect biometric information for forensic purposes.
• Furthermore, sharing or use of biometric information for any purpose other than generation of Aadhaar number
and authentication, is impermissible under Aadhaar Act, 2016.

7.2. CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION

Why in news?
Recently, Central Information Commission (CIC) achieved a consistent decline in pendency of RTI (Right to
Information) cases with constant rise in disposal RTI Act, 2005
of RTI appeals. • It replaced Freedom of Information Act, 2002.
• RTI Act empower citizens, promote transparency and
accountability in working of Public Authorities, contain
corruption, and make our democracy work for people in
real sense.
• As per RTI Act 2005, salary of CIC and ICs (at central
level) will be equivalent to salary paid to Chief Election
Commissioner and Election Commissioners, respectively.
o However, RTI bill 2019 removes these provisions
and empowers Central Government.
• Exemptions under RTI includes:
o Section 8 (1) prohibit public authority to share
information on various ground such as security,
strategic, scientific or economic interests the state,
published by any court of law, records of
deliberations of Council of Ministers etc.
o Under Section 24, it exempts the intelligence and
security organisations specified under its Second
Schedule, except for information on allegations of
corruption and human rights violations.

48
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 7.3. INDIA’S INVESTIGATIVE AGENCIES
Why in news?
Recently, CJI called for creating an “independent umbrella institution” to bring various investigating agencies
like Central Bureau Investigation (CBI), Enforcement directorate (ED) and Serious Fraud Investigation Office
(SFIO) under one roof.
Investigative agencies in India

CBI investigates three types of cases:

• Anti-corruption: These are usually registered against public officials, employees of union government.
o The superintendence of CBI related to investigation of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
lies with CVC.
• Special crimes: Investigation of serious and organized crime under IPC on requests of State Governments or on
orders of Supreme Court and High Courts.
• Economic offences: Crimes of financial malfeasance, bank frauds, money laundering, black money operations etc.
However, CBI usually transfers cases of money laundering to ED.
• Suo-moto: CBI can suo-moto take up investigation of offences only in the UTs.
o Centre holds the power to authorize the CBI to investigate a crime in the state only after the consent of
concerned state.
o However, SC and High Courts can order CBI to investigate a crime anywhere in country without consent of
the state.

49
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 7.4. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Press Council of India (PCI)
• Suresh Patel recently took the charge as new CVC. • Retired SC judge Ranjana Prakash Desai became the
first women chairperson of PCI.

50
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 8. IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF GOVERNANCE
8.1. URBAN LOCAL BODIES (ULBS)
Why in news?
Recently, Delhi Municipal Corporation
(Amendment) Act, 2022 was enacted that seeks
to reunify three Municipal Corporations of
Delhi (MCD).
About MCD Act, 2022
• Delhi Municipal Corporation (Amendment)
Act 2022 amends the ‘Delhi Municipal
Corporation Act, 1957’, to effectively undo
earlier 2011 amendment to the Act by which
erstwhile MCD was trifurcated into separate
Municipal Corporation of North, South, and
East Delhi.
• Split-up was first proposed in 1987
Balakrishnan Committee Report,
constituted by Ministry of Home Affairs,
which was bolstered in 2001 Virendra
Prakash Committee Report.
• Under Article 239AA, Parliament is
empowered to legislate on any matter,
including subjects on which Assembly can make laws.
About Municipal corporations
• Municipal Corporations are urban local level governments in India which works for development of any
Metropolitan City with a population of more than one million.
o It’s also called as Mahanagar Palika, Nagar Palika, Nagar Nigam, City Corporation, etc.
• Historical background
o First Municipal Corporation was set-up in Madras in 1688 and followed by similar corporations in Bombay
and Calcutta in 1726.
o Lord Ripon (1880-84), Viceroy of India introduced elections in Municipal Corporation and is known as
“father of Local Self-government in India”.
• To strengthen urban local bodies (ULBs) functioning 74th Amendment Act, 1992 has inserted Part IX-A into
Constitution.
• Their sources of revenue include property tax, water tax, professional tax, drainage tax, etc. and some fixed aid
from state government.
• Members of Municipal Corporation are directly elected by the people and are called Councillors.
o Elections to Municipal Corporations are conducted under guidance, direction, superintendence, and control
of State Election Commission.
• Municipal corporations are established in states by acts of concerned state legislatures, and in union territories
by acts of Parliament of India.

8.2. AUDIT OF LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT

Why in News?
CAG is planning to expand its presence up to the district level to exercise audit control over three tier
Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI).
More about news
• At present, CAG has presence in state capitals and its accountant general’s office is responsible for
auditing accounts of state governments.
• While the government departments draw funds from the consolidated fund, the PRIs draw money from
separate fund accounts kept in bank or treasury.

51
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • As reported, CAG has now decided to
assert its constitutional mandate to
supervise all government
expenditure whether drawn from the
consolidated fund or the state
treasury.
o PRIs come under purview of audit
under Comptroller and Auditor-
General’s (Duties, Powers, and
Conditions of Service) Act, 1971.
About Local Self Governance and its
Audit
• Parliament passed 73rd and 74th
Constitutional Amendments in 1992,
which mandated that State
governments constitute panchayats
and municipalities in every region.
• This instituted a third-tier of
governance in federal
framework through devolution
of functions, funds, and
functionaries to local
governments.
• Constitutional Provisions
o Article 243 J: Legislature of
a State may, by law, make
provisions wrt maintenance
of accounts by Panchayats
and auditing of such
accounts.
o Article 243 Z: Legislature of
a State may, by law, make
provisions wrt maintenance
of accounts by
Municipalities and auditing
of such accounts.

8.3. DIGITALISATION OF LAND RECORDS IN INDIA

Why in news?
To boost digitalisation of land records in India, central government has asked state governments to install local
servers as well as increase internet speed in sub-registrar offices.
Digital India Land Records Modernization
Programme (DILRMP)
• Government is planning to come up with an
online registration system under DILRMP.
o It is being implemented by Ministry of
Rural Development.
• DILRMP is a central sector scheme launched in
2016.
• DILRMP has 3 major components:
o Computerization of land record;
o Survey/re-survey;
o Computerization of Registration.

52
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 How is Land ownership recognised in India?
Land ownership in India is recognised through a set of documents including-
• Record of rights (RoR), which captures details such as the name of the land holder, the number and size of the
plot area, and revenue rate (for agricultural land),
• Registered sale deed to prove that property has been sold from one person to other, and taxes on the sale have
been paid,
• Survey documents to record a property’s boundaries and area, and prove that the property is listed in government
records,
• Property tax receipts.
Other measures taken to promote digitization
• National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) is an in-house advanced software application for the
registration system developed by NIC.
• Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) System provides a unique ID of 14 digits for every plot of land
in country based on Geo-reference coordinate of vertices of the parcel.
• BhuNaksha: A Solution for digital Cadastral Mapping.
• Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) scheme to
demarcate inhabited (Abadi) land and provide Record of Rights/Property Cards in rural areas through the latest
surveying drone technology.
• Initiative to transliterate Records of Rights to any of 22 languages recognised by Constitution.
• Efforts at State level:
o Bhoomi is a project jointly funded by Centre and state of Karnataka to digitise paper land records and create
a software mechanism to control changes to land registry in Karnataka.
o Telangana’s Dharani project integrates RoR data with individual land plot maps.

8.4. LOCALISATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

Why in News?
Ministry of Panchayati Raj has signed a joint statement of understanding on localisation of Sustainable
Development Goals (LSDGs) with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
About SDGs and their Localisation
• SDGs is a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice,
and tackle climate change by 2030.
○ It was adopted at United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in 2015.
• Localisation of SDGs is the process of taking into account sub-national contexts in achievement of SDGs.
This includes:
○ Use of SDGs to provide a
framework for local development
policy, and
○ Identifying how bottom-up
actions from local and regional
governments can support SGDs
achievement.
Efforts taken for localization of SDGs
• In India, overall coordination for
implementation of SDGs is handled by
NITI Aayog with twin mandate of:
○ Overseeing adoption and
monitoring of SDGs in country,
○ Promote competitive and
cooperative federalism among
States and UTs.
• To do so, NITI Aayog launched annual
‘SDG India Index’ in 2018 which
monitors progress of states and UTs
on SDGs and localisation of SDGs through eight steps.

53
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 Related information
Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) signs MoU for Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs)
• MoU has been signed with Institute of Rural Management Anand, Gujarat to collaborate in Gram Panchayat
Development Planning (GPDP) for Localization of SDGs through PRIs.
• MoPR has been taking action in respect of those identified SDGs through GPDP involving participatory planning
by converging various schemes to achieve the respective SDGs.
o Objective of GPDP process is to fulfil Constitutional mandate of Gram Panchayats i.e., to achieve economic
development and secure social justice at the grassroots level.

8.5. SPORTS GOVERNANCE

Why in News?
After the dissolution of the
Committee of
Administrators (CoA) by SC,
Bureau of FIFA Council has
lifted the suspension on All
India Football Federation
(AIFF).
More on News
• CoA was appointed by
the SC to manage the
AIFF affairs and
adoption of its
constitution in line with
National Sports Code
and Model Guidelines.
• Dissolution of CoA was a
necessary condition from FIFA to
lift AIFF suspension as it gives AIFF
full control on its daily affairs.
o Earlier, FIFA suspended AIFF
due to ‘undue influence from
third parties’- a serious
violation under FIFA Statutes.
Sports Governance and
Administration in India
• In India, this oversight and
direction is broadly divided under
two wings (see image) as:
o Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Sports (MYAS) and its
subordinate organisations
(e.g. Sports Authority of India
(SAI); and
o Sports Organisations under Olympic Charter, i.e. Indian Olympic Association (IOA), State Olympic
Association (SOA), National Sports Federation (NSF) etc.
✓ For non-Olympic sports such as Cricket, the organisations (Board of Control for Cricket in India)
have direct affiliation from respective international federations.
Related information
Stop funds to sports bodies that do not follow National Sports Development Code of India (NDCI): Delhi HC tells
Central Government
• The order stopped the Centre from extending grants, funds and patronage to those National Sports Federations
(NSFs) that do not comply with NSCI, 2011.
o In 2014, Delhi HC declared NSCI the law of the land for sports bodies.

54
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • NSCI is an amalgamation of orders issued by Government of India since 1975 for NSFs.
o NSCI defines the areas of responsibility of the various agencies involved in promotion and development of
sports.
o It identifies NSFs eligible for coverage under code, to set priorities, and to detail the procedures to be
followed by Federations.
o It states the conditions for eligibility to receive government recognition and grant.
• NSFs are fully responsible and accountable for overall management, direction, control, regulation, promotion,
development and sponsorship of discipline for which they are recognized by concerned International Federation.

8.6. RULES FOR RESIGNATION AND REINSTATEMENT OF AN INDIAN

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE (IAS) OFFICER
Why in news?
In 2019, an IAS officer, who resigned from service has been reinstated.
More on news
• Resignation of an officer of any of three All-India Services — IAS, Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian
Forest Service— is governed by Rules 5(1) and 5(1)(A) of All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement
Benefits (DCRB)) Rules, 1958.
o There are similar rules for resignation of officers belonging to other central services as well.
Rules to withdraw a resignation that has already been submitted
• As per DCRB Rules (amended in 2011), central government may permit an officer to withdraw his/her
resignation “in the public interest”.
o If an officer who has submitted his/her resignation sends an intimation in writing withdrawing it
before its acceptance by the competent authority, resignation will be deemed to have been
automatically withdrawn.
o Central Government shall not accept the request for withdrawal of resignation where,
✓ a member is associated with any political parties or any organisation which takes part in politics,
✓ to take part in, or assist in any other manner, any political movement or political activity or to
canvass or use his/her influence in connection with, or take part in, an election to any legislature
or local authority.
• Resignation of an IAS officer must be submitted to
o Chief secretary of state in case of an officer serving in state.
o Secretary of concerned Ministry or Department in case of an officer who is on central deputation.
• Only after recommendation of concerned cadre/state is received, the competent authority, i.e., central
government consider the officer's resignation.
o Competent authorities are
✓ Minister of State at the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) in respect of IAS
✓ Minister for Home Affairs in respect of IPS and
✓ Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change in respect of Forest Service.

8.7. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING

INSTITUTIONS (NSCSTI)
Why in news?
Recently, Ministry of Personnel,
Public Grievances & Pensions has
launched National standards for civil
service training institutions (NSCSTI).
About NSCSTI
• NSCSTI is developed at Capacity
Building Commission (CBC)
headquarters.
o Web-portal and approach paper for National standards also inaugurated.

55
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 • India became the first country in
world to come out with a unique
model to create standards for civil
service training institutions at
national level.
o India already has standards and
accreditation in higher education,
healthcare and environment.
• Standards will equip Central Training
Institutions (CTIs) to help civil
servants tackle emerging challenges
of 21st century.
• Objectives of NSCSTI:
o Creates a baseline for CTIs on
their current capacity for
elevating their quality and
capacity of training delivery and
to harmonise standards for
training.
o Set aspirations for training
institutions to strive towards
excellence.
Initiatives taken to improve functioning of civil servants
• Mission Karamyogi: It is an Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) Platform which allow all government
servants irrespective of their rank to undergo continuous training, depending on their domain areas.
o It aims at building a future-ready civil service with the right attitude, skills and knowledge, aligned to the
vision of New India.
• Aarambh: Launched by Government of India, it is first ever common foundation course for civil servants training.
• National Training Policy: It was adopted in 1996 and reviewed in 2012 to develop a professional, impartial and
efficient civil servants that is responsible to needs of citizens and ensuring that they possess requisite knowledge,
skills and attitude to make them able to perform the functions they are entrusted with.
• Lateral entry: Direct induction of domain experts at the middle or senior levels of administrative hierarchy, rather
than only appointing regular civil servants through promotion.

8.8. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Police • Decision to set up PCS has been taken due to increase in population, religious and cultural
Commissionerate significance, tourism, provide better policing and maintain law and order.
System (PCS) o Districts would be declared as metropolitan cities as per rules of Code of Criminal
Procedure (CrPC) before implementing PCS.
o Earlier, Lucknow and Noida adopted PCS followed by Kanpur and Varanasi.
Police Commissionerate System (PCS) Dual Command System (DCS)

• Commissioner of Police (CP) is head of a unified • District Magistrate (DM) and

police command structure, is responsible for force Superintendent of Police (SP)
in city, and is accountable to state government. share powers and
o CP is drawn from Deputy Inspector General responsibilities in a district.
rank or above and is assisted by o DM is entrusted with issuing
Special/Joint/Additional/Deputy arrest warrants, licenses
Commissioners. while SP has powers and
o Such police officer has power of preventive responsibilities to
arrest, imposing Section 144 of CrPC Act and investigate crime and make
initiate chapter proceedings. arrests.
• Office also has magisterial powers, including • System is designed to ensure
those related to regulation, control, and licensing. lower concentration of power
• Various committees have recommended PCS and making police more
implementation in cities which have population accountable to DM at district
of more than 10 lakhs. level.

56
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 Probity Portal • Revamped probity portal has been launched by Department of Personnel and Training
(PP) (DoPT).
o Probity is quality of having strong moral principles (such as honesty, uprightness,
transparency and incorruptibility) and strictly following them.
• PP was launched in 2017 to capture data from all Ministries/Departments/Autonomous
Organizations/Public Sector Banks in respect of issues like:
o Number of cases pending for sanction for prosecution.
o Implementation of Rotational Transfer Policy.
o Number of penalty disciplinary proceedings.
o DoPT has now completely revamped the Portal to add more functionalities to improve
user experience.
Meghalaya • MeghEA’s e-proposal system
Enterprise recently won UN World Summit on
Architecture Information Society Forum WSIS
(MeghEA) Project award 2022.
• MeghEA project aims to improve
service delivery and governance for
people using power of Digital
technologies.
o It was launched by Ministry of
Electronics & Information
Technology.
o It envisions to make Meghalaya
a high-income state by 2030.
• This is a first of its kind project
which is based on India’s National
Enterprise Architecture framework.

Global • Aiming to keep Internet open, free, and neutral, the declaration is a political commitment
declaration on among partners to advance a positive vision for Internet and digital technologies.
future on Internet o Around 60 countries have signed declaration include US, European Union, United
Kingdom, Canada and France. India, China and Russia are among large nations that are
not part of this declaration.
• Earlier, a report titled, “The return of digital authoritarianism: internet shutdowns”
highlighted that
o Number of countries that shut down the internet in 2021 has increased to 34 from 29 in
2020.
o India is top country to impose internet shutdowns in 2021 for fourth consecutive year.
• India did not sign Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, 2001.
o Data sharing provisions of Budapest Convention infringes on national sovereignty.
o Presently, it is only legally binding multilateral convention on cybercrime and electronic
evidence.
• Internet shutdowns related provisions in India
o Currently, suspension of telecom services (including internet shutdowns) is governed by
Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency & Public Safety) Rules,
2017, notified under Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
o 2017 Rules provide for temporary shutdown of telecom services in a region on grounds
of public emergency (up to 15 days at once).
• United Nations has called on countries to stop imposing Internet shutdowns, warning of dire
consequences.
World Bank’s • In an analysis of World Bank’s WGI, a key input for India’s sovereign ratings, India’s scores
Worldwide were “much below” its peers on all counts.
Governance • About WGI
Indicators (WGI) o WGI reports aggregate and individual governance indicators for over 200 countries and
territories over the period 1996–2020.
o It is based on 6 dimensions of governance combining views of a large number of
enterprise, citizen and expert survey respondents in industrial and developing countries.

57
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 World Press • Released by: Reporters Without Borders (RSF), non -profit organisation
Freedom Index • Index highlights degree of freedom that journalists, news organisations and netizens have
(WPFI), 2022 in each country, and government’s efforts to respect such freedom.
o Rankings are based on score ranging from 0 to 100, with 100 being the best possible
score (highest possible level of press freedom) and 0 the worst.
o Evaluation criteria include 5 indicators: political context, legal framework, economic
context, sociocultural context and safety.
• India recently slipped 8 places to 150 in 2022 WPFI from last year's 142nd rank out of 180
countries.
National E- • Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (under Ministry of Personnel,
Governance Public Grievances & Pensions) had constituted NeSDA in 2019 to assess State, UT and Central
Service Delivery Ministries on depth and effectiveness of e-Governance service delivery.
Assessment o e-Governance is use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at all levels of
(NeSDA) 2021 Government to transform relations with citizens, businesses, and other arms of
Report government.
• NeSDA is a periodic assessment intended to improve effectiveness of States/Union
Territories and Central Government in delivery of their online services to citizens.
o It was conducted by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
(DARPG) in association with NASSCOM and KPMG in 2021.
o Four main parameters of assessment: - Accessibility, Content Availability, Ease of Use
and Information Security, Privacy for Central Ministry Portals.
Census Towns • Meghalaya government has launched the MGNREGS in Census towns of the state.
• Census towns are areas that are not defined as a town by state governments but have urban
characteristics.
o Due to the ambiguity in their classification benefits from neither the urban schemes nor
the rural schemes could realise;
• Three conditions to define Census Towns are;
o Population of 4,000 and more,
o Population density of at least 400 persons per square kilometer.
o Male non-farm workforce of more than 75 percent.
E-Government • ‘E-Government Survey 2022: The Future of Digital Government’ was released by UN
Survey 2022 Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
• It assesses the digital government landscape across all 193 Member States.
• Key Findings:
o India ranked 105 in the E-Government Development Index and 61 in E-Participation
Index, down from the 2020 rank of 100 and 29 respectively.
o Denmark ranked 1 in the E-Government Development Index while Japan ranked 1 in E-
Participation Index.
Personality • Delhi High Court recently passed an interim order to prevent unlawful use of celebrities’
Rights (PR) name, image, and voice, thus highlighting issue of Personality Rights.

58
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL
 • Personality rights (PR) refer to right of a person to protect his/her personality under Right to
privacy or property.
o Personality rights are rights of famous personalities and celebrities whose name, voice,
signature or any other personality trait has commercial value and can mobilise and
influence the public at large.
Government • Madras High Court directed Tamil Nadu government to include photographs of President and
Advertisements PM in 44th Chess Olympiad advertisements.
• In 2015, Common Cause v Union of India, SC sought to regulate the way of government
spending on advertisements.
• Based on N R Madhava Menon Committee (set up by SC) suggestions on government
advertisement policy, SC has:
o Mandated government advertisements to avoid political party’s symbol, logo or flag.
o Use photographs only of President, PM, CJI, Governor and CM.
Rule of Law Index • After improvement in World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings, now government has
turned its attention to scoring better in Rule of Law Index.
• Index is published by World Justice Project (WJP), a US based civil society group.
o In 2022, India was ranked 77th out of 140 countries.
• Eight factors that Rule of Law Index measures: Constraint on government powers, Absence
of corruption, Open government, Fundamental rights, Order and security, Regulatory
enforcement, Civil justice, Criminal justice.
National E- • NeSL has processed one million transactions through its digital document execution
Governance platform.
Services Limited • NeSL is India’s first Information Utility.
(NeSL) o It is registered with Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) under aegis of
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016.
o Primary role of NeSL is to serve as a repository of legal evidence holding the information
pertaining to any debt/claim.

Copyright © by Vision IAS

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission of Vision IAS.
59
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | RANCHI | ALLAHABAD | BHOPAL © Vision IAS
 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Table of Contents
1. BIOTECHNOLOGY .................................... 4 3.6. Private Sector in Space Programme of
1.1. Genetic Modification (GM) technology ... 4 India .......................................................... 37
1.2. Genome Editing ..................................... 4 3.7. Space Sustainability ............................. 38
1.2.1. Genetically Modified (GM) Crops.............. 4 3.8. Space Tourism ..................................... 39
1.2.2. Site-Directed Nuclease (SDN) technology . 6 3.9. Black Holes .......................................... 40
1.2.3. CRISPR-Cas 9 ............................................. 7 3.10. Dark Matter....................................... 42
1.2.4. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR-T) cell 3.11. Earth Records Shortest Day ................ 43
therapy ................................................................ 8
3.12. Space Organisations Related
Developments............................................ 43
1.3. Genome Sequencing .............................. 9
3.12.1. NASA ...................................................... 43
1.4. Genomic Surveillance........................... 10
3.12.2. Indian Space Research
1.5. Cloning ................................................ 11
Organisation (ISRO) ........................................... 44
1.6. Indian Biological Data Center ............... 11
1.7. Other Important News ......................... 12 3.13. Other Important News ....................... 45
3.13.1. Space Phenomenon and Experiments ... 45
2. IT AND COMPUTER ............................... 13
3.13.2. Space Objects ........................................ 47
2.1. National Geospatial Policy ................... 13
3.13.3. Miscellaneous ........................................ 47
2.2. Draft National Data Governance
Framework Policy ....................................... 14 4. HEALTH ................................................ 49
2.3. Fifth Generation (5G) ........................... 16 4.1. Traditional Medicine............................ 49
2.3.1. 5G Spectrum Auction .............................. 17 4.2. Tuberculosis ........................................ 50
2.3.2. 5G Open Radio Access Network (RAN) ... 17 4.3. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) ........... 51
2.4. Satellite Communication ...................... 18 4.4. Self-amplifying Messenger RNA (mRNA)
2.4.1. Other Communication networks............. 19 Vaccine ...................................................... 52
2.5. Virtual Private Network (VPN) .............. 19 4.5. One Health .......................................... 53
2.6. DarkNet ............................................... 21 4.6. First-Ever Fungal Priority Pathogens List
2.7. Artificial Intelligence ............................ 22 (FPPL) ........................................................ 53
2.7.1. Generative Artificial Intelligence ............. 22 4.7. Food Safety ......................................... 54
2.7.2. Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) .............. 23 4.8. Rice Fortification ................................. 55
4.9. Oral Rehydration Solution.................... 56
2.8. 4 D printing.......................................... 23
4.10. Diseases in News ............................... 57
2.9. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).......... 23
4.10.1. Viral Diseases ......................................... 57
2.10. Proof-of-Stake Technology ................. 25
4.10.2. Other Diseases....................................... 59
2.11. Facial Recognition System (FRS).......... 26
2.12. Extended Reality ................................ 26 4.11. Other Important News ....................... 59
2.13. Radio frequency Identification (RFID) . 27 5. DEFENCE ............................................... 61
2.14. IndiaStack .......................................... 27 5.1. Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR)
2.15. Other Important News ....................... 27 Technology ................................................ 61
2.15.1. Initiatives/Guidelines/Programs/Forums 5.2. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) ................. 62
.......................................................................... 27 5.3. GSAT 7 series satellites ........................ 62
2.15.2. Technologies/Concepts ......................... 29 5.4. BRAHMos ............................................ 62
2.15.3. Cybersecurity ........................................ 29 5.4.1. Other Missiles in News ............................ 64
2.15.4. Others ................................................... 30 5.5. Submarines ......................................... 65
3. SPACE TECHNOLOGY ............................. 31 5.6. Other Important News ......................... 65
5.6.1. Submarines, Ships and Aircraft Carriers .. 65
3.1. Mars Orbiter Mission ........................... 31
5.6.2. Aircrafts, Drones and Helicopters ........... 66
3.2. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) .... 32
5.6.3. Miscellaneous .......................................... 67
3.3. NavIC (Navigation with Indian
Constellation)............................................. 33 6. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY .......................... 69
3.4. Artemis I .............................................. 34 6.1. Nuclear Fusion ..................................... 69
3.5. James Webb Space Telescope .............. 35 6.2. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) ........... 70
3.5.1 Observations made by JWST .................... 36 6.3. Hyperloop System ............................... 71
6.4. Lithium-Ion Battery.............................. 72

1
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 6.5. Flex Fuel .............................................. 73 8.1. European Organization for Nuclear
6.6. Fuel Cell ............................................... 74 Research (CERN)......................................... 79
6.7. Other Important News ......................... 75 8.2. Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose (J.C. Bose)
7. AWARDS AND PRIZES ........................... 76 .................................................................. 80
7.1. Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2022 .............. 76 8.3. The "Mystery" Particle Finding ............. 81
7.2. Nobel Prize in Physics 2022 .................. 76 8.4. Other Important News ......................... 81
7.3. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 8.4.1. Research and Development .................... 81
2022........................................................... 77 8.4.2. Miscellaneous .......................................... 82
8. MISCELLANEOUS .................................. 79

Copyright © by Vision IAS

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission of Vision IAS.

2
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
3
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 1. BIOTECHNOLOGY
1.1. GENETIC MODIFICATION (GM) TECHNOLOGY

1.2. GENOME EDITING

1.2.1. GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) CROPS
Why in news?
Recently the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) issued
Guidelines for Safety
Assessment of Genome
Edited Plants, 2022 easing
norms for research into
genetically modified (GM)
crops.
More on News
• Guidelines exempts
Genome Edited plants
falling under the categories of Site directed nuclease (SDN)1 and SDN2, from Manufacture, Use, Import,
Export and Storage of hazardous Microorganisms/ Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, Rules, 1989,
under the Environment (Protection) Act (1986).

4
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o It is based on an earlier exemption by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to
avoid a long process for approval of GM crops through GEAC.
Guidelines for Safety Assessment of Genome
Edited Plants, 2022
• Aim: Provides regulatory framework and
scientific guidance on data requirement in
context of research & development of
Genome Edited Plant.
• Scope of Guidelines: Limited to plants and
products thereof developed using genome
editing techniques employing site-directed
nucleases (SDN).
• Guidelines Notified by: Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change
under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Exemption: Researchers who use gene-
editing technology to modify plant genome
from seeking approvals from Genetic
Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).
o All requirements to develop transgenic
seeds will apply to gene-edited seeds
except clauses requiring GEAC permission.
• Significance of guidelines: Accelerate genetic
improvement of crops, increasing farmer’s
income, roadmap for sustainable use of
genome editing.
• Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage
of Hazardous Microorganisms/ Genetically
Engineered Organisms or Cells, Rules, 1989:
Regulates all activities related to Genetically
Engineered organisms or cells and hazardous
microorganisms and products thereof.
About GM Crops
• Genetic modification in plants: Cells are grown in tissue culture which develop into plants and seeds
produced by these plants will inherit the new DNA.
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) promotes the science-based innovative technology
including research on GM crops.
o Network Project on Functional Genomics and Genetic Modification in Crops was launched by ICAR in
2005.
Genome editing technology and Transgenic Technology
• Both can alter the genome of an organism. However, there is a difference between the two as:
o Genome editing is manipulation of genome of organism itself by knocking out or replacing targeted gene
which resulting in individuals with intentionally selected and desired traits.
o In Transgenic technology genome of an organism is altered by introduction of one or more foreign DNA
sequences from another species by artificial means.

Various bodies on GM crop regulation

• Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RDAC): Monitors the developments in biotechnology at national
and international levels. It functions in DBT.
• Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC): Approves low-risk experiments and ensures adherence to
prescribed safety guidelines. It functions from DBT.
• Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM): Reviews all ongoing projects involving high-risk and
controlled field experiments. It functions from DBT.

5
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • State Biotechnology
Coordination Committee
(SBCC): Acts as State level
nodal agency to assess the
damage due to release of
GMOs and to take on-site
control measures.
• District Level Committee
(DLC): Acts as nodal agency
at District level to reports to
SBCC or the GEAC about
compliance or non-
compliance of regulatory
guidelines.
Related News
GEAC has recommended the environmental release of transgenic hybrid mustard Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11).
• Commercial use: under Indian Council of
Agriculture Research (ICAR) supervision and will
be subject to Seed Act, 1966.
• About DMH-11
o Developed by: Delhi University’s Centre for
Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants.
o Process used: Crossing Indian mustard
variety ‘Varuna’ (barnase line) with an East
European ‘Early Heera-2’ mutant (barstar)
o Contains two alien genes isolated from a soil
bacterium called Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.
✓ First gene (‘barnase’) codes for a protein that impairs pollen production and renders the plant into
incorporated male sterile.
✓ Second is the ‘barstar’ gene that blocks the action of the barnase gene.
✓ Resultant progeny is both high-yielding and capable of producing seed/ grain.
Related News
• Haryana government issued NOC to conduct field trials on BG-2 RRF, herbicide-tolerant and insect resistant
variety of BT cotton.
o So far, India has allowed commercial use of BG-1 and BG-2 GM cotton while BG-2 RRF approval is pending at
various stages.
o BG-2 RRF can provide protection against pest attack such as American Bollworm.

1.2.2. SITE-DIRECTED NUCLEASE (SDN) TECHNOLOGY

Why in news?
Department of Biotechnology
revised guidelines for plants and
products thereof developed
using genome editing
techniques employing site-
directed nucleases (SDN).
About site-directed nucleases
(SDN)
• SDN or sequence specific
nuclease (SSN) refers to the
practice of cleaving DNA
strands to affect the subsequent genome editing.
o SDN technology takes advantage of targeted DNA break and host’s natural repair mechanisms to
introduce specific small changes at the site of the DNA break.
• Main SDN technologies: Zinc-Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) and Transcription Activator Like Effector Nucleases
(TALENs).

6
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Depending on the nature of the edit, the process is divided into three categories — SDN 1, SDN 2 and SDN
3 (refer infographic).
o Both SDN1 and SDN 2 do not involve alien genetic material and the result is indistinguishable from
conventionally bred crop varieties.
o SDN3 process involves genes of foreign origin.
• SDN-1 and SDN-2 do not produce new plant varieties that fall under the scope of the GMO legislation.
• In SDN-3, the newly developed plant falls under GMO legislation only if foreign DNA exceeding 20 base
pairs is inserted.

1.2.3. CRISPR-CAS 9
Why in the news?
It’s been ten years since microbiologist
Emmanuelle Charpentier and biochemist
Jennifer Doudna published research that
paved way for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing
(Both awarded Nobel Prize for the same in
2022).
About Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short
Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas 9
• CRISPR is a genetic code or sequence
found in bacteria.
o Formed due to the activity of the
previous bacteriophages that had
infected them.
• Bacteria uses CRISPR sequence to
remember each specific virus that
attacks them by incorporating virus
DNA into their own bacterial
genome.
• This gives the bacteria protection
when a specific virus tries to attack
again.
• CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9): A
bacterial RNA-guided endonuclease
that once activated will make special
enzymes that seem to have co-
evolved with CRISPR.
How does CRISPR work?
• There are the 3 key elements of
CRISPR-Cas9 work:
o Guide RNA: A piece of RNA that
locates the targeted gene. This is
engineered in a lab.
o Cas9: The “scissors” that snip the
undesired DNA out.
o DNA: The desired piece of
DNA that is inserted after the
break.
• Challenges: Ethical challenges
(concerns over ‘Designer Babies’),
ecological impacts (genes with
negative traits throughout a
population).

7
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • Advancement in India: study for treating sickle cell
anemia, researchers at National agri-food
biotechnology edited the banana genome to improve
its nutritional quality and pathogen resistance etc.

1.2.4. CHIMERIC ANTIGEN RECEPTOR T (CAR-T) CELL THERAPY

Why in the news?
This is the first time that CAR-T therapy,
indigenously developed by IIT Bombay and Tata
Memorial Centre, was tested on patients in India.
More about the news
• Research is funded under National
Biopharma Mission (NBM) by Biotechnology
Industry Research Assistance Council
(BIRAC).
o BIRAC is a Public Sector Enterprise, set
up by Department of Biotechnology
(DBT) as an Interface Agency to
strengthen emerging Biotech
enterprise.
About CAR-T therapy
• It is a way to get immune cells called T cells to
fight cancer by editing them in the lab.
o T cells are a type of white blood cell that
attacks foreign pathogens.
• T cells are taken from patient’s blood and are
edited by adding a gene for a man-made
receptor (called CAR).
o CAR is special receptor,
created in the laboratory, that
is designed to bind to certain
proteins on cancer cells.
o CAR is then added to T cells.
This helps them better
identify specific cancer cell
antigens.
o These changed T cells called
CAR- T cells.
• CAR-T cells are then given back to
the patient.
• Benefits of CAR-T therapy
o While existing treatments
work towards increasing life
of patients, CAR-T technology
holds promise of curing
certain types of cancers.
o Unlike chemotherapy, CAR-T is administered only once to a patient.
o Short treatment time needed and more rapid recovery.
8
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Related Concept
T and B Cells
• Immune system cells: innate and acquired.
• Innate immune cells: Body's first line of defense that quickly respond to fight infection.
• Acquired immunity: Also called adaptive immunity—uses T-cells and B-cells when invading organisms slip
through first line of defence.
o T-cells and B-cells evolve from learned experiences so take longer to develop.
o Tend to live longer than innate cells.
• B-cells and T-cells are also called lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune
system).
o B cells produce antibodies that are used to attack invading bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
✓ These antibodies are Y-shaped proteins that are specific to each pathogen.
o T cells are direct fighters of foreign invaders and also produced cytokines, which are biological
substances that help activate other parts of the immune system.
✓ T cells destroy body's own cells that have been taken over by viruses or become cancerous.

1.3. GENOME SEQUENCING

Why in News?
In a recently published research, an international team described the first-ever sequencing of a complete
human genome.
More about News
• Previous effort of sequencing was incomplete as DNA sequencing technologies couldn’t read about 8% of
the genome.

9
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Various Initiatives taken for Genome Sequencing
• IndiGen programme
o Aims to undertake whole genome sequencing of 1000 Indian individuals representing diverse ethnic groups
from India.
o Funded by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
• Genome India Project
o Aims to collect 10000 genetic samples from citizens across India to build a reference genome.
o By Department of Biotechnology.
• Human Genome Project
o International research effort to determine the DNA sequence of the entire human genome.
o It began in 1990 and completed in 2003.
o It was coordinated by National Institutes of Health, USA and Department of Energy, USA.

1.4. GENOMIC SURVEILLANCE

Why in News?

With outbreaks of several pathogens and their variants,

including COVID-19, monkeypox, etc, in recent years, the
need to build a sustainable system for genomic
surveillance is felt.

Related News
• WHO’s Science Council (SC) issued its first report on accelerating access to genomics for global health, arguing
that it is not justifiable ethically or scientifically for less-resourced countries to gain access to such technologies
long after rich countries do.
o SC was established (2021) by the Director General of WHO to provide guidance on the science and research
strategy of the organization.

10
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 1.5. CLONING
Why in news?
Recently, China has successfully
cloned a wild Arctic wolf for the
first time in the world.
About Cloning
• Clone: Copied material, which
has the same genetic makeup
as the original, is referred to as
a clone.
• Cloning: Process of producing
genetically identical copies of
a biological entity (genes, cells,
tissues, and even entire
organisms), either by natural or
artificial means.
• Not identical: Despite having
the same genetic material
clones do not always look
identical as environment also plays a role
in deciding the physical feature of an
organism.
• In mammals including humans, identical
twins (monozygotic twins) are natural
clones.
o These twins are produced when a
fertilized egg splits, creating two or
more embryos that carry almost
identical genetic material.
Three different types of artificial cloning
• Gene/DNA cloning: Transfer of a DNA fragment from one organism to a self-replicating genetic element, such as
a bacterial plasmid.
• Reproductive cloning: Transferring nuclear material isolated from a somatic cell into an enucleated oocyte (egg
cell).
o Then this oocyte is stimulated to divide, forming an embryo with the same genome as the nuclear donor. This
process is called Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT).
o This process was used to create Dolly sheep, the first mammal cloned.
• Therapeutic cloning is like reproductive cloning till the production of the embryo. The produced embryo is then
grown in the laboratory.

1.6. INDIAN BIOLOGICAL DATA

CENTER
Why in news?
Recently, Indian Biological Data Center (IBDC) was
inaugurated at Faridabad, Haryana.
About IBDC
• First national repository for life science data in India.
o Also, as per the Biotech-PRIDE guidelines,
released last year, IBDC is mandated to archive
all life science data generated from publicly-
funded research in India.

11
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • Established at: Regional Centre of Biotechnology, Faridabad in collaboration with National Informatics
Centre (NIC).
• Storage: Digitised data will be stored on a four-petabyte supercomputer ‘Brahm’.
• Supported by: Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
• Data sharing: As per FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) principle.
o FAIR Data Principles were proposed by a consortium of scientists and organizations to support the
reusability of digital assets.
• Also contains genomes sequenced by the Biotech PRIDE (Biotech Promotion of Research and Innovation
through Data Exchange) Guidelines 2021
Indian Sars-CoV-2 Genomic Consortium
• Released by: Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
(INSACOG).
• These guidelines enable exchange of information to
• Under IBDC, currently, two sections have promote research and innovation in different research
been developed. These include: groups across the country.
o Indian Nucleotide Data Archive • These Guidelines are applicable for all biological data
(INDA) shall archive data generated generated through research conducted within the country.
from publicly funded research
projects in India and provide internationally accepted data accession numbers (digitised genetic
makeup of humans, plants, animals, and microbes).
o Indian Nucleotide Data Archive – Controlled Access (INDA-CA).
• Data access types of IBDC: Open access/time-release access and Restricted access.

Related News
Maharashtra Cabinet approved the Gene Bank Project
• It is a type of biorepository to preserve plants (by collecting seeds, plants, tissue cultures) and animals (by
collecting sperm and eggs).
• At National level, several such facilities are established such as:
o National Gene Bank at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa (It is world’s 2nd largest refurbished
gene bank).
o National Animal Gene Bank at National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal.
o Indian Seed Vault at Chang La (Ladakh).

1.7. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Biological • Department of Biotechnology has developed BioRRAP to track the regulatory approvals for a
Research research proposal on a single portal.
Regulatory • BioRRAP provides a single route to direct the applicant to regulatory agencies providing
Approval requisite approval relevant to the biological research.
Portal o BioRRAP ID generated through this portal is linked with the portals of various regulatory
(BioRRAP) agencies.
• This will provide more credibility to such biological research and will strengthen
interdepartmental synergies and increase efficacy in functioning of agencies regulating various
aspect of biological research.
Molecular • Scientists have built a molecular-scale motor using the DNA origami method (involves folding
motor of DNA to create 2D and 3D objects at nanoscale).
• Molecular motors are a class of proteins that drive intracellular movement by converting
chemical energy to mechanical work.
• Some of the examples of molecular motor’s role in our bodies are muscle contraction, mitosis
(cell division) etc.

12
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 2. IT AND COMPUTER

2.1. NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL POLICY

Why in news?
The Ministry of Science and Technology has
notified a citizen-centric National Geospatial Policy
(NGP) 2022.
Vision and Goals
• To make India a World Leader in Global
Geospatial space.
• Integrated Policy to move towards a digital
economy and improve services to citizens.
• Better utilization of data.
• Encouraging participation of the private sector
Institutional framework
• Geospatial Data Promotion and Development
Committee (GDPDC): At national level, an apex
body for formulating and implementing appropriate guidelines, strategies, and programs.
o GDPDC would replace National Spatial Data Committee (NSDC) and Geospatial Data Promotion and
Development Committee.
13
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • Role of Department of Science & Technology (DST): Continue to be nodal Department and GDPDC shall
make suitable recommendations to DST.
Strengthening Geospatial Infrastructure
• Geospatial Data Infrastructure
o GDPDC will develop 14 global geospatial data
themes recognized by United Nations
Statistics Division.
✓ It will also develop Sectoral Geospatial Data Themes for various sectors.
o National Geospatial Data Registry (NGDR): Accessible by all stakeholders.
o Unified Geospatial Interface (UGI): To provide consumer-oriented products and solutions using
Geospatial data.
o Survey of India (SoI): Will help in developing NGDR and UGI in collaboration with Bhaskaracharya
National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N)-under MeitY, private sector
etc.
• Mapping infrastructure: Policy shall replace the National Map Policy, 2005.
• Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI): Will be enabled by the integration of Geospatial data with
Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and the growing digital infrastructure.
• Geospatial Education and Skill Development: National Institute for Geo-informatics Science and
Technology (NIGST), Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), and/or any suitable institute(s), public or
private, will be developed into Centre(s) of Excellence.
• Geospatial Industrial Development Board (GIDB): Advisory body under GDPDC.

2.2. DRAFT NATIONAL DATA GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK POLICY

Why in news?
The Ministry of
Electronics and
Information
Technology
released a
revised Draft
National Data
Governance
Framework
Policy (NDGFP).
About National
Data
Governance
Framework
Policy
It is the revised
version of Draft India Data Accessibility and Use Policy, 2022.
• Aim: To enhance access,
quality, and use of data,
in line with the current
and emerging
technology needs.
• Objectives: To
accelerate Digital
Governance, have
standardized data
management and
security standards.

14
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Applicability: All Government departments and entities; all non-personal datasets and data and platform;
rules, standards governing its access and use by researchers and Start-ups.
Components under NDGFP
• Indian Datasets Platform: Consisting of anonymized non-personal datasets from Government entities
collected from Indian citizens or those in India.
o It will provide datasets access to Indian researchers and startups.
o NDGFP does not apply to the private players, but they can voluntarily contribute their datasets.
o No provision
for
monetization
of such data.
• Indian Data
Management
Office (IDMO)
(refer
infographic).
• India Data
Management
Office (IDMO):
Will be set up
under Digital India
Corporation (DIC), under MeitY.
o Data Management Units (DMUs): In every Ministry/Department to work closely with IDMO for
ensuring implementation of the Policy.
Related News
NITI Aayog launched the
National Data & Analytics
Platform (NDAP) for open
public use
• About NDAP: A user-
friendly web platform
accessible to all users.
• Function: Hosts
foundational datasets
from various government
agencies, presents them
coherently, and provides
tools for analytics and
visualization.

Related News
Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has endorsed India’s Data Empowerment Protection Architecture (DEPA)
• About DEPA: A joint public-private effort for an improved data governance approach.
o DEPA forms the final layer of India Stack, a set of APIs that allows various stakeholders to utilise a unique
digital infrastructure aimed at presence-less, paperless, and cashless service delivery.
• Function: Creates a digital framework that allows users to share their data on their own terms through a third-
party entity, Consent Managers.
• Application: DEPA’s first application has been in the financial sector. It is being tested in the health sector, as well
as others.
Yotta D1
• It is country’s biggest and North India’s first hyperscale data centre that was recently inaugurated in Greater
Noida Uttar Pradesh.
• About Data Centre: Dedicated secure space within a centralized location where computing and networking
equipment is concentrated for collecting, storing and processing large amounts of data.
• Components: Network infrastructure (connects servers etc. to end-user locations); Storage infrastructure; and
Computing resources (provide processing, memory, etc. that drive applications).

15
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 2.3. FIFTH GENERATION (5G)
Why in news?
Recently, Prime Minister inaugurated the country's first 5G testbed.
More about news
• The 5G testbed has been developed as a multi-institute collaborative project by eight institutes led by IIT
Madras.
• It is the Country’s first 5G testbed to enable startups and industry players to test and validate their
products locally.
About 5G technologies

• 5G is an amalgamation of various
technologies such as:
o Massive multi-user MIMO (Multiple input
multiple output) enabled network.
o Small cell stations to connect the base
stations and users seamlessly.
o Mobile Edge Computing that brings cloud
computing closer to the user.
o Beamforcing a laser beam between
transmitting entity and the user.
• 5G operates at higher frequencies and is
designed to connect virtually everyone and
everything together including machines,
objects, and devices.
• Have an enhanced throughput to handle more
simultaneous connections at a time.
Other Steps taken by Government to boost 5G
Tech
• Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI)
has formed the 5G India Forum (5GIF).
• National Digital Communication Policy-2018
lays out the objectives with respect to 5G
services in India.

16
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • 5G Vertical Engagement and Partnership Program (VEPP) initiative: Department of Telecommunications
(DoT) has invited Expression of Interest for initiative to enable close collaboration between User verticals
and 5G Tech stakeholders.
Related News
5G Airwave Interference
• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) flagged concerns over likely interference of 5G C-Band spectrum with
aircraft radio altimeters as both operate in mid C-Band frequency range.
o A radio altimeter provides direct height-above-terrain information to various aircraft systems and use of
altimeters in C- band ensures highly precise measurements of plane’s altitude.
o For telecom service providers, C-Band ensures coverage as well as high bandwidth, resulting in faster
internet speeds, for rolling out 5G services.
Private captive 5G networks
• Union Cabinet has allowed private captive 5G telecom network in India.
• A private captive 5G network is a network set up by a private entity for the use of enterprise concerned, and no
one else.

2.3.1. 5G SPECTRUM AUCTION

Why in News?
A record over ₹1.5 lakh crore worth
of 5G telecom spectrum was sold
in recently held auction.
About 5G spectrum
• Spectrum relates to the radio
frequencies allocated to the
mobile industry and other
sectors for communication
over the airwaves.
• Spectrum is a sovereign asset.
• Operators are most likely
going to use a mix of low-band, mid-band, and high-band spectrum to deliver the type of 5G experience
that their customers demand.
Related Information
E-Band
• Broadband and WiFi players opposes giving E band exclusively to Telcos.
• E band is the range of radio frequencies from 60 GHz to 90 GHz in the electromagnetic spectrum.
• E-band is a major solution of 5G's microwave transmission.

2.3.2. 5G OPEN RADIO ACCESS NETWORK (RAN)

Why in News?
Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), WiSig
Networks Private Limited and VVDN Technologies Private
Limited have signed an agreement for developing 5G
Open RAN and other products together.
About RAN
• RAN is part of network that connects the main
network infrastructure to end-users.
o It connects individual devices to other parts of a
network through radio connections.
• It provides the critical technology to connect users
to the mobile network over radio waves.
It acts as a bridge to access all the key applications on the web.
o Current RAN technology is provided as an integrated platform of both hardware and software.
o Therefore, it is difficult to mix vendors for its different units.

17
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • Idea of Open RAN is to enable operators to mix and match components from different vendors.
o Open RAN will create a multi-supplier RAN solution that allows for the separation between hardware
and software with open interfaces.
Related Information
• Standalone (SA) 5G: A telecom network where both core network and radio access network (RAN) are upgraded
to 5G.
o It replaces the LTE network 4G wireless communications standard and allows completely independent
operation of a 5G service without any interaction with an existing 4G core.
• Non-standalone 5G: In this, only RAN part of the network is upgraded.
o It is built over an existing 4G network.
• Advantage of SA over NSA: superior voice quality, significantly more speed, lower latency etc.
• Challenges of SA 5G: not all phones will have support for SA 5G, will cost more etc.

2.4. SATELLITE COMMUNICATION

Why in News?
Recently TRAI releases recommendations on ‘Licensing framework for Establishing and Operating for Satellite
Earth Station Gateway (SESG).
More about the news
• SESG, also known as Gateway Hub, acts as a bridge between space-based communication network and
terrestrial communication network.
o It houses the equipment that convert Radio Frequency (RF) signal to an Internet Protocol (IP) signal
for terrestrial connectivity.

18
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 2.4.1. OTHER COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
Wi-Fi • RailTel, a mini Ratna PSU under Ministry of Railways, has launched PM-WANI scheme based
access to its Public Wi-Fi services across 100 railway stations.
o Wi-Fi network can also be accessed through Mobile App ‘Wi-DOT’, built by RailTel and
C-DOT.
o PM-WANI, by Department of Telecommunications, aims to elevate wireless internet
connectivity in the country through Public Wi-Fi Hotspot providers.
• Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, is a wireless networking technology that gives internet access
to devices like desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, smart TVs etc.
• It uses radio frequencies, or radio waves, in frequency bands 2.4GHz to 5GHz to
communicate between devices.
Splinternet • Russia-Ukraine war has threatened to splinter the internet.
• Splinternet refers to ‘Internet that is increasingly fragmented due to nations filtering
content or blocking it entirely for political purposes’. For Example:
o China’s ‘Great Firewall’ keeps American tech giants out while pushing online services
developed indigenously.
• Russia, in 2019, passed the sovereign internet law — or the online Iron Curtain — that
enabled the country to disconnect its internet from the rest of the world.
GigaMesh • GigaMesh is an innovative wireless network solution that can give fibre-like bandwidth
internet services to suburban and rural areas.
o It aims to address congestion issues in 4G infrastructure and provide high-tech and
affordable internet connectivity.
• Developed by: Astrome, a deep-tech startup.
o Astrome is supported by Technology Innovation Hub at the Indian Institute of Science.

2.5. VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK (VPN)

Why in news?
Recently, the Central government has asked virtual private network (VPN) companies to keep a record of
their logs of customer information as directed by Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).
About CERT-In guidelines
• New directives by CERT-In under Information Technology Act, 2000 state that:
o All cloud service and VPN providers to maintain a series of extensive customer information for at
least five years, even after cancellation or withdrawal of the registration.
o Data centre companies and cryptocurrency exchanges are also asked to collect and store user data.

19
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 20
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 2.6. DARKNET
Why in News?
Germany has shut down
Russia-linked ‘Hydra
Market’- considered as
world's biggest and
oldest DarkNet
marketplace of illegal
items and services.
About DarkNet
• Also known as Dark
Web, it is that part of
the Internet which
cannot be accessed
through traditional
search engines like
Google nor is it
accessible by normal
browsers like Chrome
or Safari.
o It generally uses
non-standard
communication
protocols which
make it
inaccessible to
internet service
providers (ISPs)
or government
authorities.
o Content on Dark Net is encrypted and requires a specific browser such as TOR (The Onion Ring) to
access those pages.
• Dark Net itself is only a part of the Deep Web, which includes sites that are protected by passwords.
o Part of the internet that is readily available and searchable on standard search engines is called as
Surface Web.
• Application: Used by journalists and citizens working in oppressive regimes (to communicate without
any government censorship), researchers and students to do research on sensitive topics, law
enforcement agencies, etc.
• Concerns over its use: Anonymity, Haven for illicit activity, Privacy and ethical concerns, drug dealing,
communication by terrorists, etc.

21
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 2.7. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

2.7.1. GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Why in News? Related News
Recently, Tech companies around the world LaMDA (Language Models for Dialog Applications)
are harnessing Generative AI for various use • LaMDA is a machine-learning language model created by
Google as a chatbot that is supposed to mimic humans in
cases.
conversation.
More about News o Like BERT, GPT-3 and other language models, LaMDA is
built on Transformer, a neural network architecture
• There has been increasing popularity of that Google invented and open-sourced in 2017.
generative AI programs, such as o It is designed to be able to engage in free-flowing
OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google’s BARD AI, conversations about virtually endless number of topics.
DALL-E, Codex, GPT-3 etc.
• These programs are a conversational AI language based on deep learning model built on the transformer
architecture.
o It uses a deep neural network and is trained on corpus of text data from the internet, allowing it to
generate human-like text and to perform various tasks like question answering, and conversation.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI)

• Describes algorithms that can be used to create new content like audio, code, images, text, simulations,
and videos.
• Achieved by training machine learning models on large amounts of data using neural networks and then
using these models to generate new, synthetic data, like already existing data.
• Prominent frameworks or models of generative AI like Generative adversarial networks (GANs),
Transformer-Based Models (TBMs) and Variational AutoEncoders (VAEs).
22
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 2.7.2. GLOBAL
PARTNERSHIP
ON AI (GPAI)
Why in News?
India took over the Chair
of Global Partnership on
AI (GPAI) from France.

Related News
Responsible AI for Youth 2022
• National E-Governance Division of Ministry of Electronics & IT in collaboration with Intel India launched
‘Responsible AI for Youth 2022’ program.
• Program is aimed at enabling school students with Artificial intelligence (AI) skills in an inclusive manner through
exclusive hands-on learning and mentorship opportunities.
o It is open to all school students studying in classes 8-12 across India.

2.8. 4 D PRINTING
Why in news?
In recent years, 4D printing technology has enhanced
the potential of cancer therapeutics such as surgery,
hyperthermia, chemotherapy, therapeutic devices etc.
About 4-D printing
• A renovation of 3D printing wherein special
materials is used to print objects that change shape
post-production.
• Need Stimuli or triggers to start transformation: Such as moisture, temperature, light, electrical current,
stress, pH etc.
• Materials used: Hydrogels, Thermo-responsive, Photo and magneto responsive, Piezoelectric materials,
pH-responsive etc.
• Properties: Self-assembly, self-adaptability, self-healing, shape memory, self-capability etc.
• Printing techniques: Similar to ones used in 3D such as fused deposition modelling (FDM), jet 3D printing
(3DP), selective laser melting (SLM), direct ink writing (DIW), electron beam melting (EBM), etc.
• Applications: Medical, biotechnology, robotics, automobiles, aerospace, textiles, flexible electronics,
construction etc.
Related Concept
Additive manufacturing or 3D printing
• Technology that constructs a three-dimensional object from a digital 3D model or a Computer-aided design
(CAD) model by adding material layer by layer.
o 3D printing is the opposite of subtractive (traditional) manufacturing which is cutting out / hollowing out a
piece of metal or plastic with for instance a milling machine.
• It allows creation of lighter, more complex designs that are too difficult or too expensive to build using
traditional dies, milling and machining.

2.9. QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION (QKD)

Why in News?
Bengaluru-based start-up QNu labs recently innovated advanced secured communication through quantum
key distribution (QKD) systems.
More about News
• Developed By: QNu Labs under aegis of Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX).
o iDEX is operational framework of Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), a special purpose vehicle
under Ministry of Defence.
23
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 o Objective of iDEX: To create an ecosystem to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology
development, specifically in Defence and Aerospace sector.

About quantum key distribution (QKD)

• QKD is a secure communication technology
that uses quantum physics to construct a
cryptographic protocol.
o It allows two parties to generate a shared
secret key that can be used to encrypt
and decrypt messages.
• In traditional cryptography, security is usually
because an adversary is unable to solve a
certain mathematical problem while in QKD,
security is achieved through laws of quantum
physics.
• Two such laws are Superposition and Entanglement.
Related News
Quantum Internet
• Researchers have
successfully teleported
quantum information across
a basic network.
• Quantum internet: Based on
the theoretical use of
quantum computers to
construct a new kind of
network.
• In contrast to traditional
internet which operates
through the use of binary
signals (represented by 0’s or
1’s) in data packets, quantum
internet would utilize
quantum bits, or qubits, to
encode information as 0’s, 1’s,
or both at same time.

24
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 2.10. PROOF-OF-STAKE TECHNOLOGY
Why in News?
Ethereum blockchain platform switched to Merge
software mechanism that uses ‘proof-of-stake’ (PoS)
mechanism.
About Merge and Proof-of-Stake
• Ethereum is a decentralised blockchain platform
used to build decentralised apps (dApps) and smart
contracts among others.
• Merge is a software, aimed at slashing energy
consumption, to the way transactions are validated
on Ethereum blockchain.
o Blockchain is a distributed or
decentralised ledger technology
which was first introduced in the
design and development of
cryptocurrency.
• Merge uses the process of shifting the
consensus mechanism of the blockchain
from proof-of-work (PoW) to proof-of-
stake (PoS).
• Importance of new consensus
mechanism: Less impact of crypto mining
on local communities: Environmentally
conscious move, better security, Ripple
effect on the direction in which the
crypto and broader Web3 industry
contribute to positive climate action.
Related Concept
Non-fungible tokens (NFT)
• NFT is a digital object that can be a
drawing, animation, piece of music,
photo, or video with a certificate of
authenticity created by blockchain
technology.
o Tokenizing these assets allows
them to be bought, sold, and traded
more efficiently while reducing the
probability of fraud.
o Fungibility refers to an asset's
ability to be exchanged with a
similar asset without sacrificing its
value (For ex: 100 rupee note is
fungible).
• Characteristics of NFT
o All NFTs have a unique quality and a
distinct value from any other similar
token.
o They are digitally rare.
o Must be sold or purchased as a
whole as they cannot be divided
unlike fungible tokens.

25
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 2.11. FACIAL RECOGNITION SYSTEM (FRS)
Why in news?
First phase of Facial Recognition System (FRS) is planned at
Kolkata, Varanasi, Pune, Vijayawada, Bangalore, Delhi and
Hyderabad Airports by March 2023.
More on News
• FRS is part of the Digi Yatra initiative (Ministry of Civil
Aviation) to promote seamless and hassle-free experience
at airports and simultaneously improving the security.
o Government is looking to make ticket booking, airport
entry and boarding pass security check-in digital.
• Digi Yatra Foundation (DYF) has been set up as a joint
venture company for creating the Digi Yatra Central
Ecosystem.
About Facial Recognition System
• FRS is a way of identifying or confirming an individual’s
identity using their face. It can be used to identify people
in photos, videos, or in real-time.
o Computer algorithms map unique facial-
landmarks such as shape of cheekbones, contours
of lips etc. and convert these into a numerical
code— termed a faceprint.
o For verification or identification, system compares
faceprint generated with a large existing
database of faceprints.

2.12. EXTENDED REALITY

Why in news?
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
(MeitY) Startup Hub and Meta collaborate to accelerate XR
technology start-ups in India.

26
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 2.13. RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID)
Why in News?
Delhi airport has become the first Indian airport to introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled
tag to track check-in luggage.
Various Types of Wireless Technologies
Radiofrequency Identification Quick Response (QR) Near Field Communication Technology
(RFID) code (NFCT)

About • A wireless system comprised • A two- • A short-range wireless connectivity

of two components: tags and dimensional technology that allows NFC-enabled
readers. version of a devices to communicate with each
barcode that can other and transfer information
be read easily by quickly and easily with a single touch
a digital device
Working • Read distance depends upon • Ideal scanning • NFC-enabled devices must be either
Range the frequency (Ranging from size to distance physically touching or within a few
300 gigahertz to as low as 9 ratio is 1:10. centimeters from each other for data
kilohertz) used transfer.
Other Key • Do not require a direct line of • Require a line of • Transfer information quickly and
Information sight to be read. sight to scan. easily with a single touch.
• Data stored in an RFID tag • No real-time
can be updated in real-time. tracking.

2.14. INDIASTACK
Why in News?
IndiaStack Knowledge Exchange 2022 held
recently.
More on News
• Earlier, India also launched Indiastack.
global - a single repository of all major
projects on IndiaStack.
o Indiastack. global allows to contribute
towards the Global Digital Public
Goods repository.
About IndiaStack
• A collection of open APIs and digital public
goods.
o API stands for Application Programming Interface. It allows two applications to talk to each other.
o IndiaStack includes APIs of Aadhaar, Unified Payment Interface (UPI), Co-Win, DigiLocker, Aarogya
Setu, eSanjeevani, UMANG, DIKSHA, etc.
• Aim: To unlock the economic opportunities of identity, data, and payments at population scale.

2.15. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

2.15.1. INITIATIVES/GUIDELINES/PROGRAMS/FORUMS
Global • India stays out of global declaration on future on Internet.
Declaration on • It is a political commitment that aims to keep Internet open, free, and neutral.
o US, European Union, UK, Canada etc signed the declaration.

27
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 future on o India, China, and Russia are not part of this declaration.
internet • India also did not sign the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, 2001.
o Data sharing provisions of Budapest Convention infringes on national sovereignty.
o Presently, it is the only legally binding multilateral convention on cybercrime and
electronic evidence.
Internet • India Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2022 was held recently.
Governance o It is an initiative associated with UN Internet Governance Forum, a multi-stakeholder
platform to discuss public policy issues related to Internet.
• Internet Governance is development and application by Governments, private sector, and civil
society, of decision-making procedures and programs that shapes use of Internet.
o It includes Physical Infrastructure layer, Code or Logical layer, Content layer and Security.
o It involves IP Addressing, Domain Name System (DNS), Routing, Technical Innovations,
Standardization, Security, Privacy etc.
• No single organization in charge of Internet.
• Major actors: Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), IGF, Internet
companies, NGOs etc.
• India also supports a multi-stakeholder approach in matters on Internet Governance.
National • NIXI has established two new Internet Exchange Points (IXP) in West Bengal under Digital
Internet India Vision.
Exchange of o IXP is a physical network access point through which primary network providers connect
India (NIXI) their networks and exchange traffic.
• About NIXI: A not-for-profit organization, established in 2003, that facilitates exchange of
domestic internet traffic between peering ISPs (internet service providers) members.
• It also functions as:
o .in registry (India’s Country Code Top Level Domain), and
• Indian Registry for Internet Names and Numbers: allocating and registering Internet Protocol
Addresses (IPv4 and IPv6).
2Africa Pearls • Facebook parent Meta will partner with Bharti Airtel to expand 2Africa Pearls to India.
• 2Africa Pearls is one of world’s longest subsea cable systems that will ultimately interconnect
countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
• 2Africa Pearls will improve connectivity of fixed-line broadband internet in India.
Global • Recently, World Economic Forum announced addition of three Indian factories to its GLN.
Lighthouse • GLN is a World Economic Forum initiative in collaboration with McKinsey & Company.
Network (GLN) o It is a community of over 100 manufacturers that are showing leadership in applying
Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as artificial intelligence, 3D-printing and
big data analytics.
ITU’s- Regional • Ministry of
Standardization Communications hosted
Forum (RSF) the International
Telecommunication
Union’s (ITU) RSF for Asia
and Oceania region.
• RSF is a platform for
exchange of ideas,
discussing standardization
topics like Sustainable
Digital Transformation and Role of ITU Standards, evolving Data Value Chain etc.
DigiLocker • Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) has enabled DigiLocker to store and access health records
of individuals pertaining to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
• DigiLocker is a flagship initiative of MeitY under Digital India program.
o It is a platform to issue/store and digitally verify government documents and certificates.
o Documents in DigiLocker system are deemed to be at par with original physical
documents under Information Technology Rules, 2016.
o Digital Locker is aimed at minimising the usage of physical documents and enable sharing
of e-documents across agencies.
Roadmap to • Department of Telecommunications (DoT) debates a strategy roadmap to promote IPR in the
promote IPR in telecom sector.
telecom sector • Road map proposed
o Sovereign Patent Fund: To aggregate patents from home-grown firms and offer them as
a bouquet abroad and procuring patented licensing for key technologies such as 5G and
6G, etc.

28
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o Bharat Technology Bank: To offer Indian patents to needy countries at nominal fee for
creating diplomatic goodwill and helping Indian companies access new markets.
o Digicom Intellectual Property Management Board: To facilitate IPR licensing, IP
management and arbitrate on issues related to standard essential patent (SEP) in India.
✓ SEPs protect the telecom industry’s core technology like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, etc.

2.15.2. TECHNOLOGIES/CONCEPTS
Frequency • Government has approved amendments in FM Radio Phase-III policy guidelines to simplify
Modulation (FM) eligibility criteria.
• FM, (88 to 108 MHz), refers to modulation process in which frequency of carrier wave
(radio wave) is modulated while keeping phase and amplitude constant.
o In Amplitude Modulation (AM) (535 to 1700 KHz), carrier wave amplitude is altered,
keeping others constant.
o In Phase Modulation (PM), carrier phase angle is altered.
• Advantages of FM: Resilience to interference, Easy to Modulate etc.
• Disadvantages: Poor spectral efficiency, requires more complicated demodulator.
• Uses: Broadcasting, Audio Transmission on TV.
Embedded SIM (e- • Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released consultation paper on e-SIM for
SIM) M2M (machine-to-machine) Communications.
• e-SIM is a form factor that is physically integrated into device, mostly by soldering to
device printed circuit board (PCB).
o It cannot be easily removed in the field.
o It requires remote provisioning which is ability to remotely select SIM profile
deployed on a SIM without physically changing SIM card.
• It supports multiple applications unlike regular SIMs and can be modified (as per
requirements) remotely.
ARYABHAT-1 • Indian Institute of Science have built a prototype of an analog chipset called ARYABHAT-1
(Analog Reconfigurable Technology and Bias-scalable Hardware for AI Tasks).
• It will be faster and require less power than the digital chips found in most electronic
devices.
• It would be helpful for Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based applications like object or speech
recognition e.g., Alexa or Siri.
• Different machine learning architectures can be programmed on it and operate across a
wide range of temperatures.

2.15.3. CYBERSECURITY
Cybersecurity • Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued directions relating to
Guidelines information security practices and reporting of cyber incidents.
o These are released under provisions of Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000.
• Key guidelines
o All government and private agencies will mandatorily have to report all cyber breach
incidents to CERT-In within six hours.
o All service providers, intermediaries, data centres, and government organisations shall
mandatorily enable logs of all their ICT systems and maintain them securely for a rolling
period of 180 days and same shall be maintained within Indian jurisdiction.
o Virtual private server (VPS) providers, cloud service providers need to register accurate
information related to subscriber names, customer hiring services, etc and maintain them
for five years or longer duration as mandated by law.
Cryptojacking • Cryptojacking is a cyber-attack that is hard to detect, wherein a computing device is hacked
by the attacker, and its resources are used to illicitly coin mining of cryptocurrency.
• Coin mining is a legitimate, competitive process used to release new crypto coins into
circulation or to verify new transactions.
o It involves solving complex computational problems to generate blocks of verified
transactions that get added to the blockchain.
Bluebugging • It is a form of hacking that lets attackers access a device through its discoverable Bluetooth
connection.
• Once a Bluetooth connection is established, hackers use brute force attacks to bypass
authentication.
• Once a device is blue bugged, a hacker can listen to the calls, read and send messages and
steal and modify contacts.

29
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • To prevent: Turning off Bluetooth when not in use, updating the device, limited use of
public Wi-Fi, etc.
Hermit • Hermit is a new spyware with capability to affect both Android and iOS devices.
• Hermit is a commercial spyware known to be used by governments with victims in
Kazakhstan, Italy and northern Syria.
• Spyware is a malicious software or malware installed on a computing device to steal
sensitive information through covert data transmission.

2.15.4. OTHERS
PARAM PORUL • PARAM PORUL is a state-of-the-art Supercomputer at NIT Tiruchirappalli under Phase 2 of
the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).
• Majority of the components used to build PARAM PORUL have been manufactured and
assembled within the country.
• It is based on Direct Contact Liquid Cooling technology to obtain a high-power usage
effectiveness and thereby reducing the operational cost.
• Under NSM, till date 15 supercomputers have been installed across the nation with a
computing capacity of 24 petaflops.
o PARAM Shivay was the first Supercomputer assembled indigenously.
True Random • Indian Institute of Science has developed a TRNG that can improve data encryption and
Number Generator provide improved security for sensitive digital data (credit card details, passwords, etc.).
(TRNG) • Encrypted information can be decoded only by authorised users who have access to a
cryptographic ‘key’ (unpredictable and randomly generated to resist hacking).
o ‘Key’ generated by computers using pseudorandom number generators (rely on re-
programmed tables to produce numbers) appear random but are not.
o A TRNG extracts random numbers from inherently random physical processes (using
the random motion of electrons), making it more secure.
TiHAN • TiHAN, India’s first Autonomous Navigation facility (for both ground and aerial vehicle
(Technology testing), was inaugurated at IIT Hyderabad.
Innovation Hub on • TiHAN (by Ministry of Science & Technology) is a multidisciplinary initiative to make India a
Autonomous global player in futuristic and next generation ‘smart mobility’ technology.
Navigation) • It will provide industries, research and development labs, and academia a platform for
research in autonomous navigation.
• It is one of the 25 technology innovation hubs under National Mission on Interdisciplinary
Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS).

30
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 3. SPACE TECHNOLOGY
3.1. MARS ORBITER MISSION
Why in news?
India's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) spacecraft has lost communication with the ground stations, bringing an
end to its life after eight long years.

31
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Related News
NASA’s Perseverance Rover
• Perseverance rover mission is part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, a long-term effort of robotic
exploration of Mars.
• Recently, it placed a titanium tube containing a rock sample on the surface of Mars.
o Igneous rock sample was collected from Mars Jezero Crater called South Séítah.
o Samples are being placed at a location called “Three Forks,” first such sample depot on another world.
o Depot will serve as a backup if Perseverance can’t deliver its samples and subsequent NASA missions would
return these samples to Earth.
• Recently, it also captured the solar eclipse on Mars featuring Phobos, one of Mars' two moons (other is Deimos).
• In a related news, Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE) has produced oxygen at Mars
with components from the planet’s atmosphere.
o MOXIE was sent (by Massachusetts Institute of Technology) with NASA’s Perseverence rover.

3.2. POLAR SATELLITE LAUNCH VEHICLE (PSLV)

Why in News?
PSLV on its 55th mission (PSLV-
C53) successfully launched three
Singaporean satellites in the
second commercial mission of
New Space India Limited (NSIL).
More about News
• Besides placing satellites in
orbit, ISRO also achieved
successful launch of PSLV
Orbital Experimental Module
(POEM),
o About POEM: A platform which allows in-orbit scientific experiments using the final (fourth) stage
of PSLV.
o Dedicated Navigation Guidance and Control system: Act as platform’s brain to stabilize it with
specified accuracy.
o Power source: Mounted solar panels and a Li-Ion battery.
ISRO’s Launch Vehicles
Launch Vehicle Stages Payload capacity and Orbits
Small Satellite Launch 3 stage Launch Vehicle Mini, Micro, or Nanosatellites (10 to 500
Vehicle (SSLV) (Three Solid Propulsion Stages and liquid kg mass) to a 500 km orbit.
propulsion-based Velocity Trimming
Module as a terminal stage.)
Polar Satellite Launch Four-stage launch vehicle (1st & 3rd stage: Up to 1,750 kg to Sun-Synchronous Polar
Vehicle (PSLV) Solid; 2nd & 4th: Liquid) Orbits,
1,425 into Geosynchronous and
Geostationary orbits
Geosynchronous Satellite Three-stage launch vehicle (1st: Solid, Up to 2,250 into Geosynchronous
Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark 2nd: Liquid; 3rd: Cryogenic Upper Stage) Transfer Orbits, up to 6 tonne in Low
II Earth Orbits
Geosynchronous Satellite Three-stage launch vehicle (1st: Liquid, Up to 4 tonne into Geosynchronous
Launch Vehicle Mk-III 2nd: Solid; 3rd: Cryogenic Upper Stage) Transfer Orbits, 8 tonne into Low Earth
(LVM3) Orbits

32
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 3.3. NAVIC (NAVIGATION WITH INDIAN CONSTELLATION)
Why in News?
Centre is pushing smartphone makers to enable
support for its NavIC navigation system in new devices
from next year.
About NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation)
• Independent stand-alone navigation satellite
system developed by Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO).
o Earlier known as IRNSS (Indian Regional
Navigation Satellite System).
• Coverage: It consists of 7 satellites and covers the
whole of India's landmass and up to 1,500 km from
its boundaries.
• Forthcoming change: To add the L1 Spectrum band
into NavIC which is part of GPS and is the most used
for civilian navigational use.
o Expansion will help to increase its use in civilian
sector and ships, aircraft travelling far from the
country's borders.
• Application: Public vehicle tracking in India, providing emergency warning alerts to fishermen, tracking,
and providing information related to natural disasters.
• Other Global Navigation satellite systems: GPS from U.S., GLONASS from Russia, Galileo from European
Union, and BeiDou from China.
o In addition, there are 2 regional systems viz., NavIC from India and QZSS from Japan.

33
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Related News
Airports Authority of India (AAI) successfully conducted flight trials using GAGAN based LPV approach procedure.
• India is the first country in the Asia Pacific Region to achieve such a landmark in field of Air Navigation Services
(ANS).
o LPV (Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance) permits aircraft guided approaches that are operationally
nearly equivalent to Category 1- Instrument Landing System (Cat-1 ILS), without the need for ground-based
navigational infrastructure.
• About GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation)
o GAGAN is an Indian Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) jointly developed by AAI and ISRO for India
and neighbouring countries in the equatorial region.
o It is one among the only four Space-Based augmentation systems available in the world which also includes
US(WAAS) Europe (EGNOS) and Japan (MSAS).
• Benefits of GAGAN: Air traffic control, manage road and railways transport, help farmers in crop spraying etc.

3.4. ARTEMIS I
Why in news?
Recently, NASA’s
Artemis 1 mission
successfully lifted off
from the Kennedy Space
Centre.
About Artemis I mission
• Aim: To build a long-
term human
presence at the
Moon.
• Mission
specifications: An
uncrewed flight test that will provide a foundation for human
deep space exploration.
o With Artemis, NASA is planning to land the first woman on
the Moon.
• First integrated test of NASA’s deep space exploration systems,
which include (refer image).
• Future Missions: Artemis I will be followed by Artemis II
(Planned for 2024) and Artemis III (Planned for 2026)

34
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Related Information: Retrograde orbit
• After getting closer to the moon, the Orion spacecraft used the gravitational kick it receives to enter a so-called
"distant retrograde orbit."
o Retrograde means that it will orbit the moon in the opposite direction to the one in which the moon spins.
• Orion will stay in that orbit for some days. Then it will swing back down toward the moon for another kick to help
power its journey back to Earth.

3.5. JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

Why in news?
James Webb Space Telescope has provided astronomers
with a glimpse of the early universe in a new image.
More about news
• Telescope captured an image of a galaxy cluster
called MACS0647, as well as distant galaxy
MACS0647-JD.
o Scientists believe that this might be an event
of a galaxy merger in the early universe.
• The distant galaxy is visible
because of gravitational
lensing.
About James Webb Space
Telescope
• Also called JWST or Webb, it is
NASA’s largest and most
powerful space science
telescope.
o It was formerly known as
the "Next Generation Space
Telescope" (NGST).
• International collaboration:
between NASA, European
Space Agency (ESA), and
Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
Key features of Webb
• Visibility Spectrum: Webb views
the universe in infrared.
o It will be the only infrared-
specialized telescope in
space that can see long
distances.
• Mirrors: Its primary mirror is 6.5 metres in diameter.
o Larger the mirror area collecting light, more details it
can capture of a star or galaxy.
o Recently, a secondary mirror was also deployed,
reflecting light from primary mirror to the
instruments.
• Location/Orbit: It will not be in orbit around Earth but will
orbit Sun, 1.5 million kilometers away from the Earth at
second Lagrange point or L2.
o L2 lets telescope stay in line with Earth as it moves around Sun.
o This allows satellite's large sunshield to protect telescope from light and heat of Sun and Earth (and
Moon).

35
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • Major instruments: Contained
within the Integrated Science
Instrument Module (ISIM) which
is one of three major elements
that comprise JWST.
o The others are Optical
Telescope Element (OTE)
and Spacecraft Element
(Spacecraft Bus and
Sunshield).
• Main instruments: ISIM is main
payload. It houses four main
instruments:
o Near-Infrared Camera
(NIRCam),
o Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec),
o Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) and
o Fine Guidance Sensor/ Near InfraRed Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (FGS/NIRISS).
Comparison between Hubble vs. Webb vs. Herschel
Hubble Webb Herschel Space Observatory
Distance from 507 Km 1.5 million Km at Second Sun-Earth Second Sun-Earth Lagrange
Earth Lagrange point (L2) point (L2)
Primary Mirror 2.4 meter 6.5 meter 3.5 meter
Diameter
Searching for Young Galaxies (12.5 Newborn Galaxies (13.5 billion years Most actively star-forming
billion years ago) ago) galaxies
Serviceable Yes No No
Wavelengths Visible, UV, Part of Near and mid infrared Far infrared and submillimeter
near infrared

3.5.1 OBSERVATIONS MADE BY JWST

New images of Jupiter
• New images of Jupiter presented its massive storms, colourful auroras, faint rings and two small moons
— Amalthea and Adrastea (Nearer to Jupiter).

36
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Pillars of Creation (PoC) – Formation of new stars
• James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured the iconic PoC where new stars are forming within
dense clouds of gas and dust.
o The three-dimensional pillars are made up
of cool interstellar gas and dust that
appear – at times – semi-transparent in
near-infrared light.
• PoC are located 6,500 light years from Earth, in
the Eagle Nebula of our Milky Way galaxy.
• It will help researchers revamp their models of
star formation by identifying far more precise
counts of newly formed stars, along with the
quantities of gas and dust in the region.
Exo-Moons
• Scientists at Indian Institute of Astrophysics
have developed a model to trace habitable exo-
moons with the help of the James Webb Space
Telescope (JWST).
• About Exo-Moons
o They are natural satellites that revolve
around exoplanets (planets orbiting stars
other than the Sun).
o So far, 5000 exoplanets have been
discovered by using several telescopes (Kepler Hubble space telescopes etc).
o However, the natural satellites or exo-moons around any of these planets still remain untraced.
Other observations made from images revealed by Webb
• SMACS 0723 (Called Webb’s First Deep Field): It is a cluster teeming with thousands of galaxies, including the
faintest objects ever observed in the infrared.
• WASP-96b (spectrum): Hot, puffy planet outside our solar system reveals clear signature of water, along with
evidence of haze and clouds.
• Southern Ring Nebula: This planetary nebula is approximately 2,000 light-years away.
• Stephan’s Quintet: Group of galaxies, located in constellation Pegasus. Webb revealed velocity and composition
of gas near its supermassive black hole.
• Carina Nebula: Webb’s look at “Cosmic Cliffs” in the Carina Nebula unveils the earliest, rapid phases of star
formation that were previously hidden.
• Einstein Ring: Einstein Ring is visible when light from a star or a galaxy passes another galaxy or a massive object
on its way towards Earth.

3.6. PRIVATE SECTOR IN SPACE PROGRAMME OF INDIA

Why in news?
Prime Minister recently
called for higher
participation of the
private sector in the
space programme at
inauguration event of
the headquarters of the
Indian National Space
Promotion and
Authorisation Centre
(IN-SPACe) in
Ahmedabad.

37
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Recent initiatives by Private Sector
• Hyderabad's Dhruva Space and Bengaluru's Digantara were authorized by IN-SPACe for launch of
payloads onboard PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) of PSLV-C53.
• Mission Prarambh: Involved launch of Vikram-S (VKS), India’s first privately built rocket by Hyderabad-
based Skyroot Aerospace.
o VKS is a single-stage spin-stabilized (using 3-D printed solid thrusters) solid propellant rocket.
o Payload Capacity: 290 kg- 560 kg payloads into sun-synchronous polar orbits.
o Launched with support from ISRO and IN-SPACe.
• India’s first private launch pad unveiled at Sriharikota
o Designed by Agnikul (a startup) and executed in support of ISRO and IN-SPACe.
o It is specifically built to support liquid-stage controlled launches.
Reforms taken to promote private players in space sector
• New Space India Limited (NSIL)
o It is country's first public sector undertaking in the space sector and commercial arm of ISRO aimed
at production and marketing of space-based services, also empowered to own the operational launch
vehicles and space assets of ISRO.
• Indian Space Association (ISpA): Launched in 2021, it is the apex, non-profit industry body exclusively
working towards development of private and public Space Industry in India.
• Antrix Corporation Limited: Marketing arm of ISRO to handle ISRO’s commercial deals for satellites and
launch vehicles with foreign customers.
• Space Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development (SEED): A competitive early-stage encouragement
programme to startups and MSMEs in focus areas of interest to ISRO.

3.7. SPACE SUSTAINABILITY

Why in news?
United Nations Office of Outer SPACE Affairs and government of AUSTRIA organized World Space Forum
(WSF) 2022 under theme “Sustainability in Space for sustainability on Earth”.
More about news
• World Space Forum is a platform, including governmental institutions, international organizations etc., to
promote discussions on the role of space science and technology in global sustainable development.
About Space sustainability
• Space sustainability refers to
ensuring that all humanity can
continue to use outer space for
peaceful purposes and
socioeconomic benefit now and in
the long term.
Threats to space sustainability
• Orbital crowding and Space
Debris: It poses a direct threat to
operations and safety. Physical
crowding of orbits can lead to a
chain reaction called Kessler
syndrome.
• Militarisation and weaponisation
of the space: Development and
testing of destructive anti-
satellite (ASAT) weapons by
countries like US, Russia, China,
and India.

38
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO): It involves altering the trajectory of one or more space
objects to bring them into proximity to each other.
• Space weather can impact satellites by damaging onboard electronics and disrupting communications or
navigation signals.
Initiatives taken towards space
sustainability
Global Initiatives
• U.N. Office for Outer Space
Affairs (UNOOSA): It supports
governments in global space
activities.
• Conference on Disarmament
(CD): It is the international forum
with one of its core focus areas is
the prevention of an arms race in
outer space (PAROS).
• Guidelines on space sustainability: Adopted by U.N. Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
(COPUOS) in 2019.
• Space Sustainability Rating (SSR): By World Economic Forum to implement sustainable and responsible
space missions.
• ASAT test-ban resolution: A non-binding resolution (India abstained) passed by United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA) calling for a ban on kinetic About Space Situational Awareness
ASAT tests. • SSA refers to knowledge of space environment,
Indian Initiatives assessment of any threats to space activities and
implementation of necessary mitigation measures to
• Project NETRA: Initiated by ISRO to provide safeguard space assets.
first-hand information on the status of debris. • SSA covers three main areas
• Space Situational Awareness: IIIT Delhi is o Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) of man-
currently working on a research project on SSA. made objects.
o Digantara, a space sector start-up of India, o Space Weather (SWE) monitoring and forecast.
o Near-Earth Objects (NEO) monitoring (only
is going to set-up India's first commercial
natural space objects)
SSA observatory in Garhwal region of
Uttarakhand.
o Further, India and US have also signed a bilateral SSA arrangement.
• SPADEX: To provide in-orbit servicing, ISRO is developing a space docking experiment called ‘SPADEX’.

3.8. SPACE TOURISM

Why in News?
ISRO is developing capabilities towards space tourism
through the demonstration of human space flight
capability to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
About Space Tourism
• A segment of space travel that allows people to
travel to space for recreational, leisure or business
purposes.
o Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic and Elon Musk’s
SpaceX — are some of the companies that
have entered space tourism.
• Types: Orbital, suborbital, and lunar (moon)
tourism.

39
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • Definition of Space
Tourists: No
international space
law has defined.
Existing space
treaties such are only
applicable to
astronauts, envoys
of mankind, or
personnel of a
spacecraft.
• Concerns related to
space tourism:
Impact on human
health, Impact on the
environment,
Passenger Liability
(International
treaties are bereft of
the provisions to
handle the liability of
private entities in space) and High cost.

3.9. BLACK HOLES

Why in News?
The black hole at the centre of the Milky Way
galaxy was photographed for the first time.
More on News
• The first photograph of Sagittarius A*, a
supermassive black hole situated at the
center of the Milky Way, was revealed by
astronomers of the Event Horizon
Telescope (EHT). 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics
• One half was awarded to Roger Penrose for the discovery that
o EHT is an international
black hole formation is a robust prediction of the general
collaboration (of observatories) theory of relativity.
capturing images of black holes • And the other half was awarded jointly to Reinhard Genzel and
using a virtual Earth-sized Andrea Ghez for the discovery of a supermassive compact
telescope. object at the center of our galaxy. A supermassive black hole is
• In 2019, astronomers captured the the only currently known explanation.
first ever photograph of a black hole o They focused on a region called Sagittarius A* at the center
M87 in a distant galaxy called Messier of our galaxy.
87.
General Theory of Relativity
• This theory was proposed by Albert Einstein in 1915.
• Essentially, it’s a theory of gravity whose basic idea is that instead of being an invisible force that attracts objects
to one another, gravity is a curving or warping of space. The more massive an object, the more it warps the space
around it.
o In the first major test of general relativity, astronomers in 1919 measured the deflection of light from distant
stars as the starlight passed by our sun, proving that gravity does, in fact, distort or curve space.
• In 2016, the discovery of gravitational waves (subtle ripples in the fabric of spacetime) was another confirmation
of general relativity.

40
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Related news
Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs)
• In 2018, scientists observed a black hole ripping a star into shreds because it got too
close.
• TDE refers to an event when a black hole violently rips apart stars that gets too close.
o When a star comes close to a black hole, gravitational forces will stretch or
“spaghettify” star (see image)
o Then, elongated material spirals around black hole, gets heated up, and creates a
flash that can be detected by us millions of light years away.

41
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Binary super massive black hole (SMBH)
• About: Binary SMBH system (system consisting of two black holes in close orbit) was discovered in gravitationally
lensed blazar.
o Blazars are among the most
luminous and energetic
objects in Universe.
• Significance: Help in the future
detection of Gravitational Waves
(GW).
• GW are 'ripples' in space-time
traveling at the speed of light
caused by some of most violent
and energetic processes in
Universe.
o This effect was first
predicted by Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
o GW were first detected in 2015 by Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO).

3.10. DARK MATTER

Why in News? About LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) detector
A test run of LZ detector in U.S. has shown it to be the most • It is designed (underground) to capture dark
sensitive dark matter detector yet created. matter in the form of weakly interacting
massive particles (WIMPs).
About Dark Matter • It consists of a huge titanium tank filled with
extremely pure liquid xenon.
• Visible universe—including Earth, sun, other stars, • Centre of LZ is one of the purest places on
and galaxies—is made of protons, neutrons, and Earth (free of radiation and dust).
electrons bundled together into atoms. • Collaboration of scientists/institutions from
o This ordinary matter, also called baryonic, makes U.S., U.K., Portugal, and Korea.
up less than 5 percent of the mass of universe.
o Rest of the universe appears to be made of a
mysterious, invisible substance called dark matter
(~25 percent) and a force that repels gravity known
as dark energy (~70 percent).
✓ Dark energy is the name given to the mysterious
force that’s causing the rate of expansion of our
universe to accelerate over time, rather than to
slow down.
• Unlike normal matter, dark matter does not interact with
electromagnetic force. This means it does not absorb,
reflect, or emit light, making it extremely hard to spot.
o Scientists study dark matter by
looking at the effects it has on visible
objects.
o It is believed that dark matter is what
gives galaxies extra mass,
generating extra gravity they need
to stay intact.

About Dark Energy

• Universe has been known to be expanding
as a consequence of the Big Bang about 14
billion years ago.
• Dark Energy was first hypothesized by Albert Einstein in 1917 and was represented by a term, the
“cosmological constant”. However, he later rejected the idea of a cosmological constant.
o Subsequently, direct evidence for the existence of this component, which was dubbed dark energy,
was first presented in 1998.

42
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • It was discovered that this expansion is accelerating (Nobel Prize in Physics 2011 was awarded to Saul
Perlmutter, Brian Schmidt and Adam Riess for this discovery).
• Dark energy is the name given to the mysterious force that’s causing the rate of expansion of universe
to accelerate over time.

3.11. EARTH RECORDS SHORTEST DAY

Why in News?
According to a report, 29 July 2022 has set the record for the shortest day as Earth completed a full spin in
1.59 milliseconds less than its standard 24 hours.
About Earth’s Spin and Rotation
• Possible reason for increased speed: Changes in the processes in the inner or outer layers of the core,
oceans, tides, or even changes in climate. (Including phenomenon like Chandler Wobble)
• Earth’s spin dynamics: Earth’s spin is About Chandler Wobble
slowing down but the last few years, • It is change in the spin of Earth as it rotates on its axis,
Earth’s spin has been slightly fastened. much as a toy top wobble as it spins.
o To combat the long-term slowdown in • Discovered by: Seth Carlo Chandler in 1890’s.
the Earth’s rotation which is caused by • Time Period to complete one wobble: Around 433 days.
the constant melting and refreezing of Wobble amounts to about 20 feet at the North Pole.
ice caps, leap second to our calendars • Possible Cause: Fluctuating pressure on the bottom of the
were added occasionally. ocean, caused by temperature and salinity changes and
o Leap second was first introduced in wind-driven changes in circulation of the oceans.
1972 by the International Earth
Rotation and Reference Systems Service.
o 27 leap seconds have been added since [Link] last leap second added was on December 31, 2016.
• Negative leap seconds: If Earth continues to rotate at an increasing rate, negative leap seconds would
need to be introduced to keep the rate of the planet orbiting the Sun consistent with the measurement
from atomic clocks.
o Atomic clocks are designed to measure the precise length of a second, the base unit of modern
timekeeping.
o With an error of only 1 second in up to 100 million years, atomic clocks are among the most accurate
timekeeping devices in history.
• Issues with introduction of Negative leap seconds: Can confuse smartphones, computers, and
communications systems.

3.12. SPACE ORGANISATIONS RELATED DEVELOPMENTS

3.12.1. NASA
Double Asteroid • Recently, NASA crashed DART
Redirection Test mission on binary asteroid system
(DART) Mission Didymos and moonlet to test a
kinetic impactor technology.
o Binary asteroid system is
made up by asteroid
Didymos and its small
moonlet called Dimorphos
and the small moon
(Dimorphos) orbits the
larger body (Didymos).
• DART is a first-of-its-kind
spacecraft, which has been
designed to test a unique method
to deflect an asteroid to change
its motion in space through kinetic impact and save the Earth from an incoming asteroid.
• James Webb Space Telescope and the Hubble telescope were used to track the spacecraft
and keep an eye on the asteroid to see the impact.

43
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Stratospheric • NASA is planning to shut down SOFIA telescope that found water on Moon.
Observatory for • SOFIA is an infrared telescope inside Boeing airplane, flying at an altitude around 40k feet
Infrared above the surface.
Astronomy o SOFIA is collaboration between NASA and German Space Agency (DLR).
(SOFIA) mission o It has been collecting data to understand star birth and death and formation of new
solar systems.
o It is designed to observe cosmic objects in far-infrared wavelengths.
• In 2019, SOFIA discovered helium hydride — first molecule formed in Universe almost 14
billion years ago.

3.12.2. INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANISATION (ISRO)

Hybrid • ISRO has tested hybrid propulsion system for the forthcoming launch vehicles.
propulsion o The motor used Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as fuel and liquid oxygen
system (LOX) as the oxidizer.
o Unlike solid-solid or liquid-liquid combinations, a hybrid motor uses solid fuel and a
liquid oxidizer.
o The use of liquids facilitates throttling, and the control over the flow rate of LOX
enables the re-start capability.
• Benefits: more efficient, greener and safer to handle.
Successful test of • It is the world’s second largest operational booster using solid propellants
HS200 booster • It is the 'human-rated' version of the S200 rocket boosters used on Geosynchronous Satellite
for Gaganyaan Launch Vehicle Mk-III (GSLV Mk-III), also called the LVM3.
Programme • Gaganyaan envisages undertaking the demonstration of indigenous capability to undertake
human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit (an orbit of 2,000km or less).
o Until now only US, Russia and China have managed to send manned missions to outer
space.
Inflatable • ISRO has successfully tested IAD technology to land missions on Venus & Mars.
Aerodynamic • IAD is used for aerodynamically decelerating an object descending through the atmosphere.
Decelerator (IAD) • IAD has huge potential in variety of space applications like recovery of spent stages of rocket,
for landing payloads on to Mars or Venus and in making space habitat for human space flight
missions.
• IAD is made of Kevlar fabric coated with polychloroprene.
o Kevlar has properties like high tensile strength, toughness, thermal stability etc.
Rohini Sounding • ISRO launched Rohini RH-200 sounding rocket.
Rockets • Sounding rockets are one or two stage solid propellant rockets used for probing the upper
atmospheric regions and for space research.
o Rohini Sounding Rockets is a two-stage rocket capable of climbing to a height of 70 km
bearing scientific payloads.
• The 1st sounding rocket was launched in 1963 from Thumba (beginning of Indian Space
Programme).
o ISRO started to launch indigenous sounding rockets in 1965.
o First sounding rocket to be launched from India was American Nike-Apache in 1963.
RISAT-2 satellite • ISRO’s RISAT-2 satellite, has made an uncontrolled re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
• RISAT 2 is a radar-imaging satellite which was part of RISAT programme of ISRO.
o It weighs only about 300 kg and was launched by the PSLV-C12 launch vehicle in 2009.
• The RISAT satellites are equipped with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) that can take
pictures of the earth during day and night, and also under cloudy conditions.
• It helps round-the-clock border surveillance along with checking infiltration and keeping an
eye on terror or anti-national activities across the borders.
Aditya L1 mission • It will study about Sun’s corona, solar emissions, solar winds and flares, and Coronal Mass
Ejections (CMEs), and will carry out round-the-clock imaging of Sun.
• Aditya 1 (meant to observe only solar corona) was renamed as Aditya-L1 (Lagrangian Point 1).
• Other solar missions: European Space Agency’s Solar Orbiter, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe.
SpaceTech • ISRO has signed an MoU with Social Alpha to launch SpIN.
Innovation • SpIN is India’s first dedicated platform for innovation, curation, and venture development
Network (SpIN) for the space entrepreneurial ecosystem.
o It has launched its first innovation challenge.
o Selected start-ups and innovators will be able to access both Social Alpha’s and ISRO’s
infrastructure and resources.

44
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 3.13. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
3.13.1. SPACE PHENOMENON AND EXPERIMENTS
Solar Eclipse • A solar eclipse occurs when Moon gets between
Earth and Sun, and moon casts a shadow over
Earth.
o Solar eclipses happen only at the new moon
phase.
• Different types of solar eclipses are:
o Total solar eclipse: When moon passes
between Sun and Earth, completely blocking
face of Sun. It is only visible from a small area
on Earth.
o Partial solar eclipse: When sun, moon and
Earth are not exactly lined up. Only a part of
the Sun will appear to be covered, giving it a
crescent shape.
o Annular solar eclipse: When moon is farthest
from Earth. It does not block entire view of
the sun. This looks like a ring
around the moon.
o Hybrid solar eclipse: Because
Earth's surface is curved,
sometimes an eclipse can shift
between annular and total as
Moon’s shadow moves across
the globe.

Blood Moon • Blood Moon was witnessed in parts of India.

• Blood Moon, commonly known as total lunar eclipse, occurs when moon passes through
darkest part of Earth's
shadow, known as the umbra.
o It is called blood moon
because of reddish hue.
• Other Types of Lunar Eclipse:
o Partial Lunar Eclipse:
When only a part of moon
enters earth’s shadow.
o Penumbral Lunar Eclipse:
When the moon enters
the Earth’s penumbra.
Geomagnetic • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued two geomagnetic storm
Storm (GMS) watches.
• GMS is a disturbance in the earth’s magnetosphere, which is the area around the planet
controlled by its magnetic field.
o When Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) collide with the Earth, it causes GMS.
o CME is a large expulsion of plasma and magnetic field from the sun’s corona, or upper
atmosphere.
• Impact of geomagnetic storms: Disrupt high-frequency radio broadcasts and global
positioning system (GPS) devices, damage satellite electronics, can affect power supply on
earth.
Coronal Holes • NASA’s Solar Dynamics observatory observed the phenomenon of coronal holes in ultraviolet
light as these are typically invisible to our eyes.
• About Coronal holes

45
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 o Coronal holes are regions on the sun’s surface from where fast solar wind gushes out
into space.
o Because they contain little solar material, they have lower temperatures and thus appear
much darker than their surroundings.
o The holes are not a unique phenomenon, appearing throughout the sun’s approximately
11-year solar cycle.
o These coronal holes can cause a solar storm on Earth as they release a complex stream
of solar winds.
Sunspots • A sunspot, called AR3038, grew to almost twice its size in the span of 24 hours.
• Sunspots are areas that appear dark on the surface of the Sun. They appear dark because they
are cooler than other parts of the Sun’s surface.
• Sunspots are relatively cool as they form at areas where magnetic fields are particularly
strong thus keeping some of the heat within Sun from reaching the surface.
o Magnetic field lines near sunspots can cause a sudden explosion of energy called a solar
flare.
Fast Radio Bursts • Astronomers have reported a FRB whose characteristics are different from almost all other
(FRBs) FRBs previously detected.
• FRBs are bright bursts of radio waves whose durations lie in the millisecond-scale, because
of which it is difficult to detect them and determine their position in the sky.
o Radio waves can be produced by astronomical objects with changing magnetic fields.
• Origins of FRBs are unknown, and their appearance is unpredictable.
Gamma Ray • In a first-of-its-kind detection,
Bursts (GRBs) astronomers recorded binary
merger emitting long GRB
twinned with a kilonova
emissions.
o Traditionally associated
with short GRB, Kilonovae
occur when two compact
objects, like binary neutron
stars or a neutron star and
a black hole, collide.
• GRBs are flashes of high-energy radiation arising from energetic cosmic explosions.
• GRBs are the most powerful explosions universe has seen since the Big Bang.
o They are brief, but intense, flashes of gamma radiation.
• They produce as much energy as Sun will emit during its entire 10-billion-year existence.
Betelgeuse • It is the bright red supergiant
on the shoulder of Orion.
o A red giant is a dying star
in the final stages of
stellar evolution.
• In late 2019, Betelgeuse star
got fainter than ever before.
• Now the researchers believe
that in 2019 Betelgeuse likely
underwent an enormous
surface mass ejection (SME)
where it ejected 400 billion
times more mass than a
typical event on other stars.
o An SME happens when a star expels large amounts of plasma and magnetic flux into the
surrounding space. However, the exact cause behind this SME is unclear.
White dwarfs • According to a recent study by Indian scientists study of cosmic dust from a white dwarf and
companion star could unravel mysteries behind start of life.
• White dwarfs are stars that have burned up all of hydrogen they once used as nuclear fuel.
• Cosmic dust is made of various elements, such as carbon, oxygen, iron and other atoms
heavier than hydrogen and helium.
o It is the stuff of which planets and people are made, and it is essential for star formation.
Saturn • A new study has suggested that a pre-existing moon of Saturn, named Chrysalis, left it with
Mysterious Rings its bright rings and extreme tilt.
and Tilt • Saturn is the 6th planet from the Sun and 2nd largest planet of our solar system.

46
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o Saturn has an axial tilt of 26.73 degrees
o Saturn has 7 rings and are composed of water ice particles ranging from microns to tens
of meters in size.
o Other planets with rings include Jupiter, Neptune and Uranus.
Plants in Moon • Scientists have for the first time successfully grown plants in the Moon's soil.
soil • This lunar soil, also called regolith, was brought to Earth from the Moon by the Apollo-era
astronauts.
• Researchers have grown the hardy and well-studied Arabidopsis thaliana in the nutrient-poor
lunar regolith.
o Arabidopsis thaliana, native to Eurasia and Africa, is a relative of mustard greens and
other cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.

3.13.2. SPACE OBJECTS

New asteroid • Astronomers discovered new PHA named 2022 AP7.
2022 AP7 o It is the largest object that is potentially hazardous to Earth to be discovered in the last
discovered eight years.
o It was 1.5 kilometer wide. Any asteroid over 1km in size is considered a planet killer.
• It will cross Earth's orbit, which makes it potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA).
• PHA are defined based on parameters that measure the asteroid’s potential to make
threatening close approaches to the Earth.
Exoplanets • Scientists have now detected barium in the upper atmosphere of two giant exoplanet (WASP-
76b and WASP-121b) for the first time.
o WASP-76b and WASP-121b are Ultra-hot Jupiters, a class of hot gaseous planets that
matches the size of Jupiter.
o But they have short orbital periods, unlike Jupiter.
• Most of the exoplanets discovered so far are in a relatively small region of Milky Way galaxy.
Bernardinelli- • NASA has confirmed that Bernardinelli-Bernstein comet is indeed the largest icy comet
Bernstein comet nucleus ever seen by astronomers.
o Comets are large objects made of dust and ice that orbit the Sun.
• About Bernardinelli-Berstein comet:
o Officially called C/2014 UN271, it has an estimated diameter of almost 129 kilometres.
o Mass is estimated to be around 500 trillion tonnes.
• It is believed to have originated in the Oort cloud (only a theoretical concept), a distant region
of the solar system that is predicted to be the source of most comets.

3.13.3. MISCELLANEOUS
Dark SKY Reserve • Department of Science & Technology has announced setting up of India’s first dark sky
reserve at Hanle in Ladakh as a part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.
o It will be one of the world’s highest-located sites for optical, infra-red, and gamma-ray
telescopes.
• Dark Sky Reserve is a place that has policies to ensure that a tract of land or region has
minimal artificial light interference.
o International Dark Sky Association, a U.S.-based non-profit, designates places as
International Dark Sky Places, parks, sanctuaries and reserves, depending on criteria
they meet.
• Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), high-altitude station of Indian Institute of
Astrophysics, is also located atop Mt. Saraswati in Nilamkhul Plain in the Hanle Valley.
o Other Prominent telescopes at IAO: Himalayan Chandra Telescope, High Energy Gamma
Ray telescope (HAGAR), Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment Telescope (MACE),
GROWTH etc.
Sampurnanand • SOT, located at ARIES, Manora Peak, Nainital (Uttarakhand), completed 50 years of
Optical Telescope operations.
(SOT) o Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) specializes in
observational Astronomy & Astrophysics and Atmospheric Sciences.
• SOT’s major instruments: Cassegrain plate holder, Meinel camera, photoelectric photometer,
polarimeter etc.
• SOT has been used for optical observations of comets, occultation by planets and asteroids,
star forming regions and star clusters, active galactic nuclei, etc.
• Important discovery made: discovery of rings of Neptune; contributed to detection of rings
around Uranus and additional rings around Saturn; first detection of optical afterglows of

47
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Gamma-ray-bursts (GRBs); micro-lensing event; discovery of quakes in various stars (under
Nainital-Cape Survey program) etc.
Shaped Antenna • SARAS 3 has helped determine properties of the earliest radio luminous galaxies formed 200
measurement of million years after the Big Bang, a period known as the Cosmic Dawn.
the background • SARAS 3 is a precision radio telescope to detect extremely faint radio wave signals from
Radio Spectrum Cosmic Dawn.
(SARAS 3) o It is the first telescope worldwide to reach the required sensitivity.
Telescope • It is indigenously designed and built at Raman Research Institute (an autonomous institute
of the Department of Science & Technology).
• It is deployed over Dandiganahalli Lake and Sharavati backwaters, in Karnataka.
Liquid-Mirror • LMT, India’s first and Asia’s largest liquid-mirror telescope, is commissioned at the Devasthal
Telescope (LMT) Observatory of Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) in Nainital
(Uttarakhand).
o ARIES is an autonomous institute under Department of Science and Technology.
• LMT will observe asteroids, supernovae, space debris and all other celestial objects.
• Built by astronomers from India, Belgium and Canada, LMT employs a rotating mirror made
up of a thin film of liquid mercury (a reflective liquid) to collect and focus light.
• LMT, having a primary mirror that is liquid, cannot be turned and pointed in any direction and
watches the sky as the Earth rotates.
Space Bricks • Researchers from ISRO and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a way to make
bricks of complex shapes from Martian soil with the help of bacteria and urea.
• First slurry was made by mixing Martian soil with guar gum, a bacterium called Sporosarcina
pasteurii, urea and nickel chloride (NiCl2).
o Bacteria convert the urea into crystals of calcium carbonate.
o These crystals, along with biopolymers secreted by microbes, act as cement holding soil
particles together.
• In the past, the team had made bricks out of lunar soil using a similar method.
Tiangong • China successfully launched final module for Tiangong, a space station that Chinese Manned
Space Agency (CMSA) is building in low Earth orbit.
• It is set to be the second permanently inhabited outpost in low-Earth orbit after the NASA-
led International Space Station (ISS).
o Chinese astronauts are currently excluded from ISS because US law bans NASA from
sharing its data with China.
• Tiangong will be much smaller and lighter than ISS.

48
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 4. HEALTH
4.1. TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Why in News? Initiatives by India to Promote its T&CM i.e. AYUSH system
Recently, WHO Director-General laid • National AYUSH Mission (NAM): to promote AYUSH medical
the foundation stone for world's first systems.
• Champion Services Sector Scheme for Medical value Travel: To
and only Global Centre for Traditional
amplify medical tourism in the field of Ayush.
Medicine (GCTM) at Jamnagar in
• Ayush Export Promotion Council (AEPC).
Gujarat.
• The AYURSWASTHYA YOJANA: To roll out authentic and classical
About Traditional Medicine Ayush Interventions.
• AYUSH Information Cell in several countries to disseminate
• According to WTO, Traditional authentic information about AYUSH systems.
medicine (TM) is the sum of the
knowledge, skill, and practices based on the
theories, beliefs, and experiences
indigenous to different cultures, for
treatment of physical and mental illness.
o Complementary medicine (CM) or
alternative medicine refers to health
care practices that are not part of that
country’s own tradition or conventional
medicine and are not fully integrated
into the dominant health-care system.
✓ They are used interchangeably with
traditional medicine in some
countries.
• India’s traditional and complementary
medicines (T&CM) consists of AYUSH
(Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and
Homeopathy) and Sowa Rigpa.
o It is regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH.
• According to WHO, 170 WHO member countries have acknowledged their use of T&CM since 2018.
Related News
Ministry of Ayush and Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) formulated regulations for ‘Ayurveda
Aahara’ products.
• Regulations have been framed to ensure the manufacturing of quality Ayurveda food products and to help in
expanding the international market for Make-In-India products.
• Key highlights of the regulations
o Manufacturing and marketing of ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ products will now adhere to strict Food Safety and
Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022 rules.
o Prior approval for ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ shall be in accordance with Food Safety and Standards (Approval for
Non-Specific Food and Food Ingredients) Regulation, 2017.
o A special logo has been created for “Ayurveda Aahara” category, which will enable easier identification and
reinforce quality in Ayurveda food products.
o ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ will not include Ayurvedic drugs or proprietary Ayurvedic medicines and medicinal
products, cosmetics, narcotic or psychotropic substances and herbs.
Cabinet approved widening access to Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)
• Until now, access to complete TKDL database is restricted to 14 Patent Offices worldwide for purposes of search
and examination.
• About TKDL
o TKDL, first of its kind globally, is a database of Indian traditional knowledge established in 2001, by Council
of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Ministry of AYUSH.
o It contains information related to Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Yoga in five international
languages (English, German, French, Japanese and Spanish).
o It seeks to prevent misappropriation of country's traditional medicinal knowledge through patenting
worldwide.

49
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 4.2. TUBERCULOSIS
Why in news?
Recently, World Health Organization (WHO) released new guidance to support National Strategic Planning
(NSP) for the tuberculosis (TB).
More on news
• NSP for TB guides how to comprehensively address TB epidemic through goal(s), strategies, priority
interventions within health and across other sectors.
o Each goal must be defined in line with SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-
bound) criteria.
o Current document is an update to 2015 Toolkit to develop a NSP for TB prevention, care, and control.

50
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Steps taken to eliminate Tuberculosis Related News
• India’s efforts: Short anti-TB regimen ‘BPaL’ gets global nod as trials
‘positive’
o National Strategic Plan (NSP), 2017-2025:
• BPaL has shown favourable outcomes in TB patients.
To eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead o BPaL is a 6-month, all-oral, three-drug regimen
of the SDG 2030 target. that is used to treat people with highly drug-
o National Tuberculosis Elimination resistant forms of TB.
Program (NTEP): Has expanded o BPaL is a combination of three newer antibiotics,
laboratory network as well as diagnostic namely bedaquiline, pretomanid and linezolid.
facilities to cover the entire country. o TB Alliance's BPaL regimen to reduce TB treatment
✓ Earlier, it was known as Revised time from 18 months to 6 months.
National Tuberculosis Control o TB Alliance is not-for-profit organization.
Program (RNTCP).
o NIKSHAY Portal: It is the National TB information system to manage patient information and monitor
program activity throughout the country.
✓ It provides a National Data repository of TB information for advanced analytics.
o NIKSHAY Poshan Yojana: Provides DBT to all TB patients towards nutritional support.
✓ Scheme, by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is financed by Government of India, with partial
financing provided through World Bank.
o TB Free India Campaign launched by Prime Minister to eliminate TB by 2025.
o ‘PathoDetect™ kit’, by Pune based Mylab: India’s first indigenous TB Detection kit-Single test can
detect tuberculosis and MDR TB.
• Global commitments and efforts taken to eliminate TB
o Moscow Declaration, 2017: To increase multisectoral action and enhance accountability towards
ending TB by 2030
o WHO End TB Strategy: To reduce TB incidence by 80%, TB deaths by 90%, and to eliminate catastrophic
costs for TB-affected households by 2030.
o Find. Treat. All. #EndTB: It is the joint Initiative of WHO, Stop TB Partnership, and Global Fund to
diagnose treat and report 40 million people with TB.

4.3. ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (AMR)

Why in News? About GLASS
• Aim: To provide a standardized approach to the collection, analysis and
Recently, WHO released Global
sharing of AMR data by countries.
Antimicrobial Resistance and o 2022 GLASS Report, for the first time, included data on antibiotic
Use Surveillance System consumption at the national level.
(GLASS) report. • Types of infection and pathogens covered in GLASS:
About Antimicrobial Resistance • Pathogens included in GLASS are: Acinetobacter spp., E. coli, Klebsiella
pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp.,
(AMR)
Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
• AMR is the ability of a
microorganism (like bacteria, viruses, and some
parasites) to stop an antimicrobial (such as
antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials) from
working against it.
o WHO has declared AMR as one of the top 10
global public health threats facing humanity.
o Antibiotic resistance has been found in all
regions of the world.
• Impacts of AMR: Inability to treat common
infections, increased threat to medical procedures
such as organ transplantation, adverse impact on
animal health, Endangers SDGs etc.

51
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Initiatives taken for tackling AMR
• Global
o Global Action Plan on AMR during the 2015 World Health Assembly.
o WHO is working closely with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Organisation for
Animal Health in a ‘One Health’ approach to tackle AMR.
o Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership, a joint initiative of WHO and the Drugs for
Neglected Diseases Initiative.
• By India
o National programme on AMR containment (2012-17)
o National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance
o Red Line campaign to discourage the over the-counter sale of antibiotics.
o FSSAI guidelines limiting the antibiotics in food products.
o A separate Schedule H-1 incorporated in Drug and Cosmetic rules to regulate sale of antimicrobials.
Related News
• WHO released the first-ever report on the pipeline of the vaccines to prevent infections by AMR bacterial
pathogens.
• Vaccines are available against four priority bacterial pathogens: Pneumococcal disease (Streptococcus
pneumonia), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), Tuberculosis (mycobacterium tuberculosis), and Typhoid fever
(Salmonella Typhi).
o Current BCG vaccines do not adequately protect against TB.
o Remaining three vaccines are effective.

4.4. SELF-AMPLIFYING MESSENGER RNA (MRNA) VACCINE

Why in News?
A Self-amplifying messenger RNA
(mRNA) vaccine, ARCT-154, developed
by Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings (US),
showed promising results against Covid-
19 .
About mRNA Vaccine
• Unlike conventional vaccines that
inject a weakened form of a virus or
bacteria into the body, RNA vaccines
use part of virus’ own genes to
stimulate an immune response.
• A conventional mRNA vaccine, such as those from Pfizer and Moderna, uses mRNA that encodes the spike
protein of the coronavirus.
o mRNA vaccines teach cells how to make copies of the spike protein that triggers an immune response
inside human bodies, when actual infection takes place.
• A self-amplifying mRNA vaccine is an improvement over the traditional mRNA as it encodes four extra
proteins in addition to the vaccine antigen, and these enable amplification of original strand of RNA once
inside the cell.
• Advantage of self-amplifying mRNA vaccine over conventional mRNA vaccine: making storage easy,
minimizing dose of RNA, and lowering the cost of vaccines.
Related Information
DNA and RNA Vaccines
• In DNA vaccines, a piece of DNA encoding the antigen is first inserted into a bacterial plasmid and then these DNA
plasmids are usually injected into muscles and then enabled to reach cells.
o Plasmid is a circular piece of DNA used by a bacterium to store and share genes which may benefit its survival.
• Whereas, RNA vaccine uses a copy of a natural chemical called messenger RNA (mRNA) to produce an immune
response in humans.
✓ mRNA teaches cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response.
• DNA vaccine is more stable than RNA vaccine.
• Unlike RNA vaccine, DNA vaccines have potential to integrate into host cell genome.

52
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 4.5. ONE HEALTH
Why in news?
Recently, four multilateral agencies have
launched a One Health Joint Plan of
Action (2022-2026) (OH JPA).
About One Health Joint Plan of Action
(2022-2026) (OH JPA)
• Launched by: the ‘Quadripartite’
comprising:
o United Nations (UN) Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO),
o UN Environment Programme
(UNEP),
o World Health Organization
(WHO)
o World Organisation for Animal
Health.
• Aim: Mitigating the health challenges at global, regional, and country levels by creating a framework and
integrating systems and capacity to collectively prevent health threats.
• Implementation: 2022-2026 Other Global initiatives
Steps taken in India to implement One • The Pilanesberg Resolution, 2001: For donors and governmental
authorities to consider potential wildlife health impacts in
health approach
development projects.
• One Health Support Unit (OHSU) by • One World-One Health: Introduced by The Wildlife Conservation
Department of Animal Husbandry Society in 2007 along with 12 recommendations (Manhattan
and Dairying, to develop a national Principles) to prevent epidemic disease and maintaining
One Health Framework. ecosystem integrity.
• National Framework for One Health, 2021 by FAO guides towards
o The framework is aimed at
overcoming the systemic barriers to implement the One Health
improving national and State- approach.
level resource allocation and
policy ecosystem of zoonotic diseases.
o Under it, the pilot project are being implemented in states like Uttarakhand and Karnataka.
• National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-being: Launched by Prime Minister’s Science,
Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).
• ‘One Health’ project: By Department of Biotechnology to carry out surveillance of zoonotic as well as
transboundary pathogens in India.

4.6. FIRST-EVER FUNGAL PRIORITY PATHOGENS LIST (FPPL)

Why in News?
World Health Organisation
(WHO) has released the first-
ever fungal priority pathogens
list (FPPL).
About Fungal pathogens
• Fungal pathogens are a
major threat to public
health as:
o Most fungal pathogens
lack rapid, sensitive, and
affordable diagnostics.

53
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 o Only four classes of antifungal medicines (azoles,
echinocandins, pyrimidines and polyenes) currently available.
o Incidence and geographic range of fungal diseases are
expanding worldwide due to global warming and increase of
international travel and trade.
o Fungi that cause common infections become increasingly
resistant to treatment.
About Fungal Priority Pathogens List
• FPPL includes 19 fungi categorised as critical, high, and medium
priority.

4.7. FOOD SAFETY

Why in news?
Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI)
released the State Food Safety
Index (SFSI) 2021-22.
About State Food Safety Index
(SFSI)
• Released annually since its
inception in 2018-19.

54
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 • Aim: Encouraging states and UTs to establish a proper food safety ecosystem in their jurisdiction.
• Findings of State Food Safety Index 2021-2022
o Top-Ranking Large States: Tamil Nadu followed by Gujarat and Maharashtra.
o Top-Ranking Small states: Goa followed by Manipur and Sikkim.
o Top-Ranking UTs: Jammu & Kashmir followed by Delhi and Chandigarh.

4.8. RICE FORTIFICATION

Why in news?
Recently, the Department of Food and
Public Distribution has issued Standard
Operating Procedure (SOP) to maintain
desired quality standards for
implementation of ‘Rice Fortification’.
About Standard Operating Procedure
(SOP)
• Aim: To address malnutrition, anaemia
and micronutrient deficiencies.
• SOP in brief
o Rice Specification: Milled rice in
which Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) will be blended should comply with rice specification as per Food
Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
o Packaging of fortified food: Takes into consideration the nature of the fortificant added and its effect
on the shelf life of such
food. About food fortification
✓ Fortified food package • Deliberately increasing the content of essential micronutrients in a
food to improve the nutritional quality of food and to provide public
shall contain,
health benefit with minimal risk to health.
“Fortified with (name
• Regulation: Under Food Safety Standards (Fortification of Foods)
of the fortificant)” Regulation, 2018.
and the +F logo on its • Fortified food means a food, as specified under the FSSAI Regulation,
label. It may also carry 2011 that has undergone the process of fortification as per the
a tagline “Sampoorna provisions of these regulations.
Poshan Swasth • In India, wheat flour and rice are fortified with Iron, Vitamin B12 and
Jeevan” under the Folic Acid, Milk and Edible Oil with Vitamins A and D and Double
logo. Fortified Salt with Iodine and Iron.
✓ Food fortified with
Iron shall carry a warning statement for People with Thalassemia.

55
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 About Rice Fortification
• It is a process of adding micronutrients to rice.
o Rice, when fortified, shall contain mandatory micronutrients (Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12), or
optional (Zinc, Vitamin A, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, and Pyridoxine) as per levels given by Food
Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018.
• According to the FSSAI norms, fortified rice shall contain iron, folic acid and Vitamin B-12.
o In addition, rice may also be fortified with micronutrients such as zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin
B2, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin
B6.
• Technologies to add
micronutrients to regular rice:
o Dusting: Adds
micronutrients onto the
surface of the rice grains
using electrostatic force.
✓ This technology
provides limited
nutrient protection
when rice is washed,
soaked or cooked in
excess water, which is then discarded.
o Coating and extrusion: It is two-step process. First, coating or extrusion technology is used to
produce fortified kernels and second the fortified kernels are blended with non-fortified rice at a
ratio of 0.5% to 2%.
• In India, rice is fortified using extrusion technology in which milled rice is pulverized and mixed with a
premix containing vitamins and minerals.
o FRK is added to traditional rice in ratio ranging from 1:50 to 1: 200.

4.9. ORAL REHYDRATION SOLUTION

Why in News?
Dr Dilip Mahalanabis who pioneered the proper practical, emergency use of oral rehydration solution,
commonly known by its abbreviation “ORS,” for diarrhoeal diseases passed away recently.
More on News
• Dr Dilip Mahalanabis was working in refugee camps during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war when he
came up with ORS.
• In 2002, Dr Dilip Mahalanabis along with Dr Nathaniel F Pierce was awarded the Pollin Prize by Columbia
University (considered the equivalent of Nobel in peadiatrics).
About Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
• ORS are a mixture of electrolytes (salts) and carbohydrates (in the form of sugar) dissolved in water.
o They are used to replace salts and water that the body loses during dehydration caused by
gastroenteritis, diarrhoea or vomiting.
o The electrolytes are potassium and sodium.
• These components maximize fluid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
o The gastrointestinal tract relies on sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs), which are carrier proteins
in the intestinal cells.
✓ Cotransporters help move substances across membranes.
o Specifically, SGLTs pair together sodium and glucose transport in the small intestine. This allows
glucose to increase the absorption of fluids.
o Additionally, sodium needs glucose to be properly absorbed. Therefore, ORS contains both glucose
and sodium.
• Since 1975, the WHO and UNICEF have used ORS to treat dehydration due to diarrhea.
o It’s commonly used in countries with limited access to clean water or other hydration options.

56
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 4.10. DISEASES IN NEWS
4.10.1. VIRAL DISEASES
Monkeypox • Monkeypox satisfied the
• According to IHR, an outbreak qualifies as a
requirement of a public health
PHEIC if it’s unusual or unexpected, has
emergency of international
potential for international spread, and requires
concern (PHEIC) under the
an immediate international response.
WHO's International Health
o Once it spreads internationally, it is
Regulations (IHR),2005.
declared as a Pandemic.
o WHO recently
recommended new name • IHR, 2005 is a binding international legal
“mpox” for monkeypox agreement involving 196 countries across the
disease as the current globe, including all the Member States of WHO.
name was perceived to be
racist and stigmatising.
• Monkeypox is zoonotic disease caused by the virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus.
o The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus
(used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus.
• It was first discovered in 1958, largely occurring close to tropical rainforests of Central and West
Africa.
• Animal-to-human transmission can occur from direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or
cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals.
Human • Cervavac’, the country’s first quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (qHPV) approved for
Papilloma market authorization.
Virus (HPV) o Manufactured by: Serum Institute of India.
• HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that may cause cervical cancer.
• Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer of women in India despite being largely
preventable.
• Cervical cancer can be eliminated if all prepubertal girls are given HPV vaccination globally.
Epstein Barr • As per a recent study, Cancer-causing EBV can infect the neuronal cells leading to diseases of
Virus (EBV) the central nervous system and brain cancer.
o Conducted by: IIT Indore under the ‘Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST)
scheme’
• EBV viruses are widely present in the human population.
• They are usually harmless, but the virus gets reactivated inside the body in some unusual
conditions like immunological stress or immunocompetent.
Zombie Virus • Zombie virus is virus emerged due to thawing of permafrost as global temperature is rising.
o Researchers examined ancient viruses samples collected from permafrost in the Siberia
region of Russia.
• The oldest virus is 48,500 years old, called Pandoravirus yedoma.
o Pandoravirus was discovered below the bottom of a lake in Yukechi Alas in Yakutia, Russia.
• It has the potential to be infectious and hence pose a "health danger" after researching live
cultures.
Marburg virus • Ghana has reported first-ever suspected cases of MVD.
disease (MVD) • It’s a highly infectious viral hemorrhagic fever with a fatality ratio of up to 88 percent.
o It was first identified in 1967 in Germany’s Marburg and Frankfurt.
• It belongs to same family as Ebola.
• Fruit bats of Pteropodidae Family are key carriers of the disease.
• It is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through human-to-
human transmission.
• Currently there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved for MVD.
African Swine • Recently, ASF cases have been reported from Bihar.
Fever (ASF) • ASF is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease affecting pigs and wild boar with up to 100%
case fatality rate.
o ASF is not a threat to human health and cannot be transmitted from pigs to humans.
o Currently, there is no effective vaccine against ASF.
o It was first reported in India in 2019.

57
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Tomato Flu • Tomato flu has been reported from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, and Odisha.
(Tomato • It is characterised by fever, joint pain, and red, tomato-like rashes usually seen in children below
Fever) age of five years and adults with weaker immunity.
o It is caused by a virus and shows symptoms similar to those of COVID-19 but is not related
to SARS COV-2.
o There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for disease.
Lumpy Skin • Recently, Lumpi-ProVacInd vaccine has been developed by Indian Council of Agricultural
Disease (LSD) Research (ICAR).
o It is a homologous, live attenuated vaccine specifically targeted to protect cattle against
LSD virus.
• LSD is a vector-borne pox disease that is caused by Capripoxvirus and is an emerging threat to
livestock worldwide.
o It is genetically related to the goat pox and sheep pox virus family.
• LSD infects cattle and water buffalo mainly through vectors such as blood-feeding insects.
• The disease has been endemic in most African countries, and since 2012 it has spread rapidly
through the Middle East, Southeast Europe and West and Central Asia.
o LSD was reported for the first time in India in 2019 from Odisha.
• The disease is not zoonotic, meaning it does not spread from animals to humans.
White spot • Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) have developed and patented a diagnostic
syndrome tool that detects WSSV.
virus (WSSV) o ASI is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology.
• About WSSV
o It as DNA based highly contagious viral infection of crustaceans that can cause high levels
of mortality in cultured shrimp.
o The virus infects only crustaceans (prawns, lobsters and crabs etc.) and appears not to be
related to any other known viruses.
o At present there is no treatment available to interfere with the unrestrained occurrence and
spread of the disease.
Porcine Virus • Porcine virus is identified as the possible reason for death of the first patient to have
xenotransplantation (animal to human transplants).
• Porcine Virus is a herpes virus found in the tissues throughout the body including the nose of
newborn piglets where it causes inflammation (rhinitis).
• It is common among pigs across the world while similar infections with related viruses occur in
many other species.
• Eight Herpes Viruses routinely infect only humans such as Herpes Simplex Virus types 1 and 2
Canine • The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre completed the first trials of the Canine Distemper
Distemper Virus (CDV) vaccine for the Asiatic lion.
• Canine distemper is caused by the paramyxovirus virus and it spreads through body fluids like
infected urine, blood and saliva.
o The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of puppies and dogs
and can be transmitted to lions, tigers, leopards and other wild cats as well as seals.
o There is no known cure for CDV.
Acute • AES is characterized as acute-onset of fever and a change in mental status and/or new-onset of
Encephalitis seizures in a person of any age at any time of the year.
Syndrome • It most commonly affects children and young adults and can lead to considerable morbidity and
(AES) mortality.
• Viruses are the main causative agents in AES cases, although other sources such as bacteria,
fungus, parasites, spirochetes, chemicals, toxins and non-infectious agents have also been
reported.
Avian • Centre has deployed a high-level team to Kerala to investigate Avian Influenza Outbreak.
Influenza or • About Avian Influenza
Bird flu o It is a viral disease which is contagious and can spread from one bird to other birds and
animals.
o It is caused by Influenza Type A viruses which generally affect poultry birds such as
chickens and turkeys.
o Depending on the origin host, influenza A viruses can be classified as avian influenza (H5N1,
H9N2 etc.), swine influenza (H1N1 and H3N2), etc.
• It also effects humans through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated
environments.

58
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 4.10.2. OTHER DISEASES
Africa's 1st • Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, announced support for the rollout of the first malaria vaccine in
Malaria Africa (starting with Ghana, Kenya and Malawi) from 2022-2025.
Vaccine • Malaria is caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through infected female Anopheles
mosquitoes.
o 5 parasite species cause malaria in humans, and 2 of this:
✓ P. falciparum (most prevalent on African continent) and P. vivax (prevalent outside of sub-
Saharan Africa)– pose greatest threat.
Kala Azar • Also known as Black fever, or Visceral Leishmaniasis it is a protozoan parasitic disease, spread by
sandfly bites.
o Flies are infected with the parasite called ‘leishmania donovani’.
• Disease is linked to malnutrition, poor housing, a weak immune system etc.
o It is a treatable and curable disease.
o It is the second deadliest parasitic disease in the world after malaria
• In India, the disease is endemic in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
o National Kala-Azar Elimination Programme was launched to control this disease.
o India missed the 2015 deadline to eliminate kala azar.
Trachoma • Malawi became the first country in southern Africa to eliminate trachoma.
o In 2017, India eliminated trachoma.
o According to the WHO, active trachoma is considered eliminated if the prevalence of active
infection among children below 10 years is less than 5%.
• Trachoma is an infection of the eye caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
• It is contagious and is responsible for the blindness or visual impairment of about 1.9 million
people.
Diabetes • After U.S. and Canada, first case of infection from diabetes medication in India reported.
• Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when pancreas does not produce enough insulin, hormone
that regulates blood sugar.
o Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset) is characterized by deficient
insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin.
o Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent, or adult-onset) results from the body’s ineffective use
of insulin.
✓ More than 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
Shigella • Kerala seeks to contain Shigella spread.
bacteria • Shigella is a genus of bacteria that causes an infection called shigellosis.
o Shigellosis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by one of four species of Shigella bacteria,
including S. sonnei.
o It is second leading cause of bacterial diarrhea worldwide and third leading cause of death in
children less than 5 years old.
o Transmitted through contaminated food or water, or through person-to-person contact.
o Endemic in most low- or middle-income countries (LMICs).
• No vaccines available for shigellosis.
Sickle cell • Researchers at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru have designed a low-cost method to detect
anaemia sickle cell anemia.
• About Sickle cell anemia:
o Occurs due to a genetic mutation that causes hemoglobin in red blood cells (RBCs) to clump
together.
o Affects the shape of RBCs. RBCs are usually round and flexible, so they move easily through
blood vessels.
o In sickle cell anemia, some RBCs are shaped like sickles or crescent moons (Refer image).
o They become rigid and sticky, which can slow or block blood flow.

4.11. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

PEN Plus strategy • Africa has adopted the PEN Plus strategy to tackle severe non-communicable diseases
(NCD) such as type 1 diabetes (T1D), rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and sickle cell disease.
• Package of Essential NCD Interventions (PEN) was adopted by the WHO in 2010 to support
the decentralization of services to the primary care level.
• “PEN-Plus” refers to the approach to address severe NCDs through an integrated
outpatient service at first-level hospitals

59
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Angiotensin • According to a recent study the membrane-
converting enzyme 2 bound form of ACE2 is essential for enabling
(ACE2) infection with SARS-CoV-2. Soluble ACE2 lacks
the ability to anchor to the cell membrane.
• ACE2 is a “receptor,” protein that provides the
entry point for the coronavirus into human cells.
• It is of two types:
o A full-length form that can bind to the cell
membrane of healthy host cells
o A shorter, soluble form that circulates in the
blood in small amounts.
iNCOVACC • Bharat Biotech's iNCOVACC, the world's first intranasal vaccine for COVID-19 received
approval for emergency use in India.
• It is a recombinant replication deficient adenovirus vectored vaccine with a pre- fusion
stabilized spike protein.
• Benefits
o It produces antibodies as well as reduce risk of transmission, while other vaccines
only produce antibodies.
o Additional immune response- addition to immunity in blood, it activates immunity of
cells found in tissues lining nose, mouth and lungs.
o Easy delivery – cut down syringe, needles etc
o High compliance (Ideally suits for children’s and adults).
International • Amid shortage of cholera vaccines ICG decided to temporary suspend standard two-dose
Coordinating Group vaccination regimen, using instead a single-dose approach.
(ICG) on Vaccine o Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection in the small intestine causing sometimes fatal
provisions dehydration.
• ICG was established in 1997 to manage and coordinate provision of emergency vaccine
supplies and antibiotics to countries during major outbreaks.
• ICG monitors its vaccine security global stock levels for several vaccines including
cholera, meningitis and yellow fever to ensure availability of sufficient supply.
• ICG is made up of members from WHO, UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières, and
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

60
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 5. DEFENCE
5.1. SOLID FUEL DUCTED RAMJET (SFDR) TECHNOLOGY
Why in news?
Recently, Defence Research
and Development Organisation
(DRDO) successfully flight
tested SFDR booster.
About SFDR
• It is a missile propulsion
system that includes a
thrust modulated ducted
rocket with a reduced
smoke nozzle-less missile booster.
o First flight of SFDR, developed under a
joint Indo-Russian R&D project, was
tested in 2018. It had achieved the
speed of Mach 3.
• The system utilises a solid fuelled air-
breathing Ramjet Engine.
o Unlike solid-propellant rockets, the
Ramjet takes up oxygen from the
atmosphere during flight. Thus, it is
light in weight and can carry more fuel.
• Range: Air targets in the ranges from 70 - 340 km.
Difference between Ramjet, Scramjet and Dual Mode Ramjet (DMRJ)
• Ramjet, Scramjet and DMRJ are the three concepts of air-breathing engines which are being developed
by various space agencies.

61
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 5.2. CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF (CDS)
Why in News?
Lt General Anil Chauhan appointed next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

5.3. GSAT 7 SERIES SATELLITES

Why in News?
Indian Army reportedly tested the operational readiness of its satellite-based systems deployed across the
country under operation ‘Skylight’.
More on News
• Unlike the Indian Air Force and the Navy, the army currently does not have a dedicated satellite.
o Currently, the Army is using 30% of the communication capabilities of the GSAT 7A.
o Defence Acquisition Council has cleared an army proposal for a GSAT-7B satellite.
About GSAT 7 series satellites
• GSAT 7 series satellites are advanced satellites developed by ISRO to meet the communication needs of
the defence services.
o GSAT 7 satellite (launched in 2013) is mainly used by the Indian Navy for its communication needs.
✓ It helps the Navy to have a secure, real time communication link.
o GSAT 7A (launched in 2018) helps in boosting the connectivity between the ground radar stations,
airbases and the airborne early warning and control aircraft (AEW&C) of the IAF (Indian Air Force).
o GSAT 7B will primarily fulfil the communication needs of the Army.
✓ It will help the Army enhance its surveillance in border areas.

5.4. BRAHMOS
Why in News?
Recently, Philippines signed a deal for purchase of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.

62
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 About BrahMos
• BrahMos is a universal long range supersonic cruise missile system that can be launched from land, sea
and air against surface and sea-based targets.
o BrahMos is a collaboration between India (Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO))
and Russia (NPO Mashinostoyenia).
o Name represents Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.
• It is a two-stage missile with a solid propellant booster engine as first stage and liquid ramjet as second
stage.
o It operates at fire and forget principle
• The range of the missile was originally capped at 290 km as per obligations of the Missile Technology
Control Regime (MTCR)
o Following India’s entry in MTCR in 2016, it was decided to extend the range to 450 km and to 600 km
at a later stage.
Other similar missile systems
• Chinese HD-1 supersonic missile is a comprehensive weapon system consisting of missile, launch, command and
control, target indication and comprehensive support systems.
• Tomahawk (used by U.S and its allies) is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile that launches from
ships and submarines and can strike targets precisely from 1,000 miles away.
• Israel’s Sea Breaker, the 5th generation long range, autonomous, precision-guided missile system, is meant to hit
high-value maritime and land target.
• P-800 Oniks/Yakhont is a Russian supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles that has an effective guidance system and is
a fire-and-forget missile.

Cruise Missile Ballistic Missile

About • An unmanned self-propelled (till the • Has a ballistic trajectory over most of its
time of impact) guided vehicle that flight path, regardless of whether it is a
sustains flight through aerodynamic lift weapon-delivery vehicle.
for most of its flight path. • Powered by rockets initially but then they
• They fly within the earth’s atmosphere follow an unpowered, free-falling
and use jet engine technology. trajectory toward their targets
• Example: BrahMos, Harpoon (USA), • Example: Prithvi I, Prithvi II, Agni I, Agni II
Exocet (France) and Dhanush ballistic missiles
Classification • Subsonic (around 0.8 Mach speed), • Based on launch mode, range, propulsion
Supersonic (around 2-3 Mach speed), system.
Hypersonic (More than 5 Mach speed)

63
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 5.4.1. OTHER MISSILES IN NEWS
Agni missile • A successful training launch of Agni-3 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile was
carried out.
• Agni-3 has a range of over 3000 kilometers and can carry a payload of over 1.5
tonnes.
o Agni series of missiles constitute the backbone of India’s nuclear weapons
delivery.
o It was conceived under Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.
S-400 • India on track for sanctions waiver from US for buying Russian S-400 missile
system.
• S-400 is a mobile long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system.
o Equipped with four different missiles, it can engage enemy aircraft,
ballistic missiles, and Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS)
planes at 400km, 250km, medium-range 120km and short-range 40km.
o It has the capability to engage 80 targets at one time with a response time
of 9-10 seconds.
Anti-Tank Guided Missiles • DRDO successfully test fires indigenously developed laser-guided ATGMs from
(ATGM) Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun.
• ATGM employs a tandem high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead to defeat
explosive reactive armour (ERA) protected armoured vehicles.
o Also, it has multi-platform launch capability.
Man Portable Anti-Tank • DRDO successfully flight tested the final deliverable configuration of
Guided Missile (MPATGM) MPATGM.
• The indigenously developed anti-tank missile is a low weight, fire & forget
missile and is launched from a man portable launcher, integrated with
thermal sight.
• Missile has miniaturized infrared imaging seeker and advanced avionics for
on-board control and guidance.
Vertical Launch Short Range • DRDO successfully flight tested indigenously designed and developed VL-
Surface-to-Air Missile (VL- SRSAM.
SRSAM) • VL-SRSAM, a ship-borne weapon system, is to strike aerial threats at close
ranges (40 to 50 km at an altitude of around 15 km), including sea-skimming
targets.
o Its design is based on Astra missile, which is a Beyond Visual Range Air to Air
missile.
Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air • DRDO successfully completed six flight-tests of QRSAM system.
Missile (QRSAM) • QRSAM is a short-range surface-to-air missile system, indigenously designed
and developed by the DRDO.
• It provides a protective shield to moving armoured columns of the Army from
enemy aerial attacks.
• It has a range of 25 to 30 km.
Very Short Range Air Defence • DRDO conducted a successful test flight of VSHORADS missile.
System (VSHORADS) missile • VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed and
developed indigenously by the DRDO.
o It can neutralise low altitude aerial threats at short ranges.
o It is propelled by a dual thrust solid motor and incorporates miniaturized
Reaction Control System and integrated avionics.

HELINA • Indigenously developed (by DRDO) helicopter launched Anti-Tank Guided

Missile (ATGM) ‘HELINA’ was successfully flight tested.
• About HELINA (Helicopter based NAG):
o It is third generation fire and forget class ATGM system mounted on the
Advanced Light Helicopter.
o The system has all weather day and night capability.
Astra Mk-I beyond visual • Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) for Astra
range (BVR) air-to-air Mk-I missiles.
missiles

64
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o DRDO has transferred technology to BDL to produce these missiles and
associated systems.
• BVR missiles can engage beyond the visual range of 37 kilometers.
• Air-to-Air missiles are fired from an airborne asset to destroy an airborne target.
• Missile has been designed for deployment on fighter jets like Sukhoi-30 MKI and
Tejas of the IAF and the Mig-29K of Navy.
Pralay Missile • Maiden flight test of Pralay missile was successfully conducted by DRDO.
• About Pralay
o Indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile.
o Has a range of 150-500 kilometres with an accuracy of less than 10 metres.
o Has a guidance system that includes state-of-the-art navigation mechanisms
and integrated avionics.

5.5. SUBMARINES
Why in News?
Fifth Scorpène-class submarine Vagir was delivered to Navy.
More on News
• Built under: Six Scorpene submarines are being built indigenously under Project-75 by Mazagon Dock
Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) under technology transfer from Naval Group of France.
o Other 5 are: Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, Vagsheer.
• Operating Range: anti-warship and anti-submarine operations, intelligence gathering and surveillance and
naval mines laying.
Various classification of submarines
Submersible Ship Ballistic Nuclear-Power attack Submarines (SSNs) Diesel-electric attack submarines
Nuclear (SSBNs) (SSKs)
• Serve as an undetectable • Nuclear-powered attack submarine • They have diesel engines.
launch platform for armed with non-nuclear weapons. • Battery capacity constrain
intercontinental missiles. • Designed to engage in mine warfare, amount of time a diesel sub can
• Designed specifically for seek out and destroy enemy ships, stay underwater, leading to
stealth and precise delivery and support battle group operations. frequent resurfacing.
of nuclear warheads. • Countries currently have nuclear- • India’s SSKs include Shishumar
• INS Arihant is India’s SSBN. powered submarines- UK, US, China, Class (from Germany); Kilo Class
Russia, India and France or Sindhughosh Class (from
Russia); Kalvari Class Scorpene.

5.6. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

5.6.1. SUBMARINES, SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
INS Vikrant • PM commissioned India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS (Indian Naval Ship)
Vikrant.
• INS Vikrant has been designed by Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design, and
built at Cochin Shipyard Limited, a public sector shipyard under Ministry of
Shipping.
• India has had aircraft carriers earlier too — but those were built either by British
(INS Vikrant and Viraat) or Russians (INS Vikramaditya).
• Details about INS Vikrant
o Over 76% of material and equipment on board is indigenous.
o Uses Short Take Off But Assisted Recovery (STOBAR) aircraft-operation
mode that uses a ski-jump for launching aircrafts.
Project 15 B • Mormugao and Surat ship of Project 15B launched recently.
• Project 15B
o This project is a continuation of Kolkata class destroyers, which were part of
Project 15A commissioned in the previous decade.
o Being built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.

65
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 o Four ships under Project 15 B are viz. Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal and
Surat.
o These are stealth guided missile destroyers.
Project 17A • Taragiri and Udaygiri ship of Project 17A Frigates were launched.
o These ships are advanced version of P17 Frigates (Shivalik Class).
• P17A ships have been designed in-house by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
o 75% of the orders for equipment & system of Project 17A ships are being
placed on indigenous firms including MSMEs.

Project 75(I) • Ministry of Defence extended the proposal deadline for six advanced submarines
under Project75(I).
• Project 75(I) envisages indigenous construction of six modern conventional
submarines with contemporary equipment, advanced torpedoes etc.
• It has been cleared under the strategic partnership model under overall arch of
‘Make in India’.

Indian Naval Ship • Vagsheer, sixth and last submarine of Project 75, has been launched.
(INS) Vagsheer o Vagsheer is a diesel attack submarine, designed to perform sea denial as well
as access denial warfare.
• P 75 is one of two lines of submarines, other being P75I, as part of a plan for
indigenous submarine construction with technology taken from overseas firms.
o Under P75, Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj and Vela have been commissioned. Sea
trials are on for Vagir.
o Constructed by: Mazagon Dock Ltd

5.6.2. AIRCRAFTS, DRONES AND HELICOPTERS

Dornier (Do-228) • Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced the launch of first commercial flight of the
Aircraft flight made-in-India Dornier-228.
o Do-228 has been made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and delivered to
Alliance Air.
✓ Alliance Air will be India’s first commercial airline to fly an India- made aircraft
for civil operations.
o Aircraft will link five remote towns of Arunachal Pradesh to Assam’s Dibrugarh.
• It is part of government’s UdeDeshkaAamNaagrik (UDAN) regional connectivity
scheme.
Light Combat Helicopter • Indian Air Force inducted the indigenously developed (by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.)
(LCH) multi-role LCH-Prachand.
o India has become the seventh country to make attack helicopters.
• Key features
o Range: 550 km; Endurance: Over 3 hrs; Service ceiling (the maximum density
altitude to which it can fly): 6.5 kilometres.
o Only combat helicopter in the world which can land and takeoff at an altitude of
5,000 meter.
• Equipped with a countermeasure dispensing system that protects it from enemy
radars or infrared seekers of the enemy missiles.
Indigenous stealth • Indigenous stealth drone, also referred to as an Unmanned Combat Airborne Vehicle
drone (UCAV), makes maiden flight.
o The UCAV is a precursor to the Ghatak armed stealth drone programme called
AURA (Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft).
✓ AURA is described as a self-defending, high-speed, reconnaissance UAV with
a weapon firing capability.
• It has been designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment.
Chinook helicopters • US Army has grounded its fleet of CH-47 Chinook helicopters after finding the
helicopter to be at risk of engine fires.
• About Chinook Helicopter
o Chinook is a multi-role, vertical-lift platform, which is used for transporting
troops, artillery, equipment, and fuel even over difficult terrains.
o It is also used for humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
• It was inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2019.

66
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Tejas Mark-2 • Cabinet Committee on Security has cleared Tejas Mark-2 project — a more capable
version of indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA).
o Tejas is a single engined, light weight, highly agile, multi-role supersonic fighter
jet.
o Designed by Aeronautical Development Agency under DRDO and Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited.
• Tejas Mark-2 has been described as a 4.5-generation machine that will have 70 per
cent indigenisation.
• It will be fitted with more powerful GE-414 engines, giving it a longer combat range
and greater capacity to carry weapons than existing Tejas Mark-1.
Kamikaze Drones • Army to induct kamikaze drones in eastern Ladakh.
• Kamikaze Drones are small, unmanned aircraft that are packed with explosives that
can be flown directly at a tank or a group of troops that are destroyed when it hits the
target and explodes.
o Also called Switchblade drones as their bladelike wings spring out on launch.
Hermes Starliner • Israel becomes first country to allow drones (Hermes Starliner) in civilian airspace.
unmanned system • It will allow Hermes Starliner drone to fly in civilian airspace rather than being
restricted to unsegregated airspace.

5.6.3. MISCELLANEOUS
Dirty bomb • Russia claimed that Ukraine is planning to use a dirty bomb.
• Dirty Bomb is a bomb that contains radioactive material, such as uranium, which is
scattered through the air when its conventional explosive detonates.
• It doesn't need to contain highly refined radioactive material, as is used in a nuclear
bomb.
• Instead, it uses radioactive materials from hospitals, nuclear power stations or
research laboratories.
• This makes them much cheaper and quicker to make than nuclear weapons.
Indigenous defence • Minister of Defence handed over several IDE to Indian Army:
equipment (IDE) o Future Infantry Soldier as a System (F-INSAS): A programme for infantry
handed to Indian Army modernisation to equip soldiers with modern assault rifle, helmet and a bullet proof
jacket, communication and surveillance system.
o Anti-Personnel mine ‘Nipun’: Also known as soft target blast munition, it replaces
the vintage NMM 14 mines.
o Landing Craft Assault: To serve as a replacement for the boats currently in use in
the Pangong Tso lake.
Carl-Gustaf M4 • Sweden has announced plans to manufacture its Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system in
India.
o The Army has been using the Carl-Gustaf since 1976 and currently operates the Mk2
and Mk3 versions.
• The Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifle is a man-portable, multi-role weapon system.
o M4 weapon system is capable of firing a variety of ammunition, including anti-
armour and illumination rounds, with the maximum range being 1,500 metre.
Pinaka Multi-Barrel • Armenia has placed the first export order for India’s Pinaka MBRL.
Rocket Launcher • Pinaka MBRL Sysytem is an indigenous rocket system designed and developed by
(MBRL) System Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) of DRDO.
• It is a mobile rocket launching system (mounted on a Tatra truck) with maximum range
varying from around 40 km (Pinaka Mk-1) to 75 km (Pinaka-ER or Extended Range).

Submersible Platform • It is a state-of-the-art testing and evaluation facility (launched by DRDO) for sonar
for Acoustic systems developed for use by Indian navy.
Characterization & o Sonar (Sound Navigation and Ranging) is helpful for exploring and mapping ocean
Evaluation (SPACE) because sound waves travel farther in water than do radar and light waves.

67
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • SPACE is one-of-a-kind facility in the world with specially designed submersible
platform, which can be lowered up to depths of 100 meters.
• SPACE will be mainly utilized for evaluating Sonar systems, allowing for quick
deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers.
ABHYAS • ABHYAS - High speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) was successfully flight-tested
from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
• It consists of twin under-slung boosters which provide the initial acceleration to the
vehicle.
• ABHYAS is an indigenous unmanned aerial target system to meet the requirement of
Indian Armed Forces to eliminate air-borne threats.
• Designed by: Aeronautical Development Establishment of DRDO.
High-Energy Laser • SFO Technologies partners with DRDO’s Center for High Energy Systems and
System (HELS) Sciences (CHESS) lab to develop HELS.
• HELS weapons emit enough thermal energy to directly render a target ineffective
without using a conventional munition.
• They could affect targets across air, ground, sea, and space.
• HELS is a laser weapon belonging to Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) Category.
o DEW covers technologies that produce a beam of concentrated electromagnetic
energy or atomic or subatomic particles.
o India’s Project: Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array (DURGA II), Kilo Ampere
Linear Injector (KALI), Project Aditya etc.
o Countries like China, Russia, UK, Israel etc. have programs to develop DEW.
Butterfly Mines • Russia is accused of using PFM-1, known as butterfly mines, which look like toys and
are therefore dangerous for children.
o PFM-1 and PFM-1S are two kinds of anti-personnel landmines that are commonly
referred to as ‘Butterfly mines’ or ‘Green Parrots.
o These mines can be deployed by being dropped from helicopters or through
ballistic dispersion.
• Anti- personal mines are banned by international convention on land mines, but
Russia and Ukraine are not signatories to it.

68
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 6. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
6.1. NUCLEAR FUSION
Why in news?
In a fusion experiment using lasers, the scientists at Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratory in California achieved a net energy
gain for the first time.
More about news
• Achieving Ignition: Scientists for the first time ever, were able
to achieve ignition in nuclear fusion i.e., creating a nuclear
reaction that generates more energy than it consumes.
• Execution: Used powerful lasers to heat and compress
hydrogen nuclei. When the nuclei fuse, they release heat.
When this heat is equal to or greater than the heat delivered
to the container, the event is called ignition.
About Nuclear Fusion
• Process by which two light atomic nuclei (for
example tritium and deuterium) combine to
form a single heavier (Helium) one while
releasing massive amounts of energy.
• Fusion reactions take place in a state of matter
called plasma a hot, charged gas made of
positive ions and free-moving electrons with
unique properties distinct from solids, liquids, or
gases.
• Challenge to fusion: Strong repulsive
electrostatic forces between the positively
charged nuclei prevent them from getting close
enough together to collide and for fusion to
occur.
• When does it happen: If the attractive nuclear
force (which binds protons and neutrons
together in atomic nuclei) between the nuclei
outweighs the repulsive (electrostatic) force,
then a fusion reaction can occur.
o Such conditions can occur when the temperature increases, causing the ions to move faster and
eventually reach speeds high enough to bring the ions close enough together.
• Conditions required to achieve fusion
o Temperature of more than 100 million degrees Celsius.
o Maintaining a high enough density for a long enough time so that the rate of fusion reactions will be
large enough to generate the desired power.
Types of Nuclear Fusion: Inertial and Magnetic
• In an inertial fusion (used in the present experiment), laser or ion beams are focused very precisely onto the
surface of a target. This results in very high temperatures.
• In Magnetic fusion, hundreds of cubic meters of plasma at a density of less than a milligram per cubic meter are
confined by a magnetic field at high pressure and heated to fusion temperature.
• It is relatively easier to attain break-even energy levels through inertial fusion compared to magnetic fusion.

• Advantages of fusion: abundant energy, fuels are widely available, don’t emit harmful gases like CO2,
much less radioactive waste compared to fission etc.
• Challenges in fusion process
o At such high temperatures, matter exists only in plasma state, which is extremely difficult to work
with.
69
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 o Fusion reactions are not easily controlled due to high temperatures.
Similar initiatives across the world Related News
• International Thermonuclear Experimental • India has supplied Cryolines for ITER project in France.
Reactor (ITER) Assembly. • Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), an aided institute of
• China’s Artificial Sun: The Experimental Department of Atomic Energy, is India's collaborating
agency.
Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST)
o Other than supplying cryolines, IPR has also
device replicates the nuclear fusion.
supplied ITER about six km of return lines for warm
• SST-2 tokamak: India’s experimental fusion gases, manufactured in India.
reactor at the Institute of Plasma Research
in Gujarat.
• The Joint European Torus (JET): project for opening the way to future nuclear fusion grid energy.

6.2. SMALL MODULAR REACTORS (SMRS)

Why in news?
Recently, Niti
Aayog member
suggested for
focusing on
setting up small
modular
reactors as it
would help meet
the country’s
energy needs
and also in
replacing aging
thermal power
plants.

70
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 About Small modular reactors (SMRs)
• SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit.
o According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), more than 70 SMR concepts are
currently under development in 18 countries.
• Advantages of SMRs
o Smaller footprint: SMRs can be sited on locations not suitable for larger nuclear power plants.
o Affordable: Prefabricated units of SMRs can be manufactured and then shipped and installed on site.
o Savings: SMRs
offer savings
in cost and
construction
time.
• IAEA has
established the
Platform on SMRs
and their
Applications, a
one-stop shop for countries to coordinate support related to all aspects of SMR development.

6.3. HYPERLOOP SYSTEM

Why in news?
Indian railways is collaborating with IIT Madras for the development of ‘indigenous’ Hyperloop system.
More about news
• Team named ‘Avishkar Hyperloop’, formed by IIT Madras has been working on the development of
Hyperloop-based system for transportation.
• IIT Madras has also proposed to set up a ‘Centre of Excellence for Hyperloop Technologies’.

71
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 6.4. LITHIUM-ION BATTERY
Why in news?
Recently Union Government
constituted an expert panel to
probe the recent series of battery
explosions in electric vehicles
(EVs).
Steps taken for Lithium-ion
batteries in India
• National Mission on
Transformative Mobility: To
encourage domestic Lithium-
Ion Cell manufacturing and
EV components.
• ISRO and BHEL agreement: to
develop low-cost lithium-ion
batteries.
• India’s first lithium cell plant
manufacturing facility will be
launched in Tirupati, Andhra
Pradesh.
• Lithium triangle nations:
India is focusing on 'Lithium
Triangle' nations Argentina,
Bolivia and Chile for joint
About Lithium
• Lithium is lightest solid metal. It is currently produced
from hard rock or brine mines.
• Australia is the world's biggest supplier, with production
of Lithium from hard rock mines, while Argentina, Chile
and China are producing it from salt lakes.
Lithium in India
• In India first traces of Lithium ever to be discovered in the
ancient igneous rock of Karnataka’s Mandya district.
o Recently Lithium reserves were also discovered in
J&K.
• Currently India imports all its lithium needs, with China
and Hong Kong biggest suppliers.

Comparison of various battery types

Type Advantage Disadvantage
Lead Acid Mature technology, low cost and ruggedness Heavy and bulky, do not cycle well.
batteries compared with other battery technologies.
Nickel-cadmium Availability in all sizes, can be moved around easily, Environmental concerns related to
batteries can be stored, or used for up to 5 years, offer more cadmium.
than 1,000 charge and discharge cycles. Prone to memory effect that can cause a
battery to lose electrical storage area.
Higher self-discharge rate than Lithium-ion.
Nickel metal Widely used in consumer electronics, addresses the Not considered for large stationary
hydride issues arising from the environmental effects of applications because of high cost of Nickel,
batteries cadmium. also have a high self-discharge rate and
generally take a long time to charge.
All solid-state High energy densities and charge/discharge current Challenges in both manufacturing and
batteries limits, a higher life even in harsh conditions, lower fundamental technology understanding.
charging time.

72
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Metal air High energy density than lithium-ion batteries, only Not electrically rechargeable, lower
anode replacement needed, comparatively longer charge/discharge rates compared with
shelf life than lithium-ion. Lithium-ion batteries
Sodium ion Wider operational temperature range and are safer. Lower energy density than lithium-ion
batteries Cheaper than Lithium-ion. batteries.

Related Concept
Battery Energy Storage
• Energy storage is the capture of energy produced for
later use to reduce imbalances between energy
demand and energy production.
• Based on the application, battery energy storage can be
classified into three categories:
o Consumer electronics applications (for mobile
phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, etc.)
o Stationary applications (such as for commercial
and industrial applications).
o Transportation applications.

Related News
Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) formulates performance standards for Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries
• BIS has published standards for Test Specifications for Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Traction Battery Packs and Systems
(Performance Testing) for Electrically Propelled Road Vehicles.
o IS 17855:2022 standards are formulated considering real life scenarios such as parked vehicles (no battery use
for a longer period), battery running at high and low temperatures etc.
Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) mandated New Safety tests for electric vehicles (EVs) receiving subsidies
• MHI announced a list of safety tests that will be mandatory for EVs manufacturers from April 2023 to receive
subsidies under following EV promotion schemes:
o Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobiles and Auto Components.
o PLI Scheme for Advance Chemistry Cell (ACC).
o FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) II.
• These tests, carried at 3 levels (Battery Pack, Battery Management System (BMS) and Cell Level), are accepted
internationally for safeguarding Human Safety.
o Currently, there are no centralised testing facilities for EVs in India and manufacturers have their own
benchmarks.

6.5. FLEX FUEL

Why in news?
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has launched first of its kind pilot project on Flexi-Fuel Strong Hybrid
Electric Vehicles (FFV-SHEV) in India.
About Flex Fuel vehicles (FFV)
• Like traditional vehicles, flex fuel vehicles have an internal combustion engine, but instead of regular
petrol, it can run on blended fuel — petrol with ethanol or methanol.
o The ethanol mix can vary between 20% and 85%.
• Unlike electric hybrid vehicles, no bulky parts need to be added to the basic gasoline vehicle architecture.
• Upgrading existing vehicles is possible but expensive and not considered feasible.
• An FFV-SHEV possesses a flex-fuel engine and an electric powertrain.
o This setup extends dual advantages of higher ethanol use and greater fuel efficiency, as it can run on
its EV mode for a good amount of time, while the engine stands shut off.
• Significance of FFV: Less polluting, check on diversion of sugar used in ethanol blending, burn with
whatever proportion of mixture is in its combustion chamber, reduced import bill etc.
• Challenges of FFV: lack of adequate infrastructure, issue with ethanol supply since this largely comes from
sugarcane in India, less mileage etc.

73
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 6.6. FUEL CELL
Why in News?
India’s first indigenously
developed hydrogen fuel cell
bus, jointly developed by
Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR)
and private firm KPIT
Technologies Ltd, was
launched recently.
About Fuel Cell
• Electrochemical devices
to convert chemical
energy into electrical
energy.
• Fuel cells do not need to
be periodically
recharged like batteries,
but instead continue to
produce electricity as long as it is supplied with a source of hydrogen and a source of oxygen (usually
air).
• Source of hydrogen is generally referred to as the fuel and this gives the fuel cell its name.
• Applications: Transport, Portable (military applications, Auxiliary Power Units, laptops etc.), Stationary
(power to industrial/commercial/residential buildings etc.),
• Benefits: Lower operational costs due to higher efficiency and high energy density of hydrogen, Noise-
free operation, operating times are much longer.
• Challenges: Transportation, flammability and storage of hydrogen gas, High cost, Technological
challenges like system size, management of air, heat and water etc.

74
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Steps taken by government
• India is aiming to achieve
E10 by 2022 and E20 by
(20% ethanol blend) by
2025.
• Bharat Stage Norms:
India directly shifted
from BS-IV to BS-VI
norms.
• Government has
included automobile &
auto components of flex-
fuel engines into the
Production Linked
Incentive (PLI) scheme.

Related News
In a first, Rolls-Royce successfully tests hydrogen-powered jet engine.
About Hydrogen-powered Engine
• A hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) works on the same principles as a traditional ICE, except that it uses
hydrogen in place of a petroleum-based fuel.
o Burning the hydrogen fuel produces the energy needed to drive the engine.
• A hydrogen ICE is not the same as a hydrogen fuel cell, which has been used in some electric vehicles.
o In hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen powers the cells leading to creation of electricity that will drive the vehicle’s
engine.

6.7. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Roshini • It is India’s first Saline Water Lantern which uses sea water as electrolyte between specially
designed electrodes to power the LED lamps.
o Developed by: National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai.
o Technology can also be used in hinterlands, as any saline/normal water mixed with
common salt can be used to power the lantern.
Mission • Mission Innovation launched Integrated Bio-refineries Mission (IBM) to accelerate Clean
Innovation Energy solutions through Public-Private Alliances.
• Mission Innovation is a global initiative to catalyze action and investment in research,
development and demonstration to make clean energy affordable, attractive and accessible
to all this decade.
o It consists of 22 countries and EU. India is a founding member.
o 1st phase of the mission was launched alongside the Paris Agreement in 2015 and 2nd phase
of MI, was launched in 2021.
• About IBM
o It is launched with the goal of replacing 10% of fossil-based fuels, chemicals, and materials
with bio-based alternatives by 2030.
o This is the 6th Mission launched by Mission Innovation.
o Other 5 missions includes Clean Hydrogen, Green Powered Future, Zero-Emission
Shipping, Carbon Dioxide Removal, and Urban Transitions.
UK-NITI Aayog • In the backdrop of COP 26 President visit to India, NITI Aayog launched two initiatives namely,
collaborative o E-AMRIT (Accelerated e-Mobility Revolution for India's Transportation) mobile
initiatives on application to raise awareness on electric mobility.
electric mobility o Report on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Reuse supported by UK’s Green Growth
Fund Technical Cooperation Facility.

75
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 7. AWARDS AND PRIZES
7.1. NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY 2022
Prize awarded for: the development of click chemistry and bioorthogonal chemistry.
Awardees: The prize was given to Carolyn R. Bertozzi (USA), Morten Meldal (Denmark) and K. Barry Sharpless
(USA).
Related Facts
• It was 2nd Nobel Prize in Chemistry for K Barry Sharpless, who won his first prize in 2001 for his work on chirally
catalyzed oxidation reactions.
• He is the fifth person to receive Nobel Prize twice after Madam Curie, Linus Pauling, John Bardeen and Fredrick
Sanger.
o The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has won it three times while UNHCR, the UN Refugee
Agency, has won it twice.

About Click Chemistry and Bioorthogonal Chemistry

• K. Barry Sharpless and Morten Meldal have laid the
foundation of click chemistry- a branch of science in
which molecular building blocks snap together
quickly and efficiently.
o Instead of trying to make carbon atoms react
with each other, click chemistry focuses on
using smaller molecules that already have a
complete carbon frame.
o One such reaction is copper-catalysed azide-
alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) that is now widely
used medicinal chemistry (refer image).
• Carolyn Bertozzi developed click reactions that
work inside living organisms to map important but
elusive biomolecules on the surface of cells called
glycans.
o Also known as Bioorthogonal reactions, these
reactions take place without disrupting the
normal chemistry of the cell.
Significance of the Work
• Development of enzyme inhibitors and receptor
ligands, pharmaceuticals (anticancer agents,
antimicrobials etc.), herbicides, photostabilizers,
etc.
• Mapping of complex biological
processes like DNA and creating
unique materials.
• Bioorthogonal Reactions are used to
explore how cells function and track
biological processes.
o This has helped in improved
targeting of cancer
pharmaceuticals.

7.2. NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS 2022

Prize awarded for: experiments with entangled photons, establishing the violation of Bell inequalities and
pioneering quantum information science.
Awardees: The prize was given to Alain Aspect (France), John F. Clauser (USA) and Anton Zeilinger (Austria).

76
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 About Quantum experiments and Bell inequalities
• They demonstrated the potential to investigate and control
particles that are in entangled states.
○ Entanglement is when multiple objects – such as a pair of
electrons or photons – share a single quantum state.
○ By measuring the property of one particle we can
immediately determine the result of an equivalent
measurement on the other particle, without any check
(see image).
• They also demonstrated a phenomenon called Quantum
Teleportation – a way of transferring an unknown quantum
state from one particle to
another.
○ It uses features of
entanglement which can
be used to transport
information, carried by the
object, to another place
where the object is then
reconstituted.
○ Anton Zeilinger group also
demonstrated
entanglement swapping,
i.e., two pairs of entangled
particles that never met
(see image).
• Another important part of
their research was theoretical
insight on Bell inequalities.
○ Bell inequalities make it
possible to differentiate between quantum mechanics’ indeterminacy and an alternative description
using secret instructions, or hidden variables.
Significance of the Work
• Will have implications in quantum computers, quantum networks, and secure quantum cryptography.
• Lay the foundation for research in Quantum Information Science (QIS).
○ QIS is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to understand information using quantum mechanics
principles.

7.3. NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSIOLOGY OR MEDICINE 2022

Prize awarded for:
discoveries concerning
the genomes of extinct
hominins and human
evolution.
Awardee: Prize was given
to Swedish geneticist
Svante Pääbo.
About his discoveries on
human evolution
• He sequenced the
genome of the
Neanderthal, an
extinct relative of present-day humans.
77
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 o Neanderthals developed outside Africa and populated Europe and Western Asia from around 400,000
years. They went extinct around 30,000 years ago.
o He analyzed and sequenced the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of Neanderthals – demonstrating that
Neanderthals were genetically distinct.
✓ Though the mtDNA is small and contains only a fraction of genetic information, it is present in
thousands of copies for sequencing.
✓ In comparison, the Nuclear DNA (nDNA) tends to degrade and modify chemically over time,
making it difficult to sequence them.

• He made the discovery of a previously unknown hominin Denisova, discovered in 2008 from southern part
of Siberia.
• He also found
that gene
transfer had
occurred from
these now
extinct hominins
to Homo sapiens
following the
migration out of
Africa around
70,000 years ago.
o Homo
sapiens, or
anatomically
modern
human, first appeared in Africa approximately 300,000 years ago.
o About 70,000 years ago, groups of Homo sapiens migrated from Africa to the Middle East and, from
there they spread to the rest of the world (refer image).
Significance of his work
• Gave rise to a new scientific discipline called paleogenomics, i.e. the study and analysis of genes of ancient
or extinct organisms.
• His work on differences between living humans from extinct hominins is useful for:
o Better understanding of human evolution and migration.
o Understanding how the ancient flow of genes influences humans today. E.g.
✓ Neanderthal genes affect our immune response to different infections, and
✓ Denisovan version of the gene EPAS1 confers an advantage for survival at high altitude
(commonly found among Tibetans).

78
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 8. MISCELLANEOUS
8.1. EUROPEAN ORGANIZATION FOR NUCLEAR RESEARCH (CERN)
Why in news?
Large Hadron Collider (LHC) was
restarted after a 3-year shutdown.

79
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 Related News
Pentaquarks and Tetraquarks
• Large Hadron Collider beauty (LHCb) experiment has observed three new particles at European Organisation for
Nuclear Research (CERN).
o Pentaquark and first-ever pair of tetraquarks are three members to list of new hadrons.
o They will help physicists better understand how quarks bind together into composite particles.
• Quarks are elementary particles that usually combine in groups of twos and threes to form hadrons such as
protons and neutrons that make up atomic nuclei.
o They can also combine into four-quark and five-quark particles, called tetraquarks and pentaquarks.

8.2. ACHARYA JAGADISH CHANDRA BOSE (J.C. BOSE)

Why in News?
Ministry of Culture organized an
international conference on the occasion of
164th birth anniversary of the Indian
scientist Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose
(J.C. Bose)
About J.C. Bose (1858-1937)
• He was an Indian Physicist and plant
physiologist.
• He founded the Bose Institute in 1917,
Asia’s first modern research centre which focused on interdisciplinary research.
o It became an autonomous grant-in-aid institution of the Department of Science and Technology
• He was the first Asian to be awarded a US patent in in 1904 and first Asian along with Srinivasa Ramanujan
to become the fellows of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1920.
• He was the president of the 14th session of the Indian Science Congress in 1927.
Contributions of Acharya J C Bose
• Contributions in Physics:
o Researched on millimeter waves
(spectrum band with wavelengths
between 10 mm and 1 mm) and in the
arena of microwave devices.
✓ Presently millimeter wave is
used for a variety of services
on mobile and wireless
networks, as it enables higher
data rates.
o Developed World’s first wireless
communication link at 5-mm
wavelength using a spark transmitter
(generates radio waves by means of
electric spark) and a spiral ‘coherer’ (an
instrument that detects radio waves) as
the receiver.
✓ Bose’s coherer was used by
Guglielmo Marconi to build an operational two-way radio.
o Called ‘Father of Radio Science’ as he first explained science behind radio technology.
• Contribution in Biology:
o He researched the seasonal effect on plants and the effect of chemical inhibitors (substances which
slow down chemical reactions) and temperature on plants.
✓ He invented Crescograph to study plants.
o Proved that plants have life and a sensitive nervous system.
o Biophysics and cybernetics: His measurements of the effect of electromagnetic radiation on plant
growth is becoming an important area of plant biophysics and cybernetics.

80
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 o He showed that the living cells of the innermost layer of the cortex (an outer layer of a stem or root
in a vascular plant) were in a state of pulsatory motion (like rhythmic beating of the heart).
✓ This pulsation caused the pumping of water from cell to cell in an upward direction.
o In this field, his two major works include ‘Response in the Living and Non-Living’ and ‘The Nervous
Mechanism of Plants.’

8.3. THE "MYSTERY" PARTICLE FINDING

Why in the news?
Recently scientists have found out that a
fundamental particle ‘W boson’ (refer to the
infographics)
More about the news
• It has a significantly greater mass than
theorized by the Standard Model.
• This recent discovery indicates there may be
a new fundamental ingredient to our
universe.
• About the Standard Model
o It is a set of mathematical formulae and
measurements describing elementary
or fundamental particles and their
interactions.
o It contains 12 fundamental matter
particles categorized as quarks and
leptons and three forces that govern the
behavior of matter: electromagnetism,
the strong and weak nuclear forces.
✓ The force of gravity is currently not
included in the standard model.
o This model was developed in the early 1970s and is still considered to be the most accurate theory
covering the foundations of particle physics.
o It predicted the existence of yet-to-be discovered particles, such as the Higgs boson.
o However, this model is yet incomplete and falls short of in explaining:
✓ General relativity's description of gravity?
✓ Why is the Universe expanding ever faster?
✓ Why is there more matter than antimatter?

8.4. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

8.4.1. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Manthan • Launched by: Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA).
platform • Objective is to promote collaboration between industry and scientific research and
development ecosystem to help meet India’s sustainability goals in alignment with UN SDG
charter.
• Platform aims to enable and empower all spheres of science and technology within the
country.
State University • SERB-SURE is a new innovative scheme for high-end research at state and private
Research universities and colleges.
Excellence (SERB- • Launched by: Science and Engineering Research Board, statutory body of Department of
SURE) Science and Technology
• It will provide research support to active researchers to undertake research in frontier areas
of science, engineering, and quantitative social science.
Vritika Research • VRITIKA’ is the call for initiation and practice in science through Training and Skill Internship.
Internship o Sponsored by Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science
and Technology (DST).

81
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 • It aims to provide opportunities to promising PG students from universities and colleges to
get exposure and hands-on research skill development experience.
• These internships will primarily be facilitated by organizations / institutions / laboratories of
national importance such as IITs, IISc, IISERs, NITs, CSIR, ICAR, ICMR etc.
Studentship • SPARK aims to support the research ideas of young undergraduate students.
Program for o The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) will offer research
Ayurveda fellowships to young undergraduate students enrolled in Ayurveda colleges across the
Research Ken country.
(SPARK) program • CCRAS is the apex body, Under Ministry of AYUSH, for research in Ayurveda on scientific
lines.
Scientific • The SRIMAN Guidelines are released by the Department of Science and Technology for
Research better access and sharing of publicly funded Scientific Research and Development
Infrastructure Infrastructure.
Sharing o It includes Networking and Cluster Approach, creating Cluster Central Instrumentation
Maintenance and Facility (CCIF) to reduce redundancy and acquire more variety of equipment.
Networks o CCIF will also tie up with industries, especially MSMEs and [Link]-based iRASTE to
(SRIMAN) make roads in India safer to drive.
Guidelines, 2022 • ‘Intelligent Solutions for Road Safety through Technology and Engineering’ (iRASTE)
project is being implemented in Nagpur to tackle problem of road accidents.
o It is undertaken by IIIT Hyderabad and supported by the Department of Science and
Technology (DST).
o It is under DST’s National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-
ICPS)
✓ NM-ICPS aims to create a strong foundation and a seamless ecosystem for CPS
technologies by coordinating and integrating nationwide efforts encompassing
knowledge generation, human resource development, research, etc.
NIDHI Prayas • M/s TGP Bioplastics was provided assistance to mitigate usage of Single Use Plastics (SUP).
o This project has received seed funding under NIDHI Prayas (DST), Niti Aayog and UNIDO
for the prototype development.
• Department of Science & Technology has launched a NIDHI program (National Initiative for
Developing and Harnessing Innovations)
o Under NIDHI programs for setting up of incubators, seed fund, accelerators etc. have
been launched.
• Under NIDHI, PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring innovators &
Startups) programme has been initiated in which established Technology Business
Incubators are supported with PRAYAS grant.

8.4.2. MISCELLANEOUS
Scientific Social • Department of Science and Technology (DST) released SSR Guidelines 2022.
Responsibility (SSR) • About SSR: Ethical obligation of knowledge workers in all fields of science and
technology to voluntarily contribute to the widest spectrum of stakeholders in society.
• Key highlights:
o Every knowledge institution would prepare its implementation plan in consultation
with Anchor Scientific Institution (ASI) for achieving its SSR goals and prepare its
SSR code of conduct.
o There should be an SSR assessment cell in each institution including ASI.
o SSR activities and projects of a knowledge institution would not be outsourced or
subcontracted.
Graphene • A Centre for Nano and Soft Sciences (CeNS) team has developed Graphene-stabilised
tunable photonic crystal that can make more durable & better reflective display and
lasers devices.
o Photonic crystals are optical nanostructures in which refractive index changes
periodically (such as in butterfly wings, peacock feathers).
• Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms, tightly bound in a hexagonal honeycomb
lattice.
o It is an allotrope of carbon.
• Characteristics: Thinnest compound at one atom thick, lightest material known,
strongest compound discovered, good conductor of heat and electricity etc.
• Applications: Energy, telecommunications, electronics, sensors and imaging, biomedical
technologies etc.

82
© Vision IAS DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI
 Ethylene Glycol • Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals issued a gazette notification titled
Ethylene Glycol (Quality Control) Order, 2022.
• Ethylene glycol is a colorless and odorless alcoholic compound that can be fatal if
consumed.
o It is a syrupy or viscous liquid at room temperature.
• It is mostly used as an automotive antifreeze and for manufacturing polyester fibres.
• Also found in hydraulic brake fluids, stamp pad inks, ballpoint pens, solvents, paints,
cosmetics and plastics etc.
• Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are adulterants that are sometimes illegally used
as solvents in liquid drugs to cut costs.
Single-crystalline • Department of Science and Technology (DST) have discovered a novel material called
scandium nitride Single-crystalline ScN that can convert infrared light to renewable energy.
(ScN) • ScN can emit, detect, and modulate infrared light with high efficiencies.
• It belongs to same family of materials as gallium nitride (GaN).
• ScN is compatible with modern complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) or
Si-chip technology and, therefore, could be easily integrated for on-chip optical
communication devices.
Cordy gold • It has been developed to make drug delivery in the human body faster and surer.
nanoparticles (Cor- • These nanoparticles have been derived from the synthesis of the extracts of Cordyceps
AuNPs) militaris (a high value parasitic fungus) and gold salts.
• It is the outcome of a collaborative experiment by scientists from four Indian
institutions.

Nixtamalisation • A study has thrown light on how Maya people fortified their maize with chemical
process known as ‘nixtamalisation.
• Nixtamalisation is a method by which the ancient peoples of Mesoamerica (a term used
to describe Mexico and Central America) like the Maya used to soak and cook their
maize in an alkaline solution and make it more palatable, nutritious and non-toxic.
o Process ensures that maize contains amino acids, calcium and Vitamin B2, which can
be utilised by the human body.
o It also eliminates certain mycotoxins present in maize.

83
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI © Vision IAS
 SUMMARY OF

2023-24
UNION BUDGET

INTRODUCTION
As per article 112 of the Constitution, Union Budget is basically the statement of estimated receipts and expen-
diture of the Government. Budget word is not mentioned in the Constitution.
It is also known as Annual Financial Statement of the Government.
Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance is the nodal body responsible for preparing of the
Budget.
Union Budget is classified into Revenue Budget and Capital Budget.
Part A of the Budget is the macroeconomic part of the budget where various schemes and priorities of govern-
ment are announced, and allocations are made to several sectors.
Part B of the Budget deals with Finance Bill, which contains taxation proposals such as income tax revisions and
indirect taxes. (A Finance Bill is a Money Bill as defined in Article 110 of the Constitution.)
Major Budget documents presented to the Parliament, besides the Finance Minister’s Budget Speech are
Annual Financial Statement (under Article 112) , Demands for Grants (under Article 113), Finance Bill (under
article 110) and Fiscal Policy Statements mandated under FRBM Act -
Macro-Economic Framework Statement.
Medium-Term Fiscal Policy cum Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement.
Other explanatory documents are also presented like
Expenditure Budget Output Outcome Monitoring Framework
Receipt Budget Key Features of Budget 2023-24
Expenditure Profile Implementation of Budget Announcements
Budget at a Glance 2022-23.
Memorandum Explaining the Provisions in the
Finance Bill
 8468022022 [Link]

BUDGET PROCESS

Budget is General Discussuion Standing Committees Detalied discussion Appropriation and

presented on Budget in both scrutinise individual and voting on Finance Bill
the Houses ministers' Demand Demand for Grants passed
for Grants in Lok sabha

! !! !!! !" "

Budget 2023-24 is the Vision For Amrit Kaal 4 Transformative

first budget in Amrit Kaal (An Empowered and Inclusive Economy) Opportunities
which is roadmap of next
Economic Empowerment of Women
25 years – from India Opportuinites for citizens with
focus on youth PM VIshwakarma KAushal Samman
@75 to India @100. A (PM VIKAS)
Three-pronged focus Growth in job creation. Tapping the potential of Tourism.
driven by four transfor- Green Growth leading to efficient
Strong and stable Macro
mative opportunities con- Economic Enviorment. use of energy across sectors and
stitutes the foundation of green jobs.
Amrit Kaal.

PART A ‘SAPTARISHI’ - 7 PRIORITIES OF BUDGET 2023-24

Budget proposal for 2023-2024 rests on 7 Inclusive

guiding pillars - ‘SAPTARISHI’ in the AMRIT Development

KAAL.
Financial Reaching the
Sector Last Mile

PRIORITY 1: INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT AMRIT

KAAL
AGRICULTURE AND COOPERATION Youth Infrastructure
and
Power
Investment
Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture:
Will be built as an open source, open standard and
inter-operable public good. Unleashing
Green
It aims to promote farmer-centric solutions Growth the Potential

related to inputs, marketing, etc.

Agriculture Accelerator Fund: To encourage agri-startups in rural areas.
Enhancing productivity of cotton crop: Aims to adopt a cluster-based and value chain approach
through Public Private Partnerships (PPP).

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | BHOPAL | RANCHI | PRAYAGRAJ 2
 8468022022 [Link]

Atmanirbhar Horticulture Clean Plant Pro- PRIORITY 1 : INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT

gram: Aim to boost availability of THE GOVERNMENTS PHILOSOPHY OF SABKA SATH SABKA VIKAS HAS
FACILITATED INCLUSIVE DEVELOMPMENT AND GIVEN OVERALL
disease-free, quality planting material for PRIORITY TO THE UNDERPRIVILEDGED(VANCHITON KO VARIYATA)
high value horticultural crops at an outlay of
₹2,200 crore.
Global Hub for Millets (referred to as ‘Shree
Anna’): For this Indian Institute of Millet
Research, Hyderabad will be supported as AFFORDABLE HEALTH
the Centre of Excellence. FOR ALL
Agriculture Credit: • Nursing Colleges

Rs.20 Lakh crore credit for Animal Hus- • Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination
Mission
bandry, Dairy and Fishing sector. AGRICULTURE AND • Multidisciplinary courses for
New sub-scheme of PM Matsya Sampada COOPERATION medical devices

Yojana will be launched with targeted •Digital Public Infrastructure for

investment of ₹6,000 crore. Agriculture
• Agriculture Accelerator Fund
Cooperation: Government is promoting
• Enhancing productivity of cotton
cooperative-based economic develop- crop
ment model especially for small and mar- • Atmanirbhar Horticulture Clean

ginal farmers, and other marginalised

Plant Program ACCESSING EDUCATION
sections.
• Global Hub for Millets: "Shree Anna'
AND SKILLING
• New sub-scheme of PM Matsya • District Institutes of Education and
Government has initiated computerisation Sampada Yojana Training
• Cooperative based economic
of 63,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Soci- development
• National Digital Library for
Children and Adolescents
eties (PACS) and enabling them to become
multipurpose PACS.
Also aim is to facilitate setting up cooperative societies in uncovered panchayats and villages in the
next 5 years.
AFFORDABLE HEALTH FOR ALL
Nursing Colleges: 157 new nursing colleges co-location with
the existing 157 medical colleges established since 2014.
Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission: Mission to elimi-
nate Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047 will be launched.
Focuses on awareness creation, universal screening of 7
crore people in the age group of 0-40 years in affected
tribal areas.
Multidisciplinary courses for medical devices: To ensure
availability of skilled manpower for futuristic medical tech-
nologies, high-end manufacturing and research.
Pharma Innovation: A new programme to promote research
and innovation in pharmaceuticals will be taken up through
centres of excellence.

ACCESSING EDUCATION AND SKILLING

Teachers’ Training: The District Institutes of Education and
Training will be developed as vibrant institutes of excellence
for this purpose.
National Digital Library for Children and Adolescents

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | BHOPAL | RANCHI | PRAYAGRAJ 3
 8468022022 [Link]

PRIORITY 2: REACHING THE LAST MILE

AFFORDABLE HEALTH FOR ALL
Aspirational Districts and Blocks Pro-
gramme: It covers 500 blocks for saturation PRIORITY 2 : REACHING THE LAST MILE
NO ONE TO BE LEFT BEHIND
of essential government services.
Pradhan Mantri PVTG (Particularly Vul-
nerable Tribal Group) Development
Mission:
An amount of ₹15,000 crore will be SUPPORT FOR
made available to implement the Mission POOR PRISONERS
in the next three years under the Devel-
opment Action Plan for the Scheduled
Tribes. ASPIRATIONAL DISTRICTS
Eklavya Model Residential Schools: In the AND BLOCKS PROGRAMME
next three years, centre will recruit 38,800
teachers and support staff for the 740 PRADHAN MANTRI PVTG
Eklavya Model Residential Schools, serving DEVELOPMENT MISSION
3.5 lakh tribal students.
Water for Drought Prone Region: For Upper
Bhadra Project, central assistance of EKLAVYA MODEL
₹5,300 crore will be given. RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS
PM Awas Yojana: The outlay for PM Awas
Yojana is being enhanced by 66%. WATER FOR DROUGHT
PRONE REGION
Bharat Shared Repository of Inscriptions
(Bharat SHRI): It will be set up in a digital
epigraphy museum, with digitization of one
lakh ancient inscriptions in the first stage. BHARAT SHARED
Support for poor prisoners: For poor per- REPOSITORY
sons who are in prisons and unable to OF INSCRIPTIONS
PM AWAS YOJANA
afford the penalty or the bail amount, (BHARAT SHRI)
required financial support will be provided.

PRIORITY 3: INFRASTRUCTURE & INVESTMENT

INVESTMENT
Capital Investment as driver of growth and jobs: Capital investment outlay is being increased to ₹10
lakh crore which would be 3.3% of GDP.
Effective Capital Expenditure: It has been budgeted at 4.5% of GDP.
Support to State Governments for Capital Investment: Continue the 50-year interest free loan to
state governments for one more year, with a significantly enhanced outlay of ₹1.3 lakh crore.
Enhancing opportunities for private investment in Infrastructure: Establishing new Infrastructure
Finance Secretariat.
More private investment in infrastructure, including railways, roads, urban infrastructure and power.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | BHOPAL | RANCHI | PRAYAGRAJ 4
 8468022022 [Link]

ENSURING LAST MILE CONNECTIVITY

PRIORITY 3 : INFRASTRUCTURE & INVESTMENT
IT HAS A LARGE MULTIPLIER IMPACT ON GROWTH AND EMPLOYMENT.
AFTER THE SUBDUED PERIOD OF THE PANDEMIC, PRIVATE
INVESTMENTS ARE GROWING AGAIN

ENSURING LAST
MILE CONNECTIVITY
Harmonized Master List of Infrastructure: It will •Harmonized Master List of
be reviewed by an expert committee to become Infrastructure.
•Highest ever outlay for
suitable for Amrit Kaal. INVESTMENT Railways

Railways: A capital outlay of ₹2.40 lakh crore is • Capital Investment as driver • 100 critical transport
infrastructure projects
of growth and jobs
the highest ever outlay. • Effective Capital Expenditure •Regional Connectivity

Logistics: 100 critical transport infrastructure • Support to State Govern- •Coastal Shipping
ments for Capital Investment
projects, for last and first mile connectivity for • Enhancing opportunities for
ports, coal, steel, fertilizer, and food grains sec- private investment in
Infrastructure
tors have been identified.
Regional Connectivity: 50 additional airports,
heliports, water aerodromes and advance land- URBAN DEVELOPMENT
ing grounds will be revived for improving • Sustainable Cities of
regional air connectivity. Tomorrow
• Making Cities ready for
Coastal Shipping: To be promoted through PPP Municipal Bonds

model. • Urban Infrastructure

Development Fund
• Urban Sanitation

URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Sustainable Cities of Tomorrow: States and cities will be encouraged to undertake urban planning
reforms and actions.
Making Cities ready for Municipal Bonds through property tax governance reforms and ring-fencing
user charges on urban infrastructure.
Urban Infrastructure Development Fund: Will be established through use of priority sector lending shortfall.
This will be managed by the National Housing Bank.
For creation of urban infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Urban Sanitation: 100% mechanical desludging of septic tanks and sewers to transition from man-
hole to machine-hole mode.
Enhanced focus will be provided for scientific management of dry and wet waste.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | BHOPAL | RANCHI | PRAYAGRAJ 5
 8468022022 [Link]

PRIORITY 4: UNLEASHING THE POTENTIAL

GOOD GOVERNANCE
Jan Vishwas Bill: Introduced for furthering the
trust based governance and amend 42 Central PRIORITY 4 : UNLEASHING THE POTENTIAL
Acts. GOOD GOVERNANCE IS THE KEY TO A NATION’S PROGRESS

National Data Governance Policy: To unleash inno-

vation and research by start-ups and academia.
Centres of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence:
For realizing the vision of “Make AI in India and
TOWARDS
Make AI work for India”, three centres of excel- TRANSPARENT AND
lence for AI will be set-up. ACCOUNTABLE
Simplification of Know Your Customer (KYC) pro- ADMINISTRATION
cess: Adopting a ‘risk-based’ instead of ‘one size • Vivad se Vishwas I - Relief for
fits all’ approach. GOOD GOVERNANCE MSMEs.
• Vivad se Vishwas II - Settling
One stop solution for identity and address updat- •Jan Vishwas Bill
Contractual Disputes
•Centres of Excellence for
ing: By using DigiLocker service and Aadhaar as Artificial Intelligence
• Result Based Financing
foundational identity. •National Data Governance
• Phase-3 of the E-Courts
project
Policy
Common Business Identifier: The PAN (Perma- • Fintech Services
•Simplification of Know Your
nent Account Number) will be used as the Customer (KYC) process • Entity DigiLocker
common identifier for all digital systems of •One stop solution for identity • 5G Services
• Lab Grown Diamonds
specified government agencies. and address updating
•Common Business Identifier
Unified Filing Process: For obviating the need •Unified Filing Process
for separate submission of same information to
different government agencies.

TOWARDS TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE ADMINISTRATION

Vivad se Vishwas I – Relief for MSMEs: In cases of failure by MSMEs to execute contracts during the
Covid period, 95% of the forfeited amount relating to bid or performance security, will be returned to
them by government and government undertakings.
Vivad se Vishwas II – Settling Contractual Disputes: Voluntary settlement scheme with standardized
terms will be introduced.
This will be done by offering graded settlement terms depending on pendency level of the dispute.
Result Based Financing: ‘input-based’ to ‘result-based’ financing for better allocation of scarce
resources.
E-Courts: Phase-3 of the E-Courts project will be launched.
Fintech Services: To enable more Fintech innovative services, the scope of documents available in
DigiLocker for individuals will be expanded.
Entity DigiLocker: An Entity DigiLocker will be set up for use by MSMEs, large business and charitable trusts.
5G Services: 100 labs for developing applications using 5G services will be set up in engineering
institutions.
Lab Grown Diamonds: It is a technology-and innovation-driven emerging sector with high employ-
ment potential.
A research and development grant will be provided to one of the IITs for five years.
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | BHOPAL | RANCHI | PRAYAGRAJ 6
 8468022022 [Link]

PRIORITY 5: GREEN GROWTH

MOVING FORWARDS TO ACHIEVE THE CLIMATE GOALS
Green Hydrogen Mission: Facilitate tran- PRIORITY 5: GREEN GROWTH
sition of the economy to low-carbon INDIA IS MOVING FORWARD FIRMLY FOR THE PANCHAMRIT
intensity. AND NET-ZERO CARBON EMISSION BY 2070 TO USHER IN
Target is to reach an annual produc- GREEN INDUSTRIAL AND ECONOMIC TRANSITION
tion of 5 MMT by 2030.
Battery Energy Storage Systems: Devel-
oping capacity of 4,000 MWH will be
supported with Viability Gap Funding.
Renewable Energy Evacuation: GREEN HYDROGEN
Inter-state transmission system for evac- MISSION
uation and grid integration of 13 GW
renewable energy from Ladakh. GALVANIZING ORGANIC
Amrit Dharohar: Promote local commu- BIO-AGRO RESOURCES
nities unique conservation style for wet- DHAN SCHEME
land.
Implementing in next three years to
encourage optimal use of wetlands. BATTERY ENERGY
STORAGE SYSTEMS
Green Credit Programme: Will be noti-
fied under the Environment (Protection)
Act. BHARTIYA PRAKRITIK
Inducing behavioural change and KHETI BIO-INPUT
incentivize environmentally sustain- RESOURCE CENTRES
able and responsive actions by compa-
nies, individuals and local bodies.
GREEN CREDIT
PM-PRANAM (PM Programme for Resto-
PROGRAMME
ration, Awareness, Nourishment and
Amelioration of Mother Earth): Aim to
incentivize States and Union Territories
to promote alternative fertilizers and PM-PRANAM
balanced use of chemical fertilizers.
GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic
Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) scheme: 500 MISHTI (MANGROVE
new ‘waste to wealth’ plants under INITIATIVE FOR SHORELINE
GOBARdhan for promoting circular HABITATS & TANGIBLE
economy. INCOMES)
AMRIT DHAROHAR
It includes Compressed Biogas (CBG)
plants, Urban Plants, community or clus-
ter-based plants.
Bhartiya Prakritik Kheti Bio-Input Resource Centres: 10,000 Bio-Input Resource Centres will be set-up
Creating a national-level distributed micro-fertilizer and pesticide manufacturing network
Aim is that over the next 3 years, government will facilitate 1 crore farmers to adopt natural farming.
MISHTI(Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes): Mangrove plantation along
the coastline and on salt pan lands.
Through convergence between MGNREGS, CAMPA Fund and other sources.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | BHOPAL | RANCHI | PRAYAGRAJ 7
 8468022022 [Link]

PRIORITY 6: YOUTH POWER

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0: To
skill youth for international opportunities, 30 PRIORITY 6: YOUTH POWER
TO EMPOWER YOUTH AND HELP THE "AMRIT PEEDHI REALIZE THEIR
Skill India International Centres will be set up DREAMS, FORMULATED THE NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY,
across different States. FOCUSED ON SKILLING, ADOPTED ECONOMIC POLICIES THAT
Unified Skill India Digital Platform: For FACILITATE JOB CREATION AT SCALE, AND HAVE SUPPORTED
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.
enabling demand-based formal skilling,
Linking with employers including MSMEs,
Facilitating access to entrepreneurship
schemes
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme:
To provide stipend support to 47 lakh youth UNIFIED SKILL INDIA
in three years, Direct Benefit Transfer under DIGITAL PLATFORM
a pan-India National Apprenticeship Promo-
tion Scheme will be rolled out.
Boosting Tourism: At least 50 destinations
PRADHAN MANTRI
will be selected through challenge mode and
KAUSHAL VIKAS YOJANA
developed as complete package for domestic
4.0
and foreign tourists.
Sector specific skilling and entrepre-
neurship development will be dovetailed
SETTING UP OF UNITY
to achieve the objectives of the ‘Dekho
MALL IN STATE
Apna Desh’ initiative.
Under the Vibrant Villages Programme,
tourism infrastructure and amenities will NATIONAL
also be facilitated in border villages. APPRENTICESHIP
Setting up of Unity Mall in state: In state capital PROMOTION SCHEME
or most prominent tourism centre or the finan-
cial capital.
BOOSTING TOURISM
For promotion and sale of their own
ODOPs (one district, one product), GI prod-
ucts and other handicraft products.

PRIORITY 7: FINANCIAL SECTOR

Credit Guarantee for MSMEs: This will enable additional
collateral-free guaranteed credit of ₹2 lakh crore.
Cost of the credit will be reduced by about 1%.
National Financial Information Registry: It will be set up to
serve as the central repository of financial and ancillary
information. This will facilitate efficient flow of credit, pro-
mote financial inclusion, and foster financial stability.
A new legislative framework will govern this credit public
infrastructure, and it will be designed in consultation with
the RBI.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | BHOPAL | RANCHI | PRAYAGRAJ 8
 8468022022 [Link]

Financial Sector Regulations: To simpli-

PRIORITY 7: FINANCIAL SECTOR
REFORMS IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR AND INNOVATIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY
fy, ease and reduce cost of compliance, HAVE LED TO FINANCIAL INCLUSION AT SCALE, BETTER AND FASTER SERVICE
financial sector regulators will be DELIVERY, EASE OF ACCESS TO CREDIT AND PARTICIPATION IN FINANCIAL MARKETS.
requested to carry out a comprehensive
review of existing regulations.
Data Embassy: For countries looking for
digital continuity solutions, GIFT IFSC
will facilitate setting up of their Data NATIONAL FINANCE
Embassies. INFORMATION REGISTRY
Capacity Building in Securities Market:
SEBI will be empowered to develop, reg- CREDIT GUARANTEE
ulate, maintain and enforce norms and FOR MSMES
standards for education in the National
Institute of Securities Markets.
Digital Payments: Fiscal support for dig- DATA EMBASSY
ital public infrastructure will continue in
2023-24.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Mahila FINANCIAL SECTOR
Samman Bachat Patra: One-time new REGULATIONS
small savings scheme, Mahila Samman
Savings Certificate (MSSC), will be made
available for a two-year period up to
FISCAL MANAGEMENT
March 2025.
This will offer deposit facility upto ₹2
lakh in the name of women or girls for CAPACITY BUILDING IN
a tenor of 2 years at fixed interest rate SECURITIES MARKET
of 7.5% with partial withdrawal
option.
AZADI KA AMRIT
Benefits for Senior Citizens: The maxi- MAHOTSAV MAHILA
mum deposit limit for Senior Citizen Sav- SAMMAN BACHAT PATRA
ings Scheme will be enhanced from ₹15 BENEFITS FOR
lakh to ₹30 lakh. SENIOR CITIZENS
The maximum deposit limit for Monthly
Income Account Scheme will be
Sources of Deficit Financing
enhanced from ₹4.5 lakh to ₹9 lakh for Other Receipts
External Debt
single account and from ₹9 lakh to ₹15 Market
Borrowings
(Internal Debt and
Public Account)

lakh for joint account. State Provident

Funds
Securities Against
Small Savings
Draw Down of
Cash Balance

Fiscal Management: In ₹ crore

50 year interest free loan to States: It
(Excluding Market Borrowings)

6,00,000 15,00,000

has to be spent on capital expenditure

Sources of Financing FD

5,00,000 13,50,000
Market Borrowings

within 2023-24. The loan will be partly 4,00,000 12,00,000

conditional. 3,00,000 10,50,000

Fiscal Deficit of States: States will be 2,00,000 9,00,000

allowed a fiscal deficit of 3.5% of GSDP 1,00,000 7,50,000

of which 0.5% will be tied to power 0 6,00,000

sector reforms. -100,000

2021-22 2022-23 2022-23 2023-24
(Actuals) (Budget (Revised (Budget
Estimates) Estimates) Estimates)

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | BHOPAL | RANCHI | PRAYAGRAJ 9
 8468022022 [Link]

PART B
DIRECT TAXES
Simplifying Personal Income Tax Regime -
No income tax for persons with income up to ₹7 Trends in Tax Receipts
lakh in the new tax regime.
% of GDP
The tax structure in the new personal tax regime Gross Tax
has been changed by reducing number of slabs 11.4 Receipts

to five and increasing the tax exemption limit to 10.7

11.1 11.1
₹3 lakh. Indirect
Reduction of the highest surcharge rate from 37% to Direct Tax
Tax
25% under new tax regime for income above ₹2 crore. 6.0
5.5
6.0 6.0

New income tax regime has been made the default 5.4 5.2 5.1 5.1
tax regime.
However, the citizens will continue to have the 2021-22 2022-23
(Budget
2022-23
(Revised
2023-24
(Budget
option to avail the benefit of the old tax regime. Estimates) Estimates) Estimates)

Roll Out Of Common IT Return Form

For tax payer convenience and strengthening of grievance redressal mechanism to further improve
Tax Payers Services.
MSMEs and Professionals
Currently micro enterprises with turnover up to Rs 2 crore and certain professionals with turnover
of up to Rs 50 lakh can avail the benefit of presumptive taxation.
Budget proposed to enhance limits of presumptive taxation to ₹3 crores for Micro Enterprises and
₹75 lakh for professionals with cash payment less than 5%.
Any payment made to MSME shall be allowed as expenditure only when payment is actually made.
Co-operatives Sector
Benefit of concessional tax rate of 15% to new co-operatives that commence manufacturing by 31st
March, 2024.
Sugar co-operatives can claim payments made to sugarcane farmers for the period prior to assess-
ment year 2016-17 as expenditure.
TDS limit on cash withdrawals is increased to ₹3 crores for co-operatives societies.
Higher limit of ₹2 lakh per member for cash deposits and loans by Primary Agricultural Co-opera-
tive Societies (PACS) and Primary Co-operative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks
(PCARDBs)
Start-ups
Date of incorporation for income tax benefits to start-ups to be extended to 31st March 2024.
Time limit for carry forward of losses on change of shareholding of start-ups increased from 7 years
of incorporation to 10 years.
Reducing pendency of appeals
100 Joint Commissioners for disposal of small appeals to be deploy.
Better Targeting Of Tax Concessions
To cap deduction from capital gains on investment in residential house to ₹10 Cr.
Improving Compliance And Tax Administration
Reduction in the minimum time period required to be provided by the transfer pricing officer to
assessee for production of documents and information from 30 days to 10 days.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | BHOPAL | RANCHI | PRAYAGRAJ 10
 8468022022 [Link]

Rationalization
Removing the minimum threshold of ₹10,000/- for TDS and clarifying taxability relating to online
gaming.
Conversion of gold into electronic gold receipt and vice versa will not be treated as capital gain.
TDS rate to be reduced from 30% to 20% on taxable portion of EPF withdrawal in non-PAN cases.
Taxation on income from Market Linked Debentures.
EEE status to Agniveer Fund
Payment received from the Agniveer Corpus Fund by the Agniveers enrolled in Agnipath Scheme,
2022 proposed to be exempt from taxes.
Others
Extension of period of tax benefits to funds relocating to IFSC, GIFT City till 31st March 2025.
Allowing carry forward of losses on strategic disinvestment including that of IDBI Bank.

RUPEE COMES 20% INTEREST PAYMENTS

FROM 2%
NON-DEBT
CAPITAL RECEIPTS STATES' SHARE OF
4% 18% TAXES AND DUTIES
CUSTOMS

6%
17%
CENTRAL SECTOR
NON-TAX SCHEMES
RECEIPTS

9%
CENTRALLY
SPONSORED
7% SCHEMES
UNION
EXCISE DUTIES

9%
FINANCE COMMISSION
INCOME
15% TAX AND OTHER TRANSFERS

15%
CORPORATION 8%
TAX DEFENCE
34% 8%
RUPEE
BORROWING OTHER
17% OTHER EXPENDITURE
GOODS & SERVICES LIABILITIES 4% 7%
TAX (GST) & OTHER PENSIONS SUBSIDIES
GOES TO
DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | BHOPAL | RANCHI | PRAYAGRAJ 11
 8468022022 [Link]

INDIRECT TAXES
Changes in GST Laws
Decriminalization of certain offences
under section 132 of CGST Act, 2017 –
Obstruction or preventing any officer in
discharge of his duties.
Deliberate tampering of material
evidence.
Failure to supply the information.
Reducing the compounding of offences
from the present range of 50% to 150% of
tax amount to the range of 25% to 100%.
Raising the minimum threshold of tax
amount for launching prosecution under
GST from ₹ 1 crore to ₹2 crore.
Sections 37, 39, 44 and 52 of CGST Act, 2017 are amended to restrict filing of returns to a maximum
period of 3 years from due date.
Proposed to enable unregistered suppliers and composition taxpayers to make intra-state supply of
goods through E-Commerce Operators (ECOs).
Changes in Customs Laws
Customs Act, 1962 to be amended to specify a time limit of nine months from date of filing applica-
tion for passing final order by Settlement Commission.
Number of basic customs duty rates on goods, other than textiles and agriculture, reduced to 13
from 21.

SECTOR SPECIFIC PROPOSALS

SECTORS PROPOSALS

To avoid cascading of taxes, budget proposed to exempt excise

duty on GST -paid compressed bio gas.
Customs duty exemption to be extended to import of capital goods
and machinery required for manufacture of lithium-ion cells for
GREEN MOBILITY batteries used in electric vehicles.

To deepen domestic value addition in manufacture of mobile

phones relief in customs duty on import of certain parts and inputs
like camera lens.
Basic Custom Duty(BCD) to be reduced on parts of open cells of TV
panels to 2.5%.
IT & ELECTRONICS The concessional duty on lithium-ion cells for batteries will continue
for another year.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | BHOPAL | RANCHI | PRAYAGRAJ 12
 8468022022 [Link]

To rectify inversion of duty structure and encourage manufacturing

of electric kitchen chimneys -
Increase in the BCD on electric kitchen chimney from 7.5% to
15% and a reduction on heat coils from 20% to 15%.
ELECTRICAL

To support Ethanol Blending Programme, exempting BCD on

denatured ethyl alcohol.
Reducing BCD on acid grade fluorspar and on crude glycerine to
CHEMICALS AND 2.5 %.
PETROCHEMICALS

Reduction in BCD on key inputs for domestic manufacture of

shrimp feed to boost export.

MARINE PRODUCTS

BCD on seeds used in the manufacturing of Lab Grown Diamonds

to be nullified from the current 5% to support diamond industry.
LAB GROWN
DIAMONDS

To enhance the duty differential, Custom duties to be increased on

articles made from gold and platinum.
To increase the import duty on silver dore, bars and articles to align
PRECIOUS METALS them with that on gold and platinum.

To curb circumvention of duty, BCD rate on compounded rubber to

be increased from 10% to 25 % or ₹ 30/kg whichever is lower .
COMPOUNDED RUBBER

National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) , on specified cigarettes

to be revised upwards by about 16%.
CIGARETTES

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | BHOPAL | RANCHI | PRAYAGRAJ 13
 8468022022 [Link]

GLOSSARY
TERM DESCRIPTION

AMRIT KAAL Amrit Kaal is a roadmap of next 25 years – from India @75 to India @100.

EFFECTIVE CAPITAL Capital expenditure taken together with the provision made for creation of
EXPENDITURE capital assets through Grants-in-Aid to States.

They are produced using specific technology which mimics the geological
LAB-GROWN processes that grow natural diamonds. They are not the same as “diamond sim-
DIAMONDS ulants” – LGDs are chemically, physically and optically diamond and thus are
difficult to identify as “lab-grown.”

It refers to the tax imposed on goods when they are transported across interna-
tional borders.
The government uses this duty to raise its revenues, safeguard domestic indus-
CUSTOM DUTY
tries, and regulate movement of goods.
Types of custom duty includes: Basic Customs Duty, Countervailing Duty, Addi-
tional Customs Duty, Protective Duty and Anti-dumping Duty.

It is increase in the value of wealth of a bondholder due to an appreciation or

CAPITAL GAINS
reduction in the price of her bonds in the bond mark.

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Co. Ltd (GIFT) is being developed as the
GIFT-IFSC country’s first International Financial Services Centres (IFSC).
IFSC provides services to customers outside jurisdiction of domestic economy,
dealing with flows of finance, financial products and services across borders.

Section 44D of Indian Income Tax Act defines the rules of presumptive taxation.
PRESUMPTIVE It allows one to pay tax based on presumptive income. One doesn’t need to
TAXATION estimate income by deducting expenses from revenue. One can simply take a
percentage of total revenue and pay tax on that.

It is levied under Finance Act 2001, as a duty of excise on specified duties at

NATIONAL CALAMITY rates specified under seventh schedule of Finance Act 2001.
CONTINGENT DUTY It is used to finance National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) and additional bud-
(NCCD) getary support provided as and when necessary.
Situation where import duties on input goods are higher than on finished
INVERTED DUTY goods.
STRUCTURE An inverted duty structure discourages domestic value addition.

EEE stands for exempt-exempt-exempt.

EEE TAX CATEGORY The individuals putting their money in ‘EEE’ categorised investment options will be
eligible for a tax break upon investment at the time of filing the income tax returns.

It is an accounting and taxation practice that allows for pricing transactions

internally within businesses and between subsidiaries that operate under
TRANSFER PRICING common control or ownership. The transfer pricing practice extends to
cross-border transactions as well as domestic ones.

DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD | AHMEDABAD | LUCKNOW | CHANDIGARH | GUWAHATI | BHOPAL | RANCHI | PRAYAGRAJ 14