One of the biggest known

black holes discovered

Astronomers have discovered one of the

biggest black holes ever found, using
gravitational lensing.

Gravitational lensing is the name given

to the phenomenon where a foreground
object—a galaxy or a black hole—bends
the light from a more distant object behind
it, magnifying it in the process.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 30
APRIL 2023
.IW NSIGHTSONINDIA.CMO
 Current Affairs 30
7. Powers of the governor under Article 200 27

INSIDE Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning,

Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising
out of these
1. The Role of Parliamentary Committees 29
GS PAPER 1 Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and
their Role in the Polity
Indian Culture 9. How is a ‘national party’ in India defined? 30
1. Fall of Indus Valley Civilisation 8 Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, func-
Modern Indian History tions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
2. Dr. B R Ambedkar 9 10. Kesavananda: case and its Legacy 31
WORLD HISTORY 11. SC: Critical views on government policies not anti-estab-
lishment33
3. The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement 11
12. Public interest immunity claims 33
Salient Features of Indian Society
13. Constitutional authorities in India 35
4. Marriage break-ups: Trends and implications 12 14. Issues in same-sex marriage 35
Role of Women and related issues Constitutional Posts
5. Status of Women In Agri-food Systems 13 15. Governor-Chief Minister confrontation 37
Population and Associated Issues 16. India Justice Report 2022 38
6. UN population report: India becomes world’s most popu- a. India Justice Report on India’s police forces 39
lous nation 14 Government Policies and Interventions for Development in
A. Population: Boon or Bane 15 various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Im-
7. World Development Report 2023: Migrants, Refugees, plementation
and Societies 16 17. The IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics
Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (in- Code) Amendment Rules, 2023 39
cluding South Asia and the Indian sub-continent) A. IT Rules amendments: Pros and Cons 40
8. Critical minerals: Resilient supply chains 17 18. Development in India’s northeast region 41
Important Geophysical phenomena Development processes and the development industry —
9. El Nino and Monsoon 18 the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, do-
10. The link between ‘flash droughts’ and climate change19 nors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
11.Heat stroke 20 19. India’s civil society organisations 42
A. Heat Dome 21 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population
by the Centre and States and the performance of these
GS PAPER 2 schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies consti-
tuted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable
sections.
Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution,
features, amendments, significant provisions and basic 20. PM marks 7 years of Stand-Up India 43
structure. Issues relating to development and management of Social
1. The concept of fraternity 22 Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Re-
2. Rule of Law 23 sources.
3. Comparison of Presidents in USA and India 24 21. National Credit Framework (NCrF) 44
4. DEFAMATION LAW 25 A. Pre-draft of National Curriculum Framework for Schools
46
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States,
issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, 22. Why India should cut down on its salt intake 46
devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and 23. WHO’s Global Framework for New TB Vaccines 47
challenges therein 24. The State of the World’s Children 2023 49
5. How can the L-G act without the aid and advice of the 25. National Medical Devices Policy 2023 50
Council of Ministers? 26 26. Ayurveda practitioners Vs Allopathy doctors 51
6.The Nagaland government repeal its municipal act 26 Role of civil services in a democracy.

2 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
27. 16th Civil Services Day 51 13. Farmer producer companies (FPC) 79
28. Reforms in Indian Civil Services 53 Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies
India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and 14. Reducing urea Consumption in India 80
global groupings and agreements involving India and/or af-
Economics of Animal-Rearing/Food Processing and Related
fecting India’s interests.
Industries in India
29. India-Bhutan Relations 53
15.Building a blue economy: What India can learn from China
30. China- Central Asia and India 54  81
31. India and SCO 55 16. Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 82
32. India-UAE relationship 57
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
33. Indus Water Treaty 58
17. FAME II subsidy for electric vehicles at only 52% of its
34. India-Latin America Relations 59
target 83
35. Investment facilitation agreement (IFA) 60
18. India could become the world’s 2nd-largest solar PV
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing manufacturer by 2026 84
countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Science and Technology- developments and their applica-
36. What do Russia-China and Saudi-Iran deals mean for In- tions and effects in everyday life.
dia?60
19. Use of AI for Legislation 84
37. Japan’s New Plan for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)
20. Use of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine 85
62
21. AI use for Road safety 86
Important International institutions, agencies and fora - their
22. Third-gen web (Web 3.0) 87
structure, mandate.
23. Complete Human Genome 88
38. 75 years of the WHO 63
a. Genome India Project 89
39. World Bank Reforms 64
24. Clinical trial 90
40. Veto Power at the UNSC 65
Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigeni-
zation of Technology and Developing New Technology.
GS PAPER 3 25. Jagadish Chandra Bose 91
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobiliza- 26. The Future of Nuclear Power in India 92
tion, of resources, growth, development and employment. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics,
1. Monetary policy’s impact on inequality 67 Nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to in-
tellectual property rights.
2. Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 announced 68
A. Issues with the new FTP 2023 policy:  70 27.Indian Space Policy 2023 93
3. National Electricity Plan for 2022-27 71 A. Indian Space Policy (ISP) 2023: Pros and Cons 94
4. Draft ‘Sagarmala Innovation and Start-up Policy’ 72 28. ISRO: Second Space Age 95
5. Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) 73 29. Militarisation of space 96
6. Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) 74 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, en-
vironmental impact assessment.
Effects of Liberalization on the Economy, Changes in Industri-
al Policy and their Effects on Industrial Growth. 30. Impact of Antarctic ice melting on Ocean currents 96
7. Cartelization among domestic tyre manufacturers 75 A. Race to preserve ‘ice memory’ 97
33. Rising sea levels and their disastrous consequences 97
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
34. Pollution in Ganga 98
8. PM Mudra Yojana completes 8 years 75
35. Radioactive contamination 99
Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the coun- 36. Forest Conservation (amendment) Bill 2023 100
try, - different types of irrigation and irrigation systems stor-
37.The Forest Rights Act, 2006: What makes its implementa-
age, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and
tion challenging? 101
issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of
farmers. 38. Over 100 changes in Environment Impact Assessment
(EIA) 102
9. Open-source seeds movement 77
39.All India Report of First Census of Water Bodies 103
10. Biotech-KISAN scheme 78
40. UN to allow deep sea mining: Issues and concerns 104
11. Government Introduces Aquaculture Bill 78
41. U.N. water conference 105
12. Natural farming 78
42. Microplastic Pollution 106

www.insightsonindia.com 3
 Current Affairs 30
43. India celebrates 50 successful years of “Project Tiger” 14. Cool Roof Policy- Telangana 125
106 15.Human composting (natural organic reduction) 126
A. Tiger Census 2022 and International Big Cat Alliance 108 16. Electricity from Vegetable Waste 126
B. Translocation of Big Cats  108 17.River rejuvenation 126
C. Can we democratise tiger conservation in India? 108 18.Consistent Renewable energy 126
44. 30 years of Project Elephant  109 19.Cellular agriculture 127
45. Biomass pellets 110 20.Materials from Plastics 127
46. How AI can help the environment 111 21.Indore-model waste treatment 128
47. State of the Global Climate 2022 112 22.India’s first environmental referendum 128
48. Indoor air pollution 113 23.City Nature Challenge 128
DISASTER MANAGEMENT 24.Kerala Adopts Water Budget 128
49.Dam Safety 114 25.Farm Distress Index 129
Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism 26.Goldman Environmental Prize 129
27.Pollution Curbing Trees 129
50. Resurfacing of extremism in Punjab 114
28.Traditional Methods of water conservation in India 129
Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas -
29. How can humans & animals co-exist more peacefully?
Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism
130
51. The issue of narcotics trade 115 30.Himachal Pradesh Sukh Ashraya Bill 2023 130
Challenges to internal security through communication net- 31.Mahila Nidhi 131
works, role of media and social networking sites in internal 32. Safe City project 131
security challenges, basics of cyber security
33. Artemis II mission- first woman and first African-Ameri-
52. India Ransomware Report 2022 116 can131
53. Left Wing Extremism (LWE) 117 34. Case study: Swabhiman Anchal 131
Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate. 35.Gender-neutral Supreme Court 131
54. The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and 36.Odisha PVTG Nutritional Improvement Programme (OP-
Discipline) Bill, 2023 119 NIP)132
37.Victorian Morality 132
38.Flexible Working Hours in Tamil Nadu 132
GS PAPER 4 39.Barbie with Down syndrome 132
1. Examples with ethical concerns 120 40.Hikikomori133
2. NMC guidelines on professional responsibilities of stu- 41.India’s 1st 3D printed post office 133
dents, teachers 120 42.Beggars’ Corporation 133
3. Examples of Ethics 121 43.Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (FINE) 2023
133

CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT (CME)

FACTS FOR PRELIMS(FFP)
1.ICCR plans to build its brand ambassador programme 122
2. Indian philosophy can guide the world 122
GS PAPER 1
3.The Language Friendship Bridge 122
Indian Heritage and Culture
4.‘Jana Raj Bhavan’ initiative 123
1. Gamosa 134
5.Life Lessons from Ajay Banga 123
2. Thira 134
6.Life Lessons from Dalai Lama 123
3.Mahavir Jayanti 134
7.New Delhi Declaration 124
4. Kaushambi Mahotsav-2023 135
8. Ram Rajya 124
5. ’Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar’ program 135
9.‘Whistling Village’ 124
6. Seven Liberation Destinations of India 135
10.People’s Manifesto and Datajam 124
7. GI Tag for several items 136
11.’Makkalai Thedi Mayor’ 125
8. Nagri Dubraj rice 136
12.Resolution condemning Hinduphobia 125
9.Bihu Dance 137
13.J&K: Give plastic, take gold 125

4 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
10. Gond Painting 137 countability, E-governance
11. Khayal 137 8. SWAGAT initiative 148
12. Global Buddhist Summit 137 9. Misinformation Combat Alliance (MCA) 148
a. Zemithang 138 10. Aadhaar authentication 148
13. Hemis and Thiksey monasteries 138 11. CERT-in may be exempted from RTI 149
14. Abhilekh patal 138 12. Scheme for refugees from Pakistan 149
15.PTP-NER scheme 138 13. UN Democracy Fund 149
16. Sri Ramanujacharya and Adi Shankaracharya 139 14. Changing definition of Rural-Urban areas in India 150
17.Basavanna139 15. Livestock Insurance Scheme 150
18. Thirunelly temple 139 Development Processes and the Development Industry —
19.Tamil Nadu’s Manamadurai Pottery 140 the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations,
20.Delhi’s Zafar Mahal 140 donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Modern India/Personalities 16. Sangathan se Samriddhi 151
21.Vaikom Satyagraha 140 Issues relating to development and management of Social
22.Ramakrishna Math 141 Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Re-
23. Guru Tegh Bahadur 141 sources.
24. Mahatma Jyotiba Phule 141 17.PM- SHRI Scheme 151
Important Geophysical Phenomena/Geography Role of civil services in a democracy
25.Relative humidity 142 18. 16th Civil Services Day 151
26. Zero Shadow Day 142 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, NEWS & ORGANIZATIONS
Society and Social Justice 19. India slams OIC 152
27. Frame menstrual hygiene policy 142 20.International Finance Corporation (IFC) 152
AWARDS 21. India elected to UN Statistical Commission 152
22. NATO and CPTPP 153
28. Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur” (Knight of the Legion
of Honour) 143 23. BRICS alliance working to create its own currency 153
29.International Prize in Statistics: C R Rao 143 24. World Food Programme 153
30. National Panchayat Awards and GS NIRNAY 143 25.UN Women 154
26. CARICOM 154
Festivals
27. Operation Kaveri 154
31. Pushkaralu festival 144
28.UNPFII 154
32. Traditional New Year Spring Festivals 144

GS PAPER 3
GS PAPER 2
Economy, Banking/ Financial Inclusion, Energy, Infrastruc-
Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, ture
features, amendments, significant provisions and basic 1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana 155
structure.
2. Advance Pricing Agreements (APA) 155
1. Article 191(1)(e) 145 3. Transfer pricing-”arm’s length price” 156
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies. 4. Trade in Rupee 156
2. Lokpal 145 5. Manufacturing PMI 156
Local Government 6. India’s first-ever REITs and InvITs index 157
3.National Panchayati Raj Day 145 7. Green deposits 157
Judiciary/Doctrines 8. Anti-dumping probe into import of sodium cyanide
157
4. Abuse of preventive detention law 146
9. ASBA: Trading in the secondary market 157
5. e-prosecution portal 147
10. RBI’s Centralised Web Portal 158
6.Bail147
11. Global Trade Outlook and Statistics 158
7.Triple Tests for Altruistic Surrogacy 147
12. Trade data 159
Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Ac-

www.insightsonindia.com 5
 Current Affairs 30
13.WTO panel rules against India 159 55. EMIC plasma wave 174
14. Quality control orders 159 56. Global Unicorn Index 175
15. Dabba Trading 160 57. Digital Science Park 175
16.Changes in the domestic gas pricing formula 160 58. Digital Services Act 175
17. State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22 160 59. Myelin Sheath 176
18.Solar Energy Corporation of India 161 60. SUPREME initiative 177
19. Unified Tariff for natural gas pipelines 161 61. Theory of evolution 177
20. Rare earth elements found in Andhra Pradesh AGRICULTURE
162
62. Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Author-
21. Indian Bureau of Mines 162 ity177
22. World Energy Transitions: Outlook 2023 162 63. Space Seeds 178
23. Oil hypocrisy 163 64. Pulses in India 178
24. Dakar Declaration 163 65. ‘Sathi’ portal and mobile app 179
25. Track and Trace system for export of pharmaceuticals 66. MAHARISHI 179
consignments163
HEALTH
26. Unified Portal of Central Bureau of Narcotics 164
27. Mission 50K-EV4ECO 164 67. Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET)
 180
28. Parvatmala Pariyojana 164
68.FSSAI 180
29. UDAN 5.0 164
69. 100 Food streets in 100 districts 180
30. Sagar Setu Mobile App 165
70. ‘Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative’ (APPI) and the
31. PRAYAG Platform 165
‘Animal Health System Support for One Health’ 181
32. Nuclear Liability 165
71. Malaria 181
Land Reforms 72. Calcium Carbide 182
33. Bhu-Aadhaar or ULPIN 166 73. National Health Accounts Estimates for India (2019-20)
34. National Generic Document Registration System (NG-  182
DRS)166 74. The Big Catch-up 183
Science & Technology 75. Shingrix 183
35. Compact supercapacitor 167 76. CDSCO 183
36. Novel catalyst offers to make hydrogen more viable as a Environment, Climate & Conservation
fuel167 77. 1st ever International Day of Zero Waste 184
37. How Plants Communicate 167 78. Great Pacific Garbage Patch 184
38. Rare Disease 168 79. Ozone Pollution 185
39. Plant fungus infecting humans 168 80. Green Steel 185
40. Drug-resistant bacteria strain 168 81. Amrit Sarovar Mission 185
41. ’The hat’: 50-year-old geometry mystery 169 82. Detecting toxic pollutants 185
42. First-Ever Anti-Spyware Declaration 169 83. Safety Across Asia for the Global Environment (SAFE)186
43. Raccoon Stealer 169 84. Human-Induced planet-warming: Earth Energy Imbal-
44. Assembly theory 170 ance 186
45.Blockchain project to explore the potential of Web3 85. Major Economies Forum (MEF) on Energy and Climate
170  186
46. Large Hadron Collider (LHC) 171 86. Farming: Carbon credit market 187
47. Uranium-241 171 87. 2nd North Sea Summit 188
48. Magnetoresistance 172 88. Use of Hydrogen in the steelmaking 188
49. Zero Click Spyware 172 89. Bluewashing 188
50. Indigenous chip for NavIC 173 90. India-UK NET Zero Innovation Virtual Centre 189
51. Ethylene oxide 173 91.Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) 189
52. Bioluminescence 173 92. Eco-Sensitive Zones 189
53. Supercritical carbon dioxide 173 93. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary 190
54. Quantum Mission 174 94. Eravikulam National Park gets a fernarium 191

6 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
96. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary 192
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
97.Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 192
SPACE
98. Titan 192
99. Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission
(RLV LEX) 193
100. SNAP-10A 193
101. One of the biggest known black holes discovered 193
102. Artificial meteor showers could soon be a reality: Re-
port193
103. LIGO-India 194
104. MeerKAT radio telescope 194
105. TEMPO 194
106. Copernicus programme 194
107. Europe’s JUICE mission 195
108. Resources at Moon 195
109.YZ Ceti b 196
110. NISAR Satellite 196
111. Gaganyaan Mission 196
112. Trojan Asteroids 197
113. Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS) 197
114. Quasars 197
115. 3200 Phaethon 198
SPECIES IN NEWS
116.Short-beaked echidnas 198
117. Snailfish: 198
Fish swimming more than 8km underwater 198
118. Tamil Nadu’s Cumbum grapes 199
119.Mangrove pitta bird 199
120.Toque Macaques 199
121. Helopeltis Theivora 200
122. Bats dying of heat stroke 200
123. Indian skimmers 200
124. Gum Arabic 200
125. ’Mircha’ rice 201
DEFENSE/SECURITY
126. India’s Defence export 201
127. Cope India 201
128. Exercise Kavach 201
129. Pralay missiles 202
130. About Pralay Missiles: 202
130. Harpoon missiles 202
131. Command Cyber Operations and Support Wings
(CCOSWs) 202
Indices
132. World Bank’s Logistic Performance Index 2023 203

www.insightsonindia.com 7
 Current Affairs 30
Findings of the new study (by the University of Cambridge):
GS PAPER 1 • Droughts that began 4,200 years ago gripped the
civilization and went on for over two centuries.
• The protracted droughts severely affected food sys-
INDIAN CULTURE tems and habitation patterns → forcing the people
of the IVC to make systemic changes to adapt → a
more self-reliant lifestyle.
1. FALL OF INDUS VALLEY CIVILISATION • They reorganized their large cities and moved to-
wards the east of the region in smaller rural settle-
Context: ments.
A recent study found that severe droughts during the Bronze • They also had to make changes to their agricultural
Age may have wiped off the population of the Indus Valley practices → relying more on drought-resilient crops
people, endorsing the theory that climate change led to the such as millet.
collapse of the ancient civilization.
How did the study arrive at its conclusions?
• The scientists studied the layers of a stalagmite -
Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC):
the vertical mass of mineral deposits rising from the
• It was a Bronze Age civilization in the northwestern
floor of caves and caused by water dripping - to as-
regions of South Asia, lasting from 3300 BCE to 1300
sess relative seasonal rainfall.
BCE.
• They also used high-precision Uranium-series dat-
• It is also known as the Harappan Civilisation, after
ing to assess the duration of the droughts.
Harappa (now in Pakistan) - the first of its sites to be
excavated early in the 20th century.
• It stretches over an area spanning northeast Afghan- Other theories of the decline of the Indus Valley Civiliza-
istan, much of Pakistan, and western and north- tion:
western India. Theory Theorist Justification
• It thrived in the Indus River basins and along a Aryan Inva- Max Due to an invasion by the Ary-
network of rivers that originally flowed near the sion Theory Mueller, an people, who came from the
ephemeral Ghaggar-Hakra river in northwest India Mortimer north and brought with them
and eastern Pakistan. Wheeler new technologies and ideas
• The civilization is noted for its urban planning, baked that led to the collapse of the
brick houses, elaborate drainage and water supply existing civilization.
systems, handicraft techniques (carnelian products,
seal carving) and metallurgy (copper, bronze, lead Environmen- Robert This theory suggests that en-
and tin). tal Factors Raikes, vironmental factors, such as
R.D. Old- climate change, drought, and
Important sites: ham floods, played a major role in
the decline of the Indus Valley
Civilization.
Internal S.R. Rao According to this theory, the
Decline decline of the Indus Valley Civ-
ilization was caused by internal
factors such as political insta-
bility, corruption, and eco-
nomic decline.
Natural D.P. This theory suggests that a ma-
Disaster Agrawal jor natural disaster, such as an
Theory earthquake, was responsible
for the decline of the Indus Val-
ley Civilization.
Integration David This theory suggests that the
with Vedic Frawley decline of the Indus Valley Civ-
Culture ilization was not a collapse but
rather a transformation into
Decline: Climate change → weaker monsoons → reduced the Vedic culture of ancient
water supply → gradual drying of the soil → scattering of India.
population eastward and southward.

8 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Insta Links: IVC

Mains Links:
Q. To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilisation provided inputs to present-day ur-
banisation? Discuss. (UPSC 2014)

Prelims Links: UPSC 2013

Which of the following characterises/characterises the people of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
1. They possessed great palaces and temples
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1, 2, and 3
4. None of the above
Ans: 2

MODERN INDIAN HISTORY

2. DR. B R AMBEDKAR

www.insightsonindia.com 9
 Current Affairs 30
His Contributions:
Dimension Description Example
Social Fought against social discrimination and Led the Dalit Buddhist Movement and established the SC/ST
untouchability Federation
Political Played a key role in drafting the Indian Served as the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Commit-
Constitution tee
Legal Worked towards the establishment of Advocated for the abolition of the caste system and women’s
the rule of law in India rights
Educational Advocated for education as a means of Founded the People’s Education Society to promote educa-
empowerment tion among marginalized communities
Labour He contributed to the reduction of working hours to 48 hours per week, advocated equal pay for equal
work, lifted the ban on the employment of women for underground work in coal mines, and introduced
the provisions of overtime, paid leave and minimum wage.

Economic Advocated for reservations in education and employment for Dalits; the Reserve Bank of India was based
on the idea of Ambedkar, which he had presented to the Hilton Young Commission.

In 1951, Ambedkar established the Finance Commission of India. He opposed income tax for low-income
groups

His writings on Economics: “Administration and Finance of the East India Company”, “The Evolution of
Provincial Finance in British India”, “The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution”
Anthropology Ambedkar surveyed the existing data on the different castes in his book “The Untouchables”

Differences in the view of Ambedkar and Gandhiji:

Issue Ambedkar’s Views Mahatma Gandhi’s Views
Caste System Vocal critic and fought for its abolition Believed in the notion of varnashrama dharma
Untouchability A strong advocate for the rights of Dalits and Believed in social reform rather than legal means
other marginalized communities
Political Repre- Essential for empowerment and pushed for re- Reservation would perpetuate the caste system and
sentation served seats in government advocate for education and economic empowerment
Means of Resis- Power of legal and constitutional means Non-violent resistance and civil disobedience
tance
Religion Critical of Hindu religion and later converted Believed in an inclusive and tolerant form of Hindu-
to Buddhism ism
Approach to Eco- Believed in economic development for mar- Believed in self-sufficient and rural-based economy
nomic Develop- ginalized communities
ment
Education Essential for the empowerment and establish- Saw education as important, but focused more on
ment of educational institutions for disadvan- promoting basic education and literacy
taged groups
Leadership Style Strong and decisive Humble and inclusive with an emphasis on consen-
sus-building
Political Ideolo- A strong advocate for democracy Ambivalent about democracy, saw it as a means to
gy an end
Despite their differences, both Ambedkar and Gandhi were important leaders in the fight for Indian independence and
the pursuit of social justice. Their ideas and actions continue to influence and inspire Indian society today.
Ambedkar’s relevance in the Present times:
• His ideas and actions for social justice, equality, and nation-building are still relevant today
• His vision of a just society and his emphasis on establishing institutions for the same continue to inspire and guide

10 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
policy-making and governance in India.
• Implementation of various pro-poor and peo-
ple-centric policy measures (Stand-Up India, PM
Awas Scheme, BHIM, Prime Minister’s Panch Pran
mantra), which align with Ambedkar’s vision.

What is the Good Friday Agreement?

• Signed on April 10, 1998, between factions of North-
ern Ireland and the governments of Britain and Ire-
land, to end 30 years of the violence known as ‘The
Troubles’ in Northern Ireland.
• The Agreement has been hailed as a model deal to
end long-standing conflicts and fetched a joint Nobel
Ethical values from his life: peace prize.
• Equality: he fought to establish a society based on What were ‘The Troubles’?
equal rights and opportunities for all • Northern Ireland was created in 1921 and in 1922 the
• Justice and fair treatment rest of Ireland gained independence from the British
• Respect for diversity: every individual had the right (today’s Republic of Ireland, with its capital in Dublin).
to express their unique identity • Northern Ireland remained with the UK, but tensions
• Courage: he remained committed to his principles simmered between those who wished to remain with
and fought for social justice despite facing prejudice the UK (Protestants) and those who wanted to join
and discrimination Ireland (Catholics).
• Integrity • By the 1960s, the Protestants had become more pow-
erful and the Catholics started facing discrimination.
Conclusion: • Violence erupted between both factions - The Trou-
Today, India as a nation is facing several socioeconomic, and bles, claiming the lives of more than 3,500 people
political challenges. Dr. B R Ambedkar, the most forceful Terms of the Good Friday Agreement:
champion and icon of the socially deprived, continues to • Northern Ireland would continue to be a part of the
serve as a guiding light. UK.
• It could join Ireland if a majority of voters on both
Insta Links: sides supported it in a referendum.
BR Ambedkar • People born in Northern Ireland could have Irish or
British nationality or both.
• Northern Ireland would get a new government, which
WORLD HISTORY would have powers over local matters, while the UK
government would look after security, foreign policy,
tax laws, immigration rules, etc.
3. THE BELFAST/GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT • On May 22 1998, a referendum was held in Ireland and
Northern Ireland, and the agreement was approved by
Context: The US President is to visit Belfast, the capital of 94% of voters in Ireland and 71% in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good What is the status 25 years on?
Friday Agreement.

www.insightsonindia.com 11
 Current Affairs 30

• The most important achievement of the Agreement • The UN recorded a doubling of the proportion of adults
has been an end to bloodshed and enduring peace in (in the 35-39 age group) getting divorced or separated
the region. from 2% in the 1970s to 4% in the 2000s.
• However, Brexit has created an obstacle paralyzing  This was partly reflective of the changes in expec-
the agreement for more than a year. tations within marriages with the women enter-
• This is because Northern Ireland shares a land border ing the workforce.
with an EU country - Ireland. As the EU and the UK • According to OECD, a mixed trend is witnessed as this
have different product standards, checks would be proportion has increased in 18 countries (like the US)
necessary for sending goods from Northern Ireland to and reduced in 12.
Ireland. Trends in India:
• Britain’s intelligence agency (MI5), recently increased
• 93% of married Indians (among those surveyed in
the threat level in Northern Ireland from domestic ter-
2018) had ‘an arranged marriage’, as against the global
rorism to “severe”.
average of about 55%.
• Several pro-Union political parties in N. Ireland (like
• The annual divorce rate in India is (low) at 1.1 per
the DUP) started boycotting the agreement.
1,000 people annually. This means, of every 1,000 In-
Steps taken to solve this crisis: dian marriages, only 13 result in divorce.
• Checks would be conducted between Great Britain What compels Indian women to ‘adjust’ to bad marriag-
and Northern Ireland. es?
• The UK and the EU reached an agreement known as
• Divorce is initiated by men, as prevailing social norms
the Windsor Framework - which seeks to address the
discourage women from exercising this right.
aforementioned disruptions to trade between North-
• Indian legal framework is described (by feminists) “as
ern Ireland and the rest of the U.K.
benevolent patriarchal patronage at its best”. Hence,
Why is the US so enthusiastic about the Agreement? women encounter legal hassles and socio-economic
• The US had played a key part in negotiations building isolation.
up to the agreement. • The low labour-force participation rate of Indian wom-
• The USA’s current President (Biden) is descended from en translates to high levels of financial dependency.
Irish immigrants (second after John F Kennedy) and is • The vicious cycle of financial dependency: There is
vocally proud of his Irish heritage. clear misogyny in the matrimonial market in India →
Employed women received 15% fewer responses.
Insta Links: Brexit Britain’s challenges remain Gendered consequences of divorce on socio-economic,
domestic, health, and other aspects of life:
• Women face chronic strains (whereas men face tran-
SALIENT FEATURES OF INDIAN SOCI- sient impacts) of divorces, as they suffer from
ETY  Disproportionate losses in household income,
 Higher risk of losing homeownership,
 Lower chances of re-partnering and also bearing
4. MARRIAGE BREAK-UPS: TRENDS AND the greater responsibilities of single parenting.
IMPLICATIONS  This furthers the gender gap in the standard of
living.
Context: Many societies worldwide still uphold the • Men tend to be more vulnerable to health declines,
belief that ‘marriages are made in heaven’ mortality and emotional damage (often face a chal-
and its violation is taken as sacrilege, a so- lenge in maintaining contact with their children).
cial evil.
What is The institution of marriage is a socially and Is the increasing divorce rate a sign of women’s social prog-
Marriage? legally recognized union between two peo- ress and society maturing?
ple that establishes rights and obligations Yes No
between them and their families. It is a uni-
versal human institution found in almost ev-
ery culture and society
Global marriage patterns:

12 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

• Loosen the hold of patriarchy, as di- A debilitating

vorces are considered a challenge to factor in so-
patriarchal power. cietal stabili-
• Mauritanian society celebrates a ty, given the
woman’s divorce and women lead a adverse eco-
new life free of any stigma of a failed nomic and so-
relationship. Such a societal attitude cio-psycholog-
indicates a shift in the ideas of family ical fallout on
and marriage. divorced par-
• A business opportunity for the in- ents and their
creased demand it creates for homes children.
and household products.

Way ahead:
● UN Women has urged all nations to adopt fami-
ly-friendly policies and workplace regulations (like
Germany) that enable women and men to combine
caregiving with paid work.
● The institution of marriage, as a basic social unit,
should be strengthened for the well-being of fam-
ilies.
○ For this, the basic education system should
foster equal partnership as a foundational
value in marriage.

Mains Links:
The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors
rather than social values. Discuss. (UPSC 2014)

ROLE OF WOMEN AND RELATED IS-

SUES

5. STATUS OF WOMEN IN AGRI-FOOD SYS-

TEMS About the report:
• It is the first of its kind since 2010 (State of Food and
Agriculture (SOFA) 2010–11: Women in Agriculture –
Context: Closing the gender gap for development).
According to a new report - The Status Of Women In Agri- • It goes beyond agriculture to provide a comprehen-
food Systems - by the FAO, tackling gender inequality in agri- sive picture of the status of women working across
food systems can reduce hunger, boost the economy, and agri-food systems.
reinforce resilience to shocks like climate change and the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlights of the report:
• Almost four billion people rely on agri-food systems
Framework for gendered agrifood system: for their livelihoods and around half of them (are
women) are prevented from realizing their poten-
tial.
• They are often held back by
 Inequality and discrimination - Rigid gender
norms and roles, unequal power dynamics
and discriminatory social structures
 Marginalised and denied agency
 Work in poorer conditions with lower wages
and

www.insightsonindia.com 13
 Current Affairs 30
 Carry a greater burden of care and unpaid POPULATION AND ASSOCIATED IS-
work.
• These impediments are compounded by addition-
SUES
al challenges - climate, economic and price shocks,
conflicts and the increasing risks of gender-based 6. UN POPULATION REPORT: INDIA BE-
violence.
• Even though women have gained more access to
COMES WORLD’S MOST POPULOUS NA-
some resources (digital technology, financial ser- TION
vices), gaps are either unchanged or growing espe-
cially for rural women. Context:
• Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the gap between According to the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA)
women’s and men’s food security has grown to 4.3%. State of World Population (SOWP) report 2023 - ‘8 Billion
Lives, Infinite Possibilities’ - India is now the most populous
India-specific findings: country in the world.
• Female participation in the labour force is low (1 in
5 women are working or looking for a job) but la- Highlights of the report:
bour-force participation is relatively high among
Total The population of the world is 8,045 mil-
the poorest women, who depend on agriculture.
lion.
• The female share of agrifood-system workers de-
creased by one percentage point between 2005 and The largest • Out of this, the largest share (65%)
2019. share (age) is of people between the ages of 15
• A 10% increase in mechanized tilling between 1999 - 64 years, followed by those in the
and 2011 led to a 5% reduction in women’s farm 10-24 years group (24%).
labour with no increase in off-farm work because of • 10% of the population is above 65
limited off-farm opportunities for women. years of age.
The largest • The world’s two most populous re-
Closing the gender gap and empowering women would: In- share (region) gions are Eastern and South-Eastern
crease global GDP by 1%/nearly $1 trillion → address the Asia [2.3 billion people - 29% of the
goals of ending poverty and reducing food-nutritional in- global population]; and
security. • Central and Southern Asia [2.1 billion
- 26%].
Suggestions: The largest China and India accounted for the largest
• Women need more access to and control over the share (coun- populations in these regions, with more
livestock, water, seeds, land, technology, and fi- tries) than 1.4 billion each in 2022.
nance. The outlook • While numbers will continue to grow
• Eliminating discrimination by engaging with men for population for several decades, the rate of glob-
and boys. growth al population growth has fallen (<1%
since 2020 compared to 5% in 1950).
• This is largely due to declining fer-
Some best practices from India:
tility - around two-thirds of people
• In Tamil Nadu, women involved in fishing-relat- live in areas with a total fertility rate
ed work had wider social networks, and a greater </=2.1 children per woman → re-
adaptive capacity to seasonal stresses. placement fertility rate/zero-growth
• The MGNREG Scheme stipulates the provision of fertility rate.
crèche facilities for young children for women in- • It is international migration (due to
volved in the schemes. war, and famines, among other rea-
• In northern India, participatory village commit- sons) that is now the driver of growth
tees addressing water access, health and nutri- in many countries, with 281 million
tion issues have facilitated shifts in discriminatory people living outside their country
norms, enabling women to speak in front of men of birth in 2020.
and take on public roles. • South Asia clocks some of the high-
est emigration trends, with India
Insta Links: Scheme for Women Farmers seeing an estimated net outflow of
3.5 million between 2010 and 2021
(Pakistan has the highest net flow).

14 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

What contrib- Increasing life expectancy (among men - 1.Nature of • Population is a resource as long as
uted to the 71 years while among women - 76 years). population the country’s carrying capacity is in-
global popula- This also means that parts of the world, growth, size: tact.
tion growth? such as Japan, have a rapidly ageing pop- • Carrying capacity is not just per cap-
ulation. ita availability of natural resources,
Projections • The global population could grow to it is a dynamic concept that changes
around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion according to changing technology,
in 2050 and 10.4 billion in 2100. and the efficiency of the production
• Central and Southern Asia is expect- and consumption systems of a coun-
ed to become the most populous re- try.
gion in the world by 2037. Case of India:
• More than half of the projected in- • With a total fertility rate of 2.0 in
crease in global population up to 2023, India is already at replacement
2050 will be concentrated in eight level fertility, meaning two children
countries - Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ethi- replacing their parents.
opia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the • This indicates that the population is
Philippines and Tanzania. on a path toward stabilisation - ex-
• Once fertility rates drop in high-fertil- periencing positive growth (in a de-
ity regions such as sub-Saharan Afri- celerated mode) until 2064 and then
ca, the global population will start to will become negative growth.
decline. • The peak of India’s population size
will be around 169.6 crore in 2063.
India specific findings 2. Age compo- It talks about the number of the working
sition of the age population (15-64 years) against the
• India now has 1,428.6 million people, outstripping population dependent population (0-14 years and
China’s population. India’s growth rate has dropped to 65 years and above).
<1% from 2.3% in 1972.
Case of India:
• 68% of India’s population belongs to the 15-64 years
category, and 26% in the 10-24 years group, making • There are greater prospects for de-
India one of the youngest countries in the world. mographic dividend than a disaster.
• The total fertility rate in India has been steadily drop- • With 68% of the working age popu-
ping [NFHS-5 (2019-21)- 2.0, less than the replace- lation in 2023, the country continues
ment level of 2.1]. to have a demographic window of
• Increased use of contraceptive methods, spacing, ac- opportunity for the next 35 years to
cess to health care, and increasing wealth and educa- reap an economic dividend.
tion, has contributed to this decline. • A demographic window of opportu-
• Life expectancy for men in India is 71 years (same as nity in itself will not automatically
global figures), while it is marginally lower for women turn into an economic dividend.
at 74 years. Mechanisms through which a country translates demo-
• India’s large population is a result of the “population graphic bonus into economic dividend:
momentum” from earlier decades, and the country’s • Employment or job creation: If India is able to gener-
population is likely to start its decline closer to 2050. ate sufficient and quality jobs for its bulging working
age population.
Insta Links: Decoding India’s population conundrum • Education, skills generation and ensuring a healthy
lifespan: It is critical not only for better productivity
but it also reduces excessive public spending and helps
A. POPULATION: BOON OR BANE in greater capital creation.
• Good governance: Reflected through conscientious
Is it a dividend or a disaster for India? To answer this, policies, it will help in creating a healthy environment
there is a need to understand the - for increasing efficiency and productivity of the popu-
lation.
Opportunities for India: Challenges:

www.insightsonindia.com 15
 Current Affairs 30

• Declining and aging • Drastic population con- • Most low-income countries are expected
population in Japan, trol methods run the risk to see rapid population growth, putting
China, the US ,and of inducing forced popu- them under pressure to create more jobs
other major econo- lation aging. for young people.
mies. • A total fertility rate Opportunities offered by migration:
• Potential to be- of less than 1.8 may
• Migration is becoming more urgent due to severe di-
come a world- not be economically
vergences between and within countries - in terms of
wide market for beneficial for India.
real wages, labour market opportunities, demographic
both production Once fertility tends
patterns and climate costs.
and consumption, to decline, it is hard
• It can be a unique opportunity for economies and
with lower man- to reverse it.
people as well as meet the growing needs of both ori-
ufacturing costs • What the country needs
gin and destination countries.
due to a relative- are policies that support
• Migrants transfer ideas, knowledge, and technology,
ly cheaper work- an enabling environ-
spurring job creation and modernisation - just as US
force. ment that can provide
Silicon Valley expatriates did when they helped nur-
• This is very much high-quality education,
ture India’s IT sector.
evident in India’s healthcare, employment,
IT sector. infrastructure, and gen- Challenges:
• Potential to boost der empowerment. • As populations across the globe age at an unprece-
per capita GDP by • If India falls short in dented pace, the global competition for workers and
an additional 43% by this, its “demograph- talent will intensify.
2061, provided the ic dividend” can be- • About 184 million people worldwide (including 37 mil-
socio-economic and come a “demograph- lion refugees) lack citizenship in the country in which
political enabling envi- ic disaster”. they live.
ronment is conducive. Recommendations to promote migration:
Conclusion: Opportunities and costs are the two sides of • The WB proposed policies to harness economic op-
the coin when it comes to being the world’s largest pop- portunities and for better migration management in
ulous country. However, the relatively younger population destination, transit and origin countries (to mitigate
of India provides higher support ratios. the risks that migrants face). For example,
 Origin countries should make labour migration an
explicit part of their development strategy.
Insta Links: UN population report: India becomes world’s
 Destination countries should facilitate their inclu-
most populous nation sion and address social impacts that raise con-
cerns among their citizens
7. WORLD DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2023: • Match-Motive Framework: By combining “match”
MIGRANTS, REFUGEES, AND SOCIETIES and “motive,” the framework identified policy priori-
ties for countries.
 The “match” aspect is grounded in labour eco-
Context: The ‘World Development Report 2023: Mi- nomics and focuses on how well migrants’ skills
grants, Refugees, and Societies’ was recently and related attributes match the needs of the des-
released by the World Bank. tination countries.
The World • It is an annual report published since  The “motive” refers to the circumstances under
which a person moves in search of opportunity.
D eve l- 1978 by the International Bank for Re-
opment construction and Development (IBRD) or  This determines the extent to which migrants, or-
igin countries and destination countries gain from
Report World Bank. migration: The stronger the match, the larger the
(WDR): • It provides an in-depth analysis of a spe- gains.
cific aspect of economic development.
• The report also urged for international cooperation
Highlights • The share of working-age adults will and multilateral efforts to strengthen the match of
of the drop sharply in many (developed) coun- migrants’ skills with the needs of destination societies.
WDR 2023: tries over the next few decades.
• Spain, with a population of 47 mil-
lion, is projected to shrink by more
than one-third by 2100, with those
above age 65 increasing from 20 to
39% of the population.

16 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
○ Economically important/demand-side fac-
tors (to meet the manufacturing needs of
green technologies, high-tech equipment,
aviation, and national defence) and
○ Have high levels of supply risk/supply-side
factors (due to non-availability or unafford-
able price spikes).
● To tackle such supply risks, major global economies
periodically evaluate which minerals are critical for
their jurisdiction through a quantitative assessment.
● Minerals such as antimony, cobalt, gallium, graph-
ite, lithium, nickel, niobium, and strontium are
among the 22 assessed to be critical for India.
● India does not have many of these mineral reserves,
necessitating reliance on foreign partners to meet
domestic needs.

Assuring resilient critical minerals supply chains remains

a challenge for India
International front Domestic front
• China, the most dominant • While India has a
player in the critical miner- geological potential
al supply chains, still strug- similar to mining-rich
gles with Covid-19-related Western Australia,
lockdowns. much still needs to
• The war between the two be explored, hinder-
countries: ing India’s emissions
• Russia is one of the reduction and cli-
significant producers mate change mitiga-
of nickel, palladium, tion timeline.
titanium sponge met- • Many critical and
al, and the rare earth strategic minerals
element scandium. constitute part of the
• Ukraine is one of the list of atomic miner-
major producers of als in the Mines and
Insta Links: HUMAN MIGRATION: REASONS & IMPACT titanium and has re- Minerals (Develop-
serves of lithium, co- ment and Regula-
balt, graphite, and tion) (MMDR) Act
DISTRIBUTION OF KEY NATURAL RE- rare earth elements, 1957.
SOURCES ACROSS THE WORLD (IN- including tantalum, ni- • However, the pres-
obium, and beryllium. ent policy regime
CLUDING SOUTH ASIA AND THE IN- reserves these min-
DIAN SUB-CONTINENT) • The balance of power erals only for public
shifts across continents sector undertakings.
and countries:The strate- • Long lead times for
8. CRITICAL MINERALS: RESILIENT SUPPLY gic partnership between setting up new ex-
CHAINS China and Russia. ploration, extraction,
• As a result, developed and processing activ-
countries have launched ities.
Context:
A recent working paper evaluated the criticality levels of 43 the Minerals Security
select minerals for India. Partnership (MSP) and
G7’s Sustainable Critical
Background: Minerals Alliance. But, de-
● Critical minerals refer to mineral resources, both veloping countries (like In-
primary and processed, that are dia) have missed out.

www.insightsonindia.com 17
 Current Affairs 30
Way ahead:
• There is an imperative need to create a new list of such
minerals in the MMDR Act. These minerals must be
prospected, explored, and mined on priority.
• The reconnaissance and exploration of minerals must
be encouraged, with particular attention given to
deep-seated minerals.
• This will call for a collective effort by the govern-
ment, ‘junior’ miners, and major mining companies.
• An innovative regime must be devised to allocate criti-
cal mineral mining assets, which adequately incentivizes
private explorers, including ‘junior’ explorers.
• India needs to determine where and how the processing
of minerals and assembly of critical minerals-embedded
equipment will occur.
• India requires a critical minerals strategy comprising
measures aimed at making the country AatmaNirbhar
(self-reliant) in critical minerals needed for sustainable
economic growth.
Understanding La Nina and El Nino:
• India must actively engage in bilateral and plurilateral
arrangements for building assured and resilient critical Normal climatic Weather depends a lot on sea surface
mineral supply chains. conditions temperature (SST) → warm ocean →
• The assessment of critical minerals for India needs to be more clouds form → more rain falls
updated every three years to keep pace with changing
domestic and global scenarios. In the Pacific Ocean, near the equator
→ warm water on the surface → Nor-
Conclusion: mally, a low-pressure system forms in
A national critical minerals strategy for India, underpinned northern Australia and Indonesia and a
by the minerals identified in this study, can help focus on pri- high-pressure system develops off the
ority concerns in supply risks, domestic policy regimes, and Peru coast
sustainability.
Insta Links: Rare earth elements and push for inclusion in Trade winds → blow strongly from east
supply partnership to west → convective storms/thunder-
storms over Indonesia and coastal Aus-
tralia.
IMPORTANT GEOPHYSICAL PHE- El Nino and La Nina are two opposing climate trends that
NOMENA deviate from the normal conditions
El Nino La Nina
9. EL NINO AND MONSOON It is typically known La Nina is identified as the cold
as the warm phase phase - a band of cooler water
of ENSO - a band spreads east-west → effects on cli-
Context: of warmer water mate (opposite of El Nino)
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), spreading from west
there is a 70% probability of an El Nino developing this to east in the equato-
monsoon. rial Pacific Ocean →
brings rainfall in the
central and eastern
Pacific, and droughts
in Australia, and Asia.
El Nino is more fre-
quent than La Nina
These are together referred to as the El Nino-Southern
Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. These events occur every 2-7
years on average & have global effects on weather, wild-
fires, ecosystems and economics

18 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Summary of the 2023 Southwest Monsoon Season Rainfall: food production not keeping pace with population
● According to the IMD, the country as a whole is likely growth.
to receive 96% of the southwest monsoon from June Additional steps needed to protect farmers: Setting up a
to September and farmers need not worry about de- system for specific advisory services and forecasts for all
ficient rainfall. the districts based on different rainfall scenarios.
● The monsoon is the lifeblood of the world’s
fifth-largest economy.
● Nearly half of the country’s net-sown area lacks ir- Prelims Links: (UPSC 2017)
rigation access, making the rain-bearing system vital Q. With reference to the ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ some-
→ replenishing natural reservoirs → feeding power times mentioned in the news while forecasting the Indian
generation, factories and drinking supply. monsoon, which of the following statements is/are cor-
rect?
1. The IOD phenomenon is characterised by a differ-
ence in sea surface temperature between the tropical
Western Indian Ocean and the tropical Eastern Pacific
Ocean.
2. An IOD phenomenon can influence El Nino’s impact on
the monsoon.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: 2
El Nino in India:
● In 1997, India faced the strongest El Nino ever, but
the monsoon was normal. 10. THE LINK BETWEEN ‘FLASH DROUGHTS’
● Between 2001 and 2020, India saw seven El Nino AND CLIMATE CHANGE
years → Of these, 4 resulted in droughts (2003,
2005, 2009-10, 2015-16).
● These years also saw kharif or summer-sown farm Context:
output (accounting for nearly half of the country’s According to a new study, flash droughts are becoming
annual food supply) decline by 16%, 8%, 10% and more common and faster to develop around the world, and
3%, leading to inflation. human-induced climate change is a major reason.
● The 2023 El Nino is expected to develop following a
triple dip La Nina event (2020-22).

Threats posed by El Nino:

● A slippage of one percentage point in monsoon
rainfall will mean a below-normal monsoon.
● Drought drives up inflation, erodes farm incomes,
reduces spending on consumer goods and hurts the
overall economy.

Good news for India:

● A currently positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) -
temperature difference between two spots (western
and eastern) in the Indian Ocean - boosts the rains
and thwarts an El Nino. IOD is the.
● Droughts are no longer the disaster they used to
be, thanks to a significant leap in farm productivity.
○ The country’s food output has risen sharply
from about 50 million tonnes in 1950-51 to
323.5 million tonnes during 2022-23.
● This will help avoid a scary “Malthusian world” of

www.insightsonindia.com 19
 Current Affairs 30

Flash Drought 11.HEAT STROKE

Difference Flash drought is the rapid C o n v e n t i o n - Context:
between onset or intensification of al Drought is 13 people died due to heatstroke after they attended a large
Flash & drought. It is set in motion a slow-onset public gathering in the open in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.
Convention- by lower-than-normal (natural) di- Heat stroke
al Droughts rates of precipitation, ac- saster charac-
companied by abnormally terized by the Meaning Heat stroke/sunstroke/hyperthermia is the
high temperatures (heat lack of precip- result of overheating of the body as a re-
waves), winds and ra- itation, result- sult of exposure to high temperatures and
diation. Typically occurs ing in a water humidity.
during warm seasons and shortage. Causes • The combination of high temperature
tropical/humid places are and high humidity → wet bulb tem-
more vulnerable perature → makes heat waves deadly.
Causes • Higher temperature increases evapo- • High moisture content in the atmo-
transpiration - the process by which wa- sphere makes it difficult for sweat
ter is transferred from the land to the to evaporate and for bodies to cool
atmosphere by evaporation from the down.
soil and by transpiration from plants. • Consequently, the internal body tem-
• Flash drought can also be tied to rhyth- perature increases sharply → 41 de-
mic climatic patterns, such as El Nino gree Celsius or higher within 10 to 15
(in Asia) and La Nina (eastern Pacific) minutes.
events. Impact • Persons suffering from heat exhaus-
• If not predicted early enough, chang- tion/dehydration (which is a milder
es in soil moisture can cause extensive form of heat-related illness) experience
damage to agriculture, economies, and fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea,
ecosystem goods and services. vomiting, hypotension (low blood
Prediction • Changes in the rate of evapotranspira- pressure) and tachycardia (increased
and Mitiga- tion and soil moisture have been identi- heart rate).
tion fied as key early warning indicators. • Heat stroke can cause permanent dis-
• Vulnerability mapping will help policy- ability or death if the person does not
makers, and farmers plan accordingly. receive emergency treatment.
Dos and Stay hydrated, cover yourself well; Use
don’ts sunglasses, umbrellas or hats; Avoid alco-
Highlights of the study:
hol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks;
• Flash droughts occurred more often than slower
Carry ORS and homemade drinks; Avoid
ones in tropical/humid places like India, Southeast
high-protein food.
Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and the Amazon basin.
• As global warming continues, more abrupt dry spells NDMA advi- • During election campaigning, parties
could have grave consequences for the livelihoods sory for po- are supposed to ensure that water,
of people dependent on rain-fed agriculture. litical gath- ORS packets, medical kits, and mobile
erings ambulances are readily available at all
Insta Links: More flash droughts in India by end of the cen- such events.
tury • During voting, electoral officers were
advised to ensure that every polling
booth had provisions for drinking wa-
Mains Links: ter, functional clean toilets, facilities
Q. The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to for people to sit, some areas under
the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, shade, and essential medical kits.
floods, and interrupting navigation. Critically examine.
(UPSC 2020)
Why did a heat stroke event happen in Maharashtra?
• Two different observatories recorded 34.1 and 38
degrees Celsius as the maximum temperatures,
which is normal during this time of the year.
• No heat wave warnings - for coastal stations maxi-
mum temperature departure is 4.5 degrees Celsius
or more than normal - were issued by the IMD.

20 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
• Long exposure to heat in the open ground, physi- Challenges ahead:
cal exertion, elderly patients, and patients with high • An excessively hot summer is predicted this year
cholesterol and cardiac illnesses may have had a role because of the end of the strong La Nina phase in
to play. the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
• New forecasts suggest that El Nino is expected to
The sharp decline in heat-related deaths in India: kick in from the May-July period itself → suppress-
ing of monsoon rainfall → exacerbating the effects
of a hot summer.
• Heatwaves are predicted to become more intense,
prolonged and frequent because of climate change.

Conclusion:
The local administration needs to be vigilant and proactive
and the implementation of NDMA advisories needs to be
monitored by higher authorities on a daily basis.

Insta Links: Heat Waves and Climate Change

A. HEAT DOME

Context:
‘Heat domes’ have been associated with recent unusually
warm periods in the USA. Previously, it had also caused heat
waves in India, Bangladesh, China and some other Asian
countries.

• Monitoring and management of heatwaves have Steps to mitigate Heat Domes’ impact:
undergone a big improvement. Mitigating Strat- Description
• Almost every vulnerable state now has a heat action egy
plan (early warning, provision of water/ORS at pub-
Policies Developing policies and guidelines on
lic places and flexible working hours in offices/edu-
weather variability and urban heat
cation institutions) in place.
management

www.insightsonindia.com 21
 Current Affairs 30

Greening Planting more trees and creating

green spaces; Investing in green infra- GS PAPER 2
structure such as parks, green roofs.
Infrastructure Using permeable materials in con- INDIAN CONSTITUTION—HISTORI-
struction, encouraging cleaner cooking
fuels, improving public transportation, CAL UNDERPINNINGS, EVOLUTION,
and reducing personal vehicle usage FEATURES, AMENDMENTS, SIG-
Waste Manage- Reducing landfill size, implementing
ment waste segregation, and managing solid
NIFICANT PROVISIONS AND BASIC
waste at the source to reduce methane STRUCTURE.
production and fires 1. THE CONCEPT OF FRATERNITY
Building Design Promoting the use of green roofs, cool
roofs, and passive cooling techniques
Context:
to reduce indoor temperatures; Imple-
Since India imbibes the principle of ‘unity in diversity’, hav-
menting building codes and standards
ing a sense of fraternity is a virtue that is essential.
Renewable Ener- Promoting the use of renewable ener-
gy gy sources such as solar and wind en-
ergy for cooling and electricity needs Meaning of fraternity:
• The word fraternity is derived from French to mean
Public Aware- Educating the public about the risks of
brotherhood, friendship, community and coopera-
ness heatwaves and the importance of re-
tion.
ducing the carbon footprint
• It is a sense of common brotherhood among all In-
NDMA guide- In 2016, the National Disaster Man- dians giving unity and solidarity to social life.
lines agement Authority (NDMA) issued
comprehensive guidelines to prepare
The concept of fraternity in the Indian Constitution:
national-level key strategies for miti-
• While submitting the Draft Constitution to the Pres-
gating the impact of heat domes and
ident of the Constituent Assembly (on 21 February
heat waves.
1948), B R Ambedkar (the chairman of the Drafting
Committee) wrote that -
Government India Cooling Action Plan (Reducing  The drafting committee had added a clause
cooling demand by 20-25% and re- on “fraternity” in the Preamble
frigeration demand by 25-30% by the  Even though it was not part of the Objective
year 2037); National Action Plan for Resolution
Climate Change • As a result, the Preamble (adopted on 26 Novem-
ber 1949, came into effect on 26 January 1950 and
Insta Links amended by the 42nd Amendment 1976) to the In-
Heat Dome dian Constitution mentions -
 “Fraternity assuring the dignity of the in-
dividual and unity and integrity of the Na-
Mains Links: tion”.
Q. “Rising temperatures, scorching heat, and economic • Article 51A (Fundamental Duties) added to by the
distress – Heat dome is a triple threat to India’s progress”. 42nd Amendment 1976 referred to the duty of every
Explain how heat domes are formed and enumerate their citizen ‘to promote harmony and the spirit of com-
socio-economic impact. (250 Words) mon brotherhood amongst all the people of India’.
• Both the Preamble and the Fundamental Duties can-
not be legally enforced, but have a moral, spiritual
appeal.
Why is fraternity essential?
● It is one of the four pillars of constitutional morality
spelt out in the Preamble of India’s Constitution: jus-
tice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
● Without fraternity, equality and liberty can’t be
achieved, because the idea of fraternity is closely
linked to social solidarity.
● Gains coming from the other three are strength-

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Current Affairs 30
ened and enriched by a sense of fraternity. 2. RULE OF LAW
Challenges that the concept face in India: Context:
• Fraternity remains the least understood, least dis- Given the incidents in Uttar Pradesh, this article tries to un-
cussed, and the least practised of the four pillars of derstand the concept of ‘Rule of Law’.
constitutional morality.
• Inequality and prejudice.
• Politics of hate and weak democratic opposition.
• Taking the form of loyalty to the state (nationalism),
neglecting the principle of solidarity among citizens.
• Feminists often criticize the idea/definition of frater-
nity as it excludes “sisterhood.”
• Inter-state conflicts and challenges to internal secu-
rity like left-wing extremism, terrorism, cybersecu-
rity, fake news, etc
Steps taken by the Indian government:
• Inter-state councils, Zonal councils, Social initiatives
like Ek Bharat - Shrestha Bharat, National Founda-
tion for Communal Harmony (NFCH), etc.
• A ‘uniform’ and ‘Common Minimum Programme
for Value Education’ was launched across the entire
schooling system with a focus on ‘core Constitution-
al values’.
Way ahead:
• Balancing the dignity of the individual and the unity
and integrity of the Nation.
• For this,
 A functioning moral order in society and a Three principles of RoL as defined by A.V. Dicey:
public conscience is essential. This will help Principle Description Example
in imbibing the concept individually and
collectively. Supremacy of All individuals, If a leader (even Pres-
 Each of Gandhiji’s Seven Social Sins must Law including govern- ident or Prime Minis-
form the ethos of the socio-political fabric ment officials, ter) is found guilty of
of India. are subject to the corruption, they can
Conclusion: law and no one is be prosecuted and
Ambedkar dreamed of an India in which divisions of caste above the law. punished according to
and religion would gradually fade away in the spirit of fra- the law, just like any
ternity. Therefore, investing in the concepts like fraternity other citizen.
would save society from fragmentation. Equality Be- All individuals are An example of this
Insta Links: The ambit of fraternity and the wages of obliv- fore the Law equal under the principle is the re-
ion law and are enti- quirement for a fair
tled to the same trial, where every
Mains Links:
legal rights and accused person is en-
The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting
protections, re- titled to the same le-
feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also
gardless of their gal rights, such as the
playing an important part at the present. Elaborate. (UPSC
social status or right to legal repre-
2017)
wealth. sentation, the right to
Prelims Links: (UPSC 2020) remain silent, and the
Q. The Preamble to the Constitution of India is right to a speedy trial.
1. a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect I n d i v i d u a l The Rule of Law The Constitution
2. not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect Rights protects individ- guarantees funda-
either ual rights and mental rights, such as
3. part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect freedoms, in- the right to freedom
as any other part cluding property of expression, the
4. a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect inde- rights, freedom of right to own property,
pendently of other parts speech, and per- etc.
Ans: 4 sonal liberty.

www.insightsonindia.com 23
 Current Affairs 30
What are the exceptions to the Rule of Law? ic as well as the overall well-being of its citizens.
Principle Description Insta Links:
Non-answerability The President/Governor is not an- Demolition drives may challenge the rule of law
swerable to any court for the exer- Mains Links:
cise of their powers and duties. Q. What makes the Rule of Law different from the Rule by
Immunity from No criminal case can be initiated Law? Explain the principles that emerge as the basis of the
Criminal Proceed- against the President/Governor Rule of law and the role of the judiciary in ensuring their
ings during their tenure. constitutionality.
Notice Period for A two-month notice period must be Prelims Links
Civil Proceedings served before initiating a civil pro- Q. Which of the following are regarded as the main fea-
ceeding against the President/Gov- tures of the “Rule of Law”? (UPSC 2018)
ernor. 1. Limitation of powers
Rule of Law Vs Rule by Law: 2. Equality before law
“Rule of Law” ensures that the law applies equally to every- 3. People’s Responsibility to the Government
one, including the government, while “Rule by Law” uses 4. Liberty and civil rights
the law as a tool of oppression and allows the government
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
to create laws that may not be just or fair.
(a) 1 and 3 only
About Rule of Law Index:
(b) 2 and 4 only
Information (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
As per the Rule of Law Index 2022, India has been ranked (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
77 out of 140 countries (2019 ranking (68 out of 126
Answer: C
countries))
Released by World Justice Project (WJP)
Q. “Rule of Law Index” is released by which of the follow-
Factors considered Constraints on government powers, ing? (UPSC 2018)
absence of corruption, open govern-
(a) Amnesty International
ment, fundamental rights, order and
(b) International Court of Justice
security, regulatory enforcement,
civil justice, and criminal justice (c) The office of the UN Commissioner for Human Rights
India’s global rank 94 in adherence to fundamental (d) World Justice Project
rights, 111 in civil justice, 89 in crim- Answer: D
inal justice, 93 in absence of corrup-
tion
3. COMPARISON OF PRESIDENTS IN USA
N e i g h b o u r i n g Bangladesh (127), Pakistan (129), AND INDIA
countries China (95), Nepal (69)
Ranking of Uttar The WJP Index doesn’t provide
Pradesh sub-national ranks, but the India Jus-
tice Report 2022 ranks Uttar Pradesh
(UP) as the worst-performing state
among the 18 large and mid-sized
states of India
Why Rule of law matters?
Research (including those done by the World Bank) has
shown that stricter adherence to it is positively correlated
to:
• Higher economic growth
• Better educational attainment
• Improved health outcomes
• Greater peace and stability
Conclusion:
The Rule of Law is now the accepted norm of all civilized so-
cieties, and everywhere it is identified with the liberty of the
individual. Countries must promote it for the socio-econom-

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Mains Links Types - In civil defamation, In criminal defama-
Q. How is the Indian president impeached? What is the Civil and a person who is de- tion (Section 500),
procedure for the impeachment of a president? Compare Criminal: famed can move ei- the person against
and contrast it with the process of impeachment of the ther HC or subordi- whom a defamation
President of the United States. (250 words) nate courts and seek case is filed might
damages in the form be sentenced to two
Prelims Links of monetary com- years imprisonment
Q. Consider the following statements (UPSC 2022) pensation. or fined or both.
1. A bill amending the Constitution requires a prior recom-
mendation of the President of India. The law of defamation and right to free speech [Article 19
2. When a Constitution Amendment Bill is presented to the (1)(a)]:
President of India, it is obligatory for the President of India • Exceptions to defamation: Absolute truth and what
to give his/her assent. is for the public good.
3. A Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed by both • The criminality of defamation was challenged in the
the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha by a special majority SC on the grounds that it was an unreasonable re-
and there is no provision for joint sitting. striction on the constitutionally-guaranteed right to
Which of the statements given above are correct? freedom of speech and expression.
(a) 1 and 2 only • However, the apex court upheld the British-era Sec-
(b) 2 and 3 only tion (Subramanian Swamy V. The Union of India
2016).
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer - B Analyzing the 2016 SC verdict:
1. Article 21 vs 19 (1)(a)
Q. Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of • The court held that the right to “reputation” was
Lok Sabha? (UPSC 2022) protected under Article 21 of the Constitution
1. To ratify the declaration of Emergency which guarantees “life and personal liberty”.
• The right under Article 19(1)(a) had to be “bal-
2. To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council
anced” against the right to “reputation” under
of Ministers
Article 21.
3. To impeach the President of India • Thus, the court elevated “reputation” to the level
Select the correct answer using the code given ‘ below: of a fundamental right and made it prevail over
(a) 1 and 2 free speech.
(b) 2 only • Over the years, the court has expanded the scope
(c) 1 and 3 of Article 21 to force the state to undertake vari-
ous “social justice” measures.
(d) 3 only
• But in this case, the SC used Article 21 as a sword
Answer - B to cut down the fundamental right to freedom of
speech and expression (“death by Article 21”).
4. DEFAMATION LAW Invoking ‘constitutional fraternity’:
• The court held that criminal defamation law pro-
Background: tected the feeling of fraternity
In 1860, the British imported their idea of criminal defama- • However, “constitutional fraternity” is not a part
tion into the newly-minted Section 499 of the Indian Penal of Article 19(2), which specifically limits the cir-
Code (IPC). cumstances under which the state can restrict
Defa- A person is said to be defamed when some- speech.
mation one makes or publishes any accusations • “Liberty cannot be divorced from equality; equal-
- Meaning about them with the intent of damaging their ity cannot be divorced from liberty. Nor can liber-
(Section image through words, signs, or other visible ty and equality be divorced from fraternity.” -B.R.
499) representations. Ambedkar
Issues with the court’s verdict:

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• No mention of the fact that Section 499 does not Context: The Supreme Court observed how can the
allow for an “honest mistake” as a defence. The Lieutenant Governor (L-G) act without
SC (previously) had found the civil law of defama- aid and advice of the Council of Ministers
tion unconstitutional/disproportionate restric- in nominating 10 members to the MCD.
tion upon free speech since it did not allow for an The petitioner’s (Delhi govt) claims:
“honest mistake”.
• According to the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, the
• Dismissal of the claim that criminal defamation
MCD had to include 10 people - Aldermen (above 25
creates a chilling effect upon speech.
years of age), having special knowledge/experience in
• The SC has always had an ambivalent relationship
municipal administration, to be nominated by the ad-
with the freedom of speech and expression.
ministrator/LG.
The court had to construct novel arguments which will • According to the Constitutional scheme (Article 239
have serious and unfortunate implications for the free- AA) these powers were to be exercised only under the
dom of speech and expression in the coming years. “aid and advice” of the CoM, except where the LG is
required by law to act at their discretion.
Insta Links: Making sense of the disqualification of a Lok • If there is a difference of opinion, the LG may refer the
Sabha MP matter to the President and under no circumstances
has any independent decision-making power.
• The nominations made by the L-G are ultra vires (to
Prelims Links: (UPSC 2020) the Constitution and the SC’s 2018 verdict) and illegal.
Q. Consider the following statements: The LG’s claims:
1. According to the Constitution of India, a person who is
An amendment to the GNCTD Act 1991 (the Government
eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six
of NCT Act) was made (whose notification is under chal-
months even if he/she is not a member of the Legisla-
lenge in SC) after the judgment. The amendment provides
ture of that State.
for such nominations to be made by LG.
2. According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a
person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced What the SC It said neither the DMC (Delhi Municipal
to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqual- said Commission) Act nor any other provision
ified from contesting an election even after his release of law says anywhere that such nomina-
from prison. tion is to be made by the administrator at
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? his discretion.
1. 1 only
2. 2only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: 4

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

OF THE UNION AND THE STATES, IS-
SUES AND CHALLENGES PERTAINING
TO THE FEDERAL STRUCTURE, DEVO- Insta Links: Centre vs Delhi Govt on control over services:
LUTION OF POWERS AND FINANC- timeline of a dispute
ES UP TO LOCAL LEVELS AND CHAL-
Mains Links:
LENGES THEREIN Q. Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can
settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and the
elected government of Delhi? Examine. (UPSC 2018)
5. HOW CAN THE L-G ACT WITHOUT THE
AID AND ADVICE OF THE COUNCIL OF MIN-
ISTERS? 6.THE NAGALAND GOVERNMENT REPEAL
ITS MUNICIPAL ACT
Context:
The Nagaland government, repealed the Nagaland Munici-

26 www.insightsonindia.com
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pal Act of 2001, which included 33% reservation for women Loss of cred- The repeal of the Municipal Act after an
in urban local bodies, in the face of opposition from commu- ibility for the undertaking was given to the Supreme
nity-based organizations. government Court could erode the credibility of the
Nagaland government and its commit-
Background of the Issue: ment to upholding the rule of law.
Nagaland is the only state in India where seats in Urban Ethical con- Gender Equality, Discrimination, Lack of
Local Bodies (ULBs) are not reserved for women, as man- cerns Accountability, and violation of promises
dated by the 74th Amendment to the Constitution. The Demands of the Tribal Organizations:
State government amended the 2001 Municipal Act in • A “guarantee” that the 33% quota would not vio-
2006 to include 33% reservation for women, but this move late the provisions of Article 371A.
faced strong opposition, leading to the indefinite post- • The duration of the reservation should be capped
ponement of ULB polls in 2009. Recently, the Supreme at two tenures
Court pressurized the Nagaland government to hold ULB • The post of chairperson should not be reserved for
polls, but now the government has repealed the Municipal women.
Act 2001.
About Article 371A:
Reasons for repealing the Nagaland Municipal Act: Article 371A of the Indian Constitution is a special provision
Reasons Examples made for the state of Nagaland, to provide special safe-
guards for the protection of the unique social and cultural
Opposition Several traditional tribal organizations
practices, customs and traditions of the Naga people, who
from tradition- opposed the 33% reservation of seats
have a distinct identity and history.
al tribal orga- for women as they argue that such res-
nizations ervation would violate the special provi- Major Pro- Description
sions granted by Article 371A of the Con- visions
stitution to Nagaland. Governor’s The Governor of Nagaland has a special re-
Violation of The apex tribal bodies (hohos) in Naga- special re- sponsibility to ensure law and order and
customary land have argued that women have tradi- sponsibility the administration of justice.
laws tionally not been part of decision-mak- The Governor must be consulted on all
ing bodies and that reservation of seats matters concerning the appointment of
for women would violate customary civil servants and selection of candidates
laws. for admission to educational institutions in
Political pres- The Nagaland government succumbed to Nagaland.
sure and pub- political pressure and public sentiment State legis- The state legislature of Nagaland has the
lic sentiment against the reservation of seats for wom- lature pow- power to enact laws relating to the own-
en in ULBs. er ership and transfer of land and its resourc-
es, customary law and practice of the Naga
Consequences of repealing the Nagaland Municipal Act: tribes.
Consequence Description Restrictions Parliament of India is prohibited from en-
on Parlia- acting any law that affects the religious or
Loss of repre- Without the Municipal Act, there is no ment social practices of the Naga people, their
sentation for legal provision for reserving seats for customary law and procedures, or owner-
women women in urban local bodies. ship and transfer of land and its resources
Potential viola-
The repeal of the Municipal Act could be in Nagaland.
tion of consti-seen as a violation of the 74th Amend-
tutional provi-ment to the Indian Constitution, which
Insta links
sions mandates the reservation of seats for
Article 371 of the Constitution
women in urban local bodies.
Delay in hold- It could result in further delays in hold-
ing local body ing local body elections, which were 7. POWERS OF THE GOVERNOR UNDER AR-
elections already postponed several times due to TICLE 200
opposition from certain groups. Context:
The SC said that governors should clear bills passed by the
legislative assemblies as soon as possible, as mandated un-
der Article 200 of the Indian Constitution.

www.insightsonindia.com 27
 Current Affairs 30

Article 200:
• It gives governors the power to either grant assent to a bill, withhold assent or reserve the bill for the president’s
consideration in certain cases.
• The governor may return the bill (if it is not a Money Bill) requesting the House/Houses to reconsider the bill.
• If such a bill is passed again by the House/Houses with/without amendment and presented to the governor for
assent, the governor shall not withhold assent.
The plea in the A plea was filed by the Telangana government seeking directions to the governor to clear ten bills
SC: passed by the state Assembly.
What are the SC’s observations?
• Article 200 states that the governor must “as soon as possible” after the presentation of the bill for assent return
the bill for reconsideration to the House/Houses of the state legislature.
• The expression “as soon as possible” has a significant constitutional intent and must be borne into mind.
The issue:
• The issue that is agitating State governments (Kerala, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal)
is the non-decision/indecision on the part of the governor on a bill passed by the Assembly.
• In a new constitutional development, the TN Assembly passed a resolution urging the President of India to fix a
timeline for assent to be given to bills passed by the Assembly.
Why is this resolution a new constitutional development?
• Article 355 of the Constitution says that it shall be the duty of the Union to ensure that the government of every
State is carried on in accordance with the Constitution.
 This provision justifies the “invasion of the provincial field” by the Union government and the proclama-
tion of the President’s rule (under Article 356) in a State.
• If the governor violates Article 200 and sits on the bills indefinitely (an option not given by the Constitution), s/he
is creating a situation where governance of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution.
• In such a situation, the government of the State has a constitutional duty to invoke Article 355 and request the
President to give suitable instructions to the Governor.
The practice • The veto could only be exercised on ministerial advice.
followed in the • Refusal of royal assent on the ground that the monarch strongly disapproves of a bill/ it was
United King- intensely controversial would be unconstitutional.
dom:

Case of India:
• Under Article 154 of the Constitution, the governor can exercise his/her executive powers only on the advice of
the Council of Ministers.
• Whether the Governor (under Article 200) can withhold his/her assent to a bill in the exercise of his/her discre-
tionary powers?
• Under the constitutional scheme, the governor is only a constitutional head and has no real powers.
• According to constitutional experts, the governor can withhold assent to a bill only on ministerial advice.
• Hence, there is a confusion on the issue in India.
Way ahead:
• A bill is a policy imperative of the elected government which is responsible to the people.
• Withholding assent means the death of the bill. Therefore, the government can challenge the inaction of the
governor in a court of law.
• The SC must fix a reasonable time frame for governors to take a decision on a bill passed by the Assembly in the
larger interest of federalism in the country.

Insta Links: Governor-Chief Minister confrontation

Mains Links:
Q. From the resolution of contentious issues regarding the distribution of legislative powers by the courts, the ‘Principle
of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain. (UPSC 2019)

28 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Prelims Links: UPSC 2018 Need • Indian Parliament undertakes a large vol-
Consider the following statements: ume of information and scale of opera-
1. No criminal proceedings shall be instituted against the tions → not feasible to take up all issues
Governor of a State in any court during his term of of- on the floor of the House.
fice. • Continuous efforts are needed to make
Parliament a dynamic, functional space
2. The emoluments and allowances of the Governor of a
State shall not be diminished during his term of office. that takes up sector-specific concerns.
• Behind every comment and every Bill in-
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
troduced or taken up for discussion lies
1. 1 only the ceaseless work of various committees.
2. 2 only ‘It is not far from the truth to say that Congress
3. Both 1 and 2 in session is Congress on public exhibition,
4. Neither 1 nor 2 whilst Congress in Committee rooms is Con-
Ans: 3 gress at work’ (Woodrow Wilson)

Classifica- • Standing Committees are permanent in

tion nature, constituted every year or periodi-
PARLIAMENT AND STATE LEGISLA- cally. They may be further classified (based
TURES—STRUCTURE, FUNCTION- on the nature of the function) -
• Financial Committees (Public Accounts
ING, CONDUCT OF BUSINESS, POW- Committee, etc)
ERS & PRIVILEGES AND ISSUES • Departmental-related Parliamentary
Standing Committees
ARISING OUT OF THESE • Committees to Inquire such as the
Committee on Petitions, etc
1. THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENTARY COMMIT- Ad Hoc Committees are temporary (need-
based).
TEES
Role • Go into the details of a specific piece of
Context: legislation → analyze its potential impact
Parliamentary committees - panels made up of MPs - are on governance indicators → then make
constituted to delve deeper into matters of public concern their recommendations (not binding on
and develop an expert opinion. the government).
Parliamentary committees in India • Go into issues that are crucial for na-
tion-building but don’t hold as much po-
Meaning 1. A committee appointed/elected by litical significance. Take the example of
the House or nominated by the Speaker of Lok defence shipyards.
Sabha (LS) or the Chairman of Rajya Sabha (RS) • Ensure an oversight on the executive →
and has a secretariat provided by the LS/RS. The government is required to table an
2. They work under the direction of the ‘Action Taken’ report for the House to
Speaker/Chairman, presenting their report to judge the progress made on the sugges-
the House or to the Speaker/Chairman. tions of the committee.
Evolution Individual committees have been formed • Enable day-to-day functioning of Parlia-
since independence (Ex. The Ad Hoc Commit- ment in session: For example, the Busi-
tee on the Citizenship Clause). A structured ness Advisory Committee prepares the
committee system was established in 1993. entire schedule of both Houses when Par-
Legal/ • Mentioned in the Constitution of India liament is in session.
consti- without providing specific provisions (re- • Enable efficient functioning of MPs: For
tutional garding their composition, tenure, func- example, the Committee on papers laid on
backing tions, etc). These matters are dealt with by the table of the House prepares each in-
the rules of two Houses. dividual paper after careful deliberation,
writing and screening.

www.insightsonindia.com 29
 Current Affairs 30

Best prac- Work done on the Digital Data Protection Bill PRESSURE GROUPS AND FORMAL/
tice (The Puttaswamy judgement (2017) → Justice INFORMAL ASSOCIATIONS AND
Srikrishna Committee → The Personal Data
Protection Bill, 2019 → A Joint Parliamentary THEIR ROLE IN THE POLITY
Committee → New Draft Digital Data Protec-
tion Bill, 2022)
9. HOW IS A ‘NATIONAL PARTY’ IN INDIA
C u r r e n t • Political enmity and polarization
challeng- • Public proceedings of the House do not DEFINED?
es allow for any deliberation, leaving the
consensus Context:
• The declining trend of national legislation The Election Commission of India (ECI) recognised the AAP
being subjected to expert scrutiny. as a national party while revoking the status of the All-India
• During the course of the 17th LS, only 14 Trinamool Congress, NCP and the CPI.
Bills have been referred for the further
examination so far. Other decisions taken by ECI:
• 25% of the Bills introduced were referred • Revoked the state party status granted to RLD in
to committees in the 16th LS, as compared UP, while recognizing NCP and Trinamool Congress
to 71% and 60% in the 15th and 14th LS as state parties in Nagaland and Meghalaya respec-
respectively. tively.
The road • The Parliament could consider a compul- • Granted “recognized state political party” status to
ahead sory referral (like the US) for the Bills that the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) in Nagaland, etc.
are tabled on the floor.
• Arming these toothless tigers with more National parties in India State parties
powers to help them ensure accountabili-
Criteria: As per the ECI’s To be recognized as a state
ty from the executive.
Election Symbols (Reserva- party, a party need:
• It is essential for the parliamentary ecosys-
tion and Allotment) Order • At least 6% vote-share
tem in India to institutionalise such pro-
1968],a political party would in the last Assembly
cedures and not allow political consider-
be considered a national election and have at
ations to hasten law-making.
party if it fulfils any one of least 2 MLAs; or
Insta Links: An essential pit stop in parliamentary business the below conditions: • Have a 6% vote share in
• It is ‘recognized’ in four the last Lok Sabha elec-
Mains Links: or more states as a tions from that state
Q. Why do you think the committees are considered to be state party [AAP fulfils and at least one MP
useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the this criterion]; or from that state; or
role of the Estimates Committee. (UPSC 2018) • Its candidates polled at • At least 3% of the to-
least 6% of total val- tal number of seats or
Prelims Links: (UPSC 2018) id votes in any four or three seats, whichever
more states in the last is more, in the last As-
Q. With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the
Lok Sabha or Assem- sembly elections; or
following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and re-
bly elections and has • At least one MP for ev-
ports to the house whether the powers to make regula-
at least four MPs in the ery 25 members or any
tions, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc. conferred by the Con-
last Lok Sabha polls; or fraction allotted to the
stitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly
• It has won at least 2% state in the Lok Sabha;
exercised by the Executive within the scope of such dele-
of the total seats in the or
gation?
Lok Sabha from not less • Have at least 8% of the
1. Committee on Government Assurances than three states. total valid votes in the
2. Committee on Subordinate Legislation last Assembly election
3. Rules Committee or Lok Sabha election
4. Business Advisory Committee from the state.
Ans: 2 Benefits:

30 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

If a party is recognised as a National Party/State Party,

they can avail following benefits under the RPA 1951,
• It is entitled to exclusive allotment of its reserved
symbol to the candidates throughout India (for the
national party) in the State in which it is so recognised
(for the state party).
• Need only one proposer for filing the nomination and
are also entitled to two sets of electoral rolls free of
cost at the time of revision of rolls.
• Their candidates get one copy of the electoral roll free
of cost during the General Elections.
• They get broadcast/telecast facilities over Akashvani/
Doordarshan during general elections.
• A recognized National or State party can have a max-
imum of 40 “Star campaigners” [registered unrec-
ognised party - 20].
Parties recognized: BJP, Examples: DMK in Tamil
Congress, CPI(M), BSP, Na- Nadu, BJD in Odisha, YSRCP
tional People’s Party (NPP), in Andhra Pradesh, RJD in
and the AAP Bihar, or TRS in Telangana

Prelims Links: (UPSC 2017) Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala

Consider the following statements: What was the • The extent of Parliament’s power
1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member case about? to amend the Constitution was the
body. backdrop of the tussle between the
2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the executive and the judiciary in the
election schedule for the conduct of both general first two decades of the republic.
elections and bye-elections. • By the 1st Amendment of 1951, the
3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating 9th Schedule was inserted - any law
to splits/mergers of recognised political parties. placed in this Schedule could not be
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? questioned in any court of law.
1. 1 and 2 only • In Shankari Prasad v. Union of In-
dia (1951), the SC upheld the 1st
2. 2 only
Amendment and held that Parlia-
3. 2 and 3 only
ment’s power to amend any part of
4. 3 only the Constitution was limitless.
Ans: 4 • In Sajjan Singh v. State of Rajasthan
(1965), the SC asked whether the
Parliament could take away even the
APPOINTMENT TO VARIOUS CONSTI- critical fundamental rights
TUTIONAL POSTS, POWERS, FUNC- • In Golaknath v State of Punjab
(1967), the SC ruled that Parliament
TIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF cannot amend fundamental rights.
VARIOUS CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES. • The 24th Amendment 1971 - amend-
ed Articles 13, 368 - provided Parlia-
ment with the powers to amend any
JUDICIARY provision of the Constitution and in-
sulated such amendments from Ju-
dicial Review.
10. KESAVANANDA: CASE AND ITS LEGACY

www.insightsonindia.com 31
 Current Affairs 30

Verdict • A 13-judge Constitution Bench of related to the denial of judicial review.

the SC (with a 7-6 majority) rede- 6 instances when SC partially stuck down an amendment:
fined the relationship between Par- Out of 6, 5 were during the Indira Gandhi era.
liament and the Constitution by rul- ● Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala (1973):
ing that the “basic structure” of the While the court upheld the land ceiling laws that
Constitution is inviolable, and cannot were challenged, it struck down the following por-
be amended by Parliament. tion of the 25th Amendment (1972) -
• While the Parliament had vast pow- ○ If any law is passed to give effect to the
ers to amend the Constitution, cer- DPSP it cannot be deemed to be void on the
tain parts (“basic structure”) are so ground that it abridged rights under Articles
inherent and intrinsic to the Consti- 14, 19 or 31.
tution that even Parliament cannot ● Indira Gandhi v Raj Narain (1975): The SC struck
touch it. down The Constitution (39th Amendment) Act 1975,
which barred it from hearing a challenge to the elec-
What is the • The origins of the basic structure tion of President, PM, VP, and Speaker of Lok Sabha.
basic structure doctrine are found in the German
● Minerva Mills Ltd vs Union Of India (1980): The SC
doctrine? Constitution.
struck down a clause inserted in Article 368, which
• In India, while parliamentary de-
said there shall be no limitation on the constituent
mocracy, fundamental rights, judicial power of Parliament.
review, and secularism are all held by
● P Sambamurthy v State of Andhra Pradesh (1986):
courts as basic structures, the list is
The SC struck down a portion of the 32nd Amend-
not exhaustive (decided by the court ment (1973), which constituted an Administrative
on a case-by-case basis). Tribunal for Andhra Pradesh, taking away the juris-
• The basic structure doctrine has diction of the High Court.
formed the bedrock of judicial re-
● L Chandra Kumar v Union of India (1997): The top
view of all laws passed by the Indian court struck down a portion of the 42nd Amend-
Parliament. ment 1976, which set up administrative tribunals
excluding judicial review by High Courts.
A scrutiny of the application of the doctrine over the past ● Kihoto Hollohan vs Zachillhu And Others (1992):
50 years: The SC upheld The Constitution (52nd Amendment)
• Although the highest court has invoked “basic struc- Act that introduced the 10th Schedule/anti-defec-
ture” sparingly, it has mostly struck down amend- tion law in the Constitution.
ments where judicial powers have been curtailed. ○ However, the only portion of the amend-
• Since 1973, the Constitution has been amended ment that was struck down was that the de-
more than 60 times. In at least 16 cases, the SC has cisions of the Speaker relating to disqualifi-
evaluated constitutional amendments with regard cation cannot be judicially reviewed.
to the basic structure doctrine. Significance of the verdict:
• 9/16 constitutional amendments have been upheld ● The ruling (by the narrowest possible margin of 7-6)
by the SC. 6 of these cases relate to reservations has rejected majoritarian impulses and underlined
[OBC, EWS and reservations in promotions]. the foundations of a modern democracy saving
both the constitution and constitutionalism.
Constitutional amendment entirely stuck down by the SC: ● However, it marked a definite assertion of the judi-
• The Constitution (99th Amendment) Act 2014, ciary against the majoritarian Parliament leading to
which established the National Judicial Appoint- Parliamentary sovereignty vs Judicial supremacy,
ments Commission (NJAC) was struck down in 2015 Judicial activism vs overreach debates.
on the grounds that it threatened “judicial indepen- ● A highly controversial pluralist judicial creation has
dence” - a basic feature of the Constitution. been accepted now by legislatures, the executive,
• NJAC would have been responsible for the appoint- and the people of India.
ment and transfer of judges, replacing the current Insta Links: Admonishments that endanger the Constitution
Collegium system.
Mains Links:
Constitutional amendments partially stuck down by the SC: Q. “Parliament’s power to amend the constitution is lim-
• In 6 instances, including the Kesavananda ruling it- ited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute pow-
self, the SC has “partially struck down” a constitu- er”. In light of this statement, explain whether parliament
tional amendment. under Article 368 of the constitution can destroy the basic
• In all these cases, the provision that was struck down structure of the constitution by expanding its amending

32 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
power. (UPSC 2019) • Opinions that are critical of government policies are
not anti-establishment.
Prelims Links: (UPSC 2020) • It would be impracticable and unwise for the courts
Consider the following statements: to define the phrase national security.
1. The Constitution of India defines its ‘basic structure’ • National security claims cannot be made out of thin
in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights air and there must be material backing such inference.
and democracy. • National security is being used as a tool by the govern-
2. The Constitution of India provides for ‘judicial review’ ment to deny people legal recourse → not compatible
to safeguard the citizens’ liberties and to preserve the with the rule of law.
ideals on which the Constitution is based. • JEIH is not a banned organisation and it is unclear
how links with the organisation would affect the sov-
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
ereignty and integrity, security of the state, etc.
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2 Reasonable restrictions
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: 4 These are outlined in Article 19(2) of the Constitution al-
lowing for restrictions (on freedom of speech and expres-
sion) in the interests of the
11. SC: CRITICAL VIEWS ON GOVERNMENT ● Security and sovereignty of India,
POLICIES NOT ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT ● Friendly relations with Foreign States,
● Public order,
Context: ● Decency or morality in the relation to contempt
The SC set aside the Centre’s order refusing to grant the re- of court,
newal of the broadcast licence to a Malayalam news channel ● Defamation or incitement to an offence.
(Media One).
Background:
• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting refused
to renew the broadcast licence of the news channel
on the ground that the Ministry of Home Affairs had
declined security clearance(based on the IB report)
over alleged links with the Jamaat-e-Islami-Hind (JEIH).
• The channel approached the Kerala HC against the
Centre’s action, which had upheld the ban on the
channel on the grounds of national security.
• The government is at liberty to decline to renew
the permission granted without disclosing com-
plete reasons for the non-renewal. Insta Links: Press Freedom Index
• The SC set aside the Kerala HC order and directed that
the licence be renewed in four weeks’ time. 12. PUBLIC INTEREST IMMUNITY CLAIMS
What did the channel’s promoters contend in the SC?
• They were not given a chance to defend themselves C o n - SC set aside an order from the central govern-
as the national security reasons were submitted to the text: ment imposing a broadcast ban on the Ma-
HC in a sealed cover (in public interest). layalam news channel MediaOne. It has also
• The fundamental right to freedom of speech and ex- formulated a procedure for “public interest im-
pression [Article 19(1)(a)], which includes press free- munity claims”, a less restrictive alternative to
dom, can be restricted under Article 19(2) and there ‘Sealed cover jurisprudence’ for deciding claims
was no allegation that the channel violated the Pro- involving state secrets.
gram Code.
Sealed cover jurisprudence Public interest immunity
What did the SC say? claims
• The top court was critical of the sealed cover proce-
dure adopted in the HC and the “cavalier manner” in
which the Centre raised the claim of national security.

www.insightsonindia.com 33
 Current Affairs 30

3. A legal practice It refers to situations Safeguard of Yes- amicus Optional

where certain sensitive doc- where the disclosure of amicus cur- curiae helps in
uments or information are certain information in a iae balancing the
presented to a court in a legal case might harm na- concerns of
sealed envelope or cover (to tional security or other confidentiality
protect the confidentiality important public interests. with the need
of the information), which In such cases, the govern- to preserve
only the judge or authorized ment or other parties can public confi-
persons can open and view. seek to withhold or redact dence in the
The judge will then decide such information. objectivity of
whether the information can the justice de-
be used as evidence, remain livery process.
confidential, or be disclosed. What is “Structured Proportionality”?
• While a specific law does In simple terms, it is a standard used by courts to evaluate
not define the doctrine a case and ensure that decisions about confidentiality are
of sealed cover, the Su- made fairly and with due consideration for all relevant fac-
preme Court derives its tors.
power to use it from Rule
7 of Order XIII of the Su- Conclusion:
preme Court Rules and The debate on Public Interest Immunity Claims and sealed
Section 123 of the Indian covers should focus on how to strike a balance between the
Evidence Act of 1872. public’s right to know and the necessity to preserve nation-
al security.
Test for “public interest immunity claims” (as given by SC):
A claim involving national security considerations must Article 145 of the Constitution says that all judgments (de-
be based on the test of: cisions) made by the Supreme Court must be given in an
• whether there is material to conclude that the open court where anyone can watch or hear. This means
non-disclosure of information is in the interest of na- that the decisions cannot be made secretly.
tional security According to Article 145(4), the court cannot give a judg-
• whether a reasonably prudent person would draw the ment or report the opinions of judges in secret, it must be
same inference from the material on record done openly in front of people.
• Even if the non-disclosure is in the interests of nation- Section 123 of the Indian Evidence Act of 1872: Under this
al security, the means adopted by the government act, official unpublished documents relating to state affairs
should satisfy the proportionality of action. are protected and a public officer cannot be compelled to
disclose such documents.
Benefits of “public interest immunity claim” over the
“sealed cover jurisprudence” for justice:
Dimension Public Inter- Sealed Cover Jurispru-
est Immunity dence
Claim
Standard of S t r u c t u r e d None (so more restrictive)
review proportional-
ity
Impact on Partial It infringes on the princi-
Principles of ples of natural justice as
natural jus- well as the principles of
tice open justice- thus has a
wide impact.
D i s c l o s u re Yes No, the information re-
of informa- mains undisclosed
tion to the
parties

34 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

13. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITIES IN INDIA

Context: Two recent comments of the SC will have a direct bearing on the concept of the independence of var-
ious constitutional authorities in India.
SC on the working of 2 key constitutional authorities:
● Role of Governors in State politics: In a hearing of the ‘Sena versus Sena’ case, the Court expressed that Gover-
nors becoming part of political processes is disconcerting.
● Independence of the Election Commission of India: The Court divested the executive of its sole discretion in
appointing the CEC and ECs by forming a committee to suggest suitable names to man these constitutional posts.
Need for independent institutions:
● Democracy requires a system of checks and balances to prevent the arbitrary use of power by the elected gov-
ernment.
● India’s democracy provides for various constitutional authorities such as the Public Service Commission, the
CAG, the ECI, the Finance Commission, etc.
● Such bodies need complete independence -
○ To regulate sectors of national importance without any executive interference.
○ To enable them to function without fear or favour and in the larger interests of the nation.
How does the Indian constitution ensure their independence?
● Empowering the President of India to appoint all constitutional authorities
● Provides for the appointment/condition of service of individuals heading these institutions
Loose ends left by the Constitution:
● Used simple words such as
○ ‘shall be appointed by the President’ in the appointment of the PM (Article 75), the Attorney-General for
India (Article 76), etc.
○ Article 324 provides that the President will appoint the CEC and ECs ‘subject to any law made on that
behalf by Parliament’.
● The President acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, with the PM as the head in all matters.
Best practices in The Constitution affixes the phrase “by warrant under his hand and seal” only to refer to appointment
the Indian con- to positions (SC, HCs Judges; the CAG and the Governors) - distinguishing them from other constitu-
stitution tional positions.
Further reforms needed:
• Set up well-defined criteria and procedures for the appointment of the CAG and the Governor.
• For example, the process of selecting CAG should begin by appointing a committee → shortlisting names → a
panel of three names should be forwarded to the President to make the final selection.
Insta Links: Appointment to various Constitutional Posts, Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional
Bodies

Mains Links:
Q. “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence
of the Information Commission”. Discuss (UPSC 2020)

14. ISSUES IN SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

Context:
A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by the CJI heard a batch of petitions seeking legal recognition for same-sex marriage.

Background:
● The Court has been hearing multiple petitioners’ requests for legal recognition of same-sex marriages under the
Special Marriage Act (SMA) 1954 and making the law gender-neutral.
● Earlier, the court had referred the pleas to a Constitution Bench because the case involves -
○ An interplay of constitutional rights and specific legislative enactments including the Special Marriage Act
on the one hand, and
○ The rights of transgender couples on the other hand.

www.insightsonindia.com 35
 Current Affairs 30

The issue of same-sex marriage in India

Arguments of • Marriage is a social status which is bestowed by law.

petitioners • These laws do not recognise the rights of same-sex married couples (right to adopt/have children
by surrogacy, rights to inheritance, pension etc) even though the SC held that all adults have the
right to marry a person of their choice.
• They will not be able to avail of legally accrued benefits of laws. For example,
o The Transplantation of Human Organs Act only allows near relatives to object to the
use of a deceased’s body for organ donation.
o Section 80 of the IT Act 1961 provides for the deduction of certain sums for computing
the total income of an assessee when such sums are paid on behalf of a spouse.
• Equality must extend to all spheres of life - home, workplace, and public places.
• Non-recognition of same-sex marriage violates rights under -
Articles 14 (right to equality before the law),
15 (right against discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth),
19 (freedom of speech and expression), and
21 (protection of life and personal liberty) of the Constitution.

Therefore, structural changes along with attitudinal changes are the need of the hour.
• For this to happen, benefits of legislation such as the Special Marriage Act 1954 (which provides for
the solemnization of special marriages between any two persons), should be provided to same-sex
couples.
Views of the • Opposed the petitions and questioned their maintainability.
Centre • If the court allows same-sex marriage, it would amount to the “judicial creation of a social institu-
tion called ‘marriage’ of a different kind than contemplated in the existing law”.
• Only the legislature (repository of democratic representation and reflects the will of the people) has
the right to make such changes in the law.
• Marriage is not confined to the private sphere - The regulation of marriage is very much an issue of
acceptance by society - This rationale is the very basis for state recognition of marriage.
Earlier SC Lata Singh vs State of UP KS Puttaswamy vs Union Navtej Singh Johar vs UOI (2018): The
judgments (2006), Shafin Jahan vs of India (2017): The rights choice of whom to partner, the ability to
Asokan KM (2018) and Lax- of LGBTQ are inherent in find fulfilment in sexual intimacies and the
mibai Chandaragi B vs The the right to life, privacy, and right not to be subjected to discriminatory
State of Karnataka (2021): dignity. They constitute the behaviour are intrinsic to the constitutional
An adult person has the essence of liberty and free- protection of sexual orientation.
right to marry a person of dom.
their choice under Article
21.

Way ahead The march towards same-sex marriage in a diverse country like India, with well-entrenched traditions
will not be easy. Therefore, awareness on sex, gender and constitutional rights from the school level to
change things on the ground is the need of the hour.

Insta Links: What is India’s stand on same-sex marriage?

Prelims Links: UPSC 2019

Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one’s right to marry the person of one’s choice?
1. Article 19
2. Article 21
3. Article 25
4. Article 29
Ans: 2

36 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

CONSTITUTIONAL POSTS P u d u c h e r r y The Governor of Puducherry, Tamili-

political crisis sai Soundararajan, recommended the
(2021) imposition of President’s rule in the
15. GOVERNOR-CHIEF MINISTER CON- union territory after the Chief Minister,
FRONTATION V. Narayanasamy, resigned ahead of a
confidence vote.
Context: Kerala Governors acting as chancellors is a
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has passed a resolu- point of conflict.
tion urging the Union Government and President to issue Delhi The conflict between the Delhi gov-
instructions to Governor R.N. Ravi to give his assent to bills ernment and the Lieutenant Governor
passed by the Assembly (nearly 20 bills are pending) within over the appointment of bureaucrats
a specific period.
Issues with the post of Governor:
Constitutional provisions regarding bills sent to the gov- • There are no clear provisions for the manner in
ernor: which the Governor and state government must en-
Article 200: When a bill is sent to Governor after it is passed gage publicly when there is a difference of opinion.
by the state legislature, he can give his assent to the bill, • Constitutional loopholes in case of appointment of
Withhold his assent, or Return the bill (if it is not a money the Chief Minister or dissolving the Assembly or for
bill) for reconsideration of the state legislature. However, if how long a Governor can withhold assent to a Bill.
the bill is passed again with or without amendments, the • Critics refer to governors as the ‘agents of the Cen-
governor has to give his assent or reserve the bill for con- tre’: Politicians and former bureaucrats affiliated
sideration by the President with the ruling party have been appointed in several
instances as Governors
Other Examples of Governor- CM conflict: • Governors have passed negative remarks on state
administration, law and order, and political violence,
Conflict Description which has led to conflicts with state governments.
A r u n a c h a l The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh dis- • There is no clear distinction between the constitu-
Pradesh crisis missed Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, and tional and statutory roles of the Governor
(2016) appointed another member of the as-
sembly, as the Chief Minister. This led to
Reforms Proposed:
a political crisis and eventually resulted
in the imposition of the President’s rule C o m m i s s i o n / Proposed Reforms
in the state. The Supreme Court later Committee
overturned the Governor’s decision and Punchhi Com- The impeachment procedure for the
reinstated Tuki as the Chief Minister. mission President can be adapted to impeach
Tamil Nadu In 2017: The Governor of Tamil Nadu, governors as well. The convention of
C. Vidyasagar Rao, initially delayed the Governors serving as Chancellors of
appointment of a new Chief Minister Universities and holding other statu-
after the death of the incumbent Chief tory positions should be abolished.
Minister, J. Jayalalithaa. 2nd Adminis- The Inter-State Council should for-
The deadlock between the Tamil Nadu trative Reforms mulate guidelines on how governors
government and Governor’s assent to Commission should exercise discretionary power.
the National Eligibility cum Entrance R a j a m a n n a r The governor of the state should not
Test (NEET) exemption Bill are instances Committee consider himself an agent of the cen-
of a tussle. tre but play his role as the constitution-
West Bengal cri- The Governor of West Bengal had a se- al head of the State.
sis (2019) ries of clashes with the Chief Minister, Sarkaria Com- Governor should be from outside the
Mamata Banerjee, over issues such as mission state. Article 356 should only be used
law and order, the appointment of po- in very rare instances when it is impos-
lice officers, and the holding of elec- sible to prevent a breakdown of consti-
tions. tutional machinery within a State.

www.insightsonindia.com 37
 Current Affairs 30

Venkatachaliah Governors should be allowed to com- ○ Judiciary and

Commission plete their five-year terms ordinarily. ○ Legal aid across all 36 states and UTs.
The central government should consult ● Each pillar was analyzed through the prism of bud-
with the Chief Minister before remov- gets, human resources, workload, diversity, infra-
ing them before the end of their term. structure and trends against the state’s own de-
clared standards and benchmarks.
SC (Nabam Re- It ruled that the exercise of the Gover-
bia Judgement nor’s discretion Article 163 is limited ● The Report is a collaborative effort undertaken in
(2016) and not arbitrary. partnership with DAKSH, Vidhi Centre for Legal Poli-
cy, TISS-Prayas, etc.
NCRWC Governor should be appointed by a
● The IJR 2022 also separately assesses the capacity
committee comprising the PM, Home of the 25 State Human Rights Commissions in the
Minister, Speaker and CM of state. country.
Punchhi Commission
The IJR 2022:
Mains Links
Q. Whether the Supreme Court Judgment (July 2018) can
settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and the
elected government of Delhi? Examine. (UPSC 2018)
Q. Discuss the essential conditions for the exercise of the
legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of
the re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without
placing them before the Legislature. (UPSC 2022)
Prelims Links:
Q. Which of the following are the discretionary powers giv-
en to the Governor of a State? (UPSC 2014)
1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing
the President’s rule
2. Appointing the Ministers ● The State of UP is at the lowest rank (18th) among
mid-sized and large States (population > 1 crore),
3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature while the State of Goa is at the lowest rank (7th)
for consideration of the President of India among the small States with a (population < 1 crore).
4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State
Government
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: B
Significance: The report brings together otherwise siloed
data on the 4 pillars of Justice delivery.
16. INDIA JUSTICE REPORT 2022
Nation’s deficits:
Context:
According to the India Justice Report (IJR) 2022 , the State of
Karnataka emerged at the top among the 18 large and mid-
sized States with populations of over one crore.

Background:
● The Report (initiated by Tata Trusts in 2019) is a first-
of-its-kind national periodic report that ranks the
capacity of states to deliver justice.
● It assesses the capacity of 4 core pillars of the jus-
tice system:
○ Police
○ Prisons

38 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Recommendations: Issues Faced by Women in Police Forces in India and Steps
to address them:
Issues Steps to Address Them
Gender Discrimina- Conduct gender sensitization pro-
tion grams and training sessions for all
police personnel. Implement strict
penalties for any discriminatory be-
haviour towards women.
Lack of Represen- Increase the number of women in
tation police recruitment drives. Strictly
enforce reservation of women in
the police force by state govern-
ments.
Sexual Harassment Establish a zero-tolerance policy for
sexual harassment. Set up internal
complaint committees to investigate
and address any cases of harass-
ment.
Poor Working Con- Provide separate and secure accom-
ditions modation for women police offi-
cers. Ensure the availability of ade-
quate and clean restroom facilities
for women.
Safety Concerns Provide self-defence training to
women police officers.
Lack of Support Create a support network for wom-
A. INDIA JUSTICE REPORT ON INDIA’S PO- en police officers, including coun-
LICE FORCES selling services and a grievance
redressal mechanism. Provide op-
portunities for career advancement
Major findings: and professional development for
Categories Findings women officers.
Performance Telangana police ranked first among Insta Links: Justice Delivery System
States while West Bengal ranked last.
Overall Vacan- Increased from about 20% to 22% (be-
cies tween 2020 and 2022) GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND IN-
Fulfilling Quo- Karnataka was the only state to meet its TERVENTIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT
tas for SC, and quotas for SC, ST, and Other Backward IN VARIOUS SECTORS AND ISSUES
ST Communi- Classes.
ties ARISING OUT OF THEIR DESIGN AND
Women in the No state which had the 33% criteria IMPLEMENTATION
Police Force managed to meet it.
It will take another 24 years to have 33%
17. THE IT (INTERMEDIARY GUIDELINES
women in police forces across states.
Among large and medium states,
AND DIGITAL MEDIA ETHICS CODE)
Andhra Pradesh was the best perform- AMENDMENT RULES, 2023
er with nearly 22% of women in police,
while Jharkhand was the worst per- Context:
former with just about 6%. MeitY notified the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital
While women’s representation in the Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules 2023
police has been growing in recent years,
they made up only about 10% of all po- About the amendments: It empowers the Union Govern-
lice officers in India (2021). ment -

www.insightsonindia.com 39
 Current Affairs 30
● To designate an official fact checker for ‘fake news’, Role of the • To inquire and satisfy itself that the on-
and
self-reg- line game does not involve betting/gam-
● To regulate the online real money games (to be cer- ulatory bling on any outcome.
tified as “permissible” by a Self-Regulatory Body), body • To ensure that the online game complies
where users deposit money in expectation of win-
with the rules/requirements under the
nings.
law, including measures to safeguard
○ Permissible: The outcome doesn’t depend through parental controls, etc.
purely on chance.
○ Not declared permissible: Fall under the A p p l i c a - The obligations become applicable once a
betting and gambling category. bility of sufficient number of self-regulatory bodies
rules have been designated so that the online
The aim of these amendments: gaming industry has adequate time to com-
● To enforce greater due diligence by online gaming
ply.
and social media intermediaries.
● To protect the safety and trust of the Digital Nagriks
and provide every opportunity possible to create Proposal on the fact-checking unit:
startups and innovate. • Earlier the Ministry had proposed that news identi-
● Enable the Indian online gaming ecosystem to ex- fied as “fake” by the fact-checking unit of the PIB will
pand and grow and become an important catalyst not be allowed on online intermediaries. However,
to India’s One trillion-dollar Digital economy goal the final draft has removed the reference to PIB.
by 2025-26. • The social media platforms have sent a proposal
to the Centre to create a network of fact-checkers
- Misinformation Combat Alliance - who will verify
What are the Amendments?
dubious content posted on their platforms. The alli-
Amend- Explanation ance will act as a “certification body” that will verify
ments who a “trusted” fact-checker is.
Fixing re- It is obligatory on the part of intermediaries
sponsi- - A. IT RULES AMENDMENTS: PROS AND
bilities of • To make a reasonable effort to not host/
intermedi-
CONS
publish/share any online game that
aries • Can harm the user harm Analyzing the recent amendments:
• Has not been verified by an online
gaming self-regulatory body. Pros Cons
• To ensure that no advertisement of a These amendments remove Violates Shreya Singhal vs
non-permissible online game is hosted social media firms’ immuni- Union of India (2015) - A
on its platform. ty if they decide to continue verdict with clear guide-
• In relation to online games involving publishing ‘fake news’ lines for blocking content
real money, their responsibilities include • Platforms are free to → Govt sets itself as judge,
• The displaying of a mark of verifica- keep content even af- jury, and executioner
tion by the self-regulatory body; ter it is flagged as ‘fake
• Informing their users of the policy news’. Similar to censorship →
for withdrawal or refund of the de- • The fact-checking setup Chilling effect on the funda-
posit, etc; will be mental right to speech and
• Obtaining the KYC details of the us- • Credible expression → legally con-
ers; and • Independent (fol- tentious
• Not giving credit or enabling financ- lowing arm’s length
ing by third parties to the users. principle)
• To not publish, share or host fake, false Lack of recourse/No right
• Possess the neces-
or misleading information (will be iden- to appeal: No other means
sary capacity - tech-
tified by the notified Fact Check Unit of of redress for intermediar-
nical, journalistic - to
the Central Govt) in respect of any busi- ies before the courts
verify the informa-
ness of the Central Government. tion.
Role of May notify multiple self-regulatory bodies, • Freedom of the press Amendments were notified
G o v e r n - which shall be representative of the online [Article 19 (1)(a)] comes without consulting stake-
ment gaming industry but function at arm’s length with reasonable restric- holders/their views were
tions [Article 19 (2)] not taken into account
from their members.

40 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

The dangers of fake news cannot be disputed. However, The competitive advantage of the NE region:
a system in which a government agency has the authority • Blessed with vast natural resources.
to judge the reliability of online content should not be • Its strategic location, sharing borders with Nepal,
used to takedown opinions critical of the government. Bhutan, China, Bangladesh and Myanmar, is an as-
set.
• The population, with its good education, already ex-
18. DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA’S NORTHEAST cels in the services sector drawing potential investor
REGION attention.

Context: The challenges:

The region comprising India’s eight northeastern States is • Japan as a single investor in the northeast is un-
undergoing dramatic change. workable.
• Restrictions on the flow of investments from Bangla-
desh.
• Little attention seems to be paid to the BIMSTEC.
This must change to progress towards the vision of
establishing the Bay of Bengal Community (BOBC).

Way ahead:
• A joint focus on comprehensive connectivity and
accelerating industrialisation in Bangladesh and the
NE is accompanied by job opportunities.
• The creation of regional industrial value chains in
the sectors where the NE enjoys competitive ad-
vantage (agro-processing, man-made fibres, hand-
icrafts, etc) will ensure that the new connectivity
links will be fully utilised and productive.
Dramatic changes witnessed by the region:
• Expanding policy convergence and taking people
• It has overcome several (but not all) security chal-
along.
lenges and is now heading toward economic devel-
• The goal should be to connect a large part of South
opment.
Asia with Southeast Asia.
• Political changes and the extensive web of linkages
• Also, India can assist Bangladesh in becoming an in-
with neighbouring Bangladesh.
tegral part of the Act East Policy.
• Japan has emerged as a significant development
partner for both India (particularly in the NE region)
Conclusion:
and Bangladesh.
The leadership from the triad of Bangladesh, India and Ja-
Opportunity: Bringing the troika of Bangladesh, India and
pan (BIJ) can come together and launch a BIJ Forum at the
Japan closer for producing path-breaking changes in the
level of Foreign Ministers first.
northeast.
Insta Links: NORTH EAST INFRA IN FOCUS
Vision: The long-term vision is for Bangladesh and the north-
east to become a hub and key industrial corridor of this re-
gion, serving a population of 220 million. Mains Links:
Q. The northeastern region of India has been infested with
insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons
Efforts made to realise this vision:
for the survival of armed insurgency in this region. (UPSC
• The third India-Japan Intellectual Dialogue hosted
2017)
by the Asian Confluence (ASCON), in Agartala, Tri-
pura, assessed the evolving thinking of experts and
policymakers.
• The Matarbari Deep Sea Port (DSP) on the south-
eastern coast of Bangladesh is being constructed
with Japanese assistance.
 To be operational in 2027, the port will have
to cater to the needs of Bangladesh and In-
dia’s northeast and one of the most import-
ant projects representing the troika.

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 Current Affairs 30

DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES AND THE DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY —THE ROLE

OF NGOS, SHGS, VARIOUS GROUPS AND ASSOCIATIONS, DONORS, CHARI-
TIES, INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS.

19. INDIA’S CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS

Context: The ability of civil society organisations (CSO) or movements to shape policy and public discourse in India
has shrunk drastically.
CSOs: ● These are non-State, not-for-profit, voluntary entities formed by people in the social sphere that
are separate from the State and the market.
● They represent a wide range of interests and ties and can include community-based organisations
as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Why and how CSOs in India are curbed?
● Seen as the new frontier for war, and foreign interference and vilified as disruptive to India’s development tra-
jectory and therefore anti-national.
● Imposing financial and structural constraints by
○ Cancelling FCRA clearances,
○ Revoking licences,
○ Imposing retrospective taxes, and
○ Pressuring private companies and philanthropists to redirect funding.
● Activists, journalists, academics and students have been targeted by the state’s governing instruments and non-
state actors (spreading violence and abuse - online and offline).
Impact of these restrictions on CSOs:
● Existential threats are faced by civil society actors as their constitutional and civic freedoms are curtailed.
● Migrate to safer avenues/ limit the scope of their work/ re-align with the govt.
● This is a grave threat to the system’s integrity because civil society is an indispensable safety valve (fixing account-
ability) for tensions in a polity.
● Unable to speak truth/amplify the voices of the most vulnerable, enrich policies/legislation through constructive
feedback.
● Unable to further the collective good - not in the national interest.
● Young activists could be inducted into political parties → could create an institutionalized moral force within the
parties → Balance electoral compulsions with ethical/human rights considerations.
New trends:
● The emergence of govt-backed CSOs: Termed as ‘New Civil Society for New India’, such CSOs are the principal
beneficiary of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, and have access to and influence over select depart-
ments in governments.
● Implications:
○ A profound influence on the welfare activities, human rights, and freedoms shaped by the CSO’s ideolog-
ical imperatives, altering the civil society landscape in India.
○ All other CSOs/movements are slowly being circumscribed.
Challenges faced by CSOs:
● Less flexible in reorienting their normative and operational methodologies.
● Still clinging to outdated tactics. For example, protests at Jantar Mantar undoubtedly bring activists together but
they do less to shape the thinking or action of governments.
● Similarly, articles/papers, and speeches at think tanks/conferences/symposiums do not affect governments into
any substantive course correction.
● Even lobbying legislators to raise issues is ineffective as the political parties do not let Parliament function.
● Fails to blend socio-cultural values with welfare/constructive work or calls to protect constitutional values.
● Consequently, they are unable to guide mass consciousness.
Way forward for progressive civil society in India:

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● Realignment is needed by finding structural solutions to structural problems.

● Learning from the Gandhian constructive movement, which complemented the Congress system - an electoral
and governance machine.
● CSOs will need to urgently collaborate with other progressive stakeholders.
● Private philanthropies and companies need to realise that they are the only lifeline for progressive CSOs today.
The inaction today will directly contribute to the extinction of civil society - the fifth pillar of Indian democracy. Therefore,
by devising new methods of principled coalition we can safeguard and eventually further the constitutional idea of India.

Insta Links: Role of Civil society organisations

Mains Links:
Can civil society and Non-Government Organisations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the
common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative method. (UPSC 2021)

WELFARE SCHEMES FOR VULNERABLE SECTIONS OF THE POPULATION BY THE

CENTRE AND STATES AND THE PERFORMANCE OF THESE SCHEMES; MECHA-
NISMS, LAWS, INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES CONSTITUTED FOR THE PROTEC-
TION AND BETTERMENT OF THESE VULNERABLE SECTIONS.

20. PM MARKS 7 YEARS OF STAND-UP INDIA

Context:
As Stand-Up India completes 7 years, the PM acknowledged the role that the initiative has played in job creation & in em-
powering the SC/ST communities and women.

The Stand-up India scheme:

Aim It aims at promoting entrepreneurship among women and scheduled castes and tribes.
Launched in/by It was launched in 2016 and is anchored by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of
Finance, Government of India.

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 Current Affairs 30

Working • It facilitates bank loans between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 Crore to at least one SC/ST borrower and
at least one-woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a greenfield enterprise (the first-
time venture) only.
• This enterprise may be in manufacturing, services or the trading sector.
• In the case of non-individual enterprises, at least 51% of the shareholding and controlling
stake should be held by either an SC/ST or a woman entrepreneur.
The scheme can • Directly at the branch or,
be accessed in 3 • Through Stand-Up India Portal or,
potential ways: • Through the Lead District Manager (LDM).
A c h i eve m e nt s • Rs. 30160 crores have been sanctioned to over 1.33 lakh (over 1 lakh women) new job-cre-
(as of 2022): ators and entrepreneurs.
• To extend collateral-free coverage, the Government of India has set up the Credit Guarantee
Fund for Stand Up India (CGFSI).
• Driving economic growth → making significant strides towards building an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Best practices • Awareness campaigns were organized including melas, financial literacy camps, etc.
for implemen- • Hand-holding (pre and post-sanction of the loan): Hand-holding of borrowers from the target-
tation of the ed community, CM helpline for query resolution (Burhanpur, MP), etc.
scheme: • Effective coordination amongst implementing units: It is essential that all agencies and per-
sons involved, i.e. SIDBI, LDMs, and bank officials are on the same page.
Way ahead:
• Banks should be incentivized to motivate and reward officials and banks with large numbers of disbursements
while offering due diligence.
• All the stakeholders of the program should be educated through IEC activities, workshops, and training.
• Build success stories in all geographical regions for motivating the masses.
• Efforts for convergence with other schemes like Startup India, MUDRA, etc.

ISSUES RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL SEC-

TOR/SERVICES RELATING TO HEALTH, EDUCATION, HUMAN RESOURCES.

21. NATIONAL CREDIT FRAMEWORK (NCRF)

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Mains Links: Focuses on the moral development of a child: This will be
Q. National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with Sus- through Pancha kosha Vikas or five-fold development –
tainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restruc-
ture and reorient the education system in India. Critically • annamaya kosha (physical layer)
examine the statement. (UPSC 2020) • pranamaya kosha (life force energy layer)
• manomaya kosha (mind layer),
• vijnanamaya kosha (intellectual layer) and
A. PRE-DRAFT OF NATIONAL CURRICULUM • anandamaya kosha (inner self).
FRAMEWORK FOR SCHOOLS Courses at Grade 10 and above:
● Grade 10 students will have to take two essential
Context: courses from
The Ministry of Education (MoE) released a pre-draft version
of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for School Ed-
ucation and has sought feedback from various stakeholders.
The National Steering Committee under Dr. K. Kasturirangan
was set up by the MoE to undertake and guide the develop-
ment of NCFs.

Background: As School education is the foundation

stone of a child’s life, the National Edu-
cation Policy 2020 recommends -
● In Grades 11 and 12, students will be offered
• Shift from 10+2 structure to choice-based courses in the same disciplines for
5+3+3+4, more rigorous engagement.
• Developmental perspectives sug-
gest curricular and pedagogical Modular Board Exams for Class 11 and 12:
shifts at foundational, preparatory
(grade III, IV & V), middle and sec- • This will be offered as opposed to a single exam
ondary stages. at the end of the year and the final result will be
based on the cumulative result of each exam.
As a follow-up • NCF for Foundational Stage (had
• Currently, the life-determining board examina-
of the NEP been brought out and launched in
tions are available only on two occasions (grade
2020, the devel- 2022)
opment of four • NCF for School Education 10 and 12), which prevents truly holistic develop-
NCFs has been • NCF for Early Childhood Care and ment of students.
initiated: Education (ECCE) It suggested 3 An Assessment
• NCF for Teacher Education and NCF approaches to • -’of learning’ (measurement of
for Adult Education. assessments: achievement of student learn-
The NCF for School Education - Pre-Draft: ing),
• ‘for learning’ (evidence of stu-
It covers the framework of curriculum for age groups 3 to
18 years and a key part of the document is the inclusion of dent learning gathered by the
values and their “rootedness” in India, in teacher that provides inputs to
guide the teaching-learning pro-
• Content and learning of languages, cesses) and
• Pedagogical approaches including tools and re- • ‘as learning’ (when assessments
sources, etc are introduced as non-threaten-
It leans towards making students acquainted with true ing tools for self-reflection and
sources of knowledge - a philosophical preoccupation of introspection).
ancient Indians. These sources focus on six pramanas:
• Pratyaksha (Perception)
• Anumana (Inference)
• Upamana (Comparison and Analogy) 22. WHY INDIA SHOULD CUT DOWN ON ITS
• Arthapatti (Postulation) SALT INTAKE
• Anupalabdhi (Non-apprehension)
• Sabda (Verbal Testimony) Context:
Excessive sodium intake contributes to the rise of hyperten-
sion, heart disease and stroke.

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Why is it essen- ● Salt reduction is a cost-effective and practical approach to preventing cardiovascular disease
tial to reduce so- (the foremost cause of mortality worldwide).
dium intake? ○ Reduced sodium intake → decreased blood pressure → decrease in stroke and heart
attack incidences.
● Staggering economic impact of cardiovascular disease on low- and middle-income countries:
~2% of the GDP of LMICs due to premature mortality and disability.
India Scenario: Average sodium consumption is more than double the physiological need and exceeds the WHO’s
recommended daily intake of <5 g of salt for adults.
Global Efforts ● The WHO’s “Global Report on Sodium Intake Reduction” report details the 194 member
& states’ efforts toward a 30% reduction in (population) sodium intake by 2025.
Challenges o With only a few countries making considerable headway, there is a proposal to ex-
tend the deadline from 2025 to 2030.

● The WHO devised a sodium score, ranging from 1 (least) to 4 (highest implementation), based
on the extent of implementation of sodium reduction measures.
India’s Efforts Challenges Faced by India
● The Union government ● Cardiovascular diseases have emerged as the primary cause of mortality and
has initiated several morbidity.
voluntary programmes ○ The WEF projects that the Indian economy faces losses surpassing $2
aimed at encouraging trillion between 2012 and 2030 due to such diseases.
Indians to decrease their ● Hypertension has been identified as the leading risk factor for such diseases.
sodium consumption.
○ More prevalent among men aged 15 and above compared to women.
● Eat Right India’s move-
○ More common in southern States.
ment: FSSAI strives to
transform the nation’s ○ Circulatory system diseases account for 32.1% of all documented
food system to ensure deaths, with hypertension being a major risk factor.
secure, healthy, and sus- ● The pre-hypertensive population warrants attention.
tainable nutrition for all India’s score of 2 (in the WHO’s sodium score) signifies the presence of at least one
citizens. voluntary policy, emphasizing the need for more rigorous efforts to address this health
● Aaj Se Thoda Kam: A so- concern.
cial campaign launched
by FSSAI.
Way ahead:
● India needs a comprehensive national strategy to curb salt consumption.
● A multi-pronged approach, engaging consumers, industry, and the government, is crucial.
● Collaboration between State and Union governments is essential to combat hypertension.

Insta Links: Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

23. WHO’S GLOBAL FRAMEWORK FOR NEW TB VACCINES

Context:
World Health Organisation has released a draft document outlining a global framework to prepare countries for the intro-
duction of new tuberculosis (TB) vaccines for adults and adolescents.

What is tuberculosis (TB)?

It’s an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also
affect other parts of the body.

Status of TB in India and the world:

• As per the WHO Global TB Report 2022: India’s TB incidence for the year 2021 is 210 per 100,000 population (a
decline of over 18% from 2020)

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 Current Affairs 30
• India has a large burden of the world’s TB, with an PM TB Mukt Target: Elimination of TB by 2025.
estimated economic cost of US$100 million lost an- Bharat Abhiyan Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative: Ni-kshay Mi-
nually due to this disease.
tra (Donor) are those who can support
by adopting health facilities (for the in-
Need for new TB vaccines: dividual donor) for accelerating the re-
Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) (the only available TB vac- sponse against TB to complement gov-
cine): ernment efforts.
• Has reduced in efficacy over the years due to the Ni-kshay Digital Portal: A platform for
development of multi-resistant TB community support for persons with TB.
• It has limited efficacy in preventing pulmonary TB
Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY): Provides
disease in adolescents and adults
Rs 500 support through direct benefit
• It does not prevent the reactivation of latent pul-
transfer to TB patients.
monary infection.
The Nikshay Ecosystem (National TB
information system): To monitor TB pa-
Currently, two vaccines VPM (Vaccine Projekt Manage- tients and their treatment progress
ment) 1002 and MIP (Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii) have
National Stra- A comprehensive plan of the Indian
been developed and identified for TB.
tegic Plan (NSP) government to eliminate TB from the
for Tuberculo- country by 2025, five years ahead of the
WHO’s Draft Framework: sis Elimination Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
It is in line with WHO’s End TB Strategy (to reduce TB inci- (2017-2025) for 2030.
dence by 80%, TB deaths by 90%, and to eliminate costs for TB Harega Desh A campaign to create awareness about
TB-affected households by 2030) Jeetega Cam- TB and encourage people to get tested
paign and treated.
Key Features of the Draft Framework for New TB Vaccines WHO’s Find. A joint initiative by the WHO, the Glob-
Feature Description Treat. All. al Fund, and the Stop TB Partnership to
#EndTB increase the number of people with TB
Goals Ensure the availability of new vaccines
who are diagnosed, treated, and cured,
through sufficient, sustainable, and timely
and to accelerate progress towards the
supply of the vaccine
goal of ending the TB epidemic by 2030.
Ensure accessibility to new vaccines
through equitable delivery aimed at all who Mains Links:
could benefit Q. Appropriate local community-level healthcare interven-
tion is a prerequisite to achieve “health for all” in India. Ex-
Ensure acceptance of new vaccines by poli- plain. (UPSC 2018)
cymakers, end-users, and the health system.
Target Pop- Adults and adolescents who see 90% of all Prelims Links
ulation TB cases, with a targeted approach towards
main transmitters of pulmonary TB disease Q. Which of the following is/are bacterial infections?
Characteris- The new TB vaccine should provide protec- 1. Dengue
tics of vac- tion to both adults and adolescents; should 2. Tuberculosis
cine: replace existing BCG; should have an effica- 3. Leprosy
cy of at least 50%, and last for at least two 4. Hepatitis A
years with a booster every five to ten years. 5. Yellow fever
Financing Sustained global/regional financing and po- Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
litical engagement are key aspects to allow a. 1, 2 and 3 only
for a rapid and equitable introduction and
b. 2 and 3 only
rollout of new TB vaccines.
c. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
d. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Other initiatives for eliminating TB:
Ans: (b)
Initiative Name Description Justification:
Dengue is caused by the dengue virus and spread by an in-
fected Aedes mosquito.

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• Tuberculosis is caused by the bacteria Mycobacte- Recommendations:

rium tuberculosis. Emphasizes India was able to bring down the
• Leprosy is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium sustained ev- number of zero-dose children due to
Leprae. id e n c e - b ase d sustained evidence-based catch-up
• Hepatitis is caused by the Hepatitis A virus infect- catch-up cam- campaigns (e.g., Intensified Mission
ing the liver. paigns Indradhanush (IMI), ASHA workers, rou-
• Yellow fever is caused by the yellow fever virus(fla- tine immunization)
vivirus) transmitted by mosquito bite. Accelerating Increase the implementation of Immu-
the implemen- nization Agenda 2030 and Gavi Strate-
tation gy 5.0 to promote equity and sustain-
24. THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S CHILDREN ably scale up immunization coverage.
2023 Strengthen de- Demand for vaccination can be strength-
mand for vacci- ened by talking to communities, tackling
Context: nation gender barriers, and rethinking account-
UNICEF released its global flagship report ‘The State of the ability in health systems.
World’s Children 2023: For Every Child, Vaccination,’ high- Importance of Spending more on immunization and
lighting the significance of childhood immunization. investing in pri- health by investing in primary health
mary health- care at the national level can help pro-
What is Immunization? care mote sustainable and equitable vaccine
Immunization, also known as vaccination, is the process of coverage.
protecting an individual or a population from disease by in- Need to build E.g., India’s digital health platform Te-
troducing a substance that stimulates the body’s immune resilient sys- CHO+ (Technology Enabled Communi-
system to recognize and fight the disease-causing agent, tems ty Health Operations) and electronic
such as a virus or bacteria. vaccine intelligence network (eVIN) in-
The major findings of the report are: creased vaccination coverage while en-
hancing data entry efficiency
Finding Example
The decline in vac- Over a third of the 55 countries stud- Conclusion:
cine confidence ied for vaccine confidence showed a Reaching the last child with immunization is a key marker
globally decline. of equity that benefits not only the child but also the whole
community. Routine immunizations and strong health sys-
The largest decline A total of 67 million children missed tems can best prepare us in preventing future pandemics
in childhood im- out on vaccinations between 2019 and reducing morbidity and mortality.
munization in 30 and 2021. In 2022, the number of
years measles cases was more than double Terms used:
the total in the previous year. • “Zero dose children” refers to children who have
Existing inequities Unvaccinated children often live in not received any vaccines at all or have not re-
in vaccination ac- hard-to-reach communities such as ceived any vaccines according to the recommend-
cess rural areas or urban slums. ed schedule for their age.
The growing threat There is a growing threat of vaccine • Vaccine Hesitancy: Vaccine hesitancy refers to the
of Vaccine Hesitan- hesitancy due to factors such as ac- reluctance of an individual or a group of people to
cy cess to misleading information and get vaccinated despite the availability of vaccines.
declining trust in vaccine efficacy. • Vaccine confidence refers to the level of trust and
belief individuals and communities have in the
safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
India-specific findings:
Decrease in the Between 2020 and 2021, the num-
About UNICEF:
number of ze- ber of zero-dose children in India
ro-dose children decreased from 3 million to 2.7 mil- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) (est. 1946; be-
during the pan- lion. However, India was among the came a part of UN in 1953; HQ: New York) is an agency of
demic top 20 countries with the largest the United Nations (UN) devoted to aiding national efforts
numbers of zero-dose children to improve the health, nutrition, education, and general
welfare of children. It is guided by the Convention on the
Improvement in 98% of the population in India cur- Rights of the Child, 1989.
the ‘Importance rently perceive vaccines as import-
Given to Vaccines’ ant for children

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Insta Links S t r e a m l i n i n g Creation of a Single Window Clear-
NATIONAL IMMUNISATION DAY Regulatory Pro- ance System for Licensing of Medical
cesses Devices; coordination between all the
Mains Links stakeholder departments/organiza-
Q. It is found that vaccines taken during childhood do not tions such as AERB, MeitY, DAHD, etc.,
protect against diseases throughout a person’s lifetime. Ex- Enhancing the role of Indian Standards
amine why. Also, discuss the importance of Child vaccina- like BIS; Designing a coherent pricing
tion. (250 Words) regulation.
Enabling Infra- Developing medical device parks and
Prelims Links structure clusters in line with the National In-
dustrial Corridor Program and the pro-
Q. ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government
posed National Logistics Policy 2021
of India pertains to ( UPSC 2016)
under the ambit of PM Gati Shakti.
(a) immunization of children and pregnant women
Facilitating R&D Supporting R&D and innovation
(b) construction of smart cities across the country
and Innovation through the establishment of Centres
(c) India’s own search for Earth-like planets in outer space of Excellence in academic and research
(d) New Educational Policy institutions, innovation hubs, ‘plug and
Ans: A play’ infrastructures and support to
start-ups.
Attracting Invest- Supporting investments through
25. NATIONAL MEDICAL DEVICES POLICY ments in the Sec- schemes and interventions like Make
2023 tor in India, Ayushman Bharat program,
Heal-in-India, Start-up mission, and
Context: encouraging public-private partner-
Indian Union Cabinet has approved the National Medical ships.
Devices Policy, 2023 Human Resourc- Skilling, reskilling, and upskilling of
es Development professionals in the medical device
Need for the policy: sector; Supporting dedicated multidis-
• Nearly 80% of the medical devices currently sold in ciplinary courses for medical devices in
the country are imported, particularly high-end de- existing institutions; Developing part-
vices. nerships with foreign academic/indus-
• India has one of the lowest per capita spending on try organizations.
medical devices at $3 compared to the global aver- Brand Position- Initiating studies and projects for
age of per capita consumption at $47. ing and Aware- learning from best global practices of
ness Creation manufacturing and skilling systems,
The objective of the Policy: promoting more forums to bring to-
• Facilitating orderly growth: The medical devices gether various stakeholders for sharing
sector is a fast-growing sunrise sector in India with knowledge, and building strong net-
a 1.5% share in the global medical device market. works across the sector.
• Accelerated growth with a patient-centric approach
• Achieving a 10-12% share in the expanding global Government Initiatives:
market over the next 25 years (from 1.5% currently) • PLI Scheme for medical devices: A total of 14 proj-
• Expanding market size to $50 billion by 2030 (from ects producing 37 products commissioned
current $11 billion) • Manufacturing of high-end medical devices has
• Providing an enabling ecosystem for manufacturing started which include Linear Accelerator, MRI Scan,
• Encouraging domestic investments and production CT-Scan, Mammogram, C-Arm, MRI Coils, high-end
of medical devices X-ray tubes, etc.
• Promote the safety and efficacy of medical devices. • Support for setting up of 4 Medical devices Parks
• Provide support in training and capacity-building in the States of Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
programs Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh
• Medical Devices Rules in 2017: The rules classify
Strategies to Promote Medical Device Sector: medical devices into four classes based on associat-
Strategy Example ed risks and international standards.
• National Health Policy 2017: It highlights the need

50 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
to promote R&D and domestic manufacturing of Surgery Limited to minor Advanced surgical
medical devices procedures procedures
Focus Prevention and Disease management
Conclusion:
overall well-being and symptom relief
The policy is expected to provide the required support and
Research Limited research Extensive research
directions to strengthen the medical devices industry into a
and clinical trials
competitive, self-reliant, resilient, and innovative industry
that caters to the healthcare needs of India and the world. Side effects Minimal Possible side effects
of drugs and treat-
ments
Insta Links
Integration Limited integration Widely used in con-
• Set up a new regulator for medical devices
with mod- junction with modern
• India’s draft medical devices policy
ern medi- medicine
cine

Mains Links
Status of doctors in India:
Q. Discuss the major provisions of National Medical Devic-
• Allopathic: There is only one allopathic government
es Policy 2023 (250 Words)
doctor for every 10,926 people in India against the
WHO’s recommended doctor-population ratio of
26. AYURVEDA PRACTITIONERS VS ALLOPA- 1:1000.
THY DOCTORS • Number of registered AYUSH doctors: Around 8
lakh (in 2018)
There has been an increase in the availability of al-
Context: lopathic medical practitioners, dental surgeons
The Supreme Court of India has set aside a 2012 Gujarat and nurses per lakh population over the years.
High Court order which held that Ayurveda practitioners
working in government hospitals should be treated at par
with allopathy doctors and entitled to equal pay. ROLE OF CIVIL SERVICES IN A DE-
MOCRACY.
SC contention:
• Both categories of doctors were not performing
equal work to be entitled to equal pay. 27. 16TH CIVIL SERVICES DAY
• Allopathy doctors were required to perform emer-
gency duties and provide trauma care, which could Context:
not be performed by Ayurveda doctors. National Civil Service Day, observed on April 21 every year,
• Complicated medical conditions and post-mortem/ is a celebration of the idea of national civil service. The first
autopsy cannot be carried out by Ayurveda doctors National Civil Services Day was celebrated on April 21, 2006.
• Doctors with MBBS degrees attend to hundreds of
patients during outpatient days in general hospitals,
Background:
which is not the case for Ayurveda practitioners.
• Civil servants constitute the backbone of the ad-
ministration.
Comparison of Ayurveda and Allopathy • They ensure the implementation of government
Aspect Ayurveda Allopathy policies, ensuring the passage of benefits to the
Origin Originated in India Originated in Europe people.
and America • The civil services in India consist of the
 Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
Tr e a t m e n t Holistic approach, Scientific approach,  Indian Police Service (IPS)
approach natural remedies drug-based treat-  Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and
ments
 A comprehensive list of other Central Ser-
Diagnosis O b s e r v a t i o n a l , Diagnostic tests, im- vices (Group A, B)
pulse diagnosis aging techniques • It commemorates the day when Sardar Vallabhbhai
Training and Formal education, Formal education in Patel - independent India’s first Home Minister, in-
Education Gurukul system medical schools augurated the newly-created Indian Administrative
Service in 1947, calling them the “steel frame of In-
dia.”

www.insightsonindia.com 51
 Current Affairs 30

Indian Civil Services

Issues faced Govt efforts

• Lack of professionalism and poor capacity build- • Towards capacity building and Specialisation:
ing.
• An ineffective incentive system that does not re- Mission Karmayogi: A National Programme for Civil Ser-
ward meritorious and upright civil servants. vices Capacity Building (NPCSCB).
• Rigid and outmoded rules and procedures restrict
the exercise of individual judgement and .efficient
Lateral entry: Personnel from the private sector are select-
performance.
ed for administrative posts in the government.
• Lack of accountability and transparency, with no
adequate protection for whistle-blowers.
• Political interference causes arbitrary transfers, • Towards transparency and accountability:
and insecurity in tenures.
• An erosion in ethics and values has caused ram- SVAMITVA scheme: A reformative step towards the estab-
pant corruption and nepotism. lishment of clear ownership of property in rural inhabited
• Patrimonialism (a form of governance in which all areas, by mapping land parcels using drone technology.
power flows directly from the leader).
• Resistance to change from the civil servants them- Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring Sys-
selves. tem (CPGRAMS): An online web-enabled system that pro-
vides the facility to lodge a grievance online from any geo-
graphical location.

RTI, Citizen Charter, etc

A new ethic of civil servants:

● Selfless service and empathy.
● Duty-bound to drive India’s transition from Amrit Mahotsav to Amrit Kaal.
● The removal of a colonial mindset, sharing a sense of pride in the Indian roots, with a nation-first approach.
● A future-ready civil service, which is
○ Proactive and polite;
○ Professional and progressive;
○ Energetic and enabling;
○ Transparent and tech-enabled;
○ Creative and constructive; and
○ Imaginative and innovative.

Desired outcomes for the Indian civil services:

● Maximum Governance, Minimum Government
● Cooperative Federalism through uniformity in administration across the Union and the States

Conclusion:
● The Indian civil services must transform itself from a rigid, restrictive and rule-bound colonial bureaucracy to one
rooted in the national ethos.
● “…now, you are serving your own people, so you have to serve with your heart and mind and soul…” (Sardar Patel
while inaugurating the new IAS in 1947)

Mains Links:
Q. Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organization been the cause of slow development in India? Critically examine.
(UPSC 2014)

52 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Structure (per- Civil servant selection is highly merito-

28. REFORMS IN INDIAN CIVIL SERVICES formance man- cratic, but their careers are adversely
agement forced influenced by outdated HR practices
via a frozen pyr- that don’t punish bad performers and
amid) therefore punish good performers.
Context:
Copying cutting-edge practices in hiring, specialisation and
organisational structure from the Indian military will serve The performance management system
the Indian bureaucracy well. in the military (promotions with honest
appraisals) has been more disciplined.

Background:
• The Indian Civil Service exists to end poverty. How will this transform Indian civil services?
• The war on poverty is won by raising the produc- • Raise competition, accountability and uncertainty.
tivity of five physical and conceptual places - states, • Raise moral courage: The ability to speak up irre-
cities, sectors, firms, and skills. spective of consequences for yourself.
• India’s strategy for reducing poverty:
 Generating high-paying jobs through ur- Conclusion:
banisation, formalisation, industrialisation, • The Indian Republic has greatly benefitted from ci-
financialisation and human capital. vilian control of the military, but it’s time for the civ-
 To implement this India has new policy il services to learn three cutting-edge HR practices
weapons like GST, IBC, MPC, UPI, DBT, FDI, from the military.
PLI, NEP, EODB, privatisation, etc.
• Better HR practices in civil services are needed be-
cause wars are fought with weapons but won by
What sabotages the public service outcomes that reduce people.
poverty?
• The government had an execution deficit, Insta Links: Parliamentary Committee: Reduce the civil ser-
• The private sector had a trust deficit, vices examination’s selection cycle
• Nonprofits had a scale deficit, and
• A dysfunctional Human Resources (HR) regime for
Mains Links:
civil servants
Q. “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic per-
formance”. In this context suggest reforms in the Civil Ser-
Reforms Needed in Indian civil services vice for strengthening democracy. (UPSC 2020)
Copying three Best practices of the Indian military to
HR practices be adopted by the civil services
from the Indian INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD-
military
Hiring Tenure: The courageous Agniveer re-
(fixed
RELATIONS. BILATERAL, REGION-
terms for suc- vamp: Only 25% of the recruited sol- AL AND GLOBAL GROUPINGS AND
cessful candi-
diers stayed on after a fixed duty. It will AGREEMENTS INVOLVING INDIA
dates) gradually raise military capital expendi-
ture. AND/OR AFFECTING INDIA’S INTER-
The government must hire all new civ- ESTS.
il servants for a fixed 10-year tenure
with rollover percentages decided by a
hard-coded organisational structure. 29. INDIA-BHUTAN RELATIONS
Specialisation A democracy’s generalists are politi-
(compounding cians, while civil servants are techno- Context:
skills over de- crats whose mandate changed from Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is on a
cades) ruling to governing. visit to India

Young military recruits pick an area of Various dimensions of cooperation between India and Bhu-
expertise early, the Indian civil services tan with examples:
must replicate this.

www.insightsonindia.com 53
 Current Affairs 30

Dimension Examples concerns over the impact on Bhutan’s culture and

society.
Strategic Bhutan serves as a buffer between
• Political Interference: Bhutan has accused India of
India and China, protecting the Sili-
interfering in its internal affairs, particularly during
guri Corridor (also known as Chicken’s
the 2013 elections.
Neck). The Doklam standoff (2017)
has re-established Bhutan’s strategic
significance for India. Bhutan does not Conclusion:
have any formal diplomatic relations India-Bhutan relations have remained strong and friendly,
with China. characterized by a deep sense of trust and understanding.
Both countries must enhance connectivity which is a central
Historical The Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Peace and
pillar of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ poli-
Friendship of 1949, is the bedrock of
cies.
India and Bhutan’s relationship
Economic India is Bhutan’s largest trading part-
ner (mostly in electricity). Also, in- Insta Links
creased trade with Bhutan benefits India-Bhutan
landlocked states like Assam and
Arunachal Pradesh. India has decided
30. CHINA- CENTRAL ASIA AND INDIA
to support Bhutan’s upcoming 13th
Five-Year Plan (for 12 FYP, India had
Context:
provided 4500Cr)
China convened a meeting (online) of trade ministers of the
Cultural and Edu- Buddhism. India also offers various grouping known as C+C5.
cational scholarships for Bhutanese students
through Nehru-Wangchuck Scholar-
C+C5:
ships, Ambassador’s Scholarship
It constitutes China and the five Central Asian republics,
Energy India has constructed three Hydro- namely Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,
electric Projects in Bhutan (and ex- and Kyrgyzstan.
porting surplus power to India)—Ch-
hukha HEP, Kurichhu HEP, and Tala
HEP. India is also building Mangde-
chhu, Punatsangchhu 1 and 2 Hydro-
electric Power Projects in Bhutan.

Also, India will expedite the proposed

Kokrajhar-Gelephu rail link project.
Regional Both nations cooperate in regional fo-
rums such as BIMSTEC and SAARC.
Technological E.g., the E-Library project and the In-
dia-Bhutan satellite, India’s Vaccine
Maitri Initiative
Environmental India is supporting Bhutan in its efforts
to become carbon negative.
China and Central Asia:
Issues between the two countries: • China shares a long history of trade, culture, and
people-to-people links with the Central Asian re-
• Border Dispute: Disputes over the exact demarca- gion, which lies on the ancient Silk Route.
tion of the border between the two countries. • Modern China’s involvement with the region began
• Hydropower Projects: Concerns in Bhutan over the with the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991.
environmental and social impacts of the project. • Diplomatic relations were established in 1992, and
Also, Bhutan has sought greater revenue from these China’s relationship with the region was institution-
projects alised as the Shanghai Five, the forerunner of the
• Trade Imbalance: Bhutan is heavily dependent on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
India for its imports.
• Cross-Border Movement: Bhutan has restricted the
cross-border movement of Indian workers, citing

54 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Mutual benefits ● The Ukrainian invasion has given rise to fears (among
Central Asian countries) that a security relationship
For China For C5 with Moscow could prove to be a double-edged
• Central Asia is a • Chinese investments weapon.
readymade market helped to upgrade Sovi-
for cheap exports et-era infrastructure and India and Central Asia:
and gave China over- carry out development
land access to mar- works in these countries.
kets in Europe and • President Xi launched his
West Asia. Belt and Road Initiative
• The region is re- (BRI), a modern version of
source-rich, with the Silk Road, during his
massive gas and oil 2013 visit to the Kazakh
reserves, and stra- capital Almaty.
tegic minerals such • Beijing has also pumped
as uranium, copper, billions of dollars in invest-
and gold. ments that cover projects
• China also had an- from oil and gas explora-
other priority in its tion, rail, road and seaport
relationship with connectivity to digital tech- ● While India has trading ties with these countries, it
these countries - to nologies and green energy. is hindered by the absence of a land route to Cen-
ensure peace in Xin- • Access to the Pacific Ocean tral Asia, with Pakistan denying its passage and Af-
jiang Autonomous and East Asia to the land- ghanistan being uncertain territory after the Taliban
Region, which forms locked region. takeover.
its frontier with Cen- • China, unlike the West, ● The Chabahar port in Iran offers an alternative
tral Asia. asks no questions about route, but it is not fully developed yet.
• The BRI plays a crit- their governance or hu- ● Also, India’s relationships in the region (including in
ical role as a tran- man rights record. the SCO) remain security-driven.
sit hub for China’s
● There have been suggestions that India should pro-
trade with Europe. vide connectivity for people and trade in Central
Asia through “air corridors”, as it had done for Af-
Friction points between China and Central Asia: ghanistan.
• Beijing’s targeting of the Muslim population of Xin- ● As a first, New Delhi made its biggest outreach to
jiang has triggered resentment in these countries, Central Asia, when the PM of India hosted a virtual
where Islam is the principal religion. summit of the C5 last year.
• The increasing presence of Chinese workers and ● New Delhi’s leadership of the SCO this year may pro-
rapid land acquisitions by China in these countries vide it with an opportunity to diversify relations with
has led to public protests. this strategic region.

China’s ‘Grand Plan’ for Relations:

● The region is economically dependent on Russia, Insta Links: India-Central Asia
which is also Central Asia’s net security provider.
● Russia’s trade with these countries has increased
over the last year, as it attempts to find substitutes 31. INDIA AND SCO
for imports from Europe.
● Russia also has a huge migrant population of Cen- Context:
tral Asians who bind the region to it in economic de- Chinese and Russian defence ministers are attending a min-
pendency. isterial meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
● Russia and China are now competing for the title of (SCO) in Delhi this week. Also, India will chair the Eurasian
the top trading partner in the area. The trade be- regional forum this year.
tween China and the five countries reached $70.2
billion last year.
● Beijing is making use of Russia’s preoccupation in About SCO:
Ukraine to push Moscow out of its own strategic
backyard.

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Information
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) (est. 2001; HQ: Beijing) is a Eurasian political, economic, international secu-
rity and defence organization.
Type Permanent intergovernmental international organisation
Need After the collapse of the Soviet Union
in 1991, the then security and economic
architecture in the Eurasian region dis-
solved and new structures had to come
up.

Members China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia,

and Tajikistan (not Turkmenistan), were
the original ‘Shanghai Five’. Uzbekistan
was included afterwards. India and Paki-
stan joined the organization in 2017

Key priorities Regional non-traditional security, counter-terrorism; Fight against the “three evils” of terrorism, sep-
aratism and extremism
Observers Iran, Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia
Current Head India is the current chair of SCO
Internal conflicts Between India and China; India and Pakistan; Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan; Pakistan and Taliban-led Af-
within SCO ghanistan; and No Central Asian neighbour has endorsed the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

How India gains from SCO:

Dimensions Benefits for India
Geopolitical Balance Asian Player SCO bolsters India’s status as a major pan-Asian player which is
currently limited in the South Asian paradigm.
Multi-alignment Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war; US’ power strug-
gle with China and sanctions on Iran. SCO helps India engage with
all sides.
“Shanghai Spirit” It emphasises India’s foreign policy of harmony, non-interference
in others’ internal affairs, and non-alignment.
Regional Engagement Facilitates Bilateral En- E.g., India is a major trade partner of Russia and China
gagement
Informal Meeting Oppor- The SCO summit gives an opportunity for Indian and Pakistani lead-
tunities ers; the India-Chinese delegation; India-Russian leaders to meet in-
formally, on the sidelines.
Security dimensions E.g., India wants access to intelligence and information from SCO’s counter-terrorism body, the
Tashkent-based Regional Anti-Terror Structure (RATS). Also, India through SCO can help in the
stability of Afghanistan.
Connectivity E.g., International North-South Transport Corridor

India’s challenges in dealing with SCO:

56 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Challenge Description
Differences between India Differences on cross-border terrorism, geopolitics, Kashmir dispute.
and Pakistan
Differences between India India’s concern over China’s BRI initiative and Chinese expansionist policy on India’s bor-
and China ders.
Intelligence sharing India may be hesitant to share intelligence with Pakistan and China within the SCO’s an-
ti-terrorism structures.
SCO’s Stance on Kashmir The SCO may not take a firm stance on the Kashmir dispute that India would like. China is
likely to take Pakistan’s side, creating tensions.
Limited support for the In- The SCO’s other members may not have the capability to stand up to China in any border
dia-China border dispute dispute between India and China, limiting the SCO’s ability to help India.
Containing China’s rise India wants to contain China’s influence in the region, but joint containment efforts may
not happen within the confines of the SCO.
Afghanistan is not part of Cooperation with Central Asian states is important for India in combating terrorism in Af-
SCO ghanistan, but Afghanistan is not part of the SCO.

Conclusion:
While the SCO has been successful in attracting a growing number of regional states, its internal contradictions are casting a
shadow over its strategic coherence.

Insta Links:
SCO

Mains Links
Q. SCO serves India’s quest for geopolitical balance and regional engagement, however, any benefits from it are cancelled
out by the presence of China and Pakistan. Has India gained anything substantial from the SCO? Critically examine. (15M)

32. INDIA-UAE RELATIONSHIP

Context:
India, the world’s second-largest food producer, is an essential partner in the UAE’s ambition to strengthen food security.

Various dimensions of the India-UAE relationship

Dimension Examples
Diplomatic Establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972; reciprocal embassies in each other’s countries; a stra-
tegic partnership between the two countries in 2015
Economic & Com- Bilateral trade valued at US$ 72 billion in FY 2021-22; UAE as India’s third-largest trade partner and
mercial second-largest export destination; UAE comes in the Top 10 destination for FDI in India; India-UAE
signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
Food security India is the world’s second-largest food producer and UAE is a major importer of Indian food prod-
ucts.
Investment in the E.g., Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (UAE’s largest free trade zone) launched Agriota (agri-trading
Food sector and commodity platform) to link Indian farmers to food companies in the UAE.

In 2022, I2U2 meeting UAE committed $2 billion in investment towards constructing food parks in
India and establishing a food security corridor
Cultural BAPS Hindu temple is planned in UAE; Indian cinema/TV/radio channels are widely available in UAE,
annual International Day of Yoga events

www.insightsonindia.com 57
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Technology part-Collaboration between ISRO and UAESA for the Red Moon mission, digital innovation, and technology
nerships partnerships
Defence and Se- The recent I2U2 summits; Annual defence dialogues, bilateral defence interaction, UAE’s role in In-
curity dian Ocean Region dialogue, joint military exercises— Exercise Desert Flag; In-UAE BILAT (bilateral
naval exercise) and Desert Eagle-II (bilateral air force exercise)
Mediation The role played by UAE in mediation between India and Pakistan, facilitating meetings between inter-
locutors including NSA Doval and Pakistan military officials
Indian Communi- Indian expatriate community of approximately 34 lakhs, the largest ethnic community in UAE, com-
ty prising roughly about 35% of the country’s population

Challenges/Issues between the two countries:

Challenge Example
Labour Issues There have been reports of mistreatment and exploitation of Indian migrant workers in the UAE
Trade Imbalance India’s trade deficit with the UAE has been a cause for concern (US $18bn in 2021)
Geopolitical Is- The UAE’s growing ties with Pakistan, which has long-standing tensions with India, have been a cause
sues for concern. The UAE has also maintained a neutral stance on the Kashmir issue, which India considers
an internal matter.
Regional Com- For instance, the UAE’s recent investments in the port of Gwadar in Pakistan and the development of
petition Chabahar port in Iran have raised concerns in India.

Conclusion:
The relationship between India and UAE has strengthened
over the years, with the UAE becoming India’s closest part-
ner in the Arab world. Despite recent challenges, the bilater-
al ties between the two nations have proven resilient.

Insta Links:
India-UAE

33. INDUS WATER TREATY

Context: The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) seems to be strug-

gling to gain support in the J&K region.

Background:
• One of the few instances of a significant internation-
al river basin conflict being resolved in South Asia is
the IWT, signed by India and Pakistan in 1960.
• However, J&K region’s residents claim that the trea-
ty prevents them from utilising their own water re-
sources, significantly impacting the UT’s growth.
• This indicates the widespread resentment among
the residents over the existence of IWT.

58 www.insightsonindia.com
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Reasons for resentment: It is due to the perception that the treaty has resulted in a loss of water resources, which has had
a detrimental impact on the UT’s potential for –
Agriculture • Jammu and Kashmir’s economy is mainly dependent on agriculture. Nearly 70% of the people
here depend on agriculture for their income, directly or indirectly.
• The UT’s irrigation system has merely improved over the years. In Kashmir, the primary irriga-
tion method (canal) has seen a dismal development.
Power genera- The region’s hydropower potential, which will give its economy a powerful boost, is not fully realised.
tion • Of the potential hydropower capacity (20,000 MW), only 3,263.46 MW/19.80% have been used
so far.
• IWT only allows for run-of-the-river projects that do not affect the riparian rights of Pakistan.
What do the • Abrogation of the treaty.
residents want • Quantify the losses incurred to aid the UT in seeking compensation.
and what are • Consequently, the government started the process of quantifying the losses.
the steps tak-
en?
As the issue of IWT is again in the spotlight due to India’s appeal to Pakistan to modify it, the people of J&K eagerly ex-
pect policymakers to pay attention to their concerns.

Insta Links: The Indus Waters Treaty, and why India has issued notice to Pakistan seeking changes

34. INDIA-LATIN AMERICA RELATIONS

Context: External affairs minister who visited Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay earlier, is to visit Guyana and Colombia later
this month.

Dimen- Examples
sion of
India-LAC
Historical Colonial legacy: Indian indentured labour was shipped mainly to the Caribbean. India’s leading communist
ideologue, M.N. Roy played an important role in the creation of the Mexican Communist Party in 1917.

NAM movement: As a founding member of the Non-Aligned-Movement (NAM), India generated a lot of
goodwill and attracted many Latin American Countries.
Political India and Brazil are members of the BRICS grouping and the IBSA Dialogue Forum. India has also signed stra-
tegic partnership agreements with Brazil, Mexico, and Chile.
Economic India’s annual trade of US$30 billion to US$50 billion with Latin America (Trade has been rising constantly by
25% every year). Indian companies, mainly ONGC, and private sector organizations like Reliance, and Gam-
mon India, have invested in producing oil and gas fields in LAC. Indian companies have been interested in the
critical deposits of resources such as copper and lithium
Cultural Across Latin America, there are thousands of followers of Indian spiritual gurus like Sai Baba, Brahma Ku-
maris, and Hare Krishna. There is also growing interest in Indian Ayurvedic and natural products.
Diaspora Today, the Indian diaspora accounts for a major portion of the populations of Trinidad, Suriname and Guy-
ana.
Scientific India and Brazil have an MoU on cooperation in the field of Biotechnology. India and Mexico have signed an
and Tech- agreement on cooperation in the fields of Science and Technology.
nological
Defence India has signed an MoU on Defence Cooperation with Brazil. India also has defence cooperation agreements
with Chile and Mexico.
Education Universities student and faculty exchanges. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has also been
offering scholarships to LAC students for higher education in India.

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 Current Affairs 30
Challenges in the relationship: Why is India not a party to IFA negotiations?
• Distance and Lack of Connectivity ● Fear of ISDS: Apprehension that foreign investors
• Language Barrier: Spanish and Portuguese are the could use a future IFA to bring claims under the
dominant languages in the region, while India’s offi- existing BITs.
cial language is Hindi and English. ● Foreign investors may use the -
• Limited Cultural Understanding ○ Most favoured nation (MFN) provision
• Protectionist Policies: Protectionist measures (by in BITs: To import terms from the IFA that
both regions), such as tariffs and non-tariff barriers, they believe to be more favourable than
could increase costs for businesses and restrict ac- those provided in the underlying BIT.
cess to markets. ○ Ubiquitous provision of fair and equita-
• Political Instability: Political instability and econom- ble treatment (FET) in BITs: To challenge
ic uncertainties in some Latin American countries non-compliance with IFA.
could deter Indian businesses from investing in the ○ ‘Umbrella clause’ in BIT: A clause that al-
region. lows contractual and other commitments
• Lack of High-Level Interactions: High-level interac- owed to a foreign investor to be brought
tions between India and Latin America have been under the treaty’s protective umbrella.
limited.
But, these are mere presumptions:
Conclusion:
India’s trade with Latin America is negligible in comparison ● Many BITs exempt an economic integration
to China’s $450 billion trading in that region. Historically, In- agreement from the application of MFN. Thus, the
dian businesses have lagged in LAC. Hence, India will need to possibility of importing IFA provisions into the BIT
step up its economic diplomacy and join regional economic is remote.
institutions like the Inter-American Development Bank. ● It is unlikely that an ISDS tribunal will accept the
claim that a simple IFA violation breaches an inves-
Insta Links tor’s reasonable expectations.
Mind Map: India- Latin America
● Most new investment treaties avoid ‘umbrella
clauses’ altogether.
Mains Links Way ahead
Q. Discuss the potential, opportunities, and nature of the
● The IFA categorically states that it
relationship between India and Mexico (250 Words)
○ Cannot be used to interpret or apply any
rule for the protection of investment con-
35. INVESTMENT FACILITATION AGREE- tained in any investment treaty.
MENT (IFA) ○ Does not create rights for non-signatory
countries and their investors.
● Reforming BITs: Countries can amend their re-
Context:
spective BITs to exclude the IFA from its scope.
India should not be opposed to joining the investment fa-
cilitation agreement (IFA) negotiations for fear of inves- The possibility of an audacious ISDS tribunal interpreting
tor-state dispute settlement claims. provisions broadly can never be ruled out. But this cannot
be a basis to oppose international law-making.
Insta Links: TFA
Background:
• Even if the World Trade Organization (WTO) is inac-
tive, IFA is one area of rule-making where there is a lot EFFECT OF POLICIES AND POLITICS
of action. OF DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING
• Backed by over 100 countries (it does not include In-
dia), the proposed IFA is meant to create legally bind- COUNTRIES ON INDIA’S INTERESTS,
ing provisions aimed at facilitating investment flows. INDIAN DIASPORA.
• This will require states to augment regulatory trans-
parency and predictability of investment measures. 36. WHAT DO RUSSIA-CHINA AND SAU-
• This agreement will be very different from investment DI-IRAN DEALS MEAN FOR INDIA?
protection agreements (such as BITs) that allow for-
eign investors to bring claims against the host state for Context: As Russia-China bolster ties, Saudi Arabia-Iran strike
alleged treaty breaches. a deal (with China’s mediation), India’s tightrope walk gets
• This is known as investor-state dispute settlement tougher ahead of a number of crucial meetings - G7, G20,
(ISDS). SCO and Quad.

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Recent global developments:
Developments Implications

Overall For India

Iran-Saudi Arabia agreement: In • May end Shia-Sunni rival- • Iran and Saudi Arabia are both close friends of
a surprise announcement, the ry - long being part of West India, so their deal is a positive
countries decided to re-estab- Asian politics • However, the fact that China is a guarantor of the
lish full diplomatic ties after talks • End to proxy conflicts in Ye- deal makes both countries much close to Beijing
mediated in China. men, Lebanon, Iraq • India’s strain with Iran, over cancelling oil im-
• The decline of Western in- ports, reducing investment in Chabahar due to
fluence, boost to Chinese US sanctions and the I2U2 → China’s increasing
influence presence → hurting India’s plans to circumvent
Pakistan
• Connectivity for India via Chabahar, INSTC to
Russia could also be hampered
The International Criminal Court • Could impact Putin’s future
convicted Russian President Pu- travel
tin in a number of alleged kidnap- • As none of Russia, China,
pings of children in Ukraine. the US or India is a signa-
tory to the ICC, so this may
not make a difference
Xi travels to Moscow: A year af- • No-limits partnership • Russia is a traditional friend and China is a tra-
ter Putin went to Beijing and reaf- • Not a military alliance ditional foe/rival
firmed the relationship between • Adheres to non-align- • China’s plans for more defence imports from
them. ment, non-confrontation, Russia (remember China bought the S-400 be-
and non-targeting of third fore India) could hurt India’s strategic interest.
countries • The new front will make consensus at the G-20
• Not allow multipolar organ- much more difficult
isations to be politicised -
indicating the current log-
jam at the G-20
Iran-Russia-China held naval ex- While Russia and China have
ercises in the Gulf Of Oman held joint military exercises
before, the inclusion of Iran is
significant

Saudi Arabia clears decision to More will be known when India

join SCO hosts the SCO summit this year

Other developments:
● AUKUS: US, Australia and UK announced the 3-phase plan - a $368 Billion deal to provide Australia with nucle-
ar-powered submarines over the next 30 years.
● Japanese PM’s visit to Delhi: Japanese PM unveiled Japan’s new Indo-Pacific Policy and indicated that Japan stands
against both Russia and China’s military plans.
● US hosted a virtual Democracy Summit: Pitching a front of democracies vs authoritarian states - deepening the
global divide as
○ Neither China nor Russia was invited, but Taiwan was.
○ They called the Ukraine War - an assault on democracy.

Challenges for India: India is a common factor on both sides - therefore it has to walk a tough tightrope between its
● Continental ties (Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, Iran, Central Asia and Russia) and
● Maritime strategy (Quad, UK, France, Germany, EU, IOR countries- Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, etc).

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Conclusion:
● There is a reason that India’s current foreign policy (where there is a Quad, SCO, G-7, and G-20) of strategic autono-
my and multipolarity is not so different from its traditional foreign policy of non-alignment.
● Instead of seeing non-alignment as a compulsion, there is merit in seeing India’s traditional balancing act as one
that gives its foreign policy maximum flexibility to serve India’s needs.

Insta Links:
International Relations

Mains Links:
Q. The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going
to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.
(UPSC 2021)

37. JAPAN’S NEW PLAN FOR A FREE AND OPEN INDO-PACIFIC (FOIP)

Context:
During his visit to India, the Japanese PM unveiled Japan’s
New Plan for a FOIP and exchanged views about deepening
the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Japan’s New Plan for the FOIP: It lays stress on the need to
uphold the rules-based order and respect each other’s ter-
ritorial sovereignty, at a time when the international com-
munity is at a historical turning point.

Four pillars of cooperation under the new FOIP:

1. Principles for peace and rules for prosperity: Japan wants to engage in economic development programmes such
as the G-20 Principles for “Quality Infrastructure Investment”.
2. Addressing challenges in an Indo-Pacific way: Incorporating realistic and practical projects in a wide range of ar-
eas, such as climate change, food security, global health and cybersecurity.
3. Multi-layered connectivity: The 3 areas identified for introducing more such projects are Southeast Asia, South
Asia and the South Pacific/Pacific Island countries. Japan has made a new commitment of -
○ $100 million towards the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund;
○ It will promote the Bay of Bengal-Northeast India industrial value chain concept in cooperation with
India and Bangladesh, etc.
4. Extending efforts for security and safe use of the “sea” to the “air”: Japan will help in strengthening the capabil-
ities of maritime law enforcement agencies in other countries. Towards these objectives,
○ Japan will implement the “strategic use of Official Development Assistance (ODAs)”.
○ Japan also announced to mobilise a total of more than $75 billion in public and private funds by 2030
for infrastructure development.
What does Japan’s New Plan for the FOIP signify?
● Japan needs to do much more in the region.
● Japan is preparing itself for any unforeseen threat to its own as well as regional security.
● To reinforce the idea that Japan has been the
○ The main champion of the FOIP concept
○ Central in the emerging geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific
● With recent global developments (Russia-Ukraine war, Chinese assertiveness in the SCS, ECS, the Indian LAC, and
the Taiwan Straits), there is a need to give a fresh push and momentum to the FOIP concept.

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● It focuses on the numerous challenges facing the Indo-Pacific such as the lack of a united stand on “what the
international order should be?”.
Pros of FOIP: Embrace diverse voices and create an atmosphere of cooperation and collaboration (rather than division
and confrontation) → rule-making through dialogue.

India and Japan relations:

● Notwithstanding some differences in the Ukraine conflict, Japan remains one of India’s closest friends in Asia given
their shared concerns over the aggressive Chinese activities.
● Japan deeply invested in Indo-Pacific stability and prosperity is good news indeed for India and the wider region.

India and FOIP:

● India is an indispensable partner.
● Japan’s concept of FOIP is like India’s concept of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), which has seven pillars:
○ Maritime Security;
○ Maritime Ecology;
○ Maritime Resources;
○ Capacity Building and Resource Sharing;
○ Disaster Risk Reduction and Management;
○ Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation; and
○ Trade Connectivity and Maritime Transport.

Conclusion: Both India and Japan should cooperate to build consensus on the new FOIP during the G-7 and the G-20 (Japan
and India hold their presidencies, respectively) summits.

Insta Links: India-Japan Relations

Mains Links:
Q. ‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic
partnerships that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment. (UPSC 2019)

IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, AGENCIES AND FORA - THEIR

STRUCTURE, MANDATE.

38. 75 YEARS OF THE WHO

Context: Despite some great successes, the 75-year-old World Health Organization (WHO) has received its fair share of crit-
icism.
The WHO It is a specialised agency of the UN (HQ - Geneva, Switzerland) established on 7 April (World Health Day)
1948 and is responsible for international public health.
Members 194 member states
The World It’s the decision-making body of the WHO & is composed of health ministers from member states, WHA
Health As- selects the director-general of the WHO (currently - Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia).
sembly
Mandate: • Working worldwide to promote health and well-being → serving the vulnerable,
• Coordinating responses to health emergencies,
• Providing technical assistance to countries → Set international health standards
A c h i e v e - • Eradication of smallpox (1980) - the only human disease to be eradicated, the near-eradication of
ments: polio, and the development of an Ebola vaccine.
• Efforts helped in realising the goal of health as a human right.

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The failed • Eradication of malaria: The WHO launched the Global Malaria Eradication Programme (1955). But
attempts of there was little/no progress and the program was discontinued in 1969.
WHO: • COVID-19: Some critics complained that the WHO failed in the early detection of the disease and was
not doing enough to support member states.
Current prior- • Communicable diseases: HIV/AIDS, Ebola, COVID-19, malaria and tuberculosis
ities include: • Non-communicable diseases: Heart disease and cancer; healthy diet, nutrition, and food security;
occupational health; and substance abuse.
Main issues • Stymied by a divided world with nations advancing their own interests at the cost of others.
faced by the • WHO does not have the authority -
WHO: • to enforce its recommendations.
• to take action in a member state unless that member state asks for help.
• The funding mechanism (voluntary contributions) lacks transparency and accountability framework.
C h a n g e s It now cooperates with tech companies and relies to a lesser degree on national governments for crucial
made by the health information → lowering the chances of missing the start of another serious disease outbreak.
WHO to its
structure:
Way ahead: The world will experience more frequent and more severe health threats in the future. It means there is a need
to come together around joint priorities and support WHO to -
• Strengthen the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) declaration process
• Devise a collaborative mechanism to disburse funding for projects without bias.
These reforms will help the WHO to become a truly global health enforcement policy.

Insta Links: WHO Issues with the Description

World Bank
Mains Links: Governance Non-democratic governance struc-
Q. Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global ture dominated by industrialized
health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. (UPSC 2020) countries, decisions made without
consulting poor and developing
39. WORLD BANK REFORMS countries, under-representation of
emerging countries like India, key
roles held by Americans and Europe-
ans
Transparency Lack of transparency in lending deals
and interest rates
Anti-poverty agen- Criticism of the effectiveness of
da World Bank loans and financial assis-
tance in reducing poverty
Structural Adjust- Criticism of the negative impact of
ment Programs SAPs on developing countries, in-
(SAP) cluding enforced privatization, gov-
ernment spending cuts, imposition
of user fees, market-based pricing,
higher interest rates, and trade liber-
alization
Climate and devel- Difficulty in finding the right balance
opment assistance between climate and development
assistance, and climate emission and
adaptation priorities
Reliability of re- Criticism of the reliability of World
ports Bank reports and economic perfor-
mance predictions

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Capacity The Bank, according to the road map, Prelims Links:

requires over $2 trillion to meet ex- Q1. India’s ranking in the ‘Ease of Doing Business Index’ is
panded commitments for newer sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has
challenges it faces declared that ranking? (UPSC 2016)
Definition of glob- The need to build consensus on the (a) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Develop-
al development definition of global development ment (OECD)
challenges challenges and priorities (b) World Economic Forum
(c) World Bank
Steps to reform World Bank at different levels: (d) World Trade Organization (WTO)
Leadership Establish a diverse and independent Ans: C
board of directors with the skills, ex-
pertise, and independence Q. With reference to ‘IFC Masala Bonds’, sometimes seen
Remove the monopoly of America on in the news, which of the statements given below is/ are
the appointment process of the Pres- correct? ( UPSC 2016)
ident 1. The International Finance Corporation, which offers
Strategy and Poli- Reform the Bank’s lending and in- these bonds, is an arm of the World Bank.
cies vestment policies to prioritize cli- 2. They are rupee-denominated bonds and are a source
mate-friendly projects and invest- of debt financing for the public and private sectors.
ments Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Adopt a “do no harm” principle that (a) 1 only
ensures that the Bank’s activities do (b) 2 only
not harm vulnerable communities, or (c) Both 1 and 2
undermine human rights (d) Neither 1 nor 2
World Bank decisions should be in- Answer: C
clusive, consensus-based, and recog-
nize the development perspectives
and priorities of client countries
40. VETO POWER AT THE UNSC
Operations and Increase transparency and account-
Implementation ability in the Bank’s operations by im- Context:
proving data collection, monitoring, India has stated that the veto power in the United Nations
and reporting Security Council (UNSC) is driven by political considerations
and not by moral obligations
Strengthen partnerships with other
development actors, such as gov-
ernments, civil society organizations, What is Veto Power?
and private sector actors, Veto power is a special power given to the permanent mem-
bers of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), namely
India has asked for Building consensus on the definition
China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United
the following re- of global development challenges.
States. Essentially, it gives these countries the ability to re-
forms
ject or veto any action by the UNSC that does not align with
Augmenting the financial and opera- their national interests or foreign policy objectives.
tional capacity of World Bank Group.
• In the United Nations Security Council, decisions are
made with a majority of 9 votes of the 15 Coun-
The right balance between climate cil members’ votes. All decision is rejected if one of
and development assistance, and the five permanent members of the Security Coun-
climate emission and adaptation pri- cil makes use of its veto
orities.
The Need for Veto Power:
Mains Links: • It prevents the UNSC from making hasty or poorly
The World Bank has supported India since its independence thought-out decisions that could have negative con-
by giving large loans for its economic development. Evalu- sequences.
ate its role as a facilitator of developmental objectives. (250 • The UN veto has in some ways saved the UN as it
words) gives teeth to P5 nations. The League of Nations
failed because it didn’t have the power to imple-

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ment its initiatives Expand the This could help make the Council more rep-
• Veto power gives the P5 members a sense of secu- permanent resentative of the current global balance of
rity in knowing that their interests will not be over- member- power and would also reduce the concen-
ridden by the other members. ship tration of veto power among a small group
of states.
Issues with the use of “Veto Power”:
Create lon- This will allow for greater continuity and
Issue Example g e r - t e r m consistency in the Council’s decision-mak-
Veto immobilizes Recently, Russia has vetoed several non-perma- ing.
the ability of the resolutions that would have put sanc- nent seats
UNSC to act tions on it for violating Ukraine’s sov- I n c r e a s e This could be done by requiring permanent
ereignty, independence, unity, and transparen- members to publicly justify their use of the
territorial integrity. cy and ac- veto.
“Sovereign equal- The fact that only five countries have countability
ity” is violated veto powers goes against the idea of
sovereign equality of states, perpetu- Other aspects of the UN where India wants reforms are:
ating a Second World War mindset of • Categories of Membership
“to the victor belong the spoils”. • The relationship between the Security Council and
Political consider- The US has used its veto power over the General Assembly
ations over moral 80 times, often for political consider- • Regional representation
obligations ations, rather than moral obligations. • The size of an enlarged Council
For example, in 1972, the US vetoed • Working Methods of the Council
a resolution that called for an end to
its bombing of North Vietnam, de- Conclusion:
spite widespread condemnation and It’s important for P5 and other UN members to balance the
protests. Veto Issue and make the Council more representative and
Veto has ren- The UNSC stayed silent during major democratically accountable, based on earlier experiences
dered the UNSC international conflicts, including the with the League of Nations.
passive to certain 2003 Iraq War, the 2008 conflict in
pressing issues Georgia, and the 2009 deaths of Sri
About UN Charter:
Lankan Tamils.
The UN Charter is the foundational treaty of the United
Lack of account- In 2017, Russia vetoed a resolution
Nations, signed in 1945 and in force since the same year.
ability that would have condemned the use
Its main objective is to maintain international peace and
of chemical weapons in Syria, despite
security, promote social progress and better standards
substantial evidence of their use by
of life, strengthen international law, and promote human
the Syrian government.
rights. All members of the UN are bound by its articles
Critics opine the The veto power is seen as a dispropor-
veto power is tionate power and an impediment to
anachronistic, un- credible international action in crises. Insta links:
just, or counter- For static information about UNSC: Click here
productive Mains Links
Q. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of
Suggestion for reforming the Veto system: a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. ( UPSC 2015)

Reforms for Description

Veto Power Prelims Links:
Abolish the This would require an amendment to the Q. The Security Council of the UN consists of 5 permanent
veto power UN Charter, which would need approval members, and the remaining 10 members are elected by
from two-thirds of the General Assembly the General Assembly for a term of (UPSC 2009)
and ratification by member states. (a) 1 year
Limit the . For example, a veto could be prohibited in (b) 2 years
use of the cases of genocide or crimes against human- (c) 3 years
veto power ity. (d) 5 years
Ans: B

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GS PAPER 3
INDIAN ECONOMY AND ISSUES RELATING TO PLANNING, MOBILIZATION, OF
RESOURCES, GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT.

1. MONETARY POLICY’S IMPACT ON INEQUALITY

Context:
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of RBI deliberated whether interest rates should be hiked further or not.

Background: Since May last year, RBI has been raising the repo rate (the rate at which the RBI lends to the banking system)
→ banks/other financial institutions charge higher interest rates → existing EMIs for home/car/business loans have been
going up.

The pros and cons of raising interest rates:

Pros Cons
Contains inflation: Higher EMI would dissuade enough peo- • Hike per se cannot improve the supply of those goods
ple from borrowing money to fund future economic activity and services
→ slowdown in demand for money → bring down inflation • Prevent the “second-order effects” of high inflation →
→ “too much money chasing too few goods”. refer to a spike in people’s expectation of future infla-
tion
• Limit India’s economic expansion and make unemploy-
ment worse
• A contractionary/tighter monetary policy (higher inter-
est rates) increases inequality in an economy

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Does bringing interest rates down reduce inequalities?
• From the 2008 Global Financial Crisis until the war between Russia and Ukraine, most central banks practised an ex-
pansionary/loose monetary policy → low-interest rates → flooding the economy with additional money → spurring
economic activity.
• But there was growing criticism that low-interest rates were leading to higher wealth inequalities.
• Here’s how: When interest rates are low → savers barely get any rewards (save-you-lose) → most of the wealth
creation happens in the stock markets → stocks are mostly owned by the rich (invest-you-win).

What should be done given the harmful effects of both (contractionary/expansionary) monetary policies on inequality?
● Widening inequalities is a very long-term trend, which depends on deep structural changes in any economy such
as globalisation, technological progress, demographic trends etc.
● A properly managed monetary policy promotes greater economic stability and prosperity for the economy as a
whole, by
○ Mitigating the effects of recessions on the labour market and
○ Keeping inflation low and stable.
● There is the need to rely on fiscal policy (taxes and government spending programs) and policies aimed at improving
workers’ skills to address distributional concerns.

Insta Links: RBI Monetary Policy

Mains Links:
Q. Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape?
Give reasons in support of your arguments. (UPSC 2019)

2. FOREIGN TRADE POLICY (FTP) 2023 ANNOUNCED

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What is an FTP?
A trade policy is a government policy that affects the number of goods and services a country exports and imports.

Significance of FTP:
Significance
Export Promotion Increases revenue through exports and stimulates economic growth
Encourages exports and attracts foreign investment
Collaboration with Facilitates export promotion at the regional level
States and Districts
Economic growth Reduces transaction costs and simplifies export processes
It facilitates the flow of the economy in a country and increases foreign exchange in a country.
For domestic consum- It aids in facilitating free trade and liberalization and improving the overall market for domestic
er consumers of a country.

Aim of FTP 2023:

• To enhance the competitiveness of Indian exports in the global market (India’s overall exports are about to reach
US $760 billion this year)
• Promote sustainable development of the country’s trade sector
• Make India a leader in specific sectors such as pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and textiles
• To promote a digital economy and leverage technology to enhance the competitiveness of Indian exports.

Major Features of FTP 2023:

Feature Description Significance
P r o c e s s The new policy focuses on export promotion and development It will also encourage MSMEs to partici-
Re-Engineer- through automated IT systems for various approvals, making it pate in the global market.
ing and Auto- easier for MSMEs and others to access export benefits.
mation
Towns of Ex- Four new towns (Faridabad, Mirzapur, Moradabad, and Varana- It will boost the exports of handlooms,
port Excel- si) have been designated as Towns of Export Excellence (TEE) handicrafts, and carpets.
lence in addition to the existing 39 towns. The TEEs will have priority
access to export promotion funds under the MAI scheme.
Recognition of Exporter firms recognized with ‘status’ (e.g. 2-star, 4-star, 5-star This will help India build a skilled man-
Exporters ratings) based on export performance will now help in skilling power pool capable of servicing a $5
and training (similar to the ‘each one teach one’ initiative) Trillion economy before 2030.
Promoting ex- The FTP aims at building partnerships with State governments It will help in identifying and promoting
port from the and taking forward the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initia- local products and services.
districts tive to promote exports at the district level and accelerate the
development of the grassroots trade ecosystem.
Streamlining India is placing more emphasis on the “export control” regime A robust export control system in India
SCOMET Pol- to comply with the international treaties and agreements en- would provide access to dual-use High-
icy tered into by India. end goods and technologies to Indian
exporters while facilitating exports of
SCOMET: “Special Chemicals, Organism, Materials, Equipment controlled items/technologies under
and Technologies” items are dual-use items having the poten- SCOMET from India.
tial for both civilian applications as well as weapons of mass
destruction.
F a c i l i t a t i n g The FTP 2023 outlines the intent and roadmap for establish- It will help Indian exporters tap into the
E-Commerce ing e-commerce hubs and related elements such as payment potential of e-commerce exports and in-
Exports reconciliation, bookkeeping, returns policy, and export entitle- crease their global reach.
ments.

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Fa c i l i t a t i o n The EPCG Scheme, which allows the import of capital goods It will promote domestic manufacturing
under the Ex- at zero Customs duty for export production, is being further and encourage investment in capital
port Promo- rationalized. goods.
tion of Capital
Goods (EPCG) Additional schemes such as the PM MITRA scheme have been
Scheme added to claim benefits under the Common Service Provider
scheme.

Battery Electric Vehicles, Vertical Farming equipment, Waste-

water Treatment and Recycling, Rainwater harvesting systems,
and Green Hydrogen are added to Green Technology products
– will now be eligible for reduced Export Obligation require-
ments under EPCG Scheme
Fa c i l i t a t i o n AAS provides duty-free import of raw materials for manufac- It will promote domestic manufacturing
under the Ad- turing export items. and encourage investment in the textile
vance authori- sector.
zation Scheme It has been now extended to the export of the Apparel and
(AAS) Clothing sector
Merchanting Merchanting trade involves the shipment of goods from one It will help convert financial centres such
trade foreign country to another foreign country without touching as GIFT city etc. into major merchanting
Indian ports, involving an Indian intermediary. hubs as seen in places like Dubai, Singa-
pore and Hong Kong.
Merchanting trade of restricted and prohibited items under
the export policy would now be possible.
A m n e s t y Similar to the “Vivaad se Vishwaas” initiative, the government It will help in reducing litigation and fos-
Scheme has introduced a special one-time Amnesty Scheme under tering trust-based relationships to help
which Exporters who have been unable to meet their obliga- alleviate the issues faced by exporters.
tions under EPCG and Advance Authorizations can be regular-
ised on payment of all customs duties exempted in proportion
to unfulfilled export obligations.

The interest payable is capped at 100% of these exempted du-

ties under this scheme.

About the Previous Trade policy: The Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20
It merged various schemes into a single Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS) and simplified the nomenclature
of Export Houses. The policy also introduced incentives for Special Economic Zones and recognized successful business
leaders as Status Holders. A new chapter on Quality Complaints and Trade Disputes was incorporated to resolve trade
disputes between exporters and importers. The mid-term review of the policy increased the scope of MEIS and SEIS and
extended the validity of Duty Credit Scrips.

A. ISSUES WITH THE NEW FTP 2023 POLICY:

Issues Description
Non-updation of the The FTP is notified by the Central Government under the Foreign Trade (Development & Reg-
1992 Act ulation) Act, of 1992. However, this act still focuses on regulating and restricting trade, rather
than facilitating it.
Not focusing on quality It still relies on export incentives rather than improvements in product quality and production
and efficiency efficiencies, which are the new trade policy instruments.

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Restrictions on the Di- It still imposes import “prohibitions” or “restrictions” on the DGFT, instead of reducing its regu-
rectorate General of latory functions and making it a facilitator.
Foreign Trade (DGFT)
Not addressing the RoDTEP Scheme— the scheme exempts or gives back the taxes and levies (levied on the export-
weakness of the RoD- ed products) to the exporters.
TEP Scheme
It fails to address the lower-than-desirable rates of remission of duties under the RoDTEP
scheme.
Not addressing the is- It lacks a commitment to supporting the efficient infrastructure component of the programme
sues with developing to develop districts as export hubs.
districts as export hubs
Issue with the Inclu- The inclusion of e-commerce in the FTP might send the wrong signals that India is ready to en-
sion of e-commerce gage in the WTO on this issue.

Issue with the Amnes- It might encourage further fraud and misdeclaration by exporters.
ty scheme
However, the Ministry of Commerce has now clarified that the cases under investigation for
fraud, and misdeclaration of capital goods will be excluded from the coverage of the amnesty
scheme.

Insta Links:
Foreign trade policies 3. NATIONAL ELECTRICITY PLAN FOR 2022-
27
Mains Links
Q. Critically analyse the current Foreign Trade Policy 2023
Context: A new blueprint for the country’s power sector
(250 Words)
planners - the National Electricity Plan for 2022-27 - marks a
discernible reversal in the policy.
Prelims Links:
Q. The SEZ Act, 2005 which came into effect in February The National Electricity Plan:
2006 has certain objectives. In this context, consider the • The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) must create a
following: ( UPSC 2010) National Electricity Plan in line with the National Elec-
(1) Development of infrastructure facilities. tricity Policy, according to the Electricity Act 2003, to -
(2) Promotion of investment from foreign sources.  Create short-term (every 5-year) and perspective
plans (15 years)
(3) Promotion of exports of services only.  Analyse the need for planning capacity expansion
Which of the above are the objectives of this Act?  Coordinate the efforts of different planning agen-
(a) 1 and 2 only cies to ensure that resources are used optimally
(b) 3 only  Support the needs of the country’s economy.
(c) 2 and 3 only • The 1st National Electricity Plan was published in 2007,
(d) 1, 2 and 3 the 2nd in 2013, and the third (2018) includes the de-
Ans: A tailed Plan for 2017–22 and the perspective Plan for
2022–27.
Q. A “closed economy” is an economy in which (UPSC
2011) Key takeaways from the National Electricity Plan for
(a) the money supply is fully controlled 2022-27:
(b) deficit financing takes place
(c) only exports take place
(d) neither exports nor imports take place
Ans: D

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● The fresh draft notes the need for an additional

coal-based capacity of 28 GW by 2031-32, in ad-
dition to the 25 GW of coal-based capacity that is
currently being built.
○ A rise in the coal-fired power plants’ plant
load factor (PLF), from 55% in 2026-27 to
62% in 2031-32.This is an obvious admis-
sion of the ground realities.
● A predicted 51 GW to 84 GW battery storage
need with a daily usage rate of 5 hours in a push
for renewable energy by 2031-32.
Insta Links: What is missing in the draft national electricity
○ Estimated at Rs. 10 crores per MW, this
policy
could equate to between Rs. 5 to 8 lakh
crore in battery storage investments.
4. DRAFT ‘SAGARMALA INNOVATION AND
What marks a discernible reversal? The focus earlier was START-UP POLICY’
almost entirely on renewable energy for incremental ca-
pacity addition and fresh coal-fired capacity was virtually
Context:
ruled out.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW)
Concerns: has released a draft policy called the ‘Sagarmala Innovation
• Continued reliance on old technology, and inflex- and Start-up Policy’ to promote and nurture start-ups and
ible coal-fired plants for base load capacity → do entrepreneurs in India’s growing maritime sector.
not promise robust reliability. For example, coal-
fired thermal power plants of 200 MW series in Aim: To create a strong ecosystem for fostering innovation
India are more than 25 years old. and entrepreneurship in key areas for start-ups to flourish,
• Uncertainty regarding the management of the including decarbonization, data optimization, maritime edu-
renewables-dominated grid infrastructure. For ex- cation, and cybersecurity.
ample, due to hydropower’s and zero-inertia so-
lar generators’ slow development, the inertia that
Implementation: Through the development of Maritime In-
provides stability to the grid has been decreasing.
novation Hubs (MIH) that will offer incubators and acceler-
• There is no evaluation of the ramping rate for
ators, and help to attract investment and facilitate access to
thermal plants under different solar generation
global experts, entrepreneurs, and investors.
scenarios.
• There is inadequate funding for the development
of battery storage. Features of the draft Significance
Way ahead (as per the National Electricity Plan for 2022- policy
27): Digital portal-based se- Ensures a transparent process
• Battery Energy Storage systems (BESS) based on lection of startups for selecting startups and pro-
Lithium-ion batteries: motes fairness in the selection
• Advantages → cost-effective, balance the grid process.
against load fluctuations/intermittency in gen- Grants for creating a Provides financial support to
eration → energy storage can provide energy minimum viable prod- startups to help them create
time-shifting. uct/service (MVP) a minimum viable product or
• The hybrid generation models: This will enable a service, which can help them
shift to solar energy and provide backup power. attract investors and scale their
• The water-based systems: In these systems wa- business.
ter is raised to the reservoir during charging, and Creation of ‘Launch Provides startups with a space
when it is discharged, it produces energy. pads’ at Ports to carry out trials, pilot proj-
 The closed water cycle has a 70% water
cycle efficacy and 6% evaporation loss. ects, and work on solutions.
 They are economical as no barrage on the Annual Start-up Recognizes and rewards the ef-
river is required. Awards in the maritime forts of innovative startups in
sector the maritime sector.

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Current Affairs 30

Guidance to Non-Reg- Provides guidance and support 5. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF
istered Start-ups and to individuals and startups with INDIA (SEBI)
Individuals promising ideas in the maritime
sector.
Regulatory support in Provides regulatory and legal
Tenders and Sub-con- support to startups in the ten-
tracting dering and sub-contracting pro-
cess.
Legal and accountancy Provides legal and accounting
backup to start-ups support to startups, which can
help them with tasks such as
filing patents, registering their
company, and annual filings.
Development of Mar- These hubs provide a range of
itime Innovation Hubs facilities and support for start-
(MIH) for the promo- ups, including incubators and
tion of Start-Ups accelerators, centralized repos-
itories, and entrepreneur devel-
opment programs.

Conclusion:
These features can help create a strong ecosystem for fos-
tering innovation and entrepreneurship in the maritime
sector in India, which can drive sustainable growth and em- SEBI has been successful in its functions:
ployment opportunities. Function Example of SEBI’s success
Protection of SEBI has taken action against fraudulent
About Sagarmala Programme: investors’ in- collective investment schemes to protect
The Sagarmala Programme (approved: 2015), aims to terests investors’ interests e.g., Action against
develop port infrastructure along the country’s 7,516-km the Sahara group (2013)
long coastline through modernisation, mechanisation, I m p r e s s i v e Assets under the management of mutual
and computerisation. The program seeks to reduce logis- rise funds, the total number of dematerialised
tics costs, boosting India’s merchandise exports to USD 110 accounts, dematerialised turnover, the
billion by 2025 and creating an estimated 10 million new number of derivatives contracts, etc, have
jobs (four million in direct employment) all grown exponentially.
Other programmes for the maritime sector: Sagarmala – The smooth SEBI has introduced online trading plat-
Sagartat Samridhi Yojana (for improving coastal infrastruc- functioning of forms and electronic clearing services
ture, tourism and life of communities); Maritime India Vi- the securities
sion 2030 market
R e g u l a t i o n SEBI has introduced regulations for in-
Insta Links of securities sider trading, delisting of securities, and
• Sagarmala market oper- disclosure and investor protection guide-
• Committee Report- Implementation of Sagarmala ations lines
Projects Education of SEBI‘s ‘Jan Jagruti Abhiyaan’ to educate
investors investors about the securities market and
their rights as investors.
Mains Links:
Q. Sagarmala project provides an opportunity for improv- P r o h i b i t i o n SEBI has taken action against market ma-
ing carrying capacity and developing ports as a key contrib- of fraudulent nipulations and price rigging. In 2015,
utor to economic growth. Discuss. (250 words) and unfair SEBI ordered a probe into suspected rig-
trade practic- ging of the National Stock Exchange’s
es (NSE) algo-trading systems and imposed
a penalty of Rs 1,000 crore on NSE for its
role in the co-location case.

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 Current Affairs 30

Ensuring In 2018, SEBI fined ICICI Bank and its CEO crypto industry (collapse of the crypto exchange
compliance Chanda Kochhar for violating disclosure FTX, etc).
by market norms related to a loan given to Videocon
participants Group. The new rules:
Tackling insid- In 2017, SEBI imposed a penalty on Reli- • MiCA will impose compliance on the issuers of
er trading ance Industries for alleged insider trading crypto assets (legal person who offers to the public
in Reliance Petroleum shares in 2007. any type of crypto-assets).
• It will apply to crypto-asset service providers
(CASPs) providing services like the custody, adminis-
Limitations of SEBI: tration, and exchange of crypto assets.
SEBI has certain limitations in terms of its reach, enforce-  A CASP can get authorised in any one mem-
ment powers, coordination with other regulatory bodies, ber country and will be allowed to conduct
resources, and keeping up with changing market dynamics. their services across the 27 countries.
These limitations can create regulatory gaps and overlaps, • It requires crypto companies to send information
leading to delays in the resolution of cases. about senders and recipients of crypto assets to
their local anti-money laundering authority.
Examples:
• SEBI’s alleged inaction in the Ketan Parekh scam and What kind of assets will MiCA cover?
Satyam scandal • It will apply to ‘crypto assets’, including not only tra-
• SEBI’s inability to prevent the NSEL scam ditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum
• Failure of SEBI’s regulations to prevent the misuse but also to newer ones like stablecoins.
of participatory notes (P-notes) by foreign investors  Stablecoins are digital tokens that aim to
stay pegged in value with a more stable as-
Conclusion: set like the U.S. dollar or other stable cryp-
There is a need for continuous monitoring and improving tocurrencies.
market intelligence to strengthen enforcement. Also, India’s • The MiCA’s scope will exclude central bank digital
financial markets are still segmented, and a unified financial currencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and other
regulator may be required to remove overlaps and excluded crypto assets already under existing regulation.
boundaries.
Significance:
• A comprehensive framework for 27 countries in Eu-
Insta Links
rope not only harmonises the crypto industry but
How is the stock market regulated in India?
also gives the EU a competitive edge in its growth.
• It will protect consumers against deception and
Mains Links: fraud.
Q. Discuss the powers and functions of SEBI. What are the • Information sharing provisions will prevent launder-
major issues faced by the regulatory body for securities ing and terror financing activities.
and commodity markets in India? Suggest reforms that are
needed in its functioning. (250 Words) What has been the reaction?
• The new rules will come into force after formal ap-
proval by (27) member states.
6. MARKETS IN CRYPTO ASSETS (MICA) • A broader view is that it is better to have a regulato-
ry framework than to have no rules at all.
Context: • However, the rule is already behind in terms of ad-
The European Parliament has approved the world’s first set dressing more recent weaknesses (as it is under de-
of comprehensive rules - MiCA - to bring largely unregulat- velopment for 3 years) in the cryptocurrency market.
ed cryptocurrency markets under the ambit of government ○ For instance, it does not cover practices like
authorities. crypto staking and lending.

The Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) legislation: How is crypto regulated in India?
Need: • India is yet to have a comprehensive regulatory
• 22% of the global crypto industry was concentrat- framework for crypto assets and the legality of cryp-
ed in Europe, which received $1.3 trillion worth of tocurrencies in the country is still a grey area.
crypto assets. • However, the Indian government has taken certain
• 2022 saw bankruptcies and fraud scandals in the steps to bring cryptocurrencies under the ambit of

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specific authorities and taxation. For example, Tyres) alongside ATMA.
 In the Union Budget 2022, the Finance Min- • The order was challenged at the National Company
istry imposed a 30% tax on income from the Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) and was overturned.
“transfer of any virtual digital asset.” • Now, CCI has approached the apex court challenging
 The government placed all transactions in- the tribunal’s order.
volving virtual digital assets under the pur-
view of the Prevention of Money Launder-
ing Act (PMLA). About Cartelisation:
• India is now calling for consensus in the G20 group- Meaning According to CCI, cartelisation is a practice
ing, to have a globally coordinated policy response in which a group of competitors (manufac-
on crypto assets. turers, sellers, distributors) come together
(agreement) to restrict competition.
Ill-Effects • Reduces the output → increases the
price → Forces consumers out of the
market (if they opt not to pay a higher
price) → transferring wealth unknowing-
ly (if they opt to pay)
• A cartel protects its members from full
market exposure → decreasing cost con-
trol → hurting overall economic perfor-
mance and innovation.
Cartels vs A monopolist dominates the concerned mar-
monopoly ket completely (as there is no competitor),
Insta Links: Digital rupee pilot project launching: what is it
while cartels are formed (with the intention
and how will it work?
to restrict competition) to dominate the
market
EFFECTS OF LIBERALIZATION ON THE Laws to • The Competition Act, 2002 seeks to pro-
stop cartel- mote and sustain competition in mar-
ECONOMY, CHANGES IN INDUSTRI- isation kets, protect the interest of consumers,
AL POLICY AND THEIR EFFECTS ON and ensure freedom of trade for market
INDUSTRIAL GROWTH. participants.
• It established the CCI to eliminate prac-
tices having adverse effects on market
competition.
7. CARTELIZATION AMONG DOMESTIC The Com- The amendments proposed to codify the li-
TYRE MANUFACTURERS petition ability of cartel facilitators. The CCI can now
(Amend- impose penalties of up to 10% of the total
ment) Bill global turnover of enterprises.
Context: The Supreme Court issued notices to five tyre com- 2023
panies and the industry body Automotive Tyre Manufactur-
ers’ Association (ATMA).
Insta Links: Competition law amendments: Of penalties
and misses
Background:
• The All-India Tyre Dealers Federation (AITDF) in a
reference to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
alleged 5 tyre companies for coordination, price par- INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND ISSUES
allelism and cartelisation.
• These companies (control 90% of the tyre produc- ARISING FROM IT.
tion in India) had raised tyre prices on the pretext of
rising prices of raw materials (natural rubber).
8. PM MUDRA YOJANA COMPLETES 8
• However, they did not correspondingly decrease
prices when raw material prices fell - not in line with YEARS
typical competitive market practices. Context: The Prime Minister has lauded Mudra Yojana on
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) - the the completion of 8 years. The yojana has played a vital role
competition regulator, imposed penalties on the five in funding the unfunded and ensuring a life of dignity as
tyre companies (MRF, JK Tyre, Apollo, CEAT and Birla well as prosperity for countless Indians

www.insightsonindia.com 75
 Current Affairs 30
Achievements of PM Mudra Yojana: Expansion PMMY has been expanded over time to
• Loan sanctioned: About ₹23 lakh crore has been sanc- cover activities related to agriculture, such
tioned in nearly 41 crore loan accounts as fishing, dairy, and food processing, and
• Inclusive growth: About 69% of accounts under the loans for tractors and power tillers, and
scheme belong to women entrepreneurs and 51% of ac- two-wheelers for commercial use were in-
counts belong to entrepreneurs of SC/ST and OBC cate- cluded in PMMY
gories
Steps tak- udyamimitra portal (for online applications);
• Easy availability of credit to budding entrepreneurs:
en to im- End-to-end digital lending for automated
Approximately 21% of the total loans have been sanc-
prove the sanctions under PMMY (by some banks);
tioned to New Entrepreneurs.
scheme Nomination of Mudra Nodal Officers in
• Employment Generation: As per a survey conducted by
PSBs; Interest Subvention of 2% on prompt
the Ministry of Labour and Employment, PMMY helped
repayment of Shishu loans
in generating over 1 crore net additional employment
from 2015 to 2018, out of which women accounted for
69 lakh (62%) Challenges faced by the scheme:
• High non-performing assets or bad loans
F e a t u r e Description • Limited funds that cannot keep up with the pace of
of the demand
scheme • Regional disparities in the distribution of benefits
• Lack of financial literacy among beneficiaries lead-
Full name Mudra - Micro Units Development & Refi- ing to defaults
nance Agency Ltd • Limited outreach to rural entrepreneurs
L a u n c h 2015 • Collateral requirements for loans above a certain
Year amount make it difficult for many small enterprises
Ministry Department of Financial Services, Ministry of to access credit
Finance • Loan size limitations of up to Rs. 10 lakhs, which is
Aim Providing loans up to Rs. 10 lakhs to non-cor- inadequate for many small enterprises with higher
porate, non-farm small/micro-enterprises capital requirements.
Three pil- 1. Banking the Unbanked
lars of the 2. Securing the Unsecured Conclusion: Overall, the MUDRA scheme has been success-
scheme ful in providing credit to small entrepreneurs. However, it
3. Funding the Unfunded
faces some significant challenges that need to be addressed
F u n d i n g MUDRA, a financial institution set up by the to make it more effective and inclusive.
Provision government, provides funding to the small
business sector through institutions like
Mains Links
Scheduled commercial banks, NBFCs, and
Q. What are the objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra
MFIs. MUDRA is a refinancing Institution and
Yojana (PMMY)? Should the success of PMMY be measured
does not lend directly to micro-entrepre-
in terms of the quantum of loans disbursed? Comment.
neurs / individuals.
(15M)
Loan Prod- 1. Shishu (up to Rs. 50,000)
ucts 2. Kishore (above Rs. 50,000 and up to
Rs. 5 lakh) Prelims Links
3. Tarun (above Rs. 5 lakhs and up to Q. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at ( UPSC 2016)
Rs. 10 lakh) (a) bringing small entrepreneurs into the formal financial
system
Collateral Loans under this scheme are collateral-free
(b) providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particu-
loans
lar crops
Target Ben- Disadvantaged sections of society such as (c) providing pensions to old and destitute persons
eficiaries women entrepreneurs, SC/ST/OBC borrow- (d) funding the voluntary organizations involved in the
ers, minority community borrowers, and promotion of skill development and employment genera-
new entrepreneurs tion
P r o d u c t s Loans can be used for income-generating Ans: A
and Ser- activities in the manufacturing, trading, ser-
vices vices sector, and agriculture

76 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

MAJOR CROPS-CROPPING PAT- Problems Alternative - Open-source seeds:

TERNS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE triggered by IP
protection:
COUNTRY, - DIFFERENT TYPES OF • The pri- • It simply asks for a pledge, that an in-
IRRIGATION AND IRRIGATION SYS- vate sector dividual won’t “restrict others’ use of
began to seeds or their derivatives by patents
TEMS STORAGE, TRANSPORT AND dominate or other means.
MARKETING OF AGRICULTURAL the seed • Open-Source Seeds Initiative in In-
PRODUCE AND ISSUES AND RELAT- sector. dia: The Hyderabad-based Centre for
• The high Sustainable Agriculture (CSA), part of
ED CONSTRAINTS; E-TECHNOLOGY prices of the Apna Beej Network, developed
IN THE AID OF FARMERS. genetical- a model with the help of farmer-pro-
ly modi- ducer organisations (FPOs).
fied (GM) Potential application of the open-source
seeds. approach:
9. OPEN-SOURCE SEEDS MOVEMENT • The State’s
• To use it in farmer-led seed conser-
I nte r ve n -
vation (of traditional varieties) and
tion on
Context: Inspired by the success of open-source software, distribution systems.
Bt cotton
a Canadian plant breeder suggested (in 1999) a similar ap- • To promote farmer-led participatory
Seeds in
proach to seeds. plant-breeding exercises as tradition-
India.
al varieties often lack uniformity and
Background: The advent of hybrid seeds, the growth of the quality.
commercial seed industry, scientific plant breeding, etc., C h a l l e n g e s Extreme temperatures or rain triggered
conferred plant breeders and developers of new varieties faced by India: by climate change has caused a decline
with the plant breeders’ rights (PBRs)/plant variety rights in the quality and size of seeds across In-
(PVRs). dia.

How is intellectual property (IP) protected in agricul- Way ahead for India:
ture? • Under the Plant Variety Protection and Farmers’
• There are now two forms of IPR protection in agricul- Rights Act (PPVFRA) 2001, farmers can register va-
ture: PBRs and patents. rieties as ‘farmer varieties’ if they meet certain con-
• PBRs give the breeder exclusive control over the ditions, and have the right to reuse, replant and ex-
propagating material (including seed) and har- change seeds.
vested material of a new variety of plants for a  However, they can’t breed and trade in va-
rieties protected under the Act for commer-
number of years, preventing the unauthorised
cial purposes.
use of seeds to develop new varieties.
 Using the open-source approach here will
• Together, they restrict farmers’ rights and the free- enable farmers to gain more rights over
dom to develop new varieties using germplasm from germplasm and seeds and facilitate inno-
IP-protected varieties. vation.
• They have consolidated the seed sector by increas-
• Open-source principles can facilitate testing, impro-
ing the number of plant varieties covered by IP Rights
visation and adoption - all of which will ultimately be
(IPRs).
beneficial to India’s food security and climate-dis-
Evolution of PBRs: ease resilience.
• The Green Revolution was spearheaded by public-sec-
tor breeding institutions and seeds were available as Best practice - PPP mode of seed development and sale:
reasonably priced hybrids with no restrictions on First time a seed (a new heatwave-resistant wheat variety -
farmers to cultivate, reuse and share. HD3385) developed by the government (IARI) is being sold
• But the private sector led the genetic revolution in by a private company, ensuring the variety reaches a large
agriculture, with seeds mostly made available as hy- number of farmers.
brids/protected by strong IPRs.
• The WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of
Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) requires member Insta Links: Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’
states to provide protection for plant varieties either Rights Authority (PPV&FR)
by patents/by an effective standalone system.

www.insightsonindia.com 77
 Current Affairs 30

Prelims Links: (UPSC 2019) Feature Description

Consider the following statements:
1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological pro- Purpose of the To amend the Coastal Aquaculture Au-
cess to create a seed can be patented in India bill thority Act, of 2005
2. In India, there is no Intellectual Property Appellate Introduced by Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry
Board and Dairying
3. Plant varieties are not eligible to be patented in India Need Seeks to decriminalize certain offences
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? listed under the earlier 2005 Act to pro-
1. 1 and 3 only mote ease of doing business
2. 2 and 3 only O p e r a t i o n a l Fine-tunes the operational procedures
3. 3 only Procedures of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority
4. 1, 2 and 3 P r o m o t i o n Promotes newer forms of environ-
Ans: 3 of Environ- ment-friendly coastal aquaculture, in-
ment-friendly cluding cage culture, seaweed culture,
Practices marine ornamental fish culture, and
10. BIOTECH-KISAN SCHEME pearl oyster culture
E m p l o y m e n t Intended to create additional employ-
Context: The Government said that over 1 lakh 60,000 farm- Opportunities ment opportunities
ers have received benefits during the Biotech-KISAN scheme Antibiotic Use Prohibits the use of antibiotics and phar-
in the last one year. macologically active substances harmful
to human health in coastal aquaculture
About Biotech – KISAN:
Feature Description Government Initiatives Related to Fisheries:
Launched By Department of Biotechnology, Minis- • Matsya Setu
try of Science and Technology • Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Develop-
ment Fund (FIDF).
Aim To counsel and provide solutions to
• Blue Revolution
farmers on problems related to water,
• Marine Products Export Development Authority
soil, seeds, and marketing
(MPEDA)
Program Model Pan-India program following a hub- • Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
and-spoke model • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
Empowerment Stimulates entrepreneurship and in-
novation in farmers empower women
farmers and identifies and promotes
local farm leadership in both genders 12. NATURAL FARMING
Problem-Solving First, understand the problem of the
Context:
Approach local farmer, then link available sci-
As per a new study, Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)
ence and technology to the farm, and
in Andhra Pradesh has led to significantly higher crop yield
provide scientific solutions to those
compared to organic or conventional (synthetic fertilisers
problems
and pesticides) farming under the state’s APCNF programme.

11. GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES AQUACUL- Findings of the study:

TURE BILL • ZBNF yields were higher than both conventional and or-
ganic treatments in several districts in Andhra Pradesh
• Immediate yield benefit observed after adopting ZBNF:
Context: Recently the Coastal Aquaculture Authority
This helped farmers on short-term land leases, as they
(Amendment) Bill, 2023 was introduced in Lok Sabha.
may not be able to farm the same land every season
• Nutrient availability remains unaffected in ZBNF: Pre-
About Aquaculture: viously it was thought that conventional agriculture
• Aquaculture refers to the production of aquatic ani- (which uses synthetic fertilisers), increases extractable
mals and plants under controlled conditions. nutrient concentrations compared to organic and ZBNF
treatments.
• If ZBNF covered 25% of the total crop area in Andhra

78 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Pradesh, $70 million would be saved in fertilizer subsi- 3. It is considered to 3. It has a lower eco-
dies every year be more cost-effective and logical footprint and poten-
economically viable. tially higher carbon seques-
About Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural tration potential
Farming (APCNF) programme Both approaches focus on soil health, water conservation,
It was launched in 2016, for pushing 100 per cent chemi- adoption of reduced tillage, application of crop residues
cal-free agriculture. It has worked with over 6 lakh farmers and intercropping to minimise soil disturbance
(out of a total estimated 60 lakh) in the state, on natural
farming.
Mains Link
Q. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) promises to end a
Issues with conventional fertilizers: reliance on loans and drastically cut production costs, end-
Intensive use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers comes ing the debt cycle for farmers. Comment. (250 Words)
with a number of associated risks to farmers’ finances, hu-
man health, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss and
environmental pollution. 13. FARMER PRODUCER COMPANIES (FPC)

Context: ITC Limited has helped form 78 farmer-producer

companies (FPC) between November 2022 and February
2023.

FPC:
• It is a hybrid between cooperative societies and private
limited companies, registered under the Companies Act
2013, owned and operated by farmers.
• It is a type of farmer producer organisation (FPO) that -
• Deals in aggregated produce of a large number of
member-owner farmers,
• Helping them achieve economies of scale,
• Increase their farm-level efficiency as well as the
ability to negotiate prices in the market.
• Creating an FPC is a long-drawn process (usually it takes
months to start an FPC), involving mobilisation and train-
ing of farmers to run a company.

How did ITC achieve the feat?

• By reaching out to farmers already registered on its
e-Choupal website for selling produce.
• ITC acted as a Cluster-Based Business Organisation
Comparison between Conservation Agriculture (CA) and
(CBBO).
ZBNF:
Conservation Agriculture ZBNF
How CBBO helped in the formation of FPCs?
(CA)
• CBBO is a concept introduced in the Union Budget
1. CA is a modern 1. ZBNF is an approach 2019-20 under Formation and Promotion of 10,000
farming approach that uses that emphasizes natural FPOs - a Central scheme to provide hand-holding to
low levels of external in- farming techniques and no FPCs and to create 10,000 FPOs by 2024.
puts and emphasizes tech- external inputs • Any legal entity registered in India can be a CBBO,
nological solutions for yield and receives Rs 25 lakh over a period of five years
improvement for every FPC it helps create or run.
2. It emphasizes the 2. It places more em- • With the announcement of CBBOs, the formation
use of cover crops and im- phasis on natural mulching of FPCs has seen a huge rise (5,000 in 2018 to over
proved seeds and the use of indigenous 16,000 in 2023 as per the Union Ministry of Corpo-
seeds rate Affairs).

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 Current Affairs 30
This increase has come at a cost: es? How can technology be used to better reach and serve
• Most big organisations (have no local stakes.) are able to rural clients? (UPSC 2014)
qualify for the role of a CBBO.
• This is because of the flawed criteria - such an organ-
isation needs to meet a minimum annual turnover
of Rs 2/1 crore in the plains/hilly areas. ISSUES RELATED TO DIRECT AND IN-
• FPCs lack the bargaining power against big compa- DIRECT FARM SUBSIDIES
nies.
• FPCs are often unable to act independently in deci-
sion-making or be farmer-centric. 14. REDUCING UREA CONSUMPTION IN
• For example, ITC’s FPCs are likely to sell their pro- INDIA
duce, even if they are offered a higher price else- Context:
where → squeezing the margin of FPCs. None of the government measures has succeeded in reduc-
• FPCs were organised just to meet the target and there ing urea consumption in India.
was no owner-member involvement in their functioning.
• Financing woes: Just 1-5% of FPCs have received funds
under Central schemes introduced to promote them in Background:
the last seven years. • In 2015, the Centre made it mandatory to coat all indig-
• Less survival prospects: 79% of the FPCs registered in enously manufactured and imported urea with neem
2020-2021 had a paid-up capital of Rs 1 lakh or less, oil.
which is far too little to survive in the long run. • This was followed by replacing 50-kg bags with 45 kg
ones in 2018, and the launch of the liquid ‘Nano Urea’
by the Indian Farmers’ Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) in
Steps taken by the govt:
2021.
• The government has introduced two schemes to fund
• The above measures aimed at checking illegal diversion
FPOs - Equity Grant Scheme and Credit Guarantee
for non-agricultural use, and increasing nitrogen use ef-
Scheme.
ficiency, have failed in reducing urea consumption.
• Under the Equity Grant Scheme, Small Farmers’ Agri-
business Consortium (SFAC) offers equity grants up to
a maximum of Rs 15 lakh within a period of three years. Sales of urea in India:
• The Credit Guarantee Scheme provides risk cover to
banks that advance collateral-free loans up to Rs 1 crore.

Way ahead:
• CBBOs should train FPC members, the CEO and the
board of directors and impart business knowledge.
• For an FPC to succeed it should
 Be designed according to local, communi-
ty-owned food system perspective (as op-
posed to commodity orientation),
 Provide free ecosystem services (for exam-
ple, soil formation, pollination, predation) • After neem-coating was fully implemented, con-
and sumption did decline for the first two years, but that
 Be independent of corporations for the pro- trend reversed from 2018-19.
curement of seeds and synthetic inputs.
• Civil society organisations which are community-based, NBS:
must be given priority to form FPCs. • Fertilisers are essentially food for crops, which need
nutrients (for plant growth and grain yield) -
 Primary (N, P, K),
Insta Links: Farmer Producer Organizations
 Secondary (S, calcium, magnesium) and
 Micro (iron, zinc, copper, manganese, bo-
Mains Links: ron, molybdenum).
Q. “In the villages itself, no form of credit organization will • With this in mind, the nutrient-based subsidy (NBS)
be suitable except the cooperative society.” – All Indian ru- regime was launched in India in 2010.
ral credit survey. Discuss this statement in the background • Under NBS, the government fixed a per-kg subsidy
of agriculture finance in India. What constraints and chal- for each fertiliser nutrient: Nitrogen (N), phospho-
lenges do financial institutions supply agricultural financ- rus (P), potash (K) and sulphur (S).

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Purpose of NBS: NUE.
• This (unlike the earlier product-specific subsidy re-  The ultra-small size of its particles (20-50
gime) was intended to promote balanced fertili- nanometers) is said to allow easier penetra-
sation by discouraging farmers from applying too tion through the stomatal pores of leaves.
much -  If the government wants to promote Nano
 Urea, Urea (for foliar application directly to the
 Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and leaves), it may have to subsidise the cost of
spraying.
 Muriate of potash (MOP).
 These are fertilisers with high content of a Insta Links: First urea and now DAP: High use of subsidised
single nutrient: Urea (46% N), DAP (46% P fertilisers raises crop yield fears
plus 18% N) and MOP (60% K).
• It was expected to induce product innovation, be- Mains Links:
sides more use of complex fertilisers (having lower Q. How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diver-
concentrations of N, P, K and S in different propor- sity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of
tions) and single super phosphate - SSP (containing crop insurance, minimum support price and food process-
only 16% P but also 11% S). ing for small and marginal farmers? (UPSC 2017)

Failure of NBS: Worsening of nutrient imbalance, with urea Prelims Links: UPSC 2020
consumption rising by over a third since 2009-10.
With reference to chemical fertilisers in India, consider the
following statements :
Reasons behind rising urea and DAP consumption: 1. At present, the retail price of chemical fertilisers is mar-
• Its maximum retail price (MRP) went up by a mere ket-driven and not administered by the Government.
16.5% from Rs 4,830 to Rs 5,628 per tonne post the 2. Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from
introduction of NBS. natural gas.
 The current per-tonne MRP - Rs 5,628 for
urea, Rs 27,000 for DAP and Rs 34,000 for 3. Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid
MOP - are nowhere compatible with a 4:2:1 fertiliser, is a by-product of oil refineries.
NPK use ratio generally considered ideal for Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Indian soils. 1. 1 only
• Price controls on DAP, with companies not allowed 2. 2 and 3 only
to charge more than Rs 27,000 per tonne. 3. 2 only
4. 1, 2 und 3
The cost of disproportionate application of N by farmers: Solution: 2
• During the Green Revolution, higher doses of fertilis-
er application produce more grain.
• Over time, crop yield response to fertiliser use has ECONOMICS OF ANIMAL-REARING/
more than halved: 1 kg of NPK nutrients yielded FOOD PROCESSING AND RELATED
12.1 kg of cereal grains during the 1960s, and 5 kg
during the 2010s. INDUSTRIES IN INDIA
• The decline in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE has fall-
en from 48.2% in 1962-63 to 34.7% in 2018), which
refers to the proportion of N applied mainly through 15.BUILDING A BLUE ECONOMY: WHAT IN-
urea that is actually utilised by crops to produce har- DIA CAN LEARN FROM CHINA
vested yields.
Context: Like China, India must raise its own
The solutions: deep-water fishing fleet and build mod-
• Reduce the consumption of N and promote prod- ern harbours to further its economic
ucts containing other nutrients in desired (crop- and and security goals.
soil-specific) combinations. Importance of the fishing sector for India:
 The government should make the incorpo-
ration of urease and nitrification inhibitors • Fish is an affordable and rich source of animal protein
(a chemical that makes more N available to → an option to mitigate hunger and malnutrition.
the crops) compulsory in urea. • Since Independence, India’s marine fishery has been
• There are two approaches to cutting urea consump- dominated by the “artisanal sector” - delivering only
tion - raising prices and improving NUE. 2% of marine fish to the market [98% - caught by
 Nano Urea is primarily aimed at boosting mechanized craft].

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• Commercial fishing has shown steady growth and has Initiatives of the Indian govt:
become a major contributor to foreign exchange: In- 1. PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (2020): A flagship scheme
dia - is a leading seafood exporting nation. for sustainable development of India’s fisheries sector
• Fisheries provide a livelihood to about 15 million fish- with an estimated investment of Rs 20,000 crores over
ers and fish farmers at the primary level and gener- the next five years.
ate almost twice the number of jobs along the value 2. Indo-Sri Lankan Fishing Corporation (under the above
chain. Yojana), with a deepwater fishing fleet and dedicated
• These figures could have been much higher had India fishing harbours,
invested in a deepwater fleet, which • Could not only provide a huge boost to the fishing
 Is an important component of the sea industries of both nations,
power of the state. • But also remove an unwanted irritant in bilateral
 Ensures a solution to the acute food prob- relations.
lem facing mankind. 3. SAGAR: Security and Growth for All in the Region.
Need for a deepwater fleet for India:
Insta Links: Deep sea fish conservation must not go adrift
• Fishing is being undertaken in coastal waters → Fish-
ermen have to compete with those of neighbours, Sri
Lanka (Palk Strait) and Pakistan. 16. ANIMAL BIRTH CONTROL RULES, 2023
• Rich resources in India’s EEZ remain underexploited
→ catch taken away by the better-equipped fishing Context: The government has announced new Animal Birth
fleets of other Indo-Pacific countries. Control (ABC) Rules 2023, which require strays to be caught,
• Neighbours indulging in illegal, unregulated, and un- vaccinated, neutered, and released back into the communi-
reported (IUU) fishing → has serious security and en- ty.
vironmental implications. • The ABC 2023 rules will supersede the Animal Birth
• Fishing vessels drifting unknowingly into foreign wa- Control (Dog) Rules, 2001
ters leading to prolonged imprisonment of the crew. • Previously, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Hus-
• India’s fisheries exports are at a low level of value ad- bandry and Dairying opened a draft Prevention of
dition. Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Bill, 2022, for
Lessons to be learnt from China: public comment.
• It has mobilised the fishing industry to meet the rising Need for such rules:
demand for protein and had begun distant deepwater India has more than 1.5 crores of the stray dog population.
fishing in 1985. Over the last five years, more than 300 people — mostly chil-
• With an eye on “protein and profit”, China struck dren from poor and rural families — have been attacked and
contracts to fish in the EEZ of other Asian and African killed by dogs. Over 20,000 deaths were due to Rabies.
countries. Provision Description
• Consequently, China is a “fishery superpower” today, Aim To reduce the stray dog population by ad-
owning the world’s largest deep-water fishing fleet, dressing animal welfare issues.
with boats that stay at sea for months or even years.
Sterilization The programme for the sterilization and
• China also uses a part of its fishing fleet as a “maritime
and Immuni- immunization of stray dogs shall be car-
militia”, which assists the navy and coast guard in their
zation ried out by the respective local bodies,
tasks.
municipalities, municipal corporations,
To evolve a long-term vision for its fishing industry, focus and panchayats, with the help of the An-
areas for India: imal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)-a rec-
• Mechanisation and modernisation of fishing ves- ognized organization.
sels by providing communication links and electronic ABC+ An- Local bodies need to implement the ABC
fish-detection devices. ti-Rabies and Anti-Rabies Program jointly.
• Developing deep-water fishing (DWF) fleets, with
Addressing In carrying out the ABC program, ‘cruelty
bigger, sea-going trawlers equipped with refrigeration
cruelty to animals’ should be addressed
facilities.
• A DWF fleet around the “mothership” concept, Community The Rules transform stray dogs into a new
wherein a large vessel would accompany the fleet to Animals class of “community animals.”
provide fuel, medical and on-board preservation/pro- Care of stray Resident welfare associations are respon-
cessing facilities. dogs sible for caring for stray dogs and feeding
• Development of modern fishing harbours with ade- them at fixed intervals, away from children
quate berthing and post-harvest facilities, including and the elderly.
cold storage, preservation, and packaging of fish.

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Human and The Rules provide guidelines on how to • Constitutional Provisions regarding Animal Welfare:
Stray dogdeal with human and stray dog conflicts Click here
conflicts without relocating the dogs in an area.
Prohibition The Rules prohibit the improper disposal Mains Links:
of solid waste and casual feeding of dogs. Q. Critically comment on the Centre’s move to notify new
rules to regulate livestock markets under the Prevention of
Responsibil- Local authorities “will be held responsible
Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA). (200 Words)
ity for any violation [during birth-control pro-
cedures] and animal-human conflicts.”
INFRASTRUCTURE: ENERGY, PORTS,
Significance of the Rules: ROADS, AIRPORTS, RAILWAYS ETC.
The new rules will help in reducing the stray dog and cat
population and resolving the Human-Dog conflict.
17. FAME II SUBSIDY FOR ELECTRIC VEHI-
Issues with the new rules: CLES AT ONLY 52% OF ITS TARGET
• Homelessness: The ABC Rules do not provide for the re-
habilitation of stray dogs, and instead, they are left on Context: The parliamentary standing committee on heavy
the streets after sterilization and vaccination. industry highlighted that Phase 2 of the FAME scheme to
• Responsibility: The ABC Rules place the responsibility of subsidize electric vehicles has achieved only 51.96% of its
caring for stray dogs on the local residents’ welfare asso- target.
ciations, which may not have the resources or capacity In related news, the Committee on Estimates (2022-23) for
to provide proper care. the evaluation of electric vehicle policy under the Union
• Funding and implementation: There are concerns that Ministry of Heavy Industries suggested an extension of the
FAME II scheme.
the lack of adequate funding and implementation may
lead to the rules being ineffective in addressing the stray
dog problem. Issues highlighted in the committee report
• Massive dependence on oil imports and Internal
Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles causes air pollu-
Ethical Concerns with the Rules:
tion and greenhouse gases.
• Consent: Animals cannot give their consent to the pro-
• Slothy progress in both physical and financial tar-
cedure
gets.
• Pain and suffering: The procedure can cause pain and
• EV charging stations are sanctioned only for a few
suffering to animals
cities.
• Effectiveness: Sterilization may not always be an effec-
tive method of controlling the population of animals
• Alternatives: Adopt non-invasive alternatives e.g., Suggestions
Awareness campaigns like “Be a Human, Save a Life” • Boost charging infrastructure.
by the Delhi government to encourage people to adopt • The scheme should be extended further with new
stray dogs targets, incentives, and measures.
• Place greater emphasis on implementation and ex-
tend the subsidy to private vehicles.
About Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960:
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 is the first
Lessons from China:
law enacted to safeguard the rights of animals and pro-
• China’s experience with promoting electric vehi-
tect them from pain and suffering caused by humans. It
cles (EVs) by offering generous subsidies in 2009,
defines animals as any living creature other than humans
became costly for the government due to the large
and outlines punishments for those who inflict unneces-
price differential and a number of buyers.
sary cruelty on them. It also includes guidelines for exper-
• So, it phased out subsidies in 2020 and imposed a
imenting on animals for scientific purposes and the exhi-
mandate on car manufacturers to ensure a certain
bition of performing animals. The establishment of the
percentage of all vehicles sold each year are bat-
Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is one of the key
tery-powered.
features of this Act.
• To avoid financial penalties, manufacturers must
earn a stipulated number of points based on range,
Insta Links: energy efficiency, and performance.
• For the draft Prevention of Cruelty to Animals • An academic paper published recently suggested
(Amendment) Bill, 2022: Click here that the phase-out policy is the most cost-effective

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approach to promote EV sales compared to other Highlights of the report:
policies that provide larger subsidies over more ex-
• 110 gigawatts (GW) of solar PV module capacity is set
tended periods.
to come online in India in the next three years
• India’s cumulative module manufacturing capaci-
About FAME Scheme: ty more than doubled from 18GW in March 2022 to
Background FAME India is a part of the National Elec- 38GW in March 2023.
tric Mobility Mission Plan. The main thrust • In terms of upcoming PV manufacturing installations,
of FAME is to encourage electric vehicles Gujarat (accounts for nearly 57%) is the leading state
by providing subsidies. The FAME India in India, due to cheaper industrial electricity prices
Scheme is aimed at incentivising all vehicle and easy access to ports for imports/exports.
segments. Initiatives taken by the Indian govt: A favourable policy
Phases of Phase I: started in 2015 and was complet- environment like the Production linked incentive (PLI)
the scheme ed on 31st March 2019. Phase II: started scheme.
from April 2019, and completed by 31st • Policy instability
March 2022. Challenges • To compete for dominance in both
Te c h n o l o -Hybrid & Electric technologies like Mild for India: quality and scale in the global PV mod-
gies cov-
Hybrid, Strong Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid & ule market
ered by the Battery Electric Vehicles. • Reliance on China for upstream compo-
scheme nents of PV modules such as polysilicon
Monitoring Department of Heavy Industries, the Min- and ingots/wafers
Authority istry of Heavy Industries and Public Enter- • A dearth of skilled manpower
prises. • India’s current major PV export markets
(U.S. and Europe) are ramping up their
Four focus Technology development, Demand Cre-
own PV manufacturing capabilities.
areas of the ation, Pilot Projects, Charging Infrastruc-
scheme ture. Lessons to • China has already achieved economies
be learnt of scale by offering policy support -
O b j e c t i v e s Encourage faster adoption of electric and
from China: cheap credit, free land, cheap loans, re-
of the FAME hybrid vehicles by way of offering upfront
search funds, tax rebates, etc.
Scheme Incentives on the purchase of Electric ve-
• Chinese manufacturers are able to ab-
hicles.
sorb larger shares of the profit of their
Establish necessary charging Infrastructure operational revenues → invest signifi-
for electric vehicles. cantly in a robust R&D infrastructure →
Salient fea- Emphasis on electrification of public trans- stay ahead of the rest of the world.
tures of portation, including shared transport, in
Recommendations:
Phase II the FAME India Scheme.
• For holistic development, the government must aug-
Incentives are applicable mainly to vehicles ment the PLI scheme to include more upstream com-
used for public transport or registered for ponents.
commercial purposes. • India must aim to build enough PV capacity to satisfy
The benefits of incentives will be extended local demand and maintain a healthy global presence to
to vehicles fitted with advanced batteries become a viable competitor to Chinese PV products.
like Lithium-Ion batteries. • There must be a greater impetus to explore other ex-
port markets for Indian tier-1 manufacturers.
Insta Link:
FAME-India Scheme SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY- DEVEL-
OPMENTS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
18. INDIA COULD BECOME THE WORLD’S
AND EFFECTS IN EVERYDAY LIFE.
2ND-LARGEST SOLAR PV MANUFACTURER
BY 2026
19. USE OF AI FOR LEGISLATION
Context: According to a new report, India will become
self-sufficient and will be the 2nd-largest photovoltaic (PV) Context: Most mature democracies are now using Artificial
manufacturing country after China by 2026. Intelligence (AI) tools for better pieces of legislation and par-
liamentary procedures.

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How can AI tools assist parliamentarians? • The House of Representatives in the US: Introduced
• In preparing responses to legislators an AI tool to automate the process of analysing differ-
• Enhancing research quality, ences between Bills, amendments and current laws.
• Obtaining information about any Bill, preparing briefs,  This is to readily see the impact of amen-
datory provisions in Bills that they move
• Providing information on particular House rules, legis-
through the legislative process.
lative drafting, amendments, interventions, etc.
• AI can also empower legislators to make informed de- • The Netherlands House of Representatives: “Speech-
cisions by having access to 2Write” system converts voice to text and “translates”
 Insights into citizen grievances, voice into written reports.
 Media opinions, and • Japan’s AI tool: Assists in the preparation of responses
 Voices of citizen-centric associations. for its legislature and also helps in the automatic se-
lection of relevant highlights in parliamentary debates.
In India:
• Brazil: Ulysses system supports transparency and citi-
• Parliamentarians manage large constituencies. zen participation.
• AI can analyse citizens’ grievances and social media
The use of AI must be encouraged in an open, transpar-
responses, and flag issues and priorities that need im-
ent, and citizen-friendly manner.
mediate attention.
• It can also assist parliamentarians in seeking citizen AI is a means to an end and not an end in itself. The
COVID-19 pandemic has given a strong thrust to the
inputs for public consultation of laws and preparing
Digital India initiative and the digitization of services. This
a manifesto.
momentum needs to be kept up and utilized in the field
For AI to work in India: of law, and policy-making, by harnessing the power of AI.
• First, laws need to be codified: The current laws are
opaque and complex and there is a huge translation
gap between law-making, law-implementing, and 20. USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN
law-interpreting organisations. MEDICINE
• The Indian government has set up the India Code
portal.
Context: The Ministry of Ayush in India is leading an effort to
• The interface should contain a complete chain: Right
integrate traditional medicine with artificial intelligence (AI)
from the parent Act to the subordinate pieces of legis-
through the Ayush Grid, a comprehensive IT backbone for
lation enabling any entity to get a 360° view.
the traditional medicine sector.
• This becomes more critical in special situations
such as COVID-19. For example, the central gov-
ernment issued over 900 while State governments What is Artificial Intelligence?
issued over 6,000 notifications. Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer programs that
can learn from and make decisions based on data. These
Benefits of AI:
programs are designed to perform tasks that typically re-
• Can act as a single window platform. For example, quire human intelligence, such as recognizing patterns, an-
• If an entrepreneur wants to open a manufacturing alysing images, and making predictions.
unit in Maharashtra, AI can tell what acts and com-
pliances are applicable.
• If a citizen wants to check the eligibility for welfare How can AI be used in Medicine?
schemes, AI can recommend which schemes are Use Case Example
eligible, based on details provided by citizens. Diagnostics Using machine learning algorithms to
• Can also simulate the potential effects of laws. For analyse medical images and predict
example, various datasets such as the Census, data on the likelihood of certain conditions,
household consumption, and taxpayers, can be mod- such as cancer or heart disease
elled.
Drug Discovery Using natural language processing al-
• Can uncover potential outcomes of a policy.
gorithms to analyse scientific papers
• Can flag outdated laws.
and identify potential drug targets e.g.,
Initiatives in In- • The ‘One Nation, One Application’ a vaccine against COVID-19
dia: • The National e-Vidhan (NeVA) portal
Clinical Decision To analyse patient data and recom-
Global best practices: Support mend the most effective treatments
based on the patient’s medical history

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Telemedicine Using chatbots or virtual assistants infrastructure

to provide patients with personalized Conclusion:
medical advice and support Despite the challenges, the future of AI in medicine looks
promising, and with continued research and development,
Predictive Ana- To analyse patient data and predict the
we can expect to see even more innovative and effective ap-
lytics likelihood of certain outcomes, such as
plications of AI in healthcare in the years to come.
hospital readmissions or disease pro-
gression About Ayush Grid:
Robotic Surgery To control robotic surgical instruments AYUSH Grid (by Ministry of AYUSH) aims to bring on on-
and improve surgical precision board all AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy,
Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) facilities including hos-
P e r s o n a l i s e d E.g., Israeli health-tech firm Geneti-
pitals and laboratories and to promote traditional systems
Medicine ka+ is using stem cell technology and
of healthcare.
artificial intelligence (AI) software to
match antidepressants to patients and
minimise side effects. Insta Links:
Traditional Med- E.g., The Ayush Grid aims to transform ICMR guideline of use of AI in Healthcare
icine the Ayush sector using AI to provide ef-
ficient, holistic, affordable, and quality Mains Links
services to all through a secure and in- Q. Discuss the applications of Artificial Intelligence in the
teroperable digital ecosystem Healthcare sector in India. (250 Words)

Issues with the use of AI in Medicine: Prelims Links

Issue Example Q. With reference to agriculture in India, how can the
Lack of Diversity E.g., an algorithm trained only on technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the
in Data data from white male patients may news, be used in the immediate future?
not perform well on women or peo- 1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic
ple of colour. markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance
Bias in Data E.g., an algorithm trained on data that in various crop plants.
includes racial biases may end up per- 2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to
petuating those biases. develop new varieties of crop plants.
Safety and Reli- AI algorithms must be reliable and 3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relation-
ability safe for use in healthcare settings. ships in crops
Interpretability It is often difficult to interpret how Select the correct answer using the code given below:
an AI algorithm arrived at its deci- (a) 1 only
sion. This is known as the “black box” (b) 2 and 3 only
problem. In medical settings, this can (c) 1 and 3 only
be a concern because doctors need (d) 1, 2 and 3
to understand the reasoning behind Answer: D
a diagnosis or treatment recommen-
dation.
Privacy and Secu- AI algorithms must be designed with 21. AI USE FOR ROAD SAFETY
rity privacy and security in mind to pre-
vent unauthorized access or disclo-
Context: The Kerala government has operationalised 726
sure of patient information.
artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled surveillance cameras to
detect traffic rule violations and road accidents.
The government programme for the promotion of AI in
Healthcare: According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways,
• Ayushman Bharat Digital India Mission Government of India, there were over 4.5 lakh road acci-
• IndiGen Programme (for genome sequencing of Indians) dents in India in 2019, which resulted in over 1.5 deaths.
• Human Genome Project Kerala was ranked fifth in terms of the total number of road
• Health Stack accidents.
• ICMR guideline of use of AI in Healthcare
• AIRAWAT (AI Research, Analytics and Knowledge Assimi-
lation platform): India’s first AI-specific cloud computing

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About Motor Vehicles Department’s Safe Kerala Project: Mains Links
It is part of the government’s efforts to reduce the number Q. Discuss the potential use of Artificial intelligence to
of road accidents in the state. make Indian Roads safer. (250 Words)
The project is being implemented with the help of various
technological advancements, including artificial intelli-
gence (AI), to curb traffic rule violations and reduce road
accidents.
22. THIRD-GEN WEB (WEB 3.0)

Context:
AI use for Road Safety:
India’s push towards digital public infrastructure and the de-
AI Applica- Description ployment of the Internet of Things in development projects
tion offers significant possibilities for deploying Web 3.
A u t o n o - Self-driving cars that use AI to analyse sensor
mous Vehi- data and make decisions about acceleration, What is World Wide Web?
cles braking, and steering in real-time, thus re- It is a collection of websites or web pages stored in web
ducing the risk of human error causing ac- servers and connected to local computers through the inter-
cidents. net.
Computer AI algorithms can alert drivers to potential
Vision hazards such as pedestrians, cyclists, and
other vehicles.
Predictive AI algorithms that analyse data on driver be-
Analytics haviour, road conditions, and weather can
predict potential hazards and provide warn-
ings or suggestions to drivers.
Intelligent AI can be used to optimize traffic flow, man-
Tra n s p o r- age congestion, and reduce the risk of acci-
tation Sys- dents.
tems (ITS)
Driver As- AI algorithms that monitor driver behaviour
s i s t a n c e can detect signs of fatigue, distraction, or
Systems impaired driving and provide warnings or
take control of the vehicle to prevent acci-
dents.
Road Con- E.g., the ‘Intelligent Solutions for Road Safe-
d i t i o n ty through Technology and Engineering
Monitoring (iRASTE) project at Nagpur will identify po-
tential accident-causing scenarios while driv-
ing a vehicle and alert drivers
Concerns: AI technology can improve road safety, but con- What is Digital public infrastructure (DPI)?
cerns need to be addressed. These include privacy viola- It refers to the technology and digital systems that are pub-
tions, accuracy issues, cost, bias, dependence on technol- licly owned or publicly provided to enable the delivery of
ogy, and a lack of transparency, which could lead to unfair public services, facilitate access to information, and promote
penalties and a lack of human oversight. digital inclusion. E.g., the Aadhaar system, BharatNet proj-
ect, and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system.
Conclusion: It’s important to address these concerns and en-
sure that the use of AI for road safety is done in a responsible How India can benefit from the third-generation web:
and ethical manner, with appropriate safeguards in place to
protect individuals’ rights and safety. Area of Benefit Example
Intellectual Property Digital tokens minted by Web
Rights Protection 3 platforms can enable India’s
Insta Links
handicraft industry to secure
• Use of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
their innovations
• Use of AI for Legislation

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 Current Affairs 30

Rapid Dissemination Web 3-based instruction tools Government Initiatives:

of Grassroots Innova- can enable master artisans to • Blockchain project to explore the potential of Web3 (un-
tions share their innovations with der MeITY)
fellow members, improving the • National Strategy on Blockchain (2021, under MeITY),
economic fortunes of crafts-
men and artisan communities in Note: “Web3” and “Web 3.0” are two terms used inter-
north-east, western and penin- changeably to refer to the third generation of the internet.
sular India Insta Links:
Deployment in Rural Web 3.0 can be used to provide Blockchain project to explore the potential of Web3
Areas data analytics and insights in ru-
ral development projects MGN- Prelims Links
REGA, mapping the water use With reference to Web 3.0, consider the following state-
habits of communities, and im- ments: (UPSC 2022)
proving early warning systems 1. Web 3-0 technology enables people to control their
for floods own data.
Community Data Ana- Web 3.0 analytics systems can be 2. In the Web 3.0 world, there can be blockchain-based
lytics used to analyze community data social networks.
generated by IoT-enabled devel- 3. Web 3-0 is operated by users collectively rather than by
opment programs like the Jal Je- a corporation.
evan Mission, providing valuable Which of the statements given above are correct?
insights [A] 1 and 2 only
Tokenization for Devel- India’s National Blockchain [B] 2 and 3 only
opment Programs Strategy 2021 proposes to ex- [C] 1 and 3 only
plore tokenization and apply [D] 1, 2 and 3
blockchain solutions for develop- Answer: D
ment programs, making Web 3.0
a useful tool for achieving this
goal 23. COMPLETE HUMAN GENOME
Creation of distributed Native digital tokens, Central
economic system Bank Digital Currency and cryp- Context:
tocurrencies would be used for For the first time, the first complete end-to-end human ge-
monetary circulation, making the nome has been published, as scientists have finally filled the
transaction fast, traceable and gaps in the human genome that were previously too confus-
effortless. ing to piece together.
Creation of an owner- Web3’s non-custodial wallets What is Genome?
ship economy function as digital passports for A genome is a genetic material that provides instructions
users to access blockchain- for the development, growth, and functioning of all living
enabled transaction platforms. organisms, composed of DNA with a sequence of chemical
Using these, creators them- bases that determines an organism’s characteristics.
selves control their content.
What is Genome Sequencing?
Fundamentally, they work as dig-
It is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence
ital proof of identity.
of an organism’s genome. It involves identifying the order of
nucleotides (A, T, C, G) that make up the DNA molecule in
Challenges in the deployment of Web 3.0: each of the chromosomes of an organism.
• Limited awareness and understanding of the technology
• Inadequate infrastructure
• A lack of technical expertise An analogy to understand Genome:
• Absence of clear regulations and policies for Web 3.0 im- The genome can be compared to a reference book. In this
plementation analogy, a genome contains the DNA-- instructions for life.
• Issues related to privacy and data security It’s composed of a vast array of nucleotides (letters) that
• High cost of hardware and software needed for Web 3.0 are packaged into chromosomes (chapters). Each chromo-
deployment some contains genes (paragraphs) that are regions of DNA
which code for the specific proteins that allow an organism
to function.

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Current Affairs 30
What is Satellite DNA?
The simplest form of repetitive DNA is called satellites,
which are blocks of DNA repeated over and over in tandem.
Satellite DNA is found in telomeres, which are the protective
ends of chromosomes, and in centromeres, which help keep
genetic information intact during cell division.

Usage: Researchers use satellite DNA as a genomic “finger-

print” to match crime scene samples and track ancestry.

What was the issue?

Human Genome Project completed the first human genome
in 2003. However, scientists weren’t actually able to put
together all the genetic information in the genome. There
were gaps: unfilled, often repetitive regions that were too
confusing to piece together. With the advancement of tech-
nology, these gaps have been filled now.

The Human Genome Project (1990 to 20003) was an in-

ternational scientific research project with the goal of de-
termining the base pairs that make up human DNA, and
of identifying, mapping and sequencing all of the genes of
the human genome from both a physical and a functional
standpoint.

Findings of the Complete Human Genome:

Finding Description
Number The human genome contains roughly
A. GENOME INDIA PROJECT
three billion nucleotides
Protein Coding Just under 20,000 protein-coding genes
Context: The Genome India Project, a Centre-backed initia-
genes (making up less than 2% of human DNA)
tive to sequence 10,000 Indian human genomes and create
N o n - C o d i n g The remaining 99% of non-coding DNA a database will be completed by the year-end. Of the 7,000
DNA sequences that do not produce proteins genomes sequenced, about 3,000 are already available for
Repetitive ele- Over 50% of the human genome is repet- public access (as per the Department of Biotechnology)
ment itive, with multiple copies of near-identi-
cal sequences
About Ge- Description
nome In-
What is Repetitive DNA? dia Project
It refers to sequences of DNA that are repeated multiple (GIP)
times within the genome of an organism. These repetitive Ministry Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Minis-
sequences can be short, consisting of just a few nucleotides, try of Science and Technology
or very long, containing hundreds or thousands of nucleo-
Origin DBT initiated GIP in 2020 (inspired by Hu-
tides.
man Genome Project) to sequence 10,000
Indian human genomes and create a data-
Usage: Some repetitive DNA sequences have been found to base
have important functions, such as regulating gene expres- Purpose Creating a database of Indian genomes
sion, maintaining the structure of chromosomes, and pro- means that researchers from anywhere can
tecting against the insertion of foreign DNA. However, many learn about genetic variants that are unique
repetitive sequences do not have a known function and are to India’s population groups and use that to
sometimes referred to as “junk DNA”. customise drugs and therapies

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Collabora- Collaboration of 20 institutions, including Objective: They are an essential component of the drug
tion IISc and IITs development process and are necessary to determine the
benefits and risks of new treatments.
Goal To build a grid of the Indian “reference ge-
nome”
Benefits Advancements in healthcare, medicine, agri- Stages of Clinical Trial:
culture, Development of personalized medi-
cine based on genome mapping
Challenges Fear of scientific racism, data storage, and
medical ethics; Concerns about reinforcing
stereotypes based on genetic groups; An-
onymity of data and questions of possible
misuse; Risk of doctors privately performing
gene modification
O t h e r United Kingdom, China, and the United
countries States have programmes to sequence at
least 1 lakh of their genomes

Mains Link: What is CTRI?

Q. What is Genome Sequencing and what are its benefits? The Clinical Trials Registry - India (CTRI) (est. 2007; main-
Also, enumerate the steps taken by India in this direction. tained by ICMR (under the Ministry of Health and Family
(10M) Welfare) a national clinical trial registry in India.
• It is mandatory to register for every trial at CTRI be-
Prelims Links: fore commencing
• CTRI is a free online public record system for the
Q. With reference to agriculture in India, how can the
registration of clinical trials (both public and private
technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the
research) conducted in India.
news, be used in the immediate future? (UPSC 2017)
1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic
markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance Issues with the CTRI in India:
in various crop plants. Issue Examples
2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to Missing data Only 281 of 606 (46%) trials were updat-
develop new varieties of crop plants. ed after the final enrollment
3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relation- Messy data Unclear data, such as the same acronym
ships in crops. being used for two organizations or a
Select the correct answer using the code given below: clinical trial site being listed twice with
(a) 1 only the same principal investigator
(b) 2 and 3 only Misleading in- Wrong data about whether a trial is reg-
(c) 1 and 3 only formation istered prospectively or retrospectively
(d) 1, 2 and 3 Confusion over A number of entries are inaccurate due
Ans: D definitions to confusion over definitions, such as
some ‘interventional trials’ being listed
as ‘observational trials’
24. CLINICAL TRIAL Incomplete in- Non-standardized information about cit-
formation ies causes confusion and repetition in
Context: the registry
The speedy approval of Covid-19 vaccines during the SARS-
Variations in All India Institute of Medical Sciences
CoV-2 pandemic highlighted the importance of clinical trials.
the classifica- is classified as a ‘government-funded
tion of organi- agency’, a ‘government medical college’,
What is a Clinical Trial? zations a ‘research institution’, and a ‘research
It is a research study conducted on human participants to institution and hospital’
evaluate the safety, efficacy, and/or effectiveness of an inter-
vention such as a drug, device, or behavioural therapy.
Solutions:
• Ensure compliance with regulations: The CTRI

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Current Affairs 30
should ensure registration of all clinical trials in India
• Adhere to WHO guidelines: The CTRI should comply
with the WHO guidelines and provide information
for each trial, including audit trails, results fields,
and data-sharing plans.
• Improve record-keeping of CTRI
• Make CTRI a permanent activity: The CTRI could be
made a permanent activity with staff on a five-year
contract, instead of relying on temporary staff for 15
years.

Drug approval in India:

A pharmaceutical company in India must have DCGI ap-
proval for selling a new prescription drug. They can get
DCGI approval once drug regulator CDSCO verifies the
quality, safety, and efficacy of drugs including vaccines.
Also, required is the approval from respective Ethics Com-
mittee where the study is planned and mandatory regis-
tration on the ICMR-maintained website
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (statuto-
ry body under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940) is India’s
national regulatory body for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals Impact of JC Bose’s Work on the Indian scientific commu-
and medical devices. nity
• Bose helped to establish modern scientific research
Mains Links in India by setting up his own laboratory at his home
Q. What are clinical trials? What are the issues with respect in Calcutta and carrying out ground-breaking re-
to conducting clinical trials in India? Present the ethical is- search in fields such as physics and plant physiology.
sues involved. (250 Words)  This laboratory later became the Bose In-
stitute, which continues to be a leading re-
search institution in India.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF INDIANS IN SCI- • Bose’s work on microwave technology and wireless
ENCE & TECHNOLOGY; INDIGENIZA- communication helped to establish India as a pio-
neer in these fields, and his discoveries in this area
TION OF TECHNOLOGY AND DEVEL- paved the way for the development of many mod-
OPING NEW TECHNOLOGY. ern technologies such as mobile phones and wire-
less internet.
• Bose’s research inspired many young scientists in
25. JAGADISH CHANDRA BOSE India to pursue careers in science and helped to es-
tablish India as a major centre of scientific research
Context: Researchers from Tel Aviv University in Israel re- and innovation.
ported detecting ultrasonic distress noises made by plants
when they were stressed or in need of water. Jagadish Chan- Conclusion
dra Bose had shown, more than a century ago, that plants Acharya J.C. Bose’s work had a significant impact on the de-
experienced sensations and were able to feel pleasure and velopment of science and technology in India and the world,
pain just like animals. and his legacy continues to inspire and influence scientists
and researchers in the country today.
Acharya J.C. Bose (1858 and 1937) was a multidisciplinary
scientist who made significant contributions to several fields,
including physics, biology, and plant physiology. J C Bose didn’t receive Nobel Prize as he never claimed a
patent for his inventions and discoveries
Multidisciplinary contributions of JC Bose
Insta Links
J C Bose

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Mains Links es ash containing many heavy metals detri-
Q. What were Acharya J C Bose’s multidisciplinary contri- mental to the water source.
butions and how did his work impact the Indian scientific • Firm and dispatchable power. Firm power is the
community? (10M) power that can be sent to the electric grid to be sup-
plied whenever needed.
Prelims Links • Low operating cost, job-intensive.
Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct regard-
ing the vegetative propagation of plants? Disadvantages: High capital cost, low safety/prone to acci-
1. Vegetative propagation produces a clonal population. dents, concerns over nuclear proliferation, not renewable
energy, radioactive waste generation, etc.
2. Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus.
3. Vegetative propagation can be practised most of the
year. India’s nuclear plan:
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C

26. THE FUTURE OF NUCLEAR POWER IN

INDIA

Context:
There are doubts about whether nuclear power, with its as-
sociated concerns about cost and safety, remains a viable
choice for India as solar and wind power gain popularity
globally.

Global outlook for nuclear power:

• In Europe and the U.S., nuclear power is seeing an
upsurge, particularly after the Ukraine war.
• The U.K. is scaling up nuclear power to decarbonise
the electricity sector.
• Germany has shut down the last of its nuclear power
plants, while France (the nuclear powerhouse of the
world) is struggling to replace its ageing reactors.
• China and South Korea have committed to increas- • Nuclear power is only 2.5%-3.2% of India’s installed
ing the share of nuclear power in the country’s ener- and generated power and is premised on working
gy mix (to 30% by 2030 in S. Korea). around its limited supply of enriched uranium.
• Japan is restarting the shutdown of reactors after • This is expected to increase to 22.5 GW by 2031
the Fukushima (accident) because it was otherwise from 6.9 GW now.
dependent either on expensive imported coal/natu-
ral gas (LNG). Why does India need more nuclear power?
• Very limited growth potential for hydropower be-
Advantages of nuclear power: cause of conserving biodiversity, the costs of rehabil-
• It is a low-carbon power. itating and compensating landowners and the seis-
 A nuclear plant operating 1,000 MW at mological factors in the Himalayas.
90% PLF (plant load factor) requires only • India has nearly 210 gigawatts of coal capacity, pro-
25 tonnes of low-enriched (below 5% pro- ducing 73% of the electricity of India, which is not
portion of fissile uranium) uranium fuel per environmentally friendly.
year.
• Wind and solar powers are intermittent or variable.
 A coal plant (of similar capacity) requires
~5 million tonnes of coal and coal produc-

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Way ahead for India: vestments in the space sector from private companies.
• The nuclear industry should move towards ‘passive
safety’ designs (for nuclear reactors). For example,
Size of Indian • Estimated to be about $10 billion in
active cooling pumps.
space economy: 2020 and expected to be $13 billion
• New designs like small modular reactors will ad-
by 2025 (global space economy -
dress the cost issue.
from $450 to $600 billion between
• Enforcing nuclear liability, for example, the Civil Lia-
2020-25).
bility for Nuclear Damage Act 2010.
• India currently has about 2% of the
• Ending the monopoly of the Nuclear Power Corpo-
Global space economy (the USA has
ration of India Limited (NPCIL) in reactor operations.
over 50% share)
Allow other government companies like the NTPC.
The size of the space economy in India
Conclusion:
is small and is mostly government fund-
• If India hopes to achieve ‘net zero’ by 2070, it needs
ed
~100 GW of nuclear power by 2050.
• Therefore, India should never consider phasing out Potential: • Much greater ~$60 billion by 2030.
nuclear power, which is a low carbon, firm and reli- • The private sector is poised for take-
able. off as a transformative growth mul-
• India needs a portfolio of technologies to make tiplier.
nuclear power safe and cost-effective (capital cost) How can this potential be achieved?
over time. • Enabling policy and regulatory environment, directly
Insta Links: Nuclear Technology creating over 2 lakh jobs.
• In terms of end-user revenue, media and entertain-
Mains Links: ment account for 26% of India’s space economy, with
Q. Give an account of the growth and development of nu- consumer and retail services accounting for another
clear science and technology in India. What is the advan- 21%. The share generated by the government needs
tage of a fast breeder reactor programme in India? (UPSC to be increased (from only a fifth now).
2019) • In terms of space activities, the share of upstream ac-
tivities needs to be increased.
• Downstream activities are dominant - over 70% of
Prelims Links: UPSC 2016
India’s space economy.
India is an important member of the ‘International Ther- • Upstream activities of satellite manufacturing and
monuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment suc- launch services contribute to the smaller share.
ceeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?
1. It can use thorium in place of uranium for power
Need for Indian Space Policy 2023:
generation
• India needs to utilize its cost-effectiveness in the
2. It can attain a global role in satellite navigation space sector
3. It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fis- • Increase private sector participation: The United
sion reactors in power generation States, Europe, and Russia — all have space indus-
4. It can build fusion reactors for power generation tries with big players like Boeing, SpaceX, AirBus,
Ans: 4 Virgin Galactic, etc.

Details of the ISP 2023:

AWARENESS IN THE FIELDS OF IT,
Dimen- Details
SPACE, COMPUTERS, ROBOTICS, NA- sion
NO-TECHNOLOGY, BIO-TECHNOLO- Private The policy seeks to institutionalize the private
GY AND ISSUES RELATING TO INTEL- sector sector participation in the space sector, with
participa- ISRO focusing on research and development
LECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. tion of advanced space technologies. The private
sector can take part in end-to-end space ac-
tivities that include building satellites, rock-
27.INDIAN SPACE POLICY 2023 ets, launch vehicles, data collection, and dis-
semination.
Context:
The government has approved the Indian Space Policy (ISP)
2023, to boost private sector participation and increase in-

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Private The policy encourages the private sector to A. INDIAN SPACE POLICY (ISP) 2023: PROS
sector in- invest in creating new infrastructure for the AND CONS
frastruc- sector and outlines the framework for the
ture private sector to use ISRO facilities for a small Context:
charge. The new space policy allows non-government entities
G l o b - India’s share in the global space economy (NGEs) to offer national and international space-based com-
al Space (currently at less than 2%) will be increased to munication services through self-owned or leased satellite
Economy 10% in the future. systems.
Roles and The policy delineates roles and responsibil- • Non-government entities refer to organizations or
responsi- ities: institutions that are not directly controlled by the
bilities • ISRO: It will focus on developing new government e.g., Private companies, NGOs, commu-
technologies, new systems, and research nity organizations
and development. It will not do any oper-
ational and production work for the space Non-Government Entities (NGEs) can:
sector. • Establish and operate ground facilities for space
• NSIL: It will carry out strategic activities objects operations, such as telemetry, tracking and
related to the space sector and will work command (TT&C) Earth Stations and Satellite Con-
in a demand-driven mode. trol Centres (SCCs)
• INSPACe: It will be the interface between • Offer national and international space-based com-
Indian Space Research Organisation and munication services, through self-owned, procured
non-governmental entities. or leased geostationary orbit (GSO) and non-geosta-
O p e r a - The operational part of ISRO’s missions will tionary satellite orbit (NGSO) satellite systems.
t i o n a l be moved to the NSIL • Use Orbital resources to establish space objects for
missions communication services over India and outside.
• Manufacture and operate space transportation sys-
tems, including launch vehicles, shuttles
• Engage in the commercial recovery of an asteroid
About resource or a space resource.

Pros and Cons of the Indian Space Policy (ISP) 2023:

Pros Cons
Increased private Risk of the private sector domi-
sector participation. nating the sector. Also, overreli-
ISRO will be able to ance on private entities could lead
focus on R&D more. to potential issues if these entities
fail or underperform.
Expanded space The benefits of the expanded
economy by increas- space economy may not be equal-
ing India’s share in ly distributed, potentially exac-
the global space erbating existing socioeconomic
economy to 10% inequalities.
ISRO: The Indian Space Research Organisation (est. 1969; Clear roles and re- The policy does not specify how
founder- Vikram Sarabhai; parent org: Space Commis- sponsibilities of dif- resources will be allocated be-
sion; HQ: Bengaluru) is the national space agency of India, ferent entities tween different entities involved
operating under the Department of Space. in the space sector, which could
IN-SPACE: It acts as a single-point interface between ISRO, lead to potential conflicts.
and everyone who wants to participate in space-related Utilization of cost-ef- The space sector can have a neg-
activities or use India’s space resources. fectiveness in the ative environmental impact, and
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) (announced in Budget sector to increase the policy does not explicitly ad-
2019, PSU under the Department of Space) aims to use competitiveness dress how this will be mitigated.
research and development carried out by ISRO over the
Improved national -
years for commercial purposes through Indian industry
security in the space
partners.
domain

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Current Affairs 30
Conclusion Mostly govern- 90% of global space launches
The policy will provide a strategic roadmap for the growth ment-owned and con- since 2020 are by and for the
and development of India’s space program, to promote in- trolled private sector. The Indian pri-
novation, technological advancements, and international vate sector in the Second Space
cooperation, and to ensure national security in the space Age:
domain.
• From less than a dozen
space start-ups 5 years ago,
Insta Links there are over 100 today.
• Milestones in India’s Space Programme • The pace of investment is
• Start-ups are powering India’s Space Odyssey 2.0 growing (from $30 million
in 2018, it doubled to $65
Mains Link: million in 2021).
1. What is India’s plan to have its own space station India’s space journey The emergence of cable TV, d2h,
and how will it benefit our space programme? (UPSC 2019) started in the 1960s smartphones, Broadband, OTT,
2. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Sci- with the launch of and 5G led to increased demand
ence and Technology. How the application of this technology the U.S.-supplied Ni- for satellite transponders and
has helped India in its socioeconomic development? (UPSC ke-Apache sounding ground-based services
2016) rocket and the estab-
lishment of ISRO in
1969, which prioritizes
Prelims Links societal benefits
Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO Journey of ISRO:
1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft
orbit the Mars after USA
3. made India the only country to be successful in making
its spacecraft orbit Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C

28. ISRO: SECOND SPACE AGE

Context:
India’s modest entry into the First Space Age followed by its
many gains should be used to help the country tap the vast
potential of the Second Space Age.

Background:
First Space Age Second Space Age
Began in 1957 with the Began in the 1990s and contin-
launch of Sputnik 1 and ues to the present day
ended in 1991
US and USSR govern- More actors involved, including
ments dominated with countries and private compa-
60-120 space launches nies.
annually

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Mains Links: • Mission DefSpace was launched in 2022 for the devel-
Q. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Sci- opment of innovative solutions in the space domain by
ence and Technology. How has the application of this tech- the industry.
nology helped India in its socioeconomic development? • Indian DefSpace Symposium, organised by the Indian
(UPSC 2016) Space Association (ISpA) and the DRDO under Mission
DefSpace, to create a platform for all stakeholders who
Prelims Links: (UPSC 2016) have a keen interest in boosting India’s military space
Q. With reference to `Astrosat’, the astronomical observa- capability and plans.
tory launched by India, which of the following statements • Indian Space Association (ISpA) is a voluntary associ-
is/are correct? ation of leading space industries established with the
1. Other than the USA and Russia, India is the only coun- objective of providing advisory and advocacy support
try to have launched a similar observatory into space. to the space industry in India.
2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650
km above the surface of the Earth. Way ahead:
Select the correct answer using the code given below. • The need to explore the field of miniaturisation of
1. 1 only satellites and reusable launch platforms to mitigate
2. 2 only cost challenges and accelerate the pace of augment-
3. Both 1 and 2 ing India’s space-based capabilities.
• Enhancing space situational awareness capability
4. Neither 1 nor 2
to safeguard assets with counter space capabilities.
Ans: D • Building resilience and redundancy in a space-based
infrastructure.
29. MILITARISATION OF SPACE • Working very closely with industry as well as aca-
demia right from the development stage.

Context:
According to the CDS (General Anil Chauhan), the very na- Conclusion:
ture of warfare is on the cusp of major transformation with • Space is the future for all action and capabilities -
space being used to enhance combat capabilities in land, the real force multiplier. Therefore, the time to in-
sea and cyber domains. vest more and prepare is now.
• “Victory smiles upon those who anticipate the
Transformation of Warfare changes in the character of war, not upon those
Indication of this Militarisation of space; Steady prog- who wait to adapt themselves after the changes
transformation: ress towards weaponisation occur.”

The aim of this Developing dual-use platforms; In- Insta Links: Weaponisation of Space
transformation: corporating cutting-edge technolo-
gy
CONSERVATION, ENVIRONMENTAL
What will aid in this Expansion of NAVIC constellation;
transformation? Providing agile space-based Intelli- POLLUTION AND DEGRADATION,
gence, Surveillance and Reconnais- ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESS-
sance (ISR) and; Ensuring secure
satellite-assisted communications MENT.

Initiatives by India towards the militarisation of space 30. IMPACT OF ANTARCTIC ICE MELTING
• In 2019, India concluded the first table-top joint war ON OCEAN CURRENTS
game called ‘IndSpaceEx’ - run by the military and
space scientists.
• Demonstration of India’s Anti-Satellite (ASAT) capabil- Context: According to a new study, the Antarctic ice sheet’s
ity under Mission Shakti. rapid melting is having an alarming effect on the global
• Establishment of the new tri-service Defence Space temperature, the marine food chain and the stability of ice
Agency (DSA) - tasked with operating the space-war- shelves.
fare and Satellite Intelligence assets of India.

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Current Affairs 30
Background: Why preserve ancient ice?
• Ocean currents are the continuous, predictable, di- • Analysis of chemicals in deep “ice cores” provides
rectional movement of seawater driven by gravity, scientists with valuable data about past environ-
wind (Coriolis Effect), and water density. mental conditions.
• These overturning circulation/currents, driven by • Studies indicate that the Arctic is warming between
the movement of denser water towards the sea two and four times faster than the global average.
floor, helps deliver heat, carbon, oxygen and vital nu-
trients (rise up from the bottom) around the globe. How will it be preserved?
• They have been relatively stable for thousands One set of ice tubes will be used for immediate analysis
of years, but they are now being disrupted by the while a second set will be sent to Antarctica for storage in an
warming climate. “ice memory sanctuary” under the snow, where the sam-
ples will be preserved for future generations of scientists.
Findings of the study:
• With temperatures rising → freshwater from Antarc- Prelims Links: (UPSC 2021)
tica’s melting ice enters the ocean → reducing the sa- Q. Consider the following statements:
linity and density of the surface water → diminishing 1. In the tropical zone, the western sections of the oceans
downward flow to the sea’s bottom. are warmer than the eastern sections owing to the in-
• Deepwater circulation in the Antarctic could weaken fluence of trade winds.
(by 40% by 2050) at twice the rate of decline in the 2. In the temperate Zone, westerlies make the eastern
North Atlantic. sections of oceans warmer than the western sections
The effect of meltwater on global ocean circulation: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
• Disrupts the base of the food chain: As the Southern 1. 1 only
Ocean supports about three-quarters of global phyto- 2. 2 only
plankton production → impacts the marine ecosys- 3. Both 1 and 2
tem.
4. Neither 1 and 2
• Leaving more CO2 in the atmosphere: The ocean
would not be able to absorb as much CO2 as its upper Ans: 3
layers become more stratified.
33. RISING SEA LEVELS AND THEIR DISAS-
TROUS CONSEQUENCES

Context: As per the WMO’s ‘State of the Global Climate

2022’ report, the world’s sea level is rising at an unprece-
dented rate.

Rising sea levels: The rate of global mean sea-level [GSML]

rise has doubled from 2.27 mm/year in 1993-2002 to 4.62
mm/year in 2013-2022.

GSML budget (individual contribution of these factors): Loss

of glaciers and ice sheets contributed 36% to the GSML rise
(between 2005-2019), Ocean warming (55%), and changes
A. RACE TO PRESERVE ‘ICE MEMORY’ in the storage of land water (less than 10%).

Context: Causes:
Arctic scientists are set to start drilling to saved samples of • Ocean warming (increasing concentrations of CO2 and
ancient ice for analysis before the frozen layers melt away other GHGs drive global warming, 90% of the extra heat
due to climate change. They will extract ice in a series of is stored in the oceans),
tubes from as far as 125 metres (137 yards) below the • Ice loss from glaciers and ice sheets. Earth’s ice cover/
surface, containing frozen geochemical traces dating back cryosphere includes the
three centuries.  Arctic and Antarctic regions (called sea ice),
 Glaciers,
 Ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica,

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 Seasonal snow cover, and • It is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as
 Permafrost (mass of land that remains be- a ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government in
low 0ºC for at least two straight years). 2014 with a budget outlay of Rs.20,000 Crore to ac-
complish the twin objectives of
Effects:  Effective abatement of pollution,
• It will cause changes in land cover - seas swallowing  Conservation and rejuvenation of Nation-
more of the land cover. al River Ganga.
• The chances of weather formations like cyclones • Since 2014, the Centre had taken up 409 projects with
could increase. a budget outlay of Rs 32,912.40 crore to clean up the
• Changes in land water storage → more seawater river.
could seep into the ground → Groundwater (usually Pollution in the Ganga River:
freshwater) turning saline. • At least 71% of the river’s monitoring stations report-
• Water crises in coastal areas → impacting agriculture ed alarming levels of faecal coliform in January 2023.
in adjacent regions → displacement of hundreds of • Faecal coliforms are a group of bacteria found in the
thousands of people → increasing social disparities gut and faeces of warm-blooded animals, which enters
and economic liabilities of governments. rivers through the discharge of untreated sewage.
• While Uttarakhand had permissible levels of faecal co-
Most vulnerable: Coastal communities particularly in trop- liform [less than 2,500 most probable number (MPN)
ical countries like India and South Africa, which have high per 100 ml], numbers in three other states - UP, Bihar
population densities. and West Bengal - are alarming.
Why does river Ganga still remain polluted?
Case study (Impact of sea-level rise on societies): • Untreated waste continues to be discharged in 60%
• The Sunderban Delta in West Bengal is the world’s larg- of Ganga.
est mangrove area. • While the five major states through which the river
• The lives of coastal communities, including their eco- flows generated 10,139.3 million litres per day (MLD)
nomic activities, are tied intricately with the coastal eco- of sewage, they had a combined sewage treatment
system. capacity of only 40%.
• Rising sea levels and coastal erosion has left more is- • Uttarakhand is the only state with sufficient treatment
lands submerged under water, endangering socio-eco- capacity.
nomic stability and has forced local communities to mi- Wider challenges:
grate.
• Higher biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) at the ma-
• A combination of these forces has increased child traf-
jority of the stations.
ficking in the Sundarbans.
 BOD is a measure of the oxygen required
by aerobic microorganisms to biochemi-
Way ahead: cally oxidise organic matter. It affects the
• More reports are required to generate and accumulate amount of dissolved oxygen in rivers.
data on climate change.  The higher the BOD, the lesser the oxy-
• These reports should also press for global and local pol- gen available to aquatic life.
icy-level changes related to climate change. • Lax monitoring as the data collection and dissemina-
tion remains challenging.
Insta Links: State of the Global Climate 2022 Way ahead:
• Treating industrial and chemical waste: Sewage treat-
ment plants (STPs) are going to be the mainstay of riv-
er cleaning.
34. POLLUTION IN GANGA • Waste to wealth: Identifying, developing and deploy-
ing technologies to treat waste to generate energy, re-
Context According to the Ministry of Jal Shak- cycle materials, and extract resources of value.
ti, though the Namami Gange Pro- Insta Links: ‘Clean Ganga’ changes course to conservation,
gramme has been able to reduce the tourism, livelihood
overall pollution load in the Ganga Riv-
er, the river still remains polluted.
Mains Links:
Namami Gange Programme:
Q. The Namami Gange and National Mission for Clean
Ganga (NMCG) programmes and causes of mixed results
from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help

98 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs? Accidents Chornobyl disas- Iodine-131, Cesium-137,
(UPSC 2015) and Inci- ter Strontium-90
Prelims Links: (UPSC 2014) dents Fukushima nucle- Iodine-131, Cesium-134,
Consider the following statements : ar disaster Cesium-137
1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Nuclear weapon Strontium-90, Cesi-
Environments (Protection) Act, 1986 testing um-137
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory Illegal Ac- The illicit traffick- Various, including Plu-
body tivities ing of radioactive tonium-239, Cobalt-60,
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the materials Cesium-137
Prime Minister
Radioactive waste Various, including Urani-
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? dumping um-238, Plutonium-239,
1. 1 only Cesium-137
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 2 only
Health impact of radioactive contamination:
4. 1, 2 and 3
Health Impact Examples
Ans: 2
Radiation SicknessAcute symptoms: nausea, vomiting,
hair loss, skin burns, and in severe
35. RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION cases, death. Long-term effects:
cancer, birth defects
Context: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has Genetic Damage Birth defects, mutations in offspring
released its annual report on the illicit trafficking of nucle- Increased Risk of Thyroid cancer after exposure to ra-
ar and other radioactive material (part of the Incident and Cancer dioactive iodine, lung cancer after
Trafficking Database), stating that radioactive materials and exposure to radon gas
contaminated devices are entering into the scraps recycling Long-term Health Cataracts, cardiovascular disease,
chain, posing a severe health hazard. Effects respiratory disease, neurological ef-
fects
What is Radioactive contamination?
Radioactive contamination occurs when radioactive sub-
stances, such as particles or radiation, are deposited onto The institutional mechanism in India against Radioactive
surfaces, objects, or people. E.g., Radioactive-laced waste Contamination:
products are often found while scrapping ships. • Atomic Energy Act, 1962: It provides a regulatory frame-
work for all activities related to atomic energy and the
use of ionizing radiation.
Sources Examples Type of Radioactive
• Atomic Energy Regulatory Board to exercise regulatory
of Radio- Substance
and safety functions.
active Con-
• Atomic Energy Rules, 2004 and 2012
tamination
N a t u r a l Radon gas Radon-222
Sources Tests for Radioactive elements:
Uranium in soil Uranium-238, Urani-
Radioactivity in drinking water can be determined by a
and rocks um-235, Thorium-232
gross alpha test. Radioactivity is measured in Becquerel (SI
M e d i c a l Nuclear medicine Iodine-131, Techne- unit) or in Curie. The unit Sievert measures the quantity of
A p p l i c a - procedures tium-99m, Cobalt-60 radiation absorbed by human tissues.
tions Radiation therapy Cesium-137, Iridium-192
Industrial Nuclear power Uranium-235, Plutoni-
About IAEA:
A p p l i c a - plants um-239, Cesium-137
tions The International Atomic Energy Agency (HQ: Vienna,
Radiography test- Cobalt-60, Iridium-192 Austria; Est: 1957) is an intergovernmental organization
ing that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear ener-
Industrial gauges Americium-241, Cesi- gy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including
um-137, Cobalt-60 nuclear weapons. It was set up as the world’s “Atoms for
Peace” organization. India is a member.

www.insightsonindia.com 99
 Current Affairs 30

About the Incident and Trafficking Database (ITDB): Restric- • Restricts the Adds more activities to
ITDB (est. in 1995) to assist States on incidents involving tions on de-reservation this list such as:
illicit trafficking and maintain and analyze reported infor- activities of forest or use (i) zoos and safaris un-
mation to identify common threats, trends, and patterns. in the for- of forest land der the Wild Life (Pro-
ITDB is part of the IAEA’s Nuclear Security Plan that aims est for non-forest tection) Act, 1972,
to Assist States in establishing, maintaining, and sustaining purposes (ii) eco-tourism facili-
national nuclear security regimes. • Specifies cer- ties,
tain activities (iii) silvicultural opera-
(conservation, tions (enhancing forest
Mains Link: management growth), etc.
A recent report has highlighted uranium contamination in and develop-
India’s groundwater. Discuss the causes, effects and ways to ment of forest
address the issue. and wildlife)
that will be
36. FOREST CONSERVATION (AMENDMENT) excluded from
non-forest pur-
BILL 2023 poses
Land un- The Bill provides that two types of land will
Context: der pur- be under the purview of the Act:
The government introduced The Forest (Conservation), view
Amendment Bill, 2023 in Lok Sabha to make changes to The • Land declared/notified as a forest under
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or under any
other law, or
• Land not covered in the first category but
Background: notified as a forest on or after October 25,
• Following independence, vast swathes of forest land 1980 in a government record.
were designated as reserved and protected forests
Exempted The Bill exempts certain types of land from
and brought under state forest departments.
categories the provisions of the Act such as -
• Many forested areas were left out and areas with-
of land • Forest land along a rail line or a public
out any standing forests were included in ‘forest’
lands. road maintained by the government
 According to the State of Forests Report (SFR • Land situated within 100 km along the in-
2021), nearly 28%/197,159 sq km (of India’s ternational borders
recorded forest cover - 713,789 sq km) is not • Land up to 10 hectares, proposed to be
recorded as ‘forest’. used for constructing security-related in-
• The anomalies were supposed to be sorted out frastructure, etc.
through extensive ground surveys but the process Assigning The state govern- The Bill provides that
remained incomplete. of land ment or any au- such assigning may be
• In 1996, the SC suspended the felling of trees across through thority requires done to any organisa-
the country and ruled that the FC Act would apply a lease or prior approval of tion subject to terms
to all land parcels that were either recorded/resem- otherwise the central govern- and conditions pre-
bled forest. ment to direct the scribed by the central
• This sweeping order helped check rampant defor- assigning of for- government.
estation but prevented the exclusion of vast areas est land through a
already used for agriculture/homesteads. lease or otherwise
• The 2023 Bill seeks to limit the applicability of the to any organisation
FC Act only to land recorded as ‘forest’. not owned by the
government.
Key features: Power to The Bill adds that the central government may
Act Bill issue di- issue directions for the implementation of the
rections Act to any other authority/organisation under
or recognised by the centre, state or UT.

The predominant idea of the proposed changes:

● To build forest carbon stock by raising plantations.

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Current Affairs 30
● To make land available for developers to meet their 37.THE FOREST RIGHTS ACT, 2006: WHAT
legal obligation towards compensatory afforestation
in lieu of forest land diverted for development proj-
MAKES ITS IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENG-
ects. ING?
● To achieve both these objectives by
○ Restricting the applicability of the FC Act, Context:
and Even after 16 years, implementation provisions under the
Forest Rights Act, 2006, have been far from satisfactory.
○ Freeing up land that is currently locked up as
unrecorded forests.

Concerns:
● If the scope of the FC Act is restricted, fewer proj-
ects will be required to obtain forest clearance →
affecting compensatory afforestation.
○ Conservationists see this as a double wham-
my → losing unrecorded forests to planta-
tions → diverting recorded forests for proj-
ects.
● The proposed exemptions leave a lot to the Centre
to decide retrospectively.
● Though the Bill keeps up with dynamic changes in
the ecology, strategic and economic aspirations,
and improvement in the livelihoods of tribals/for-
est dwellers, it boils down to pushing plantations to
achieve carbon neutrality.

Conclusion:
Forests are a lot more than a sum of trees. Unlike man-made
plantations, natural forests perform a range of ecosystem
services that are key to the survival and well-being of mil-
lions of species.
Insta Links: Forest Conservation Rules

Prelims Links: (UPSC 2019)

Consider the following statements:
1. As per the recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act,
1927, forest dwellers have the right to fell the bam- The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers
boos grown on forest areas (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 (FRA):
2. As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional For- • It recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communi-
est Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, ties to forest resources.
bamboo is a minor forest produce • It also provides rights to the allocation of forest
3. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest land for developmental purposes to fulfil the basic
Dwellers (Recognition Forest Rights) Act, 2006 allows infrastructural needs of the community.
ownership of minor forest produce to forest dwellers • In conjunction with the Land Acquisition Rehabilita-
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? tion and Settlement Act 2013, FRA protects the trib-
1. 1 and 2 only al population from eviction without rehabilitation
2. 2 and 3 only and settlement.
3. 3 only • The Gram Sabha is a highly empowered body under
4. 1, 2 and 3 the Act, enabling the tribal population to have a de-
cisive say in the determination of local policies and
Ans: 2
schemes impacting them.

www.insightsonindia.com 101
 Current Affairs 30
Reasons for non-implementation of FRA: Insta Links: IFR review: States do dubious paperwork, cite
• Lack of clarity about where and how much forest baseless reasons for refusing forest rights to tribals
land might be eligible for Community Forest Re-
source Rights (CFRR) claims.
• Consequently, there is no target against which the
38. OVER 100 CHANGES IN ENVIRONMENT
state government’s performance can be measured. IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)

The potential area that could be marked for granting of Context:

CFRR in 4 states: The EIA Notification, 2006 has been amended over 100
times in the past 5 years(as per the records of the Ministry
of Environment, Forest and Climate Change)

What is the EIA Notification 2006?

The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification,
2006, is the governing legal instrument to grant green clear-
ance for the establishment or expansion of an industry on
the basis of the expected environmental impact of the proj-
ect.The notification was introduced in 1994, and after sever-
al amendments, was revised in 2006.

Major changes introduced in the EIA Notification, 2006

over the past five years:
Changes Introduced Potential Impact
Star Rating System The SEIAAs may be pressured to
for state environ- fast-track clearances without due
ment impact assess- diligence, potentially leading to a
ment authority’s decrease in the quality of environ-
(SEIAA) Performance mental assessments
Compliance module It will help in streamlining the com-
Reasons for the gap: for projects granted pliance and monitoring process and
• The complexity of land and forest settlement in In- environmental clear- avoiding delays in the submission
dia. ance of environment compliance reports
• The poor quality of land records and maps available. (by industries).
• A crude estimate can be made from village land use
However, it’s unclear if these re-
data provided in the census’ village amenities tables
ports and supporting documents
→ likely to be significantly lower than the actual
will be accessible to the public.
area → large tracts of forests being demarcated as
Reserve Forest (RF) → not being part of any revenue Allowing 20% expan- Public consultation may not ade-
village. sion in production in quately capture the concerns of
the mining of minor local residents, potentially leading
minerals on the ba- to negative impacts on their health
Estimate the CFRR potential area in two parts: sis of public consul- and livelihoods
• All villages have more than 10 hectares (ha) of forest tation
area within their revenue boundaries as per Census
In the case of legacy These projects now only have to
2011.
mining leases that conduct public consultation, not
• All villages that are in or adjacent to RF patches that
were granted envi- follow the entire process of the
are outside village revenue boundaries.
 The customary boundaries of these villages ronmental clearance public hearing
should extend at least 2 km into the forest under the 1994 EIA
(to be identified using GIS). notification
Conclusion: Reducing the time It may result in inadequate consid-
The correct estimation of the CFRR potential areas will po- limit for public con- eration of the environmental and
tentially benefit the livelihoods of a total of around 62.6 mil- sultation and ap- social impacts of projects
lion people (in 4 states in the table above). praisal of projects
from 45 days to 30
days

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Current Affairs 30

Allowing for Projects may be constructed or 39.ALL INDIA REPORT OF FIRST CENSUS OF
post-facto clearance expanded without obtaining en- WATER BODIES
of projects vironmental clearance, leading to
irreversible damage to the environ- Context:
ment Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the 1st Census of Wa-
Exempting certain Projects that are likely to have a ter Bodies in convergence with the 6th Minor Irrigation (MI)
categories (highways significant impact on the environ- Census under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Irrigation
of strategic impor- ment may be exempted from public Census”.
tance, thermal pow- consultation, leading to inadequate
er plant upto 15MW consideration of their environmen-
etc.) of projects from tal and social impacts Background:
the public consulta- • Since water is a state subject under the 7th Schedule
tion of the Indian Constitution, the relevant State Gov-
ernments are primarily responsible for taking action.
• Through a number of schemes and programs, the
Central Government offers technical and financial
assistance to support their efforts.
 As an illustration, the Pradhan Mantri Kri-
shi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)-Har Khet Ko
Pani (HKKP) scheme provides for the Repair,
Renovation, and Restoration (RRR) of Water
Bodies.
The First Census of Water Bodies
• Objective: To develop a national database for all
water bodies by collecting information on their size,
condition, status of encroachments, use, storage ca-
pacity, the status of filling up of storage, etc.
• What is unique about the census?
 Until the 5th minor irrigation census, water
body data was only available at the village
level.
 The first water body census included data
on all types of water bodies in both rural
and urban areas.
 For the first time, data on the encroachment
of water bodies was also gathered during
the census.
Way Forward: • The census defines a water body as: All natural or
EIA Notification changes were made without public con- man-made units bounded on all sides with some or
sultation and could harm the environment, disturbing the no masonry work used for storing water for irriga-
balance between ecology and development. Upgrading the tion or other purposes (industrial, domestic or drink-
status of the EIA from a notification to a rule under the En- ing, groundwater recharge, etc).
vironment Protection Act will ensure parliamentary scrutiny
and maintain the integrity of the assessment process. Highlights of the first census:

Insta Links: EIA Amendments

Mains Link:
Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly
undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government.
Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal
plants located at coal pitheads. ( UPSC 2014)

www.insightsonindia.com 103
 Current Affairs 30
• 24,24,540 water bodies have been enumerated in Background:
the country, out of which 97.1% are in rural areas Deep-Sea Mining It involves retrieving mineral depos-
and only 2.9% in urban areas. its from nodules that dot the ocean
• West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas has been ranked floor, typically more than 600 feet
as the top district having the highest (3.55 lakh) below sea level.
number of water bodies across the country.
Location: The most economically viable nod-
ules lie partially under sediment in
Classification of water bodies: the north-central Pacific Ocean, the
southeastern Pacific Ocean, and
the northern Indian Ocean.
Common Heritage • Under the UNCLOS, ocean areas
of Humankind beyond national jurisdiction and
their mineral resources are the
common heritage of human-
kind.
• West Bengal has the highest number of ponds and
• It contains most of the same
reservoirs, whereas Andhra Pradesh has the highest
minerals (but in enriched forms)
number of tanks.
that are found on land, as well
• Tamil Nadu has the highest number of lakes and
as minerals that are unique to
Maharashtra is the leading state with water conser-
the deep ocean, such as ferro-
vation schemes.
manganese crusts and polyme-
tallic nodules.
Data on encroachment: 1.6% of water bodies are reported
to be encroached, out of which 95.4% are in rural areas and
the remaining 4.6% in urban areas. Need for undersea mining:
1 To extract key battery materials - cobalt, copper,
Way ahead for Augmentation, Conservation and Efficient nickel, and manganese - from potato-sized rocks
Management of Water Resources: called “polymetallic nodules” found at depths of 4
• Inclusion of water bodies in land records - 6 km.
• Making them an integral part of the town planning 2 Within the next 2 decades, the IEA predicts that re-
process newable energy technology will make up over 40%
• Strict action against the encroachers of the demand for copper, 60 -70% for cobalt and
nickel, and 90% for lithium.

40. UN TO ALLOW DEEP SEA MINING: IS-

Concerns:
SUES AND CONCERNS At the 28th Session of the ISA (Kingston, Jamaica), several
countries insisted that industrial undersea mining requires
Context: strict rules.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has decided that it
will start taking permit applications from companies that Concerns Explanation
want to mine the ocean floor. The mining The 36-member council is uncertain about
code is miss- the process it should adopt for reviewing
ing applications for mining contracts.
Rising Geopo- China has demonstrated its desire to
litical Compe- shape international norms in the mari-
tition time domain, as exemplified by Beijing’s
aggressive actions in the South China Sea.

Holding 5 out of the 30 deep-sea min-

ing exploration contracts issued by the
ISA(more than any other country), it is
now leading the race to the bottom of the
sea by building superior capabilities and
influencing the regulatory environment.
Image Credits: ISA 2021

104 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Damaging re- It would go beyond harming the seabed 41. U.N. WATER CONFERENCE
p e r c u s s i o n s and have a wider impact on the deep-sea
for the envi- marine ecosystems in regulating the cli-
ronment mate
• Chile, France, Palau, and Fiji, among other nations,
have called for a global moratorium on the practice,
citing environmental concerns and a lack of sufficient
scientific data.
• In Resolution 122, IUCN notes that if deep-sea min-
ing is permitted to occur, biodiversity loss in these
unique ecosystems will be inevitable, and the con-
sequences for ocean ecosystem function, and for hu-
manity, could be vast.

Pros of Deep sea mining:

Pros Explanation
Transition to • Deep sea mining could help meet
Clean Energy the rising demand for energy tran-
sition metals.
• The demand for commodities like Outcome of the Water Conference: The Water Action Agen-
copper, lithium, and rare earth is da contains over 700 voluntary commitments. Some of them
expected to rise due to their essen- have been given here with examples:
tial role in the technologies and in-
frastructure needed to decarbon- Outcomes Examples
ize the global economy. India $50-billion commitment to improving
• Within the next two decades, the rural drinking water services under its
IEA predicts that renewable energy Jal Jeevan Mission.
technology will make up over 40% Technology IBM Sustainability Accelerator focused
of the demand for copper, 60-70% on water management
for cobalt and nickel, and 90% for Data and models World Meteorological Organisa-
lithium. tion’s Hydrological Status and Outlook
Energy Security Helps nations reduce their dependence System, offered data analysis tools.
on China for imports of rare earths & Knowledge shar- W12+ Blueprint, a UNESCO platform
avoid a supply squeeze ing that hosts city profiles and case stud-
ies of programs (for cross cities learn-
ing)
Deep Ocean Mission by the Ministry of Earth Sciences Capacity building • Making Rights Real initiative of-
(MoES) fered to help marginalised com-
Aim: To explore the deep ocean for resources and devel- munities and women understand
op deep-sea technologies for sustainable use of ocean re- how to exercise their rights.
sources. • ‘Water for Women Fund’ offered
support mechanisms for more ef-
Read more here
fective and sustainable water, san-
itation, and hygiene outcomes for
ISA: It is a Jamaica-based intergovernmental body es- women.
tablished under the UNCLOS. It holds authority over the Civil society It pledged to create transnational net-
ocean floors outside of its 167 member states’ Exclusive works to advocate for criminalizing
Economic Zones (EEZ). the use of certain pesticides harmful
to aquatic life.
Insta Links: Deep Ocean Mission

www.insightsonindia.com 105
 Current Affairs 30

Environmental, Farmers aren’t becoming more effi- • Microplastics are defined as synthetic solid particles
social, and corpo- cient or going pesticide-free unless sized ranging from 1 micrometre to 5 millimetres
rate governance consumers are willing to pay a pre- (mm), which are insoluble in water.
mium for more sustainably produced • They are particularly harmful to the oceans as they
goods. don’t readily break down into harmless molecules
Private Sector World Benchmarking Alliance has and adversely affect the health of marine organisms,
pledged to assess 1,000 global compa- which mistake plastic for food.
nies across 22 industries on their im- Key findings of the new study:
pact towards achieving water-related • From 1990 to 2005, the number of plastic particles
goals every two years. more or less fluctuated due to the effective imple-
NGOs World Vision is committed to rais- mentation of important policy measures like MAR-
ing and investing $2 billion by 2030 POL Annex 5 which enforced laws against dumping
to extend the impact of transforma- trash at sea.
tive water, sanitation, and hygiene • The concentration of plastic particles including micro-
(WASH) services work across 50 coun- plastics in the ocean has skyrocketed in the oceans
tries in six regions. since the mid-2000s, and it continues to increase.
• If the world fails to take any drastic action about the
issue, there will be a 2.6-fold increase in plastic flow-
Issues with these commitments:
ing into aquatic environments by 2040.
• They are non-binding in nature.
• The water action agenda did not include the local How do microplastics impact the oceans and marine
communities for water management. life?
• The conference failed to address the violence and • Mechanical problems, such as lacerations and block-
threats faced by communities trying to protect ages to internal systems of organisms.
dwindling water sources. • Ingested plastics can cause chemical problems by
leaching absorb chemicals into organisms.
Insta Links • Microplastics absorb many hydrophobic compounds,
• Water warning: How ‘vanishing’ rainfall is threaten- like DDT, PCBs and other industrial chemicals, and ev-
ing economic stability idence shows they can be released when ingested.
• Growing water crisis and One Water Approach • They can also disrupt the carbon cycle of the oceans.
(OWA) What can be done to limit plastic pollution in oceans?
• There is an urgent need to implement a global resolu-
Mains Links: tion to limit the production of single-use, throwaway
How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solv- plastic.
ing India’s water crisis? (UPSC 2021) • Need to reduce the number of chemical additives in
new plastic products.
Initiatives Taken to tackle microplastics:
Prelims links
Global Initiatives: India-Specific Initiatives:
Q. On the planet Earth, most of the freshwater exists as
ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, • Global Partnership on • Elimination of Single
the largest proportion (UPSC 2013) Marine Litter (GPML) Use Plastic
(a) is found in the atmosphere as moisture and clouds • GloLitter Partnerships • Plastic Waste Manage-
Project ment Rules, 2016
(b) is found in freshwater lakes and rivers
• London Convention, • Un-Plastic Collective
(c) exists as groundwater 1972
(d) exists as soil moisture
Ans: C
Insta Links:
Microplastics in Ganga
42. MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION
43. INDIA CELEBRATES 50 SUCCESSFUL
Context:
YEARS OF “PROJECT TIGER”
According to a new study, an estimated 170 trillion plastic
particles weighing about 2 million metric tons are currently
afloat in the oceans across the world, and if no urgent action
is taken then this number could nearly triple by 2040.

106 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

States Covered 18 States in India with 54 Tiger Re-

serves (Guru Ghasidas National Park
and the Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctu-
ary in Chhattisgarh being the latest)

Achievements of Project Tiger

Achievement Description
Increased popula- The number of tigers in India has
tion increased from 1827 (the 1970s) to
around 2967, with a 30% rise in the
population in the last eight years.
Increased coverage 9 tiger reserves covering 18,278 sq
km in 9 states (the 1970s) to cur-
rently, 54 tiger reserves spread over
more than 75,000 sq km in 18 tiger
range states.
TX2 (goal of dou- India met its goal in 2018 (four years
bling wild tiger ahead of its target) (St. Petersburg
population by Declaration on tiger conservation)
2022)
Background: Protection of other As hunting was banned to save ti-
Project Tiger-an initiative to save tigers, was first initiated in animals gers, the population of many other
the year April 1, 1973 in Jim Corbett National Park, Uttara- animals started increasing.
khand. Global tiger popu- With a current population of about
About Project Tiger: lation 3,000 tigers, India is home to more
than 70% of the global tiger popu-
Feature Description
lation.
Objective • To ensure the maintenance of a
viable population of tigers in India
for scientific, economic, aesthetic, Challenges faced by Project Tiger:
cultural and ecological values. • Poaching: Project Tiger’s efforts were mainly hampered
• To preserve, for all times, areas of by poaching, also by the debacles and irregularities in
biological importance as a national Sariska and Namdapha.
heritage for the benefit, education  As per NTCA, 1059 tiger deaths were in the
and enjoyment of the people. last 10 years, most in Madhya Pradesh
Type Centrally Sponsered Scheme under • Conflict with FRA, 2006: The Forest Rights Act passed by
the Ministry of Environment, Forests the Indian government in 2006 recognizes the rights of
and Climate Change (MoEFCC) some forest-dwelling communities in forest areas.
• Lack of adequate protection in the outside tiger reserve.
I m p l e m e nt i n g National Tiger Conservation Authority  According to a report, nearly 29 per cent of
Authority (NTCA) (est. 2005; HQ: New Delhi) tigers lives outside of the core zone
About NTCA NTCA was established following a rec- • Man-Animal Conflicts Wildlife habitats are shrinking
ommendation of the Tiger Task Force). leading to more instances of human-animal conflict.
It is a statutory body under the Wildlife  From 2001 to 2016, 1,065 cases of human-ti-
(Protection) Act, of 1972. ger conflict were recorded including injuries
Members of Union Minister of the MoEFCC (as and even fatalities on both sides.
NTCA Chairperson)+ the Minister of State in Conclusion
the MoEFCC (as Vice-Chairperson)+ 3 The tiger is a unique animal which plays a pivotal role in the
MPs, Secretary, MoEFCC health and diversity of an ecosystem. However, there is a
Functions of Supervisory and coordination role and need for further community involvement through a tiger re-
NTCA approval of the Tiger Conservation serve that is not built with fences and armed patrol guards,
Plan prepared by the State Govern- but around a cultural model of conservation i.e. including
ments. local tribes like Idu Mishmi in Arunachal Pradesh, who con-
sider Tigers as their elder brother and sacred.

www.insightsonindia.com 107
 Current Affairs 30

A. TIGER CENSUS 2022 AND INTERNATION- • The double sampling method (introduced in 2006, af-
AL BIG CAT ALLIANCE ter the pugmark surveys were found to be unreliable)
is used in the national tiger census, which involves
Context: ground-based surveys and camera-trap images.
The 5th cycle of the All-India Tiger Estimation (2022) was re- • Phases 1 & 2 collected signs of tiger presence, such as
leased to mark 50 years of Project Tiger scat and pugmarks.
• Phase 3: the information was plotted on a forest map
prepared with remote sensing and GIS. In the last
Major highlights of the Report: phase, the data were extrapolated to areas where
Highlights Details cameras could not be deployed.
Tiger population in 3,167 in 2022, up from 2,967 in
India 2018 (growth by 200) B. TRANSLOCATION OF BIG CATS
Growth rate About 6.7% (from 2018 to 2022)— • The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) will facilitate
significantly slower than the 33% the mobilization of financial and technical resources for
growth rate during 2014-2018. the overall ecosystem dealing with big cat species.
Significant increase Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains
saw a significant increase in the ti-
ger population
New areas Uttar Pradesh’s Suhelwa Wildlife
Sanctuary and northwest of Yamu-
na in Himachal Pradesh.
Decline in occupan- Tiger occupancy in the Western
cy Ghats declined, with significant
declines observed in the Wayanad
landscape and in the Biligiriranga
Hills

Tiger occupancy in Northeast Hills,

Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh,
and Telangana showed a decline.
High conservation The genetically unique and small
priority population of tigers in Simlipal is
of high conservation priority.
Best maintained TR Periyar Tiger Reserve (TR), Kerala
is the best-maintained of all TRs
followed by Satpura TR (Madhya
Pradesh), Bandipur and Nagarhole C. CAN WE DEMOCRATISE TIGER CONSER-
(Karnataka) VATION IN INDIA?
Largest tiger popula- The Nilgiri cluster (Nagarahole to
tion Biligiriranga Hills) is the largest ti- Issues with India’s conservation practice:
ger population in the world.
• Shifting baselines/conservation amnesia: The figure
of 1,400+ Tigers estimated in 2006 resulted in the cel-
About Tiger Census 2022 ebration of doubling the tiger population in 2019.
Period: Once every four years (2006, 2010, 2014, • Reintroduction plan: This was done to reintroduce
2018) tigers from central Indian forests, where the popula-
tions are thriving.
C o n d u c t e d The National Tiger Conservation Authority
• However, this will lead to a loss of genetic diver-
by: (NTCA) conducts tiger censuses in partner-
sity, reducing the hopes of maintaining long-term
ship with state forest departments, con-
population viability and natural recovery.
servation NGOs, and the Wildlife Institute
of India (WII).
Census methodology:

108 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

• Also, all-natural habitats are managed by one Launch year 1992

agency and therefore the approach to conserva- Type Centrally-sponsored scheme
tion is singular and exclusive.
Aim To protect elephants and improve
• Lack of scientific oversight:
their habitat and corridors, reduce
• The most common interventions were to ma-
human-elephant conflict
nipulate ecosystems so that they could support
high densities of the Tiger’s principal prey species Elephant reserves 33 elephant reserves have been no-
[“cheetalification” of tiger reserves]. tified (Terai ER in Utter Pradesh be-
• However, in the Kanha Tiger Reserve, the explo- came 33rd India’s ER); 101 elephant
sion in the cheetal population made the habitat corridors identified
unsuitable for the endangered barasingha. Objectives Provide financial and technical sup-
• The excessive provisioning of water (in other port to wildlife management efforts,
parks) tends to reduce natural, climate-driven ensure the long-term survival
variations in populations of wildlife. Protect elephants, their habitats and
• The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 - a restrictive law: migration corridors
There is no policy framework and incentive for ordi- Support research on ecology and
nary citizens to aid in conservation - be it for tigers or management of elephants
for any other species. As a result, conservation has not
reached beyond these PAs. Create awareness of conservation
among local people
Impact of Unscientific Tiger conservation practices:
Provide improved veterinary care for
• Fifty years after the Tiger census, the number of Tigers captive elephants
has remained more or less the same.
• The 2023 preliminary report, showed that
• India is now losing tigers from Jharkhand, Chhat- Other steps taken are:
tisgarh, Eastern ghats, and the Northeastern for- • Gaj Yatra (a nationwide awareness campaign to protect
ests. elephants)
• While tiger populations within protected areas in • Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) pro-
the W. Ghats have remained stable or increased, gram (2003, to monitor the effectiveness of field conser-
tiger occupancy outside of these regions has sig- vation efforts)
nificantly decreased. • Gaj Soochna mobile application for forest officials
Way ahead: • Upholding the right of passage of elephants by SC
• Involvement of mahouts and their families in the wel-
• Decentralise conservation: Frameworks that al- fare of elephants
low local communities, citizens, scientists, NGOs • Gaj Utsav
and businesses to participate meaningfully in con- • Asian Elephant Alliance, an umbrella initiative by five
servation are needed. NGOs, had, last year, come together to secure 96 out of
• For example, “Reserved Forests” can be co-man- the 101 existing corridors used by elephants across 12
aged with an approach that is inclusive and pro- States in India.
vides economic benefits for local communities.
Only by extending the reach of conservation beyond the
present PA system and empowering local communities Status of Elephants in India:
and ordinary citizens to meaningfully participate in con- • India has about 27,000 Asian Elephants, which is the
servation actual doubling of tigers and other embattled world’s largest population of the species.
wildlife can be achieved. • As per Elephant Census (2017), Karnataka has the high-
est number of elephants (6,049), followed by Assam
(5,719) and Kerala (3,054)
44. 30 YEARS OF PROJECT ELEPHANT • More than 60% of the world’s elephant population is
in India.
Context: • The elephant is the Natural Heritage Animal of India
President Droupadi Murmu took part in Gaj Utsav at Ka-
ziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam Characteristics of Elephants:
to mark 30 years of Project Elephant. • They are highly intelligent with strong family bonds
• They have the longest gestation period of all mammals
(18 to 22 months)
About Project Information
• Adult male Asian elephants are less social than females.
Elephant
• The elephant makes a low, rumbling sound that can be

www.insightsonindia.com 109
 Current Affairs 30
heard up to 5 miles away. Insta Links
• An elephant can carry up to 7 tons, making it one of the Common survey to count elephants and big cats
world’s strongest animals.
Mains Links
Q. Write a short note on elephant conservation pro-
grammes in India. (150 Words)

Prelims Links
Q. With reference to Indian elephants, consider the follow-
ing statements: (2020)
1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.
2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of
40 years only.
4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant popu-
lation is in Kerala.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Ans: A

Comparison table between Asian and African elephants: 45. BIOMASS PELLETS
Feature African Ele- Asian Elephant
phant Context:
Size Larger, weighing Smaller, weighing be- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revised the finan-
between 4000- tween 3000-6000 kg cial grants for biomass pellet manufacturing units.
8000 kg
Ears Large fan- Smaller rounded ears
shaped ears
Skin Texture Skin is more Comparatively smooth-
wrinkled er skin
Head Shape Single dome Twin domed head
shape
Tusk Growth Both male and Only some male Asian
female African elephants have tusks
elephants grow
tusks

Habitat Savannahs and Forests, grasslands, and What are Biomass pellets?
forests of Africa scrublands of South- Meaning These are a type of solid fuel made from com-
east Asia and South pressed organic material (biomass) such as
Asia industrial waste and co-products, food waste,
Trunk Tips Have two fin- Have only one fin- agricultural residues, energy crops, and un-
ger-like tips on ger-like tip on the trunk treated lumber.
the trunk Types These are of two kinds - torrefied (Biomass
Social Behav- Tend to live in Tend to live in smaller processed at 250-350°C in the absence of ox-
ior larger herds family groups ygen) and non-torrefied pellets (biomass is
Lifespan 70 years 48 years shredded, ground and sent to a pellet reactor,
where it is compressed and bonded).

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A d v a n - Pellets are extremely dense and can be pro- ing industry.

 The cost of machinery with a production
tages duced with a low moisture content (below
capacity of one TPH is approximately Rs 1
10%) which allows them to be burned with a crore and the grants would cover only 28%
very high combustion efficiency. of the capital investment.
• This gross underestimation will not help close the
Emissions such as NOx, SOx and volatile organ- existing demand-supply gap as the country has limit-
ic compounds from pellet burning equipment ed pellet manufacturers.
are in general very low.
D i s a d - A recognized problem is the emission of fine Way ahead:
vantages particulate matter into the air. • An imminent need to escalate the biomass pellet
manufacturing capacity in the country.
The capital expenditure for setting up a pellet • Indira Gandhi Super Thermal Power Project of NTPC
manufacturing unit entails variables such as in Jhajjar, Haryana has taken steps towards facilitat-
land, machinery, air pollution control devices, ing the establishment of pellet manufacturing units.
factory infrastructures such as sheds and offic-  More such initiatives need to be taken by
es, etc. the power generators and the government.
Potential Pelletised biomass can potentially produce 6% • All the actors in the supply chain, starting from the
of India’s total electricity in 2030/31, in addi- farmers and aggregators to pellet manufacturers,
tion to direct biomass co-firing for electricity must be incentivised.
production.
Insta Links: National Mission on use of Biomass in coal
based thermal power plants

46. HOW AI CAN HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

Some examples of how AI can help the environment:

Application Description Example
Deforestation Deforestation and Non-profit organiza-
monitoring land use changes tion the Rainforest
cause more than Connection’s “Guard-
10% of global ian” devices, which
greenhouse gas attach acoustic mon-
Biomass pellets production/usage in India: emissions. Using itoring sensors to
• It is mandatory to use biomass or agricultural res- AI to monitor for- trees to detect sounds
idue (5-10%) as combustion fuel along with coal in est sounds and associated with illegal
coal-fired thermal power plants. detect illegal log- logging
• The biomass used for co-combustion in the power ging
plants is processed and refined into pellets with a Carbon foot- Using AI to op- Fero Labs’ AI-driven
calorific value comparable to coal. print reduc- timize industrial optimization soft-
tion in the in- processes and ware, which reduces
CPCB decision: dustry reduce carbon the amount of mined
• Increased the budget for manufacturing non-torre- emissions ingredients used in
fied biomass pellets to 28 lakhs (from 14 lakhs) per steel production
tonne per hour (TPH) of production capacity/40% of Energy ef- Using AI to op- Arup’s Neuron app,
the capital cost of the plant and machinery - which- ficiency in timize heating, which uses IoT sen-
ever is lower. buildings ventilation, and sors to gather data on
• In the case of manufacturing torrefied biomass, no air conditioning building energy usage
changes are introduced in the fund allocation (of Rs systems in build- and optimize HVAC
28 lakhs per TPH) in the revised CPCB guidelines. ings systems

Concerns:
• These allocations are grossly insufficient to meet
the current requirements of the pellet manufactur-

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 Current Affairs 30

Wildlife con- Using AI to mon- Rouxcel Technology’s addressing the challenges it presents, we can develop sus-
servation itor and protect AI-enabled bracelets tainable and innovative solutions for a better future.
endangered spe- for rhinos, monitor Insta Links
cies their movements and AI and Robotics
alert authorities to Mains links:
potential threats Q. Discuss the applications of AI for use in Environment
Smart agricul- Using AI to op- John Deere’s AI-pow- conservation. (250 Words)
ture timize farming ered system, which
processes and re- optimizes planting, ir-
duce waste rigation, and fertiliza- 47. STATE OF THE GLOBAL CLIMATE 2022
tion for crops
Context: According to the World Meteorological Organisa-
Climate mod- Using AI to make The UK’s Met Office,
tion’s (WMO) annual ‘State of the Global Climate 2022’ re-
elling predictions about which uses AI to mod-
port, from mountain peaks to ocean depths, climate change
climate patterns el climate patterns
continued its advance in 2022.
and inform cli- and inform govern-
mate policy ment policy on cli-
mate change Highlights of the report- State of the Global Climate 2022:
R e n e w a b l e Using AI to man- IBM’s Watson Energy, In 2022, two climate modes - the El Niño–Southern Os-
energy man- age and optimize which uses AI to opti- cillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) - con-
agement renewable energy mize the performance tributed to major weather and climate events across large
sources of wind and solar en- areas of the world.
ergy systems Global mean The global mean temperature in 2022 was
temperature 1.15°C above the 1850-1900 average.
Challenges in the use of AI for the Environment:
Challenge Example The years 2015 to 2022 were the eight
warmest in the instrumental record back
Data quality and AI models require high-quality
to 1850.
quantity data to perform accurately, and
the availability of large and di-
verse datasets can be limited This was despite three consecutive years
Bias in data and algo- For example, an AI system that of a cooling La Niña.
rithms recommends conservation areas C o n c e n t r a - Reached record observed highs in 2021.
to protect might not account for tions of the
cultural significance or indige- three main The annual increase in methane concen-
nous knowledge. g r e e n h o u s e tration from 2020 to 2021 was the highest
Interpretability E.g., it may be challenging to un- gases – car- on record.
derstand how a deep learning bon dioxide,
model classifies satellite images methane, and
to detect deforestation. nitrous oxide The 3 continued to increase in 2022.
Scalability and de- E.g., deploying sensors to collect Reference gla- Experienced an average thickness change
ployment environmental data in remote ciers of over 1.3 metres between October 2021
locations or deploying drones to and October 2022.
monitor wildlife may require sig- Sea ice in Ant- Dropped to 1.92 million km2 on February
nificant investment. arctica 25, 2022, the lowest level on record and
Ethical considerations E.g., the use of facial recognition almost 1 million km2 below the long-term
technology to monitor endan- (1991-2020) mean.
gered species could violate the Ocean heat Around 90% of the energy trapped in the
privacy of individuals visiting con- content climate system by GHGs goes into the
servation areas. ocean.
Ocean warming rates have been particu-
Conclusion: larly high in the past two decades.
AI is a powerful tool that, when used appropriately, can help Despite continuing La Niña conditions,
address some of the most pressing environmental challeng- 58% of the ocean surface experienced at
es facing our planet. By leveraging the strengths of AI and least one marine heatwave during 2022.

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Global mean The rate of global mean sea level rise Insta Links: Synthesis Report of IPCC AR6
sea level has doubled between (1993-2002, 2.27
(GMSL) mm∙yr-) and (2013-2022, 4.62 mm∙yr). 48. INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
Ocean acidifi- CO2 reacts with seawater resulting in a
cation decrease of pH referred to as ‘ocean acid- Context:
ification’. According to a study, India’s poor indoor air quality can
Ocean acidification threatens organisms impair cognitive development in children under two years
and ecosystem services. when brain growth is at its peak.
The ocean surface pH is now the lowest
and current rates of pH change are un-
precedented.

Socio-economic and environmental impacts

• Extreme Weather Events: Drought gripped East Afri-
ca, Record-breaking rain in July and August led to ex-
tensive flooding in Pakistan, and Record-breaking heat
waves affected Europe during the summer. The unusu-
al heat in Europe last year led to the deaths (15,000)
than any other single extreme climate event.
• Food insecurity: As of 2021, 2.3 billion people faced
food insecurity, of which 924 million people faced se-
vere food insecurity.
• Displacement: In Somalia, almost 1.2 million people
became internally displaced by the catastrophic im-
pacts of drought.
• Environment: Global warming is causing the temper-
ate zone to expand, and climate change is also affect-
ing recurring events (trees blossom, birds migrate) in
nature, etc.
India-specific findings and predictions:
Findings Predictions Highlights of the study:
• Poor air quality in households that used solid cooking
Heatwaves in the 2022 Heatwave conditions existed materials such as cow dung cake.
pre-monsoon season in even in February which is not • Very small particulate fragments (PM 2.5) in the air are
India caused a decline in even a summer month. a major concern as they can move from the respiratory
crop yields. A number of tract into the brain.
forest fires, particularly in After a relatively cool March, • Infants (<2 years) from these houses had lower visual
Uttarakhand. heat waves were back in April. memory scores and slower visual processing speeds.
• As children grow up in polluted environments, their de-
This, combined with the With the La Nina phase get- veloping organs and bodies are affected.
banning of wheat exports ting over, and forecasts of
and restrictions on rice El Nino taking over in a few Impact: Long-term consequences for life → lower economic
exports in India, posed months, this year is predict- productivity → increased burden on healthcare and mental
high risks to countries al- ed to be warmer than 2022. health systems.
ready affected by shortag-
es of staple foods.
The IMD has predicted a nor- Concerns for India:
mal monsoon this year, but • According to the State of Global Air 2020 report,
The Indian Monsoon on- the impact of El Nino led to over 116,000 infants in India died within a month
set was earlier and the fears that rainfall might be of birth in 2019 due to air pollution, outdoor and in-
withdrawal was later than suppressed. door.
normal in 2022. The ma- • Every third child in Delhi has impaired lungs making
jority of the Indian sub- them vulnerable to metabolic diseases.
continent was wetter than
average.

www.insightsonindia.com 113
 Current Affairs 30
Recommendations: Since indoor air quality is linked to cook- Concerns raised by the Parliamentary Committee over
ing fuels, efforts to reduce cooking emissions should be a the safety of ageing dams:
key target for intervention.
• Of the operational dams, 234 have outlived their lifes-
Control measures: pan of 100 years (some are even older than 300 years).
• Public awareness • Panel flagged 36 dam disasters. The worst was the
• Change in pattern of fuel use (PM Ujjwala Yojana, 1979 Machhu dam disaster in Morbi, Gujarat.
National Biogas and Manure Management Pro- • Dams have already altered the local ecology, societ-
gramme, GOBARdhan Scheme) ies, economies and even micro-climatic conditions.
• Modification of design of cooking stove (Unnat Chul- • Though decommissioning might create new conflict
ha Abhiyan) zones, the Committee has asked for charting paths for
• Improvement in ventilation decommissioning of ageing and unsafe dams.
• Intersectoral coordination and global initiative
Statutory and institutional arrangements of dam safety
DISASTER MANAGEMENT in India:
49.DAM SAFETY • Under the 7th Schedule of the Constitution of India,
Context: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Wa- water and water storage is a state subject.
ter red-flagged dam safety issues, but there was a poor re- • However, the Central Government can enact legisla-
sponse from people. tion in 3 scenarios -
Background: • If a project affects multiple states or international
• Of the 5,745 large dams in the country, 5,334 are oper- treaties.
ational. • If two or more states pass a resolution requiring
• Dams (especially large ones) are highly controversial in such a law. This is what led to the Dam Safety Bill
India. They - 2019.
• Have Destroyed vast swathes of natural forests, • On matters related to the protection of the envi-
• Displaced millions of people, ronment under the Environment Protection Act
• Led to disasters - dams floods, (EPA), 1986. The existing dam safety regulations
• Fuelled inter-state conflicts, are part of the Environmental Impact Assessment
• Emit methane, (EIA) under the EPA.
• Fragmenting freshwater species’ habitats, alter riv- • At the national level, the Central Water Commission
ers’ hydrology and affect freshwater ecosystems by (CWC) issued guidelines for:
inundation. • Dam Safety Procedures;
• But they have also changed the Indian civilisations by • Safety Inspection of Dams;
evolving new ways of farming, urbanisation and indus- • Development and Implementation of Emergency
trialisation → power generation → emerged as import- Action Plan (EAP) for Dams; etc.
ant human-made wetlands → making it challenging to • Dams under the World Bank Dams Rehabilitation
decommission the aged/unsafe ones. and Improvement Project (DRIP) are governed by the
aforementioned guidelines.
We have developed the character and capabilities to re-
spond to disasters rather than prevent them.It is time to
have extensive dialogues with communities, experts and
other stakeholders who can contribute to charting path-
ways for decommissioning old/unsafe dams.

Insta Links: Dam Safety Act

LINKAGES BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT

AND SPREAD OF EXTREMISM

50. RESURFACING OF EXTREMISM IN PUN-

JAB
Context:
The extremist threat seems to be resurfacing in Punjab,
three decades after sectarian conflict devastated the region.

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Current Affairs 30
Signs of extremism resurfacing in Punjab: • Prioritising intelligence analysis: The central and
• Pro-Khalistan protests in areas of the globe where State intelligence agencies cannot miss signs of
a sizable concentration of the Sikh diaspora exists  Growing insecurity among sections of Sikh
(Australia, Canada, the UK and the US). youth
• The emergence of self-styled Sikh extremist preach-  Discontent prevailing among the Sikh peas-
ers (like Amritpal Singh). antry over the decline in their economic
conditions, and
 The threat posed to the Sikh religion by
conversions to other religions, such as Chris-
tianity.
• Sharing intelligence with friendly intelligence agen-
cies, especially in countries where the Sikh diaspora
is present.

Conclusion:
India should not yield to the temptation of resorting to
strong-arm methods. It needs to ensure a greater sense of
unity within the country while upholding due respect for in-
dividual dignity and human progress.

Insta Links: A brief history of the Khalistan movement

Mains Links:
Q. What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in
the Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Gov-
The real cause for concern ernment of India, civil administration and security forces
L e s s o n s The current security dispensation does not adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (UPSC
from the appear to have learnt the right lessons from 2020)
Past past mistakes.
SECURITY CHALLENGES AND THEIR
For example, proper handling of the Bhin-
dranwale phenomenon well before 1984,
MANAGEMENT IN BORDER AREAS
could have avoided violence → ‘Operation - LINKAGES OF ORGANIZED CRIME
Blue Star’ → the damage caused to Akal
Takht.
WITH TERRORISM
Low Aware- All serious threats develop from misreading
ness sentiments that remain unheeded by those 51. THE ISSUE OF NARCOTICS TRADE
in authority.
Intelligence Intelligence analysis involves gathering in- Context:
analysis has formation → thoroughly evaluated by pro- The issue of narcotics trade has kept security agencies and
low priority. fessionals → projected to decision-makers law enforcement agencies on the tenterhooks.
India has To convince the world of the true nature of
c l e a r ly the radicalist Khalistan threat. Background:
failed in its • The narcotics trade, which is assuming dangerous
diplomatic proportions all over the world, is a social problem
efforts: that harms youth and families.
• The money it generates is diverted for disruptive ac-
What needs to be done? tivities that have bearings on national security.
• Stop treating the issue as a foreign conspiracy (of
Pakistan’s ISI, drug mafias, etc). India is no exception:
• Facing up to the reality that this may be more than
a mere emotional outburst of the Sikh extremist
fringe.

www.insightsonindia.com 115
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• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in conjunction with the

intelligence agencies, has been making big seizures
frequently.
• The Narcotics Control Bureau busted an organised
racket of darknet vendors and arrested several Indian
nationals and their international counterparts were
exposed for the first time.
• Operation “Gear Box” was started by the Directorate
of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to combat the smuggling
of heroin by detecting the hidden drugs in the gear
boxes.
Way ahead:
• Concerted and coordinated efforts of all the agencies
will be required to tackle this growing threat.
• As India has been sandwiched between the Death • Technical surveillance followed by basic policing
(Golden) Crescent and Death (Golden) Triangle, it methods will lead to the seizure of large consignments
is being flooded with drugs, especially heroin and of drugs and the arrest of the gang.
methamphetamine. • The nexus between terrorists and organised gangs/
• Nearly 90% of the world’s demand for these drugs is underworld is a new and disturbing trend, which has
being met from these two regions and India is both to be tackled effectively by security agencies.
a big market and a transit route for other countries. Insta Links: Kerala has a drug problem: 300% jump in cases
over six years; arrests increase 90%
Challenges for India:
• National security challenges: Mains Links:
• The connection of drug traffickers from across bor- Q. India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opi-
ders with terrorist organisations → illegal money is um-growing states has enhanced her internal security con-
used for terror activities. cerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and
• India has emerged as a hot destination for co- other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money launder-
caine, the supply of which is controlled by South ing and human trafficking. What countermeasures should
American drug cartels, which have links with local be taken to prevent the same? (UPSC 2018)
drug lords, gangsters and Khalistani terrorists.
• Porous borders: These are under the control of terror- CHALLENGES TO INTERNAL SECU-
ist/rebel groups, indirectly supported by Pakistan and
China. RITY THROUGH COMMUNICATION
• The maritime route: Has also become very active. NETWORKS, ROLE OF MEDIA AND
• The use of drones: To supply drugs and weapons
across the border in Punjab is a new phenomenon and SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES IN IN-
law enforcement agencies are working to neutralise TERNAL SECURITY CHALLENGES, BA-
this.
• Anonymity: 62% of the darknet is being used for illicit
SICS OF CYBER SECURITY
drug trafficking. Cryptocurrency payments and door-
step deliveries have made darknet transactions attrac- 52. INDIA RANSOMWARE REPORT 2022
tive.
Measures taken by the government:
Context: The Computer Emergency Response Team of India
• Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): It was constituted in (CERT-In) has reported that ransomware attacks are not only
1986 under the NDPS Act 1985 with the prime respon- motivated by money but also by geopolitical conflicts.
sibility of fighting drug trafficking and drug abuse.
• Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)
What is Ransomware?
• National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction
Ransomware is a type of malicious software or malware that
(NAPDDR) for 2018-2025.
is designed to block access to a computer system, network,
• The government constituted the Narco-Coordination
or data until a ransom is paid. E.g., WannaCry (2017), Petya/
Centre (NCORD) in 2016.
NotPetya (2017); GandCrab (2018)
• National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse
Achievements of Indian agencies:
Major findings of the Report:

116 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Findings Descriptions Conclusion:

Continuous efforts are needed to Secure (National Cyber-
R a n s o m - The number of reported ransomware attacks
space), Strengthen (Structures, People, Processes, and Ca-
ware inci- in India in 2022 was 53% higher than in 2021
pabilities), and Synergise (Resources including Cooperation
dents
and Collaboration) in the field of cyberspace in India.
Target Ransomware attacks targeted critical infra-
structure organizations to disrupt services
and extract ransom payments About CERT-IN:
Sector most The IT/ITeS sector in India was the most im- The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (est.
impacted pacted by ransomware attacks, followed by 2004; HQ: New Delhi) is an office within the Ministry of
the finance and manufacturing sectors Electronics and Information Technology. It is the nodal
agency to deal with cyber security threats like hacking and
Most prev- Lockbit was the most prevalent ransomware
phishing. It strengthens the security-related defence of the
alent vari- variant in India, followed by Makop and
Indian Internet domain.
ants DJVU/Stop, Makop and Phobos; Vice Soci-
ety and BlueSky were new variants
RaaS eco- The RaaS (Ransomware-as-a-service) eco- Insta Links:
system system is becoming more prominent, allow- Cybersecurity in India
ing even non-technical individuals to launch
ransomware attacks Mains Links:
Restoration On average, the restoration time is about 10 Q. What is a ‘Ransomware’ attack? How do they compro-
time days for infections in reasonably large infra- mise and complicate cybersecurity in the country? How can
structure networks they be tackled?
R e c o m - Organizations should regularly update their
m e n d a - contingency plan; have higher cyber aware- Prelims Links:
tions ness among their employees Q. The terms ‘WannaCry, Petya and EternalBlue’ some-
How do ransomwares work? (Source: CERT-In) times mentioned in the news recently are related to
(UPSC 2018)
(a) Exoplanets
(b) Cryptocurrency
(c) Cyber attacks
(d) Mini satellites
Ans: C

Q. In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the fol-

Various initiatives for cybersecurity lowing to report on cyber security incidents? (UPSC 2017)
Global India 1. Service providers
2. Data centres
B u d a p e s t • Policies: National Cyber Security Policy
C o nve nt i o n 2013; National Cyber Security Strategy 3. Body corporate
on Cyber- 2020 Select the correct answer using the code given below:
crime (2004, • Schemes: Cyber Surakshit Bharat Yoja- (a) 1 only
the first inter- na (2018, MeITY+ NeGD+ Industry)—to (b) 1 and 2 only
national trea- create awareness programs on cyber (c) 3 only
ty that seeks security; Cyber Swachhta Kendra (free
(d) 1, 2 and 3
to address Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis
Internet and tools) Ans: D
c y b e r c r i m e • Institutions: Indian Cyber Crime Coor-
by harmoniz- dination Centre(I4C) (est. in 2018; un- 53. LEFT WING EXTREMISM (LWE)
ing national der Home Ministry)—to combat cyber-
laws)—India crime in India in a comprehensive and
is not a signa- coordinated manner; National Critical Context:
tory. Information Infrastructure Protection Ten personnel of the Chhattisgarh Police’s District Reserve
Centre (NCIIPC); National Cyber Coor- Guard (DRG) were reported killed in an IED attack by Maoists
dination Centre (NCCC) (under CERT-In) in the state’s Dantewada district.

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 Current Affairs 30
The left-wing extremism (LWE) or Naxal insurgency in India: Current situation:
• It originated in a 1967 uprising in Naxalbari (West • The influence of Maoists and associated violence has
Bengal) by the Communist Party of India (Marxist). been falling consistently (gone down by 77% since
• Naxals are a group of people who believe in the po- 2010 and resultant deaths by 90% to 98 in 2022) in
litical theory derived from the teachings of the Chi- the country.
nese political leader Mao Zedong. • A general disenchantment with the Maoist ideol-
ogy among the youth has deprived the insurgent
movement of new leadership.
• The government has cut the number of districts de-
clared to be Naxal-affected from over 200 in the ear-
ly 2000s to just 90 now.
• The presence of Naxals is said to be minimal to zero
in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand,
and Bihar.
• The Home Ministry has vowed to rid the country of
the Maoist problem by 2024.

A widely accepted principle in counter-Maoist strategy:

• The war against Left Wing Extremism can only be
won by the state police and not central forces.
• This is because the state police have local knowl-
edge, understand the language, and have local net-
works that are essential for the generation of intel-
ligence.

Situation in Chhattisgarh:
• It is the only state in the country where Maoists con-
tinue to have a significant presence.
• In the last five years (2018-22), 1,132 violent inci-
dents, in which 168 security forces personnel and
Causes: Inequitable development, Displacement of people 335 civilians lost their lives, accounted for over a
(eviction from lands traditionally used by tribals), etc. third of all Maoist-related violence.

Strategy: They believe that the solution to social and eco- Why did the Maoists attack in Chhattisgarh at this time?
nomic discrimination is to overthrow (by force) the existing • The onset of the monsoon makes it difficult to con-
political system. duct offensive operations in the jungles.
• Almost all major attacks by Maoists on security forc-
Govt. measures to solve LWE: es have taken place during the Tactical Counter Of-
● The Home Ministry came up with the - fensive Campaigns (TCOCs) period in the summer.
○ The strategy of Samadhan. • The TCOC period this year has been characterised
○ The LWE Division to implement security-re- by increasing improvised explosive device (IED) at-
lated schemes aimed at capacity building in tacks.
the LWE-affected States.
● Modernising the police force (SMART, CCTNS, NAT- Why does Chhattisgarh continue to remain troubled?
GRID) • The counter-insurgency measures started late in Ch-
● Social Integration (surrender and rehabilitation pol- hattisgarh.
icy, skill development) • By this time, the police of neighbouring states had
● Development (Infrastructure - mobile towers) pushed Maoists from their states to Chhattisgarh,
● The state governments have also launched several making it a concentrated zone of Maoist influence.
counter-insurgency measures. For example, Andhra • The special unit of the Chhattisgarh Police, the DRG,
Pradesh established an elite force called Greyhounds was raised from the local tribal population and
to successfully crack down on Naxal leaders. trained to fight Maoists and has become active rel-
atively recently.
• The absence of roads and minimal presence of the
administration in the interiors of Bastar has stymied

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Current Affairs 30
the operations of security forces and ensured Mao-
ists’ influence through a mix of fear and goodwill.
The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and
Discipline) Bill 2023
How has the Centre responded? The ratio- • Armed forces personnel are governed
• Apart from supporting LWE states through Security nale be- by the provisions of three separate laws
Related Expenditure (SRE), the Special Infrastruc- hind the for the three services –
ture Scheme (SIS) aims to strengthen local police proposed  the Air Force Act, 1950,
and intelligence setups. law  the Army Act, of 1950, and
• Through the Special Central Assistance for building  the Navy Act, 1957
infrastructure (roads), the Centre has maintained a
massive presence of the CRPF in the affected states. • Only an officer of the same service (not
• The Centre has also unleashed the Counter-terror- the commander-in-chief of a joint ser-
ism National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the En- vices command/the officer-in-command
forcement Directorate on CPI(Maoist) cadres. of any other inter-services organisation)
holds disciplinary powers over persons
governed by the respective Act → im-
Conclusion: pacts command, control and discipline.
The Chhattisgarh experience demands an urgent revisiting of • The existing framework is time-consum-
the existing counter-insurgency strategy → a security-cen- ing and involves financial costs to move
tric approach. The most appropriate thing at this juncture the personnel → impedes expeditious
would be to open the channels for political dialogues with disposal of cases.
Maoists. • The proposed legislation aims to address
these impediments without disturb-
Insta Links: LWE ing the unique service conditions or
amending the service Acts.
Mains Links: Key provi- • Existing inter-services organisations will
Q. What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in sions in the be deemed to have been constituted un-
the Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Gov- Bill der the Bill.
ernment of India, civil administration and security forces • The proposed legislation seeks to em-
adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (UPSC power the central government to set up
2020) an inter-services organisation by notifi-
cation.
• This can include a joint services com-
VARIOUS SECURITY FORCES AND mand - a key feature of the theater-
AGENCIES AND THEIR MANDATE. isation plan of the armed forces.
The commander-in-chief or the offi-
cer-in-command will be the head.
• The superintendence of the inter-ser-
54. THE INTER-SERVICES ORGANISATIONS
vices organisation will be vested in the
(COMMAND, CONTROL AND DISCIPLINE) Central Government.
BILL, 2023 • All disciplinary and administrative
powers in terms of personnel (continue
Context: to be governed by their respective ser-
The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and vice Acts) will lie with the command-
Discipline) Bill 2023 was recently tabled in the Lok Sabha by er-in-chief, the officer-in-command, etc.
the Ministry of Defence. • The Centre can notify any force or part
of it, under the authority of the Govern-
ment, to which the Bill will apply.
Inter-services organisations include Soldiers from the Army,
the Air Force and the Navy, like joint training institutes - T a n g i b l e Expeditious disposal of cases, saving time
benefits and public money by avoiding multiple pro-
● National Defence Academy,
ceedings and greater integration amongst
● National Defence College (NDC),
armed forces personnel.
● Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), and
● the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC).

www.insightsonindia.com 119
 Current Affairs 30

How will it • Each of the theatre commands will have Custodial An Assistant Su- Custodial torture is a clear
affect the units of the Army, the Navy and the Air Torture perintendent of violation of the human
tri-services Force. Police in Tamil rights of detenues, Abuse
theaterisa- • All the units will work as a single entity Nadu’s Tirunelve- of power, Impunity and
tion plan? looking after security challenges in a li district, Balveer lack of accountability, po-
specified geographical territory under an Singh, has been lice brutality and the lack
operational commander. accused of custo- of action taken by senior
• The Bill holds the potential to ensure bet- dial torture. Singh officers to prevent such
ter management of theatre commands is accused of tor- incidents.
once they are operationalised. turing suspects
in custody by re-
Insta Links: Govt introduces bill in Lok Sabha to strengthen moving their teeth
tri-services commanders’ powers with cutting pliers
and causing inju-
ries to their pri-
GS PAPER 4 vate parts.
Italy bans Italy has become Citizen’s private data
1. EXAMPLES WITH ETHICAL CONCERNS ChatGPT the first Western could be misused, Bias
Examples Description Ethical Issues country to ban and discrimination, Lack
Kalak- Hari Padman, a • Sexual harassment at the AI-powered of transparency and ac-
shetra senior instructor the workplace language model, countability— concerns
Founda- at Kalakshetra • Physical and psycholog- ChatGPT, due to about who should be held
tion Foundation (dance ical harm to the victim privacy concerns. responsible for its ac-
school), was ar- • Issue of institutional in- tions— creators of the AI
rested following action and indifference systems, the companies
a complaint and to complaints of sexual that deploy them, or the
student protests harassment governments that regu-
against sexual ha- • Lack of accountability late them?
rassment. and transparency in
addressing complaints Mains Links: (UPSC 2021)
of sexual harassment (a) Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the perfor-
• Need for institutions to mance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix.
recognize and respect (b) Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an ef-
the voices of their stu- fective public servant. Describe the ways and means to pre-
dents vent non-ethical behaviour in public servants.
“French France called for a Concerns over patient
model on law on a “French autonomy, the potential
the end model on the end for abuse or coercion, the
2. NMC GUIDELINES ON PROFESSIONAL RE-
of life” of life”, which impact on the doctor-pa- SPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS, TEACHERS
could legalise eu- tient relationship, and
thanasia for the the role of government in Context:
terminally ill. In a end-of-life decisions. The Indian regulatory body for medical education and med-
recent survey, up ical professionals, the National Medical Council, has for the
to 70% of French first time issued a set of guidelines specifying the profession-
people are in fa- al responsibilities of medical students, teachers and insti-
vour of active help tutions.
in dying.
Other European
countries, includ-
ing the Nether-
lands, Belgium,
Luxembourg and
Spain, have al-
ready legalised as-
sisted death.

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Current Affairs 30

Aspect of the Guidelines for Students Guidelines for Teach- Guidelines for Institutions
guidelines ers
Ensuring ethical Be diligent in studies and research Be competent, caring, Avoid giving false information during
practice work. Maintain professionalism in and ethical role mod- inspections and accreditation pro-
interactions with colleagues and els. cesses.
patients. Seek help when needed
Promoting profes- Maintain a responsible and re- Guide and mentor stu- Do not pressure teachers to give false
sionalism spectful attitude towards the pro- dents. Maintain appro- information.
fession, colleagues, and patients priate boundaries in
interactions
Addressing social Discrimination based on sexual ori- Do not discriminate Adopt no discrimination policy
issues entation, gender, or socioeconomic against students
class should not be tolerated
Enhancing doc- Ethical Conduct in Interactions - N/A - N/A
tor-patient rela- with Patients
tionship
Improving medical Provide a conducive learning envi- Ensure appropriate Promote transparency and account-
education ronment for students training for teachers ability

About NMC
National Medical Commission (NMC) (est. 2020; HQ: New Delhi; Under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) is an Indi-
an regulatory body of 33 members which regulates medical education and medical professionals. It replaced the Medical
Council of India in September 2020.
Purpose: The Commission grants recognition of medical qualifications, gives accreditation to medical schools, grants
registration to medical practitioners, monitors medical practice and assesses the medical infrastructure in India.

3. EXAMPLES OF ETHICS

Ethical values from the given examples:

Examples Ethical Values
IIT Delhi constitutes its first SC/ST cell for students Diversity and inclusion, addressing grievances, non-discrimination
Wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar against for- Justice (The lack of political will to implement the law and the ob-
mer WFI chief stacles faced in initiating the process of seeking justice); Lack of Ac-
countability; Dignity of sportswomen;
Anand Mohan Singh, a former Lok Sabha MP and It raises questions about justice and fairness; Lack of Responsibility
convicted in the murder of an IAS officer released ( The government and its officials have a responsibility to uphold the
from jail in Bihar after the jail manual was tweaked law and ensure justice is served);
by the Bihar government.
Tamil Nadu government bans online gambling, Public health and safety, regulation of potentially harmful activities
cites harm to public health
Misleading Advertisement: The controversy sur- Issue of Corporate ethics; lack of transparency on the part of the
rounding the sugar content in Bournvita company; the impact of ultra-processed foods on consumers’ health;
The lack of front-of-pack labelling may deprive consumers of the abil-
ity to make informed choices

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CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT (CME)

1.ICCR PLANS TO BUILD ITS BRAND AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) aims to promote India’s cultural and creative heritage globally by using
the experiences of over 48,000 foreign students studying in India as brand ambassadors.

ICCR will organize Exit Engagement Evenings (E-3) with foreign students in various Central and State universities, insti-
tutes, and agricultural colleges of the country, three or four months before they finish their courses.

In April 2022, ICCR launched the India Alumni Portal, a platform to connect with foreign students worldwide who have
studied in India.
V a l u e s Cultural Diplomacy, Soft Diplomacy, Brand Ambassadorship, International Education, Networking, and Alumni
shown: Engagement.
About ICCR:
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (est. 1950; Under the Ministry of External Affairs), is an autonomous organisa-
tion of the Government of India, involved in India’s global cultural relations, through cultural exchange with other coun-
tries and their people.

2. INDIAN PHILOSOPHY CAN GUIDE THE WORLD

Tenet Explanation Example
Spiritual Democ- Rejects monopolistic approach to ways of India’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to
racy worship and India was never a theocratic all citizens
state
Unity in Diversity It has enabled India to accommodate and India’s multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-religious
celebrate diversity. society
Confluence with Gratitude towards nature, not conquest India’s traditional practice of saluting nature at the start
Nature of every day. India promotes sustainability
Antyodaya Puts the last man first, considers the most India’s policies and schemes for the welfare of margin-
deprived for distribution of the fruits of de- alized and vulnerable communities
velopment
Vasudhaiva Ku- Imagines the entire world as one family, val- India’s aid and assistance to countries during the
tumbakam ues mutual sharing and collectivism COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine diplomacy
Usage: You can use these tenets to show how Indian philosophy can promote a more harmonious, inclusive,
and sustainable society, especially in these troubled times.

3.THE LANGUAGE FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE

About The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has launched a project called ‘The Language Friendship
Bridge’ to train people & create a pool of experts in 10 languages (like Kazakh, Uzbek, Burmese, and Sin-
halese) that are spoken in countries with which India has historical & cultural ties: Myanmar, Sri Lanka,
Uzbekistan, and Indonesia.
Significance it reflects India’s interest in expanding its cultural and economic footprint in nations with whom it has his-
torical ties, and also recognizes the importance of promoting language learning and cultural understanding
in order to strengthen ties with neighbouring countries.
Usage: The example can be used in International Relations/ Art and Culture questions.

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4.‘JANA RAJ BHAVAN’ INITIATIVE

About Kolkata Raj Bhavan, the residence of the West Bengal Governor, opened its doors to the public on the
occasion of Poila Baishak, the Bengali New Year’s Day. A heritage walk was inaugurated in collaboration
with the Indian Museum, and a colourful ‘Peace Run’ was flagged off.
Similarly, Rashtrapati Bhavan, home to the President of India was thrown open to the public for four days
a week in 2017.
Usage Such initiatives promote the values of openness; inspire youngsters into administration and governance.

5.LIFE LESSONS FROM AJAY BANGA

Life Lesson Example
One person can During his time at Nestle, Banga learned that individual actions can have a significant impact. As CEO
make a difference of MasterCard, he introduced the concept of financial inclusion, setting a goal to bring 500 million
unbanked people into the formal banking system and digital economy by 2021.
Creativity is key He has also championed innovation at MasterCard, increasing revenue and market cap through new
products and technologies.
Focus on inclu- Banga has made it a priority to include underserved and underrepresented populations in his work.
sion
Embrace change He left Citigroup due to the industry’s increasingly regulatory environment and lack of innovation and
has been an advocate for digital transformation at MasterCard and beyond.
Persistence pays Banga’s success at MasterCard was due in part to his persistence in pursuing financial inclusion goals
off and new innovations. He managed to triple the company’s revenue and increase net income six-fold
during his tenure, despite facing challenges like economic downturns and industry disruption.
Usage: His life story can be used in Essay/Ethics to illustrate points and highlight the values of Integrity, com-
mitment to social responsibility, and respect for diversity.

6.LIFE LESSONS FROM DALAI LAMA

Life Lesson Example
Practising compassion and Despite facing tremendous oppression and violence from the Chinese government, Dalai
forgiveness leads to inner Lama has always preached non-violence and compassion towards his oppressors.
peace
Education and knowledge are He himself is a voracious reader and has even established educational institutions in India
powerful tools for personal to provide modern and traditional education to Tibetan refugees.
growth and societal progress
Building strong relationships He has formed deep and meaningful relationships with people all over the world.
and connections is essential
for a fulfilling life
Embracing change Dalai Lama has faced many challenges and changes in his life, including being forced into
exile, losing his country and people, and being constantly under threat. However, he has
always remained optimistic and adaptable, embracing change and looking for opportuni-
ties to grow and progress.
Dalai Lama believes that cultivating self-awareness and mindfulness can help us identify and overcome negative emo-
tions such as anger, fear, and anxiety.
Usage: His life story can be used in Essay/Ethics to illustrate points and highlight the values of Compassion, Nonviolence,
Respect for diversity, Humility, and morality.

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7.NEW DELHI DECLARATION

Context: The two-day Global Buddhist Summit 2023 concluded successfully in New Delhi with the New Delhi Decla-
ration
Major outcomes of the New Delhi Declaration:
• It highlights the importance of peace, well-being, harmony, and compassion for universal peace
• The texts, doctrines and philosophy of Buddha Dhamma are the best guides for inter-faith dialogue, harmony
and universal peace.
• It calls upon all nations, organizations, and individuals to work towards creating a world free from conflict, vi-
olence, and war, protecting the environment, promoting mindfulness and wisdom, and preserving the sacred sites of
Buddhism.
• It recommends a paradigm shift in human attitudes towards nature, with an emphasis on value education and
character building, particularly among youths.
• It recognized the Buddhist pilgrimage as a living heritage that promotes spiritual growth, cultural understanding
and social harmony
Usage: The values presented in the declaration can be used in Essays/Ethics to support your answers.

8. RAM RAJYA
Perspective of Ram Rajya Key Points
Gandhi’s perspective Ram Rajya means equal rights for all, including the weak and the meek. It meant equal
rights to “prince and pauper”.
Ambedkar’s perspective Ambedkar had a literal interpretation of Ram Rajya. He believed that Ram upheld the Var-
nashrama system and killed a Dalit saint, which made Ram Rajya unjust and patriarchal.
Ambedkar was critical of Ram’s treatment of Sita
Plato’s perspective Plato’s panacea was ‘philosopher kings’. According to Plato, rule by a select class of wise
men is better than a democracy based on mass hysteria
The common aspect of Both Gandhi and Ambedkar argued from a logical perspective, not from blind faith or ha-
Gandhi’s and Ambedkar’s tred. Both highlighted the fact that a just system should be one where the weak are pro-
perspective tected and their voices heard.

9.‘WHISTLING VILLAGE’
About: Kongthong village in Meghalaya is India’s only whistling village. It is located in the East Khasi Hills in Megha-
laya. Kongthong people belong to the Seng Khasi Tribe and speak the Khasi language
W h i s t l i n g It’s popular as the ‘whistling village’ due to its unique tradition of ‘Jingrwai Lawbei’ (meaning the Song of
Village: the Clan’s First Woman) under which mothers create a tune for their newborns. These tunes are often used
as names.
Usage This is one of the examples of unique dying traditions of India which need to be preserved. You can cite it in
the questions on the themes of Indian culture, and tribal traditions.

10.PEOPLE’S MANIFESTO AND DATAJAM

About Various civil society groups (The Civil Society Forum, Janaagraha and OpenCity.in) in Karnataka have
released a “people’s manifesto” in the hope that political parties will include the issues in their man-
ifestos for the upcoming assembly elections.
Demands: Curbing corruption, urban governance, housing, slums, panchayat raj, agriculture, right to food, health,
education, labour issues, women’s rights, rights of the differently abled, environment, denouncement
and immediate action to halt hate politics, etc.

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Datajam OpenCity.in, along with Janaagraha and WRI India, conducted a “datajam” to analyze the data of Ben-
galuru constituencies in the context of gaps in areas such as medical facilities and sanitation in public
schools, public transport access in certain constituencies, and voter participation. The analysis can be
useful for the MLAs who will be elected next month to know the gaps that need to be addressed.
Usage: These are examples of people’s participation in Governance with the help of Civil society.

11.’MAKKALAI THEDI MAYOR’

About Chennai Mayor R. Priya will launch a new scheme called ‘Makkalai Thedi Mayor’ in the city on May 3. Under
this scheme, the Mayor will visit each of the 15 zones in the city every 15 days to meet with residents and
receive petitions relating to civic issues in the zone.
H e l p l i n e The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) already has a helpline, 1913, to resolve civic issues, and residents are
and App encouraged to use this helpline as well as the ‘Namma Chennai’ app to report civic issues.
Usage: The example can be used in governance case studies. It shows the values of -Accountability, Responsiveness,
Empathy, and Transparency

12.RESOLUTION CONDEMNING HINDUPHOBIA

About The Georgia Assembly (USA) passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia, becoming the first state in
the US to do so. The legislation acknowledges the contributions of the American Hindu community and
condemns the “antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviours” towards Hindus
that may manifest as prejudice, fear or hatred.
What is Hindu- Hinduphobia is a term used to describe a set of attitudes and behaviours characterized by prejudice,
phobia? fear, hatred, or antagonism towards Hinduism and Hindus. It can manifest in many forms, such as dis-
crimination, stereotyping, and violence against individuals or communities of Hindu origin.
Usage: The example can be used in Indian society/ethics/essay paper to show discriminatory societal attitudes
and stereotyping esp. in developed countries.

13.J&K: GIVE PLASTIC, TAKE GOLD

About Sadiwara, a village in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, has launched an innovative and eco-friendly initiative
called ‘Give Plastic and Take Gold’. The schemes offer a gold coin as a reward to anyone who collects 20 quin-
tals of plastic waste.
Impact Within 15 days of starting the campaign, the village was declared plastic-free. The initiative has gained popu-
larity and has been adopted by other panchayats as well.
Values The initiative is innovative, unique, environment-friendly, community-led and participative.

14. COOL ROOF POLICY- TELANGANA

About The Telangana government in India has announced a “Cool Roof Policy” for buildings, requiring all govern-
ment, non-residential, and commercial buildings to implement cool roofs, which are designed to be heat resil-
ient and energy-efficient.
Aim The policy aims to make buildings thermally comfortable and heat resilient, reduce energy consumption, lower
costs, and control carbon dioxide emissions. The cool roof technology is expected to reduce indoor tempera-
tures by 2-4°C compared to traditional roofs and save 20% in energy costs.
Values Environmental sustainability, public health, energy efficiency, and social responsibility

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15.HUMAN COMPOSTING (NATURAL ORGANIC REDUCTION)

About It’s a process of transforming the human body into nutrient-rich soil that has emerged as an eco-friendly
alternative to traditional burial or cremation.
Process: The process involves washing and dressing the body in a biodegradable gown, placing it in a closed ves-
sel along with selected materials, and leaving it to decompose for 30 days with the addition of oxygen to
speed up the process.
Advantages: The resulting soil can be used for gardening or spread in designated memorial grounds or forest conser-
vation areas. Human composting costs around $5,500, and is much less energy-intensive than cremation.
Opposition: The Catholic Church has been the biggest opponent of the process, calling it an “unfortunate spiritual,
emotional, and psychological distancing from the deceased.”
Usage: The example can be cited as an alternative way of lifestyle (even after death) which promotes environ-
mental sustainability

16. ELECTRICITY FROM VEGETABLE WASTE

About: PM Narendra Modi praised the innovative waste management system at Bowenpally Vegetable Market in
Hyderabad. The market’s vegetable waste is now being turned into bioelectricity, biofuel, and bio-manure,
generating nearly 500 units of electricity and 30 kg of biofuel daily.
A d va nta g - Waste management of about 7-8 tons of vegetable waste generated to produce 400 units of electricity on
es: average. The biogas unit helps reduce the electricity bill by half and the liquid bio manure is being used as
fertilizer in the farmers’ fields.
Usage: This is an example of ‘Waste to Wealth’ and can be used for answering environment questions.

17.RIVER REJUVENATION
About The 7.2 Km Kuttamperoor River in Alappuzha, Kerala has been rejuvenated after over a 6-year effort
through public participation and government intervention. Previously, the River died a slow death around
2005 due to years of waste dumping and encroachments.
Collaborative The Major Irrigation department removed encroachments, deepened the channel, and constructed
effort bunds on both sides to revive the river.
Impact: Its revival is expected to boost tourism in the region and help control floods.
Examples of Rhine River (Europe);
successful Singapore River Clean-up, Singapore;
river rejuve- Thames River Restoration, London, UK;
nation
Ganga Action Plan, India
Usage: The example can be used in the environment/governance question as a successful example of River reju-
venation.

18.CONSISTENT RENEWABLE ENERGY

About A Manipur village (Hengbung) in northeast India has benefited from a pumped-storage hydropower system
that combines hydro with solar power.
Mechanism The system features two interconnected reservoirs that can store renewable power for release later and
enables the provision of consistent lighting in homes and streets. Foundation for Environment and Eco-
nomic Development Services (FEEDS), a local NGO was involved in the initiative
Target India is aiming to increase its renewable generation to 500 GW by 2030.

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Usage Smaller hydropower has been said to be the solution for energy security in hilly areas. This example can be
used for showing innovation, community participation with the help of NGOs and getting the local solution
to issues.

19.CELLULAR AGRICULTURE
Context It is a way of producing animal-based products, such as meat, milk, and eggs, without the need for raising
and slaughtering animals. Instead, these products are grown from cells in a laboratory using techniques
such as tissue engineering and fermentation.
Significance: This technology has the potential to greatly reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture, such
as greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption.
Example: Perfect Day, a start-up in California uses genetically-engineered fungi to produce milk proteins, such as
whey protein, without the need for cows. TurtleTree Labs in Singapore is the first company to use stem
cells from mammals to make milk in large bioreactors.
Usage: We can use these examples in the agriculture/ environment questions to balance the need for animal-based
foods with environmental sustainability challenges facing the food industry.

20.MATERIALS FROM PLASTICS

About Ashaya, a Pune-based firm, has created a process to extract materials from Multi-Layered Plastics (MLP)
waste and convert them into high-quality products, starting with sunglasses under the brand name With-
out.
Usage: It can be used as an example of “Waste to Wealth”. Also, the example values of Environmental Responsi-
bility, Social Responsibility and sustainability.
M u l t i - L a y - MLPs are composed of multiple layers of different materials such as plastic, aluminium, paper, and others,
ered Plastics which are fused together to create a barrier. They are used in various products such as food packaging,
(MLP) sachets, wrappers, etc

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21.INDORE-MODEL WASTE TREATMENT

About The Indore-model waste treatment is a sustainable and cost-effective way of managing wet waste while
also producing clean energy.
Process It involves the bio methanation of wet organic waste, which produces bio-CNG (compressed natural gas)
as a by-product. It has been recognized as one of the most effective waste management models in the
world and has inspired over 72 countries to replicate it.
Usage: It can also be used as an example of “Waste to Wealth”. This mitigates the issues of waste management
as well as energy security.

22.INDIA’S FIRST ENVIRONMENTAL REFERENDUM

Context Ten years ago, on April 18, 2013, the Dongoria Kondhs, a vulnerable tribal group in India, won a land-
mark legal battle in the Supreme Court against Vedanta Company’s plans to exploit the Niyamgiri Hill
for bauxite.
What did the The court recognized the cultural, religious, and spiritual rights of the tribe on the hill and gave the
court say? Gram Sabha the authority to examine possible infringements on their rights due to the proposed
project. The Supreme Court ordered a referendum to be held amongst the affected Gram Sabhas to
obtain consent on the project from the community, which unanimously voted against it.
Outcome The referendum resulted in a rare registration of the Dongoria Kondhs’ claim for sovereignty, self-de-
termination, and territorial autonomy.
Usage: Niyamgiri case today serves as a textbook example of good usage of Free, Prior Informed Consent
(FPIC), for any environmental projects. The case can be a quote in an Essay/Ethics/ Environment
question.

23.CITY NATURE CHALLENGE

Context Over 30 Indian cities will participate in the City Nature Challenge, an app-based competition that encour-
ages people to record observations of nature. Participants can use the iNaturalist app to click and upload
photos of natural flora and fauna, and the app uses Artificial Intelligence to suggest the species name.
S i g n i f i - The event is an opportunity for citizens to use nature to reduce stress and calm anxiety, and the data col-
cance: lected will be used by scientists and researchers to research different plant and animal species and deter-
mine the biodiversity in a region.
Usage: Such examples can be used in governance and environment questions showing people’s participation in
documenting biodiversity (‘Citizen Science’); raising awareness about nature, reducing stress and promot-
ing a sense of well-being

24.KERALA ADOPTS WATER BUDGET

Context: Kerala became the first state to adopt a water budget, as a solution to water scarcity during summer
months to ensure equitable water distribution.
Water Budget A water budget is a tool used to manage water resources by estimating the total amount of water avail-
able in a region and the amount of water used by different sectors.
Benefits: • It helps in making informed decisions about water use
• Identifying areas of water scarcity
• Developing strategies for equitable water distribution.
• Create awareness about proper water use and avoiding wastage.
Other initia- It has revived over 15,000 kilometres of waterways in the last few years, and local bodies are rejuvenating
tives of the more ponds and streams.
Kerala govt:
Usage This can be used as an example in Governance, and Agriculture questions on water management.

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25.FARM DISTRESS INDEX

About Scientists at the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) have developed an early
warning system called Farmers Distress Index, which is built on 21 simple questions— based on financial,
emotional, and other parameters. The index can sense imminent distress at least 3-4 months ahead of its
actual occurrence.
Usage: This innovative tool can be mentioned in Questions related to Farmer’s distress.
About CRIDA: Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (est. 1985; HQ: Hyderabad) is an institute under the
Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The institute was set up with the intention of undertaking agricul-
tural research activities in areas that have low rainfall

26.GOLDMAN ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE

Context Alessandra Korap, a Munduruku Indigenous woman from Brazil, has won the Goldman Environmental
Prize for her leadership in defending her community’s lands against illegal mining, hydroelectric dams,
and other environmental crimes.
About Korap is part of a group of Munduruku women who have taken up the responsibility of defending their
people and have overturned the traditionally all-male leadership. Munduruku is an indigenous people of
Brazil living in the Amazon River basin.
About the The Goldman Environmental Prize (est. 1989; by the Goldman Environmental Foundation) is a prize
Prize awarded annually to grassroots environmental activists, one from each of the world’s six geographic
regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands and Island Nations, North America, and South and Central America.
The award is also called the Green Nobel.

Usage The example highlights what has been proven in previous research that Indigenous-controlled forests are
the best preserved in the Brazilian Amazon. You can use this example in Environment/ Indian Society/
Sociology/ Anthropology paper

27.POLLUTION CURBING TREES

Context Certain trees and crops that are native to India have been found to be effective in combatting air pollution,
according to a new study.
Ascorbic • The level of Ascorbic acid in plants determines their tolerance against the adverse effect of oxidizing
Acid & pollutants (the higher the ascorbic acid, the higher the tolerance)
APTI • Trees with high Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) (a tool used to assess the tolerance capacity of
tree and crop species against air pollution) value are pipal, neem, mango, and crops like maize, pigeon pea,
and safflower.
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is involved in regulating photosynthesis, hormone biosynthesis, and regen-
erating other antioxidants.
Usage: The example of these native trees can be cited for greening Urban airspace to curb air pollution.

28.TRADITIONAL METHODS OF WATER CONSERVATION IN INDIA

Context: India has conducted its first census of all water structures that hold rainwater and recharge
groundwater, finding that the country has 2.4 million waterbodies, 83% of which are being used
for fisheries, irrigation, groundwater recharge, and drinking water.
Method Description
Talab/Bandhi Reservoirs to store water for drinking and household consumption

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Jhalaras Rectangular-shaped step-wells to collect subterranean water seepage from a lake or an up-
stream reservoir
Baoli Stepwells with arches and motifs, open to people of all sections of society
Kund (Gujarat and Ra- The catchment area is shaped like a saucer sloping towards the circular underground well at the
jasthan) centre for rainwater harvesting
Bawari (Rajasthan) Stepwells that divert rainfall to artificial tanks via canals on hilly terrain
Taanka (Thar desert re- Cylindrical paved underground pit for rainwater harvesting from courtyards, rooftops and artifi-
gion in Rajasthan) cially prepared catchments
Nadi Village ponds where rainwater collects from natural catchment areas
Bamboo drip irrigation Irrigation technique using bamboo pipes to transport water from perennial springs
system (Northeastern
India)
Zings (Ladakh) Small tanks to collect melting glacier water
Kuhls (Himachal Surface water channels for irrigation of fields tapping glacial waters from rivers and streams
Pradesh)
Jackwells (Great Nico- Small pits for rainwater harvesting, constructed using bamboo and logs of wood
bar Islands)
Water harvesting Network of groundwater and surface water bodies with tanks connected by underground and
structures of Ramtek surface canals for water flow from the foothills to the plains
(Maharashtra)

29. HOW CAN HUMANS & ANIMALS CO-EXIST MORE PEACEFULLY?

E.g. 1: Planting a “barrier” of crops that repel animals such as elephants. It will benefit both the animals and local people
and involve the communities concerned.

E.g. 2: Kenya: Tracking collars have been fitted to some elephants in a herd to inform locals about their movements, lead-
ing to better management and fewer harmful incidents.

E.g. 3: India: WildSev (a mobile technology initiative) provides a user-friendly platform for farmers and others to report
wildlife conflict incidents. WildSeve responders on motorcycles provide immediate assistance.

E.g. 4: IUCN SSC Guidelines on Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence provide a roadmap for managing the conflict
and inform the formulation of new policies and community-led action strategies for achieving coexistence with wildlife in
any context.
Usage: These can be used as innovative examples to solve human-wildlife conflict issues.

30.HIMACHAL PRADESH SUKH ASHRAYA BILL 2023

Context: The Himachal Pradesh government is planning to introduce the Himachal Pradesh Sukh Ashraya (Care, Pro-
tection and Self Reliance of Children) Bill, 2023 in the State Assembly.
Aim: • Providing appropriate care, protection, development, and self-reliance to orphans, semi-orphans,
and specially-abled children in need.
• Provisions for clothing and festival allowance to children residing in child care and aftercare institu-
tions, intra or intra-state annual exposure visits for these children.
• Provide recurring deposit accounts for each child with contributions from the State government up
to the age of 27 years

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31.MAHILA NIDHI
Context: Rajasthan government has approved a proposal for giving an 8% interest subsidy on loans obtained by
the members of women’s self-help groups (SHGs) from Mahila Nidhi, the State’s first-ever women’s co-
operative fund.
Formation: It was established in Jaipur in August 2022 and is operated entirely by women and acts as a complemen-
tary body with the formal banking system. It has been set up on the pattern of Telangana’s Stree Nidhi
Credit Cooperative Federation
Fund: It disburses loans up to ₹40,000 within 48 hours and releases the credit of a higher amount within a pe-
riod of 15 days.
Success: It has significantly brought down the number of loan applications by women pending in the banks, as
they have been getting easy and adequate loans for their daily needs and self-employment from the fund.

32. SAFE CITY PROJECT

About Ministry of Home Affairs had in 2018 sanctioned Safe City Projects under the Nirbhaya Fund Scheme in
8 cities (including Bengaluru), which involves identifying hotspots for crime against women and deploying
infrastructure, technology, and capacity-building programs.
Technologies Audio-visual systems including drones, CCTV cameras and emergency call boxes in “vulnerable” areas of
deployed the city.
Other mea- Setting up Pink Police Out-posts, Augmentation of existing Asha Jyoti Kendra, Improving Street Lighting in
sures: Hot Spot areas; Setting up Pink Toilets; single Emergency number ‘112’; Gender sensitization awareness
campaigns Etc.

33. ARTEMIS II MISSION- FIRST WOMAN AND FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN

About NASA’s team for its upcoming Artemis II mission, includes the first woman and first African-American to be as-
signed to a lunar mission. The mission will be the first crewed voyage around the moon in over 50 years and is
aimed at establishing a sustainable outpost on the lunar surface.
Values: Diversity and inclusion, representation, equal opportunity, innovation, and progress towards sustainability

34. CASE STUDY: SWABHIMAN ANCHAL

About IAS officer R. Vineel Krishna, Special Secretary to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, recently visited
Swabhiman Anchal in Odisha’s Malkangiri district (once a bastion of left-wing extremists (LWEs)). This was Mr
Krishna’s first visit to the region after being abducted by armed cadres of the CPI (Maoist) in February 2011.
Measures The region was “cut off” from three sides and was the centre of the CPI Maoist activities. However, a slew
of development projects such as:
• Gurupriya Bridge, ₹100 crores under the SETU scheme and,
• Confidence-building measures by officers like Vineel Krishna have now led to the region being com-
pletely sanitized from Maoist influences and integration of the people into the State’s administration.
Values Commitment to public service, Responsibility and accountability, and Transformational leadership

35.GENDER-NEUTRAL SUPREME COURT

About The Supreme Court of India, under the guidance of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has taken steps to-
wards inclusivity and sexuality sensitization for the LGBTQIA+ community, which will ensure a dignified
work environment for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Steps taken:

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• The court has created nine universal restrooms at different locations in the main building and the additional building
complex
• It made the online appearance portal gender neutral
• It has inducted senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy as a member of the Gender Sensitization and Internal Com-
plaints Committee (GSICC)
Usage The example shows the importance of inclusive infrastructure and sexuality sensitization in public build-
ings and courts.

36.ODISHA PVTG NUTRITIONAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME (OPNIP)

About OPNIP is a programme to improve the nutritional status of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
(PVTGs) in Odisha.
Interventions: • Community-based creches for children of age 6 months to 3 years
• Spot feeding centres for children aged 3-6 years
• Maternal spot feeding centres for pregnant & lactating mothers
• Prioritized the first 1,000 days of life when rapid growth and development take place
Community sup- Local PVTG self-help groups are entrusted with managing the OPNIP interventions, which strengthens
port: community ownership and empowers local PVTG women’s collectives in managing such nutrition
interventions in their community.
Usage: The scheme can be used to highlight successful interventions for improving the health and nutrition
among the PVTGs in India

37.VICTORIAN MORALITY
Context In the ongoing case of the same-sex relationship as a marriage, Supreme Court has said that British Vic-
torian morality stifled the ancient all-inclusive culture of India, which accepted same-sex love. The court
corrected the government’s perspective and said that the impact of British Victorian morality made
India forsake much of its cultural ethos.
British Victori- It refers to a set of social and moral values that were prevalent in Britain during the Victorian era (1837
an morality to 1901). These values were characterized by a strict code of conduct that emphasized sexual repres-
sion, traditional gender roles, and conservative social norms.
Usage: The terms can be used to show the negative impact of the continuation of the colonial legacy in India’s
social and governance system.

38.FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS IN TAMIL NADU

About The Tamil Nadu Assembly has passed the Factories (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Bill, 2023, which allows for
12-hour working shifts for factory workers who opt for a four-day working week.
Benefits: Promoting industrial flexibility; flexibility for workers (esp. for women); Benefit industries (esp. electronics
manufacturers)
Concerns: Critics argue that 12 hours a day could lead to the exploitation of workers.
Usage: The example can be used as a way forward in the Indian Society/Economy paper on questions related to la-
bour welfare

39.BARBIE WITH DOWN SYNDROME

About Mattel, the toy company behind the iconic Barbie doll, has introduced its first Barbie representing a person
with Down syndrome. The company collaborated with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to en-
sure that the doll accurately represents a person with Down syndrome.
Objective The company aims to increase diversity and inclusivity. Previous dolls line includes a Ken doll with a prosthet-
ic leg, a Barbie with hearing aids, and dolls with a skin condition called vitiligo.

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Usage: The example shows respect for diversity, inclusivity, representation, and sensitivity towards people with
disabilities.

40.HIKIKOMORI
About It’s a phenomenon in Japan where an estimated 1.5 million working-age people are living in isolation
and avoiding social contact. It is not recognized as a clinical diagnosis but rather a social phenomenon.
Causes Several factors, including Japan’s highly competitive education system, extreme academic pressure, and
work culture, contribute to its high prevalence.
Treatment: Generally psychotherapeutic rather than drug-based, requiring family support, individual or group thera-
py, and a healthcare practitioner, hosting social gatherings in the metaverse.
Usage: This phenomenon can be used as an example of modern lifestyle, and the demerits of globalization in
ethics, essay, and Indian society paper.

41.INDIA’S 1ST 3D PRINTED POST OFFICE

About Bengaluru (Cambridge Layout in Ulsoor) is set to have India’s first post office built using 3D printing tech-
nology.
Significance: The successful completion of this project may encourage other government organizations to explore the
use of 3D printing technology in construction, paving the way for more innovation and cost savings in
public infrastructure.
Benefits: The 1,100 sqft building is expected to cost 30-40% less than conventional buildings.

Usage: This example can be used to show how technology can be used to save public money and give a better
public infrastructure.

42.BEGGARS’ CORPORATION
Context Beggars’ Corporation, a Varanasi-based start-up, has received the Best Social Impact Award in the
Innopreneurs Global Startup Contest.
About Beggars’ It is the only for-profit company in the world working towards making extremely poor people cre-
Corporation ators and owners of wealth.
Aim To make beggars self-sufficient by turning them into entrepreneurs through the conversion of dona-
tions into social investments.
How does it work? Indians donate around ₹34,242 crores annually to India’s 413,670 beggars. Beggars’ Corporation
aims to use this donated money to train beggars into employment generators and build their ca-
pacities for startups.
Usage This example can be used to show values of Empathy, Social Impact, Innovations, empowerment,
social responsibility etc.

43.FESTIVAL OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (FINE) 2023

About Organized by the National Innovation Foundation, discussed ways to raise the profile of India’s in-
novation and entrepreneurship eco-system, which is inclusive, the third largest in the world, and an
inspiration to many countries.
About NIF National Innovation Foundation (founded 2000; HQ: Ahmedabad (Gujarat)) – is an autonomous
body of the Department of Science and Technology. It is India’s national initiative to strengthen grass-
roots technological innovations and outstanding traditional knowledge.
Usage It can be used to highlight initiatives to improve India’s innovation ecosystem.

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3.MAHAVIR JAYANTI
FACTS FOR PRELIMS(FFP)
GS PAPER 1
INDIAN HERITAGE AND CULTURE
1. GAMOSA
Context:
A scarf - a hybrid creation of an Assamese gamosa and a
Bengali gamcha - became the subject of controversy in As-
sam.
Assamese gamosa/gamusa (Body wipes or Towel):
• It is generally a white rectangular piece of cloth with
primarily a red border on two sides and red woven mo-
tifs on the other two sides.
• Although the cotton yarn is the most common material
for making/weaving gamosas, there are special occasion
ones made from Pat silk.
• It is a symbol of the culture and identity of Assam and
had received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in
2022.

Prelims Links
Q. With reference to the religious practices in India, the
“Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to (UPSC 2018)
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Vaishnavism
(d) Shaivism
Ans: B

Q. With reference to the religious history of India, consid-

2. THIRA er the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism.
2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenome-
na were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in
a latent form.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: B

Q. Anekantavada is a core theory and philosophy of which

one of the following? (UPSC 2009)
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Sikhism
(d) Vaishnavism
Ans: B

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4. KAUSHAMBI MAHOTSAV-2023 Historical Kandel (MP) is famous for ‘Jal

Satyagraha’; Suketi in Himach-
Context: al Pradesh has Asia’s oldest fossil
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation inaugu- park; and Pandrethan in Kashmir
rated Kaushambi Mahotsav-2023 is the village of Shaivite mystic Lal
Ded
About Kaushambi:
Category Importance About National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM):
Location Located on the Yamuna River about Description
56 km southwest of Prayagraj (Alla- Ministry Approved by the Ministry of Culture in 2017
habad, Uttar Pradesh) Purpose To build a comprehensive database of art-
Mahajanapadas Kaushambi was the capital of the ists, art forms, and other cultural resourc-
Vatsa Kingdom, one of the 16 Maha- es from organizations. To preserve Indian
janapadas art and cultural heritage, map the cultural
Buddhism During Buddha’s time, Kaushambi canvas of India, and create cultural vibrancy
was one of the six most important throughout the nation.
and prosperous towns in India. Implemen- The program was handed over to Indira
Trade centres in Kaushambi has been the nerve cen- tation Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGN-
ancient times tre of ancient Indian communica- CA) in 2021.
tions as the principal routes from Target IGNCA plans to cover all 6.5 lakh villages in
north to south and east to west met the country and create short films on 6,500
at the city. It was a terminus of river village clusters showcasing their unique her-
traffic and an important emporium of itage.
Madhyadesa. Data Collec- Data mapping, demography building, for-
Pillars of Ashoka The pillars of Ashoka are found both tion malizing processes, and bringing all cultural
in Kosambi and in Allahabad activities under one umbrella for better re-
Coinage The tribal society at Kosambi made sults.
cast copper coinage with punch Related Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana, Scheme for Safe-
marks Schemes guarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage,
and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
About IGN- Established in 1987 as an autonomous insti-
5. ’MERA GAON MERI DHAROHAR’ PRO- CA tution under the Ministry of Culture. Aims
GRAM to be a centre for research, academic pur-
suit, and dissemination in the field of arts.
Context:
Ministry of Culture has been documenting the unique cul- Note: Don’t get confused with a similarly named pro-
tural heritage of rural India under the National Mission for gramme—’ Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav’ is an initiative of the
Cultural Mapping’s ‘Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar’ program. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to encour-
age scientists to select villages and provide information to
Villages have been divided into different categories e.g., the farmers on technical and other related aspects of agri-
Category Example culture through personal visits or on the telephone.
Ecological Bishnoi village (famous for living
in harmony with Blackbucks, Ra- 6. SEVEN LIBERATION DESTINATIONS OF
jasthan); Uttarakhand’s Raini vil-
INDIA
lage (famous for the Chipko move-
ment)
Context: Ministry of Tourism is promoting tourist destina-
Developmental Modhera (Gujarat) is the first so-
tions in India, including the (Seven Liberation destinations).
lar-powered village in India

What is Saptha Moksha Puri?

Sapta means seven; Puri means city and Moksha means
liberation from the cycle of birth and death

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In Hindu Mythology, 7 such places have been named Jammu and Kash- Basohli Painting
where renouncing the body is considered valuable and mir - Kathua district
one is said to attain liberation. These are: It is the first independent GI-
• Ayodhya, Mathura, Kashi (Varanasi) in Uttar tagged product from the Jam-
Pradesh mu region.
• Maya (Haridwar) in Uttarakhand It is considered the first school
• Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) of Pahari paintings
• Avantika (Ujjain) in Madhya Pradesh These are painted on paper,
• Puri (Odisha) and cloth, or wood using natural
• Dwaravati (Dwaraka, Gujarat) pigments and dyes.

Ladakh Ladakh’s Wood Carving

Ladakh’s wood carving has

been known for its intricate
designs and unique patterns,
which are mostly inspired by
Buddhist themes and motifs

The wood carvings are made

from local wood such as willow
and apricot and they are often
used for decorating doors, win-
dows, and other household
items.
Uttar Pradesh Banarasi paan , langda mango
of Varanasi , Ramnagar Bhan-
ta (brinjal) and Chandausi’s
adamchini chawal (rice)
7. GI TAG FOR SEVERAL ITEMS Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh’s aromatic rice,
Nagri Dubraj.
Context:
As many as 33 products were granted GI certification re-
It is produced by a women’s self-
cently by the GI Registry, Chennai, as per news reports.
help group “Maa Durga Swasa-
hayata Samuh”. The grain finds
reference in Valmiki Ramayana.
It is an indigenous variety and
has small grains, is very soft to
eat after cooking, and is known
as the Basmati of Chhattisgarh
because of its fragrance. Pre-
viously, Jeeraphool rice (also
from Chhatisgarh) was granted
a GI tag in 2019, Dubraj is the
second brand to get the GI tag.
8. NAGRI DUBRAJ RICE

Context: The Geographical Indication Registry has granted

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About Nagri Du- It is produced by a women’s self-help 11. KHAYAL

braj rice group “Maa Durga Swasahayata
Samuh”. The grain finds reference in
Valmiki Ramayana.
Features It is an indigenous variety and has small
grains, is very soft to eat after cooking,
and is known as the Basmati of Chhat-
tisgarh because of its fragrance
Previously, Jeeraphool rice (also from Chhatisgarh) was
granted a GI tag in 2019, Dubraj is the second brand to get
the GI tag.

9.BIHU DANCE

12. GLOBAL BUDDHIST SUMMIT

• Conducted by: The Ministry of Culture+ International

Buddhist Confederation (IBC)
• Theme: “Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Phi-
losophy to Praxis.”
• Aim: The summit aims to enhance cultural and diplo-
matic relationships with other countries and mark the
significance and importance of India in Buddhism, as
Buddhism was born in India.

10. GOND PAINTING

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Note: The Theravada Buddhist Council in 1871 and Thera-

vada Buddhist Council in 1954 are known as the Fifth and
Sixth Buddhist Councils respectively.

A. ZEMITHANG
Context:
Zemithang, the first stop of the 14th Dalai Lama during his
flight from China-occupied Tibet in 1959, recently hosted a
major Buddhist conference attended by some 600 delegates,
including Tibetan spiritual leaders, from across India.
• Conference conducted by: Indian Himalayan Council
of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition, at Gorsam Stupa in
Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh
• Aim: To make Buddhism vibrant and deeply connect-
ed to Nalanda Buddhism

About Zemithang: Zemithang (in the Pangchen Valley) is a 14. ABHILEKH PATAL
village and the last circle headquarters bordering Bhutan Context: PM praised “Abhilekh Patal” a portal with over 1
and Tibet. Zemithang means “sand valley” and the people Crore Pages of Historical Records of the National Archives.
of the area are referred to as Pangchenpa, meaning “peo- About the Portal:
ple who gave up sin”. It is a web portal to access records of the National Archives
of India (NAI) and make its content available to all.
The National Archives of India (est. 1891; HQ: New Delhi)
is a repository of the non-current records of the Govern-
ment of India and holds them in trust for the use of ad-
ministrators and scholars. NAI is an Attached Office of the
Ministry of Culture.

15.PTP-NER SCHEME
Context:
Ministry of Tribal Affairs have launched Marketing and Logis-
tics Development for the Promotion of Tribal Products from
the North-Eastern Region (PTP-NER) for improving the lives
of the talented artisans belonging to the Northeast.
About the Scheme:
About Description
Nodal Ministry Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Type
Central Sector Scheme
13. HEMIS AND THIKSEY MONASTERIES Aim To strengthen livelihood opportunities
for tribal artisans through increased
efficiency in procurement, logistics,
and marketing of tribal products from
North Eastern States
States Covered Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripu-
ra, and Sikkim
Nodal Agency Tribal Cooperative Marketing Develop-
ment Federation (TRIFED)

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Key Features Facilitates backwards and forward About Basavanna:

linkages through incubation support,
aggregation, skill and entrepreneur-
ship development, sourcing and pro-
curement, marketing, transportation,
and publicity
Tribal Artisans Central government to organize TAMs
Melas (TAMs) in April and May to showcase tribal
products. The empanelment of trib-
al artisans will be done directly or
through Tribal Artisan Melas (TAMs).
Partners North Eastern Handicrafts and Han-
dlooms Development Corporation
(NEHHDC), India Post and North East-
ern State Government Departments/
Agencies
16. SRI RAMANUJACHARYA AND ADI SHAN-
KARACHARYA

Prelims Links
Q. With reference to the cultural history of medieval In-
dia, consider the following statements: ( UPSC 2016)
1. Siddhas (Sittars) of the Tamil region were monotheistic
and condemned idolatry.
2. Lingayats of the Kannada region questioned the theory
of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: C
18. THIRUNELLY TEMPLE

Prelims Links:
Q. Which one of the following pairs does not form part of
the six systems of Indian Philosophy?
(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta
(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika
(c) Lokayata and Kapalika
(d) Sankhya and Yoga
Answer: C
17.BASAVANNA
Context: Leaders from various political parties paid tributes
to Basaveshwara, the 12th-century social reformer and
founder of the Lingayat tradition, on his birth anniversary

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 Current Affairs 30

19.TAMIL NADU’S MANAMADURAI POT- About Zafar Mahal

TERY Attribute Description

Context: Recently, Manamadurai pottery was given GI tag Location Mehrauli vil-
Aspect Information lage, South-
ern part of
Delhi
Purpose and Summer pal-
built by ace for the Zafar Mahal
Mughal fami-
ly. It was built
by Emperor
Akbar Shah
II and com-
pleted by Ba-
hadur Shah
Zafar, the last
Mughal Em-
peror in the
18th and 19th
Century
Manamadurai Pottery recently earned a GI tag Dedicated to Hazrat Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakthiar Kaki,
Location Manamadurai in Sivagangai district, Tamil a renowned Sufi saint to whom almost all
Nadu, India. the Mughal Emperors were disciples
Raw materi- Soil, water, sand, lead, graphite, calcium Components Palace or Mahal, and entrance gate (Ha-
als lime, ash, red lead, sodium silicate, manga- thi Gate)
nese, iron, and plasticizing. Legacy The Mahal is where Bahadur Shah Zafar,
Unique fea- Use of a unique type of clay sourced from the last Mughal emperor, wished to be
tures water bodies; Pot making requires exper- buried, but his grave lies empty. The ex-
tise as the bottom has to be perfectly round act burial place of Bahadur Shah Zafar’s
and the circumference of the pot and the sons and grandson, who were executed
neck should be proportionate; The pot is by the British, is unknown.
painted in different colours. Nearby Dargah of Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
Cenotaphs Contains cenotaphs (“empty tombs”) of
About GI tag: later Mughal Emperors
Festival The annual festival or procession known
as Phulon ki Sair starts from Zafar Mahal
and was started by Khawja Bhaktiyar Kaki
as a protest against the British.

MODERN INDIA/PERSONALITIES
21.VAIKOM SATYAGRAHA

20.DELHI’S ZAFAR MAHAL

Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to be-

gin conservation works at Zafar Mahal in south Delhi’s Meh-
rauli, which was once the summer palace of Bahadur Shah
Zafar, the last Mughal emperor.

140 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
anniversary celebrations of the ten Sikh gurus. “Parkash”
means “illumination” or “light,” while “Purab” means “day.”
About Guru Tegh Bahadur:
Tegh Bahadur was born in Amritsar in 1621 to Guru Hargo-
bind and Mata Nanki. Tegh Bahadur’s writings are housed
in the ‘Guru Granth Sahib’ as 116 poetic hymns. He found-
ed the town of Chak-Nanki and played a key role in setting
up preaching centres throughout the Indian subcontinent.
However, he was executed in Delhi in 1675 under the orders
of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

22.RAMAKRISHNA MATH

Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 125th-anniver-
sary celebration of Sri Ramakrishna Math at Vivekananda
House in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

About Ramakrishna Math

Ramakrishna Math is the administrative legal organization
of the Ramakrishna Order, considered part of the Hindu
reform movements. It was set up by sannyasin disciples of
24. MAHATMA JYOTIBA PHULE
Ramakrishna Paramhansa headed by Swami Vivekananda at
various places in India. Ramakrishna Math in various sectors Context: The Prime Minister paid tribute to the great social
such as education, libraries, health care, nursing, rural de- reformer, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his birth anniversary
velopment, and leprosy awareness and rehabilitation.
About Jyotiba Phule (1827 to 1890)
About Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836 –1886) About Description
He was an Indian Hindu mystic and spiritual leader who Ideology Liberty, Egalitarianism, Socialism.
practised various religious traditions, including Hinduism, Phule was influenced by Thomas
Islam, and Christianity, and proclaimed that all religions Paine’s book titled The Rights of Man
are different paths leading to the same goal. His follow- Major Publica- Tritiya Ratna (1855), Powada: Chatra-
ers regarded him as an avatar or divine incarnation, and tions pati Shivajiraje Bhosle Yancha (1869),
his teachings were later popularized by his disciple Swami Gulamgiri (1873), Shetkarayacha Aasud
Vivekananda. Ramakrishna’s legacy is continued through (1881)
the Ramakrishna Order, which provides spiritual train- Related Associ- Founder of Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873
ing for monastics and householder devotees, and the Ra- ation with the aim to attain equal social and
makrishna Mission, which provides charity, social work, economic benefits for the lower castes
and education. in Maharashtra
Municipal Served as commissioner to the Poona
23. GURU TEGH BAHADUR Council Mem- municipality until 1883
ber
What is Prakash Purab?
Parkash Purab is a term used in Sikhism to refer to the birth

www.insightsonindia.com 141
 Current Affairs 30

Title of Mahat- Bestowed with the title of Mahatma in for our bodies to cool down, which can be dangerous in hot
ma 1888 (by a social activist Vithalrao Krish- weather. In general, a relative humidity of 30-60% is con-
naji Vandekar) sidered comfortable, and environments with lower humidity
may require humidifiers to increase moisture levels. On the
Social Reformer An advocate of gender equality, he
other hand, a fan can be useful in areas with higher humidity
opened the first school for girls in Pune;
to help move the air and promote sweat evaporation.
established an ashram for young wid-
ows, and worked for the abolishment of
untouchability and the caste system. He What is Wet Bulb Temperature?
believed that the only solution to com- Wet bulb temperature is the lowest temperature to which
bat social evils was the enlightenment air can be cooled by the evaporation of water at constant
of women and members of the lower pressure, and it is a limit beyond which humans cannot
castes. He along with his wife opened tolerate high temperatures. It is measured by wrapping a
the first indigenously run school for wet cloth on a thermometer to observe the temperature at
girls in Pune (1848). which evaporation occurs. The highest acceptable wet-bulb
temperature for humans is 35°C (95°F) for six hours, above
which serious health problems can develop, even for healthy
IMPORTANT GEOPHYSICAL PHE- individuals.
NOMENA/GEOGRAPHY
26. ZERO SHADOW DAY
25.RELATIVE HUMIDITY

Type of Hu- Definition Unit of Factors Af-

midity M e a - fecting
sure-
ment
Humidity Humidity is the amount of moisture present
in the air around us.
A b s o l u t e The actual amount g ra m s / Temperature,
Humidity of water vapour m³ Location
present in the at-
mosphere
R e l a t i v e Percentage of % Temperature,
Humidity moisture present Ava i l a b i l i t y
in the atmosphere of water for
compared to its evaporation
full capacity at a (Higher the
given temperature RH of air,
the more it
is filled with SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
moisture)
Dew Point The temperature °C Temperature,
at which satura- Relative Hu- 27. FRAME MENSTRUAL HYGIENE POLICY
tion occurs in a midity
given sample of air Context: The Supreme Court has called for a “uniform na-
S p e c i f i c Weight of water g/kg tional policy” to ensure menstrual hygiene for girls in schools.
Humidity vapour per unit
weight of air What is menstrual hygiene?
It refers to the practices and conditions that help maintain
Why does relative humidity matter? menstrual health and well-being. It includes using clean and
Relative humidity plays a significant role in how comfort- safe menstrual products, washing and changing them regu-
able we feel in different environments. When the relative larly, having access to clean water and sanitation facilities,
humidity is high, the air is already filled with moisture, and and managing menstrual pain and discomfort.
the sweat on our skin can’t evaporate. This makes it difficult

142 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
SC directive: Context: The Indian-American statistician Calyampudi Rad-
• The policy should include provisions for sanitary hakrishna Rao has been awarded the 2023 International
pads, disposal mechanisms, and exclusive wash- Prize in Statistics, which is statistics’ equivalent of the No-
rooms for girls. bel Prize.
• SC emphasized the importance of sanitation and
menstrual hygiene in government-aided and resi-
About C R Rao:
dential schools
C. R. Rao is an Indian-American mathematician and statis-
• It called on States and Union Territories to submit
tician. He is currently a professor emeritus at Pennsylvania
menstrual hygiene plans within four weeks.
State University and Research Professor at the University at
Buffalo. He was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 2001.
According to the recently released fifth round of the Na-
tional Family Health Survey (2019-21), the use of unhy-
gienic menstrual methods of protection among women Contribu- Description
(age 15-24 years) is almost three times that of their urban tion of C R
counterparts. Rao
Various the- Rao-Blackwell Theorem, Cramér–Rao in-
orems equality, Fisher–Rao theorem, Orthogonal
arrays, Multivariate statistical analysis, Bi-
AWARDS ometry etc.
Fields: Statistics, economics, genetics, anthropolo-
28. CHEVALIER DE LA LÉGION D’HONNEUR” gy, geology, national planning, demography,
(KNIGHT OF THE LEGION OF HONOUR) biometry, and medicine
R a o ’ s ‘Information and accuracy attainable in the
Context: g r o u n d - estimation of statistical parameters’ (1945)
Philanthropist and art collector Kiran Nadar was recently breaking
conferred “Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur” (Knight of the paper
Legion of Honour) by French Ambassador to India Emman- Indian sta- Indian statisticians also owe Prof. Rao grati-
uel Lenain. tistics tude for his enormous contributions to the
growth of statistics in the country, notably
• Awarded for Contribution to the field of art, her
at the Indian Statistical Institute. Rao was
commitment to providing greater access to culture
“the person who did the most to continue
both nationally and internationally, and her leading
Mahalanobis’s work as a leader of statistics
role in fostering Indo-French cultural ties.
in India.”

About Kiran Nadar:

• Ms Nadar, chairperson of the Kiran Nadar Muse- About International Prize in Statistics
um of Art (KNMA) -- a philanthropic initiative in art It was established in 2016 and is awarded once every two
-- and a trustee of the Shiv Nadar Foundation has years to an individual or team “for major achievements
played a vital role in advancing Indo-French cultur- using statistics to advance science, technology and human
al ties, and artistic cooperation. welfare.”
• This exhibition was brought to India as part of “Bon-
jour India 2022”, a six-month cultural festival organ-
ised by France across India as a present for India’s 30. NATIONAL PANCHAYAT AWARDS AND
75th Independence anniversary. GS NIRNAY

About Chevalier de la Legion of d’Honneur: Context:

• Legion of Honour is a French order of merit. President of India inaugurated the National Conference on
• This honour is presented to people with 20 years Incentivization of Panchayats and presented the National
of civil achievement in peacetime or to those who Panchayat Awards in New Delhi.
showcased extraordinary military bravery in war • It honours the best-performing Panchayats by as-
times. sessing their performance in the attainment of SDGs.
The annual awards were first instituted in 2011.
29.INTERNATIONAL PRIZE IN STATISTICS: C • Also, a booklet on ‘Best Practices on Works of
Awardee Panchayats’ was also released
R RAO

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 Current Affairs 30
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is celebrating National Pan- 32. TRADITIONAL NEW YEAR SPRING FESTI-
chayat Awards Week from 17th to 21st April 2023, as part
VALS
of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) 2.0, leading up to
National Panchayati Raj Day on 24th April 2023.

GS NIRNAY
Ministry of Panchayati Raj GS NIRNAY (National Initiative
for Rural India to Navigate, InnovAte and Resolve PanchaYat
decisions) is a mobile application aimed at empowering ru-
ral communities.
• It will provide easy access to critical information
discussed during a Gram Sabha; acting as a means
of verification of facts where necessary or in case of
queries that may arise regarding the resolutions un-
dertaken during the Gram Sabha.

Other Information:
Under the SVAMITVA Scheme, Drone Survey has been
completed in more than 2.35 lakh villages whereas 6.57
lakh villages, viz 95% of 6.62 lakh villages have been pro-
vided with Bhu-Aadhaar under Unique Land Parcel Identi-
fication Number (ULPIN) project.

FESTIVALS Other Traditional New Year festivals (celebrated last Month)

are:
31. PUSHKARALU FESTIVAL

Context: The 12-day Pushkaralu festival of Telugu-speaking

people began on April 22 in Varanasi.

Description
Pushkaram is a festival celebrated in India once every 12
years, dedicated to worshipping the 12 sacred rivers. Each
river is associated with a zodiac sign, and the festival is
based on the position of Jupiter at the time
Frequency Once in 12 years
A s s o c i a t e d Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri,
Rivers Bhima, Tapti, Narmada, Saraswati, Tung-
abhadra, Sindhu, Pranhita
Festival Dura- 12 days after Jupiter enters that particular
tion zodiac sign
Purpose Ancestor worship; Bathing in the sacred Tamil Nadu’s Uthirameur inscription (around 1100-1200
river during Pushkaram is believed to years old): It is like a local constitution for the gram sabha.
cleanse the devotees of their sins In this it has been told how the Assembly should be run,
Legend After severe penance, the devotee Push- what should be the process to elect the members and how
kara was blessed by Lord Shiva with the a member would be disqualified.
ability to live in water and purify holy riv-
ers. On a request from Bruhaspati (Jupi- Sangam literature: There are descriptions of various kinds
ter), Pushkara decided to enter one of the of millets or Shri Anna (Millets).
12 sacred rivers

144 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

2. LOKPAL
GS PAPER 2

INDIAN CONSTITUTION—HISTORI-
CAL UNDERPINNINGS, EVOLUTION,
FEATURES, AMENDMENTS, SIG-
NIFICANT PROVISIONS AND BASIC
STRUCTURE.

1. ARTICLE 191(1)(E)

Context:
The Election Commission of India has chosen not to take
a stance on whether a disqualified lawmaker should be
banned from contesting elections for 5 years.

The issue:
A petition has been filed in SC that an MP or an MLA who has
either been disqualified from the House under the Tenth Other findings:
Schedule (anti-defection law) or under Article 191(1)(e) of
• Only three complaints were fully investigated
the Constitution should be barred from contesting elections
• Nearly 90% of complaints were not “in the pre-
for five years. This is to discourage MP/MLAs from switching
scribed format and hence rejected
the political party to gain political favour.
• The Lokpal has not prosecuted even a single person
accused of graft to date.
About the article:
Article 191(1)(e) gives the various grounds of disqualifica-
tion “for being chosen as, and for being a member of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of a State” on:
• Holding an office of profit 3.NATIONAL PANCHAYATI RAJ DAY
• Being of unsound mind or undischarged solvent
• Being a non-citizen or voluntarily acquiring the citi-
Context:
zenship of a foreign state
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the
• Being under any acknowledgement of allegiance or
Government of Madhya Pradesh, is celebrating National
adherence to a foreign state.
Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD) on 24th April 2023
• If an MLA or an MLC is “disqualified by or under any
law made by Parliament” • On this day PM will launch an integrated
e-GramSwaraj, distribute SVAMITVA property
ECI argument: The issue falls under the interpretation of Ar- cards to select beneficiaries and launch the Azadi Ka
ticle 191(1)(e) of the Constitution, and it would be appropri- Amrit Mahotsav Campaign for the theme “Inclusive
ate for the Union government to deal with it. The commis- Development” – “Samaaveshi Vikas”.
sion’s mandate is limited to the conduct of elections in terms
of the remit of Article 324 of the Constitution.
About National Panchayati Raj Day:
Information
STATUTORY, REGULATORY AND VAR- Name National Panchayati Raj Day
IOUS QUASI-JUDICIAL BODIES. Date 24th April
Started in 2010

www.insightsonindia.com 145
 Current Affairs 30

Purpose To commemorate the enactment of (c) Both 1 and 2

the 73rd amendment of the Constitu- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
tion, which established Panchayati Raj
Institutions (PRIs) in India Ans: B
Background The 73rd Constitutional Amendment
Act, 1992 constitutionalized PRI to
build democracy at the grassroots lev-
JUDICIARY/DOCTRINES
el and was entrusted with the task of
rural development in the country
Awards Present- Deen Dayal Upadhyay Pancha- 4. ABUSE OF PREVENTIVE DETENTION LAW
ed on this day yat Sashaktikaran Puraskar; Nanaji
Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Context:
Sabha Puraskar; Child-friendly Gram The SC has said that “Preventive detention laws in India are
Panchayat Award; Gram Panchayat a colonial legacy that has great potential to be abused and
Development Plan Award, and e-Pan- misused by the State and any slightest error in compliance
chayat Puraskar (given to States/UTs of procedure by authorities should result in favour of the de-
only) tenue”
Salient Features The three-tier system of panchayats
at the village; Seats reserved for SCs Previously the Court had observed that:
and STs in proportion to their popu- • The State should not arbitrarily resort to “preventive
lation; One-third of the total number detention” to deal with all and sundry “law and or-
of seats reserved for women; Uniform der” problems
five-year term for Panchayats; Pow- • Preventive detention could be used only to prevent
er of Panchayats to prepare plans for public disorder.
economic development and social jus- • Courts must analyse cases arising from such laws
tice in respect of subjects illustrated in with extreme caution to ensure there are checks
Eleventh Schedule and balances on the exercise of the power of the
A b o u t It is a user-friendly web-based portal government.
eGramSwaraj that unifies the planning, accounting, • Every procedural rigidity must be followed in its
Portal and monitoring of Infrastructure proj- entirety by the government in cases of preventive
ects and the functions of Gram Pan- detention.
chayats • Preventive detention must fall within the four cor-
About Swamitva It involves mapping rural housing and ners of Article 21 (due process of law) read with Ar-
programme land holdings via technology including ticle 22 (safeguards against arbitrary arrest and de-
drones. tention) and the statute in question.

Prelims Links: About Preventive Detention:

Q. Local self-government can be best explained as an exer- Explanation
cise in (UPSC 2017) Definition Detention of a person without trial and con-
(a) Federalism viction by a court to prevent future offences
(b) Democratic decentralisation Legislative Parliament has exclusive authority to make
(c) Administrative delegation authority a law of preventive detention for reasons
(d) Direct democracy connected with the defence, foreign affairs,
Ans: B and security of India.
Both Parliament, as well as state legisla-
Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016) tures, can make a law for reasons connected
1. The minimum age prescribed for any person to be a with the Security of a state, Maintenance of
member of Panchayat is 25 years. public order and Maintenance of supplies
2. A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution and services.
continues only for the remainder period. C o n s t i t u - Article 22 (3) (b) of the Constitution allows
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? tional Pro- for preventive detention and restriction on
vision personal liberty for reasons of state security
(a) 1 only
and public order.
(b) 2 only

146 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

M a x i m u m Detention of a person cannot exceed three Benefits Seamless transfer of data and information
detention months unless an advisory board reports among different pillars of the criminal justice
sufficient cause for extended detention. system, improved efficiency, reduced delays,
4 4 t h The Amendment reduced the period of de- increased accountability, and better convic-
A m e n d - tention without obtaining the opinion of an tion rates
ment Act of advisory board from three to two months. For sexu- Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Of-
1978 However, this provision has not yet been al assault fences, to track investigations into sexual
brought into force, hence, the original peri- cases assault cases across the country every two
od of three months still continues. months.
Protections Protection against arrest and detention un-
der Articles 22 (1) and 22 (2) is not available 6.BAIL
to a person arrested or detained under pre-
ventive detention laws.
Worst per- Tamil Nadu topped the country (2011-21) in
former preventive detentions.
One reason is that its ‘Goondas Act’ covers
offenders who range from bootleggers, slum
grabbers, and forest offenders to video pi-
rates, sex offenders and cyber-criminals.
5. E-PROSECUTION PORTAL
Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs in India has added a
new feature to its e-prosecution portal that aims to ensure
the timely disposal of criminal cases and fix the account-
ability of government lawyers.
Working: The feature will send alerts to senior officers
whenever a public prosecutor seeks a stay in a criminal case
more than twice.
About the e-prosecution module:
It is part of the Interoperable Criminal Justice System that
links and enables the seamless transfer of data and informa-
tion among different pillars of the criminal justice system.
7.TRIPLE TESTS FOR ALTRUISTIC SURROGA-
• The government has implemented the module in
CY
751 prosecution districts and is working on software
configuration for the remaining 153 districts.
About ICJS (Interoperable Criminal Justice System)
Topic Information
Purpose A national platform for integrating the IT sys-
tems used for the delivery of Criminal Justice
in India
Pillars Police (through CCTNS), e-Forensics, e-Courts,
e-Prosecution, and e-Prisons
Imple- National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is re-
menta- sponsible for implementation in association
tion with National Informatics Centre (NIC)
Collabo- The project is being implemented in collabora-
ration tion with States and Union Territories
Infra- Dedicated and secure cloud-based infrastruc-
structure ture with high-speed connectivity
Phases Phase-I: individual IT systems implemented
and stabilized; the search of records enabled;
Phase II: the system is built on the ‘one data
one entry’ principle for seamless data transfer

www.insightsonindia.com 147
 Current Affairs 30

IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF GOVER- Legal provision Recent Amendment to Information

NANCE, TRANSPARENCY AND AC- Technology (Intermediary Guidelines
and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules,
COUNTABILITY, E-GOVERNANCE 2021 has provision for the establish-
ment of a government-run body to
fact-check any misinformation about
8. SWAGAT INITIATIVE the government. MCA has approached
the government to act as a self-regu-
Context: lating body to flag fake news online
Prime Minister will participate in a programme marking 20 Concerns MCA’s members do not include all ma-
years of completion of the SWAGAT initiative in Gujarat jor fact-checking sites in India e.g., ‘Alt
News’ has doubted the credibility of
About the SWAGAT initiative: the MCA
Aspects Details Other fact-check- Press Information Bureau’s fact check;
Name SWAGAT (State Wide Attention on ing initiatives International Fact-Checking Network
Grievances by Application of Technol- (IFCN); The Healthy Indian Project, a
ogy) site which is dedicated to medical and
nutritional misinformation
Year started 2003
Purpose To act as a bridge between citizens and
the government by solving their griev- 10. AADHAAR AUTHENTICATION
ances
Components State SWAGAT, District SWAGAT, Taluka Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Tech-
SWAGAT, Gram SWAGAT, Lok Fariyad nology (MeitY) has proposed rules to allow entities other
program than Government Ministries and Departments to use Aad-
Unique feature Helps the common man air their griev- haar authentication to promote ease of living and enable
ances directly to the Chief Minister better access to services for citizens.
Frequency Held on the fourth Thursday of every
month About the proposed rule:
Grievance rate More than 99% of grievances submit- Topic Information
ted to date have been resolved What does the Rule Any entity other than a ministry
Awards received United Nations Public Service Award say? or department that desires to use
in 2010 for improving transparency Aadhaar authentication needs to
submit its proposal to the con-
cerned ministry/department at
9. MISINFORMATION COMBAT ALLIANCE the Centre or state level with justi-
(MCA) ficationThe proposal is forward-
ed to UIDAI, which will review and
decide on the application.
Context: The Misinformation Combat Alliance (MCA) is a
group of 14 digital publishers that have proposed forming What is Aadhaar Au- Aadhaar authentication is a pro-
a self-regulatory body to provide fact-checking services to thentication (AA)? cess that verifies the identity of
social media platforms. an individual using their Aad-
haar number. It is mainly used for
availing government services and
About the Alliance:
schemes.
About Details
Entities currently al- Government ministries and de-
Purpose Combat misinformation and build lowed to perform AA partments; Some private entities
tools for fact-checking like banks and telecom companies
Membership Founded in 2022, it is open to any or- (for KYC authentication and only if
ganization that applies UIDAI was satisfied with regard to
Number of Mem- 14 digital publishers including Boom standards of privacy and security)
bers Live, Factly, The Logical Indian, Vish-
was News, The Quint

148 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

Purpose of AA For the interest of good gover- tance to over 5,000 Hindu and Sikh families who migrated
nance, preventing leakage of to India from Pakistan’s West Punjab after the 1947 partition
public funds, enablement of inno- has hit several issues.
vation, the spread of knowledge,
and promoting ease of living and About the Information
enabling better access to services Scheme
for residents.
Ministry in- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) disburs-
Legal provision Aadhaar Authentication for Good volved es the fund while the J&K government
Governance (Social Welfare, In- selects beneficiary
novation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020
Type 100% assistance from the central gov-
Concerns SC (2018) struck down Section 57 ernment
of the Aadhaar Act which allowed
Launched in 2018 (now extended till March 31, 2024.
the use of Aadhaar data by private
companies – to establish the iden- Aim To provide financial assistance of ₹5.5
tity of an individual for being “un- lakhs per family to over 5,000 Hindu
constitutional” and Sikh families who migrated to India
from Pakistan’s West Punjab after the
What is the Aadhaar A 12-digit unique identity num-
1947 partition.
number? ber issued by UIDAI, a statutory
authority under MeitY, on behalf Beneficiaries 5,764 eligible families (70% of them are
of the Government of India. It is Dalits)
based on an individual’s biomet- Issues: • Claims have been settled for only
ric and demographic data. 903 families so far
• Several claims could not be pro-
cessed, as the individuals were not
11. CERT-IN MAY BE EXEMPTED FROM RTI able to produce original documents
such as refugee cards
Context: • The entire scheme was mired in
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) corruption and the revenue offi-
may soon be exempt from responding to queries under the cials were demanding bribes before
Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005. clearing the files

Background: The DoPT has reviewed a proposal from the 13. UN DEMOCRACY FUND
MeitY to include CERT-in in the 2nd Schedule to the RTI Act,
which deals with exempted organisations like the CBI and
Context: The UN Democracy Fund is a fund set up by the
the BSF.
United Nations to support projects that promote democracy
around the world.
CERT-in:
About the fund: Description
• It is an office within the Union Ministry of Electronics
Created 2005
and Information Technology (MeitY) established in 2004
under the IT Act 2000. Type of fund United Nations General Trust Fund
• It is the nodal agency: Contributions Voluntary contribution from many
• To deal with cyber security threats. countries, including India (India was
• To strengthen the security-related defence of the In- the founding member).
dian Internet domain. Aim The fund supports NGOs and other
• Coordinate with public and private organisations in organizations that work to strength-
India when cyber incidents like data breaches and en democratic institutions, promote
ransomware attacks are reported. human rights, and encourage citizen
• To issue advisories for software vulnerabilities as participation in political processes.
guidance for organisations.
Administration The fund is overseen by an Advisory
Board (19 members), which includes
12. SCHEME FOR REFUGEES FROM PAKI- representatives from various coun-
STAN tries (including India) and civil society
Context: organizations.
The Indian government’s scheme to provide financial assis-

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Current Issue India and the US were instrumental Context: After the Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC)
in the establishment of the UN De- pointed out ‘zero insurance coverage’ of livestock in 2022-
mocracy Fund in 2005, with India 23, the central government is considering a comprehensive
contributing $5 million to the fund in livestock insurance scheme modelling the Prime Minister’s
its early years. However, India’s fund- Fasal Bima Yojana.
ing for the UNDEF has dwindled since • The proposed Comprehensive livestock insurance
2012. will replace the present Livestock Insurance Scheme
(LIS)
Also, India has not objected to the
UNDEF giving grants to NGOs fund- Status:
ed by George Soros. However, it has Less than 1% of the country’s cattle population is currently
put the same NGOs on the watchlist insured, with the average yearly premium at 4.5% of the in-
in India. sured amount.

The proposal:
14. CHANGING DEFINITION OF RURAL-UR- • Waive off premiums for cattle rearers from Sched-
BAN AREAS IN INDIA uled Caste-Scheduled Tribe communities
• Reduce premiums so that more farmers can enrol in
Context: the scheme
Economic Advisory Council to the PM has suggested tweak- • Ensure maximum coverage of livestock to protect
ing the definition of rural-urban areas. them from pandemics such as lumpy skin disease.

Issues with current classification: About Livestock Insurance Scheme (LIS)

It uses a combination of administrative definition and census Aspect the LIS Information
criteria, which are often inadequate in capturing the speed Year of Launch 2008-09
and scale of urbanization in India. As a result, urban areas
Sponsorship Centrally sponsored
are often governed by panchayats, which are less efficient
in the provisioning of public goods than urban local bodies Implementing Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy-
Agency ing & Fisheries
Suggestions: Coverage Implemented in 100 selected districts
• The definition should be tweaked by including tech- Beneficiaries Crossbred and high-yielding cattle and
nological indicators like night-time light intensity buffaloes (having a yield of 1500 litres or
• Establishing a trigger mechanism to allow automatic more per lactation)
transition from rural to urban settlement after the Insurance Cov- Maximum of current market price
prescribed threshold is reached. erage
• Government should revisit the assumption of cre- Cost of Subsidy 100% borne by Central Government
ating schemes based on the rural-urban divide
Benefit Maximum of 2 animals per beneficiary
for a maximum of three years
Current Definition
Implementa- All states have implemented the scheme
As of 2017, any settlement that is not considered ‘urban’ is tion (except Goa) through the State Livestock
automatically considered ‘rural’. Development Boards of their respective
Two types of urban settlements: states.
• Administratively urban settlements: They are
those that are governed by an Urban Local Body
(ULB). DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES AND
• Census Urban Settlements: They are those that THE DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY —
have a population greater than 5000, 75% of the
male population working in non-agriculture, and THE ROLE OF NGOS, SHGS, VARIOUS
a density of 400 people per sq. Km. GROUPS AND ASSOCIATIONS, DO-
NORS, CHARITIES, INSTITUTIONAL
15. LIVESTOCK INSURANCE SCHEME AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS.

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16. SANGATHAN SE SAMRIDDHI ISSUES RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT

Context:
Ministry of Rural Development’s Deendayal Antyodaya Yoja-
AND MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL SEC-
na-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) launched TOR/SERVICES RELATING TO HEALTH,
“Sangathan Se Samridhhi– Leaving no Rural Woman Be- EDUCATION, HUMAN RESOURCES.
hind”.
17.PM- SHRI SCHEME
About the Campaign:
• It is a national campaign under Azadi Ka Amrit Ma-
hotsav Samaveshi Vikaas
• Aim: To mobilize 10 crore women from vulnerable
and marginalized rural households under the Self-
Help Group (SHG) fold.
• Currently, 9 crore women already part of the SHG
movement
• Benefits: sharing by SHG champions, mobilizing el-
igible women, training new SHG members, reviving
defunct SHGs, and opening SHG bank accounts

What are SHGs?

They are small informal groups of 10-20 individuals, mostly
women from similar social and economic backgrounds, who
come together to form a group for mutual support and help.
• SHGs encourage members to save regularly, and
these savings are then pooled to provide loans to
members for various purposes such as starting a
small business, paying for their children’s education
or medical expenses, etc.
ROLE OF CIVIL SERVICES IN A DE-
About Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Liveli- MOCRACY
hood Mission (DAY-NRLM):
18. 16TH CIVIL SERVICES DAY
Information Context: April 21st is Celebrated as National Civil Services Day
Type Centrally Sponsored Scheme every year.
Launched in 2011 (as a restructured version of SGSY), About Civil Information
renamed in 2015 as Deendayal Antyo- Services
daya Yojana (DAY-NRLM) Day
Objective Creating institutional platforms for the Date 21st April
rural poor, including at least one mem- Purpose To acknowledge the contribution of civil
ber from an eligible household into servants in public administration
the SHG fold, enable SHGs to increase
History India’s first Home Minister Vallabhbhai Pa-
household income
tel addressed probationers of Administra-
World Bank Aid in part through investment support tive Services Officers on this day in 1947
Support by the World Bank
Objective To motivate and appreciate the work of civ-
Target Cover 7 crore rural poor households and il service officers, evaluate the work of var-
10 Cr women ious departments, and award outstanding
Overdraft Facil- Rs 5,000 available to verified SHG mem- individuals and groups
ity bers under DAY-NRLM having accounts Awards PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Ad-
under the Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yoja- ministration are presented on this day in
na with Banks various categories e.g., PM Gati Shakti’s
Working Through Social, Community, Financial national master plan (launched: 2021) has
mobilization and convergence. received the award this time in the ‘Innova-
tion (Central)’ category

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 Current Affairs 30

Constitu- Article 309, Article 310, Article 311, Article 20.INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORA-
tional Arti- 312, and Article 315 TION (IFC)
cles
A b o u t He was a lawyer, influential political leader, Context:
Sardar Val- barrister and statesman who served as the The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sec-
labhbhai first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Min- tor arm of The World Bank, has said it will stop supporting in-
Patel (1875- ister of India from 1947 to 1950. Also known vestments in new coal projects. Previously, in 2020, IFC had
1950) as the Iron Man of India, referred to admin- unveiled a policy requiring clients to reduce their exposure
istrative officers as “Steel Frame of India,” to coal projects by half by 2025, and to zero by 2030, but
played a significant role in the integration did not prevent new investments.
and political unification of India, and has a
statue dedicated to him called the Statue of Status of IFC lending in India
Unity • It has lent close to $5 billion to almost 88 financial
institutions in India.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, NEWS
About IFC
& ORGANIZATIONS IFC (est. 1956; HQ: Washington, D.C; part of the world bank
group) is an international financial institution that offers
19. INDIA SLAMS OIC investment, advisory, and asset management services to
encourage private sector development in developing coun-
tries.
Context: Ministry of External Affairs has hit out at the Or-
ganisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), condemning its
comments on the recent violence during the Ram Navami
processions in different parts of the country.
About OIC: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (est.
1969, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)) is an intergovernmental or-
ganization, consisting of 57 member states (India is not a
member), with 48 being Muslim-majority countries. The
OIC claims to be the “collective voice of the Muslim world”

21. INDIA ELECTED TO UN STATISTICAL

COMMISSION

Context: India has been elected to the highest statistical

body of the United Nations for a four-year term beginning
January 1, 2024

About UN Statistical Commission:

The United Nations Statistical Commission (est. 1947; HQ:
New York) is a Functional Commission of the United Na-
tions Economic and Social Council. It oversees the work of
the United Nations Statistics Division.

Members: Its 24 member states are elected by the Eco-

nomic and Social Council on the basis of the following geo-
graphical distribution: African states (5), Asian States (4),
Eastern European States (4), Latin American and Caribbean
States (4), Western European and other States (7).

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22. NATO AND CPTPP

24. WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME

• Last month India declared at the India Central Asia

Joint Working Group on Afghanistan, that 20,000
23. BRICS ALLIANCE WORKING TO CREATE MT of wheat would be sent through the Iranian port
ITS OWN CURRENCY of Chahbahar.
India’s stance on Taliban: India has not recognised the
Taliban government in Kabul, but it has maintained that it
requires “unimpeded access” to the people of Afghanistan
to ensure that the humanitarian goods being sent reach
them without getting diverted to tribal warlords and local
Taliban leaders.

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25.UN WOMEN 27. OPERATION KAVERI

Context: India has donated $500,000 to the United Nations
Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women
(UN Women)

About UN Women:
About Details
Established 2010; HQ: New York
India India is one of the founding members of
the Executive Board of UN Women and
is currently serving as a member. Also,
women-led development is one of the
priorities of India’s G20 presidency
Formed by Division for the Advancement of Wom-
merging en (DAW), International Research and
Training Institute for the Advancement of
Women (INSTRAW), Office of the Special
Adviser on Gender Issues and Advance-
ment of Women (OSAGI), United Nations
Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)
Objectives Support inter-governmental bodies in
formulating policies, global standards,
and norms; Forge effective partnerships 28.UNPFII
with civil society; Hold the UN system
accountable for its own commitments Context: India’s representative at the United Nations Per-
on gender equality, including monitoring manent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) faced criti-
progress. cism from Adivasi rights activists for stating that the con-
Focus Promoting gender equality and the em- cept of ‘indigenous people’ was not applicable in the Indian
powerment of women. context.

The Term “Indigenous The Term “Tribals”

26. CARICOM People”
Refers to those groups who Refers to the communities
Context: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar co-chaired are regarded as native or in India who have histor-
the 4th India-CARICOM ministerial meeting original inhabitants of a par- ically lived in forests and
ticular region or geographic hilly regions and have their
About Caribbean Community (CARICOM) area, and who have a histori- distinct cultural practices
CARICOM (est. in 1973; HQ: Georgetown, Guyana) is an in- cal, cultural, and spiritual re- and languages.
tergovernmental organisation that is a political and econom- lationship with the land.
ic union of 15 member states throughout the Americas and
Atlantic. However, there is no singu-
larly authoritative definition
of indigenous peoples under
international law and policy
Recognized as distinct groups Recognized by the Constitu-
with their own language, cul- tion of India as Scheduled
ture, and traditions, and who Tribes (STs) and provided
have suffered historical in- with certain protections
justices such as colonization, and privileges.
forced displacement, and
discrimination.

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Indian government argues Critics argue that STs in In- About PMJDY
that “all Indians are indige- dia can be considered in- Information
nous to the Indian subconti- digenous people as they About It aims to ensure access to financial services,
nent”, the concept of indige- have a distinct culture and namely, basic savings & deposit accounts,
nous people is not applicable tradition, and have faced remittance, credit, insurance, and pension in
in the Indian context. historical injustices. an affordable manner.
Benefits No requirement to maintain any minimum
The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, under PM- balance in PMJDY accounts and interest is
which India has ratified, recognizes the rights of Indige- JDY earned on the deposit in PMJDY accounts;
nous people, including their right to self-determination, Rupay Debit card is provided to the PMJDY
and the government’s position goes against this interna- account holder; An overdraft (OD) facility up
tional declaration. Also, every year, on 9 August, the Inter- to Rs. 10,000 to eligible account holders is
national Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is marked. available.
Insurance • Account holders are eligible for two
Facility un- types of insurance covers –
About UNPFII:
der PMJDY • A life insurance cover of Rs. 2 lakhs
Details under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jy-
The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Is- oti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
sues (est. 2000; HQ: New York) is the UN’s central coordi- • An accidental insurance cover of
nating body for matters relating to the concerns and rights Rs. 2 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri
of the world’s indigenous peoples. Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
Mandate To deal with indigenous issues related • A premium of Rs. 330 per annum and
to economic and social development, Rs. 12 per annum, respectively.
culture, the environment, education, • More than 50% of PMJDY account hold-
health and human rights ers are women
• No premium is charged from account
Functions To promote the integration and coor-
holders for the accident insurance cover
dination of activities relating to Indige-
for death or permanent disability.
nous Peoples’ issues within the UN sys-
• To avail of the insurance, the beneficiary
tem, and promote respect for and full
must have performed at least one suc-
application of the provisions of the UN
cessful transaction with their debit card
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
90 days prior to the date of the accident.
Peoples and follow up on its effective-
ness Challenges Lack of Awareness, Limited Infrastructure,
to PMJDY Limited Resources, Dependence on Cash
Other Mandat- The Expert Mechanism on the Rights
Transactions
ed UN Bodies of Indigenous Peoples and the Special
Rapporteur on the Rights of indigenous Other Ini- Digital Identity (Aadhaar), National Centre
peoples tiatives to for Financial Education (NCFE), Centre for
Increase Financial Literacy (CFL) Project, Expansion
Financial of financial services in Rural and Semi-Urban
GS PAPER 3 Inclusion in Areas, Promotion of Digital Payments
India
ECONOMY, BANKING/ FINANCIAL
INCLUSION, ENERGY, INFRASTRUC- 2. ADVANCE PRICING AGREEMENTS (APA)
TURE
Context: Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has entered
into a record 95 Advance Pricing Agreements in FY 2022-23
1. PRADHAN MANTRI JAN DHAN YOJANA with Indian taxpayers. With this, the total number of APAs
since the inception of the APA programme (2012) has gone
Context: up to 516 (420 Unilateral APAs (UAPAs) and 96 Bilateral APAs
According to a recent RTI application, only 329 claims out of (BAPAs))
647 claims filed for the accident insurance cover provided to
bank account holders under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan About APA Description
Yojana (PMJDY) have been settled in the past two financial
years.

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Definition It is an agreement between a taxpayer Context:

and a tax authority that sets out how The recent Supreme Court ruling that the “arm’s length
international transactions between re- price” determined by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal
lated companies will be priced, to avoid (ITAT) cannot be treated as final in disputes related to alleged
any confusion or disagreement about the income suppression by multinational companies could po-
pricing of those transactions. tentially increase fresh litigation and delay final decisions.
Example For example, let’s say Company A in India
sells products to its subsidiary Company Impact of the Judgement:
B in the US. Company A can enter into an • It may delay and increase the litigation
APA with the Indian tax authority and the • The ruling may increase the use of conciliatory mech-
US tax authority to agree on the transfer anisms like advance pricing agreements (APAs)
pricing methodology that will be used to • It could also increase the utility of MAP (mutual
determine the pricing of these products agreement procedure), as an alternate dispute res-
(being sold to its own subsidiary). olution mechanism.
Objective • The main objective of an APA is to • It will increase the usefulness of Safe Harbour
keep a check on big multinational rules—which restrain the tax authority from ques-
companies so that they do not en- tioning the pricing of certain transactions between
gage in tax evasion by adjusting their multinational companies and their subsidiaries.
profits based on their inter-corporate
transactions (transfer pricing). 4. TRADE IN RUPEE
Guidelines in- Income Tax Act, 1961
cluded in Context: The Ministry of External Affairs announced that
Transfer Pric- Charges at which one company provides India and Malaysia have agreed to settle trade in the Indian
ing goods, finance, or services to another rupees.
related company, based on Arm’s Length • The announcement came in the backdrop of ongo-
principle ing official efforts to Safeguard Indian trade from
Types of APA Unilateral, Bilateral, and Multilateral the impact of the Ukraine crisis.
Benefits Certainty in tax liability, minimized audit • It indicates India is willing to take concrete steps
tasks, reduced cost of administration for towards the de-dollarisation of its international
tax authorities trade.
• Benefits:
Time APA helps determine the arm’s length • This mechanism will allow the Indian and Malaysian
price of international transactions in ad- traders to invoice the trade in Indian rupee and
vance for a maximum of five future years therefore achieve better pricing for goods and ser-
(taxpayer also has the option to roll back vices traded.
the APA for four preceding years = Total Malaysia is the third largest trading partner of India in the
of nine years of tax certainty) ASEAN region, after Singapore and Indonesia.
A p p l i c a t i o n Filing an application with DGIT for Unilat-
process eral APA, with Competent Authority for
Bilateral/Multilateral APA, negotiations 5. MANUFACTURING PMI
carried out by CAs of tax authorities in-
volved. Context:
India’s manufacturing sector expanded at a three-month
high driven by resilience in demand, growth in factory orders
About CBDT: The Central Board of Direct Taxes is a statu-
and easing input cost pressure.
tory authority functioning under the Central Board of Rev-
enue Act, 1963. The officials of the Board in their ex-officio
capacity also function as a Division of the Ministry dealing PMI (Purchas- Description
with matters relating to the levy and collection of direct ing Managers’
taxes. Index)
Definition It is a private survey-based measure that
3. TRANSFER PRICING-”ARM’S LENGTH asks respondents about changes in their
perception of key business variables com-
PRICE” pared to the previous month

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Purpose Provides information about current Definition of Interest-bearing deposits are offered
and future business conditions for deci- Green Deposit by banks and NBFCs for a fixed period,
sion-makers, analysts, and investors with proceeds used to promote sus-
Calculation Calculated separately for manufacturing tainable investments in environmental-
and services sectors, then a composite ly-friendly sectors
index is constructed Eligibility All scheduled commercial banks in-
Range 0 to 100 (Score above 50 indicates expan- cluding small finance banks (excluding
sion, below 50 denotes contraction, and RRBs, LABs, and payment banks) and all
50 indicates no change) deposit-taking NBFCs registered with
RBI, including HFCs
Period Released at the start of every month
Denomination Indian Rupees only
By Published by Japanese firm Nikkei but
compiled by IHS Markit for over 40 econ- Sectors Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency,
omies worldwide Clean Transportation, Climate Change
Adaptation, Sustainable Water and
Significance Widely followed as an indicator of eco-
Waste Management, Green Buildings,
nomic health, a high PMI reading is seen
etc.
as positive, low PMI reading is seen as
negative for overall economic perfor- Exclusions Projects involving new or existing ex-
mance traction, production and distribution of
fossil fuels; Nuclear power generation;
Direct waste incineration; Landfill proj-
6. INDIA’S FIRST-EVER REITS AND INVITS ects; Hydropower plants larger than 25
INDEX MW, etc.
Monitoring Green deposit funds are subject to in-
Aim: To track the performance of REITs and InvITs that are dependent third-party verification on
publicly listed and traded on the NSE. an annual basis.

8. ANTI-DUMPING PROBE INTO IMPORT OF

SODIUM CYANIDE

7. GREEN DEPOSITS
Context:
Reserve Bank of India issued detailed guidelines for accep- 9. ASBA: TRADING IN THE SECONDARY
tance of ‘green deposits’ by banks and NBFCs. MARKET
Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
Framework for ‘Green Deposits’: approved a framework for an Application Supported by a
Information Blocked Amount (ASBA) like facility being made available to

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investors for secondary market trading. Other schemes of RBI
About ASBA:
ASBA stands for Application Supported by Blocked Amount. • RBI Retail Direct Scheme: It offers a new avenue
It is a facility that allows investors to apply for initial public for retail investors to directly invest in government
offerings (IPOs) and invest in the stock market without actu- securities issued by both Centre and state govern-
ally transferring the money to the IPO issuer or stockbroker ments.
upfront. Instead, the investor’s application money is tem- • RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme: For improv-
porarily blocked in their bank account until the shares are ing the grievance redress mechanism for resolving
allotted to them. customer complaints against RBI’s regulated enti-
ties.
This helps investors earn interest on their money while it is
• RBI’s “Payments Vision 2025” with the objective
blocked and also eliminates the risk of fraud or misappro-
to provide every user with safe, secure, fast,
priation of funds by intermediaries.
convenient, accessible and affordable e-payment
options.
Features:
• Under the framework client will continue to earn inter- Prelims Links:
est on his blocked funds in his savings account till the Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019)
time amount is debited. The Reserve Bank of India’s recent directives relating to the
• There will be a direct settlement with the clearing ‘Storage of Payment System Data, popularly known as data
corporation (CC), without passing through the pool diktat, command the payment system providers that
accounts of the intermediaries, thereby providing cli- 1. they shall ensure that entire data relating to payment
ent-level settlement visibility to CC and thus avoiding the systems operated by them are stored in a system only
risk of co-mingling of clients’ funds and securities. in India
2. they shall ensure that the systems are owned and op-
More guidelines for trading in the Secondary Market: erated by public-sector enterprises
• Set up a Corporate Debt Market Development Fund 3. they shall submit the consolidated system audit report
(CDMDF) in the form of an Alternative Investment Fund to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India by the
to act as a backstop facility for the purchase of invest- end of the calendar year
ment grade corporate debt securities during times of Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
stress to instil confidence amongst the participants in
(a) 1 only
the corporate bond market.
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
10. RBI’S CENTRALISED WEB PORTAL (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: A
Context: 11. GLOBAL TRADE OUTLOOK AND STATIS-
The Reserve Bank of India has announced that it will launch TICS
a web portal to help beneficiaries retrieve unclaimed depos-
its. Context:
WTO has recently released this report.
Features of the portal:
• It will allow users to search for unclaimed deposits Key findings:
across multiple banks, using AI tools to enhance the • World merchandise trade will grow slower ( 1.7% in
search results. 2023) before picking up to 3.2% in 2024
• The portal will be password-protected, and only claim- • Risks to global trade: Geopolitical tensions, food
ants will have access to search for unclaimed deposits. insecurity, potential financial instability stemming
• Banks are required to display the list of unclaimed de- from monetary policy tightening, and increasing lev-
posits on their websites. els of debt

What are Unclaimed Deposits?

About WTO: The World Trade Organization (est. 1995;
Deposits of individuals in any bank account that remain un-
HQ: Geneva, Switzerland) is an intergovernmental orga-
claimed for 10 years. These unclaimed deposits are trans-
nization that regulates and facilitates international trade.
ferred to the Depositor Education & Awareness Fund main-
With effective cooperation in the United Nations System,
tained by the RBI.
governments use the organization to establish, revise, and
enforce the rules that govern international trade.

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12. TRADE DATA binding)

• The appeal to the order is held at the Appellate
Context: Body (currently dysfunctional). Another mechanism
Trade data (released by the Ministry of Commerce and In- for appeal is MPIA.
dustry ) points to slowing global and domestic demand

Key points:
• India’s overall exports surpassed the 2022-23 target
of $750 billion dollars (nearly $770 billion)
• Trade Balance (Export-Import): Negative ($122 bil-
lion in FY23 in comparison to $83 billion in FY22).
• Goods trade deficit: $266 billion
• Services trade surplus: Nearly $144
• India’s merchandise exports and imports have now
declined in three of the last four months.
• Major items of export by India: Petroleum, Elec-
tronics goods, rice, etc.
• Major Items of import: Petroleum and Coal.
• Major Export Destinations: USA, UAE, Netherlands
and China.
• Major Import Destinations: China, UAE, USA and
Russia.

13.WTO PANEL RULES AGAINST INDIA

Context: World Trade Organization (WTO) panel has ruled

that India has violated global trading rules by imposing im-
port duties on IT products, such as mobile phones and com- 14. QUALITY CONTROL ORDERS
ponents, and integrated circuits.
Context: India has been issuing quality control orders (QCO)
Background of the dispute: for products of mass consumption, including machinery
India had introduced import duties of between 7.5% and safety equipment, pressure cookers, toys, and air condition-
20% for IT products- mobile, components, and ICs. In 2019, ers, to curb Chinese imports and boost exports. However,
the European Union (EU), Japan, and Taiwan filed complaints several WTO members have objected to this move and say
with the World Trade Organization (WTO), arguing that In- that India’s QCOs are protectionist and may not be compli-
dia’s import duties violated global trading rules and exceed- ant with the WTO’s Agreement on Technical Barriers
ed the maximum rate allowed.
What are QCOs?
WTO recommendation: The main aim of the QCO is to control the import of sub-qual-
The WTO panel recommended that India should bring the ity and cheaper items and to ensure that customers get
measures into conformity with its obligations. India has al- quality products. QCOs cannot be challenged at WTO if they
ready brought some of the challenged tariffs into line with are imposed on grounds of health, safety, environment and
global trading rules since last year. deceptive trade practice, or national security. BIS certifies it
for International and domestic products.
What next?
If India appeals the ruling, the case will remain in legal limbo India’s stand:
since the WTO’s top appeals bench is not functioning due to • All orders are in line with WTO norms
the US’s opposition to judge appointments. • India has the right to impose QCOs since they are
first applied in the domestic market and then on im-
ports.
About WTO Dispute Settlement System (DSS): There are
• India’s rationale behind issuing QCOs is to curb the
two main ways to settle a dispute once a complaint has been
dumping of cheap products from China and to ad-
filed in WTO—Mutually agreed solution and through adju-
dress the widening trade deficit, which is nearly
dication (through the implementation of the panel—legally
40% of the total deficit.

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About Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade: 16.CHANGES IN THE DOMESTIC GAS PRIC-
It provides regulations on technical standards including ING FORMULA
packaging, labelling requirements, and environmental Context: Union Cabinet has changed the pricing regime for
quality standards to be kept during the trade. As per the domestic natural gas under the ambit of the administered
WTO’s agreement, members shall not adopt unnecessary price mechanism (APM)
obstacles to international trade.
About APM:
• APM applies to the pricing of gas produced by leg-
15. DABBA TRADING acy fields (old Oil fields awarded to ONGC and OIL
before 1999, when auctioning started)
Context: • APM gas accounts for about two-thirds of India’s
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has issued several notices natural gas production,
in the past week warning retail investors not to subscribe or Criteria Old Pricing Sys- New Pricing System
invest in dabba trading tem
Application APM gas fields Nomination fields of
About Dabba Trading: ONGC/OIL. New Ex-
About Information ploration Licensing
What is Dabba Informal trading outside the purview Policy (NELP) and Pre-
Trading? of stock exchanges centred around NELP Block
stock price movements. However, trad- Pricing For- ‘Modified’ Ran- Indexation to the
ing is done without actually buying or mula garajan formula price of imported
selling the stocks on a formal stock ex- since November crude oil
change. 1, 2014
Example If an investor places a bet on a partic- Price Deter- Quarterly Monthly
ular stock at a price point of Rs. 1000, mination Fre-
and the stock price later rises to Rs. quency
1500, the investor would make a profit Price Calcula- Based on the cost 10% of the monthly
of Rs. 500. However, if the stock price tion of production, average of the Indian
falls to Rs. 900, the investor would have returns, and a crude basket
to pay the difference to the dabba bro- notional price of
ker. imported LNG
Risks Lack of investor protection, dispute Price Ceiling No floor or ceiling Subjected to a floor
resolution mechanisms and grievance and Floor and ceiling price that
redressal mechanisms available within remains unchanged
an exchange; the possibility of broker for 2 years
defaulting in paying the investor or en- The premium No premium al- 20% over APM price
tity becoming insolvent or bankrupt for Gas from lowed for gas produced from
How is it facili- Transactions are facilitated using cash New Wells new fields
tated? and operated using unrecognised soft-
ware terminals Advantages: The new pricing formula will help stabilize the
Why is it prob- Helps dabba traders escape taxation prices of gas, encourage investment into the Gas based
lematic? and remain outside the purview of the economy, help reduce prices of fertilizers, help reduce the
formal banking system government’s subsidy burden
Legal implica- Recognised as an offence under Sec-
tions tion 23(1) of the Securities Contracts For Kirit Parikh’s panel recommendations on gas pricing:
(Regulation) Act (SCRA), 1956 and Click here
upon conviction, can invite imprison-
ment for a term extending up to 10
years or a fine up to ₹25 crores, or both 17. STATE ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX (SEEI)
2021-22

Context: The Ministry of Power has released the State Ener-

gy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22.

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Current Affairs 30

About State Energy Description About SECI: Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (found-
Efficiency Index ed in 2011; HQ: New Delhi; under the Companies Act,
(SEEI) 2013) is a company of the Ministry of New and Renewable
SEEI 2021-22 has an updated framework of 50 indicators Energy, established to facilitate the implementation of the
aligned with national priorities to track outcomes and im- National Solar Mission. It is the only Central Public Sector
pacts of state-level energy efficiency initiatives. The mandate of the company has also been broadened to
cover the entire renewable energy domain.
Objective Driving decarbonisation efforts in
states and outlining recommenda- 19. UNIFIED TARIFF FOR NATURAL GAS
tions to help states drive change in
PIPELINES
energy efficiency, which will contrib-
ute towards the fulfilment of SDGs
and NDC. Context:
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has im-
Developed by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in
plemented the Unified Tariff, a long-awaited reform in the
association with the Alliance for an
natural gas sector.
Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE)
Period Assesses the annual progress of
states and UTs in energy efficiency What is a Unified Tariff?
implementation for FY 2020-21 and It’s a way to calculate the price of transporting natural gas
2021-22 across different pipelines in India. This helps to ensure that
the cost of transporting gas is fair and consistent across the
Front Runner Cate- Karnataka (Top performer), Kerala,
country.
gory (>60 points) Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tel-
angana
Achiever Category Assam (Top performer), Haryana, About Unified Tariff:
(50-60 points) Maharashtra, Punjab PNGRB (the regulator) has notified a levelized unified tariff
of ₹73.93 per metric million British thermal units (MMB-
About BEE Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE,
TU) and created three tariff zones for unified tariff:
est. 2022, under Energy Conserva-
tion Act, 2001; HQ: New Delhi) to as- (i) First zone is up to a distance of 300 km from the gas
sist in developing policies and strat- source
egies with a thrust on self-regulation (ii) Second zone is 300 – 1200 km
and market principles. The Energy (iii) Third zone is beyond 1200 km
Conservation Act provides for regu- The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas bi-annually revis-
latory and promotional functions. es the price of natural gas produced from various sources

Significance: The Unified Tariff is expected to assist in achiev-

18.SOLAR ENERGY CORPORATION OF INDIA ing the ‘One Nation One Grid One Tariff’ model and stimu-
late gas markets in remote areas.
Context:
Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has been ac-
corded the status of Miniratna Category-I Central Public About One Nation, One Gas Grid:
Sector Enterprise (CPSE) It refers to the integration of the regional grids thus estab-
lishing a National Grid for providing energy produced by
natural gas to various stakeholders.
CPSEs with a continuous profit record in the last three
years, pre-tax profit of at least Rs.30 crores in one of the At present, there are about 17,000 km long Natural Gas
three years, and a positive net worth are eligible for Minirat- pipeline network, with an additional over 15000 km of
na-I status. pipelines to be completed under the National Gas Grid

The benefits of this status include increased financial pow- About Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board
ers for investments, greater autonomy in operations, im- It’s a statutory body, constituted under Petroleum and
proved corporate governance, and competitive advantage, Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006. Its primary func-
among others. tions include regulation of refining, transportation, distri-
bution, storage, marketing, supply and sale of petroleum
products and natural gas.

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 Current Affairs 30

20. RARE EARTH ELEMENTS FOUND IN More about it:

ANDHRA PRADESH Topic Information
Previous re- Steel Ministry had alerted the Odisha
Context: Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research ports Government (November 2022) about
Institute has found large deposits of 15 rare earth elements the under-reporting of grades of chro-
(REE) in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district. mite and manganese ores. Also, the M.
B. Shah Commission report on Illegal
About Rare Description Mining had probed into the issue of ir-
Earth Metal regularities in the mineral sector in the
past, which put the extent of loss at
Definition Rare Earth Metals are a set of 17 metallic ₹59,000 crores.
elements, including the 15 lanthanides
and scandium and yttrium. Mines and Empowers state government to make
Minerals Regu- rules for preventing illegal mining,
Name They are called “rare earth” because lation and De- transportation, and storage of minerals.
they occur in low concentrations of min- velopment Act It is the responsibility of State Govern-
erals and were difficult to extract from 1957 ments to establish the correct grade of
their oxide forms. mineral being dispatched.
Properties They have unique magnetic, lumines- Mining resourc- Odisha is a mineral-rich state with over
cent, and electrochemical properties es in Odisha 96% of India’s chrome ore, over 51% of
and are used in many modern technol- bauxite reserve, over 33% of hematite
ogies. They are all metals having many iron ore, and over 43% of manganese.
similar properties, and that often causes
them to be found together in geologic About Manga- Manganese is a silvery-Gray metal that is
deposits nese found in abundance in the Earth’s crust.
It is commonly used in the production of
India’s status India has 6% of the world’s rare earth re- steel and other alloys due to its ability
serves, but it only produces 1% of glob- to improve the strength, toughness, and
al output and imports most of its needs workability of these materials.
from China
About IBM Indian Bureau of Mines (est. 1948; HQ:
China’s Mo- China produces 60% of the world’s rare Nagpur) promotes the systematic and
nopoly earth scientific development of mineral re-
Authority in In- Mining and processing of rare earth in sources of the country both onshore
dia India are concentrated in the hands of and offshore. It collects a database of
IREL (India) Limited, a PSU under the information on mines and minerals in
Department of Atomic Energy. the country to create a National Mineral
Related Steps Globally: Multilateral Minerals Security Information Repository.
Taken Partnership (MSP) (est. 2022) by various
countries (US, Canada, Australia, South
Korea, EU, Japan, etc) (not India) to build 22. WORLD ENERGY TRANSITIONS: OUT-
robust critical minerals supply chains LOOK 2023
needed for climate objectives.
India: Amendment in the Mines and Context:
Minerals (Development and Regulation) World Energy Transitions: Outlook 2023 (report by the Inter-
Act in 2021 (no mine will be reserved for national Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)) states that the
a particular end-use) world is still “off-track” and falls short of the 1.5°C pathway.

21. INDIAN BUREAU OF MINES Positives in the Report: Negatives:

Renewables account for Developing nations con-
Context: 40% of installed power tinue to receive compara-
The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) has informed the Ministry generation globally, and in tively little investment, and
of Steel and Mines that mining lease holders in Odisha are 2022, renewables contrib- public sector intervention is
illegally transporting low-grade manganese ore from their uted to 83% of global pow- required to channel invest-
mines. er additions. ments towards countries
more equitably.

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Current Affairs 30
Key recommendations: What is the Price Cap plan?
• Net-zero commitments must be embedded in legis- Price Cap Coalition comprising Australia, Canada, the Eu-
lation and translated into implementation plans. ropean Union, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United
• Every investment and planning decision should con- States imposed a maximum price of $60 a barrel of oil trans-
sider the structure and geography of the low-carbon ported by vessels owned or insured by some countries in the
economy of the future. alliance to third-party countries, with the intention to dent
• Deployment levels of renewables must grow from Russia’s financing of the war.   
some 3,000 GW today to over 10,000 GW in 2030 to About CREA
keep 1.5°C alive The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean
Air (CREA) (est. 2019; HQ: Helsinki) is a non-profit think
About IRENA tank researching energy and air pollution. It aims at
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) (est. tracking the impacts of air pollution by providing data-
2009; HQ: Abu Dhabi (UAE)) is an intergovernmental or- backed research products.
ganisation that supports countries in their transition to a
sustainable energy future. Its membership comprises 167
24. DAKAR DECLARATION
countries and the European Union.
In 2009, India has become the 77th Founding Member of
this organization. It is an official United Nations observer. Context: ‘Dakar Declaration’ was adopted by 21 African
countries committing to strengthening reporting on road
23. OIL HYPOCRISY crash fatalities, enhancing data capture, analysis, sharing,
and coordination to shape better road safety policies.
Context: A new study by the Centre for Research on Energy
and Clean Air (CREA) has found that countries that imposed It is being conducted at the first African sub-regional con-
crude oil sanctions on Russia used India, China, United Arab ference on implementing the Global Plan for Road Safety
Emirates, Singapore, and Turkey as ‘laundromats’ for refined in Dakar, Senegal.
products.
Other treaties on road safety:
Key points:
• During the last year, India has emerged as the lead- • The decade of Action for road safety 2021–2030 (tar-
ing exporter of refined oil products, followed by get of preventing at least 50% of road traffic deaths
China and the United Arab Emirates. and injuries by 2030);
• Major exporting port: • Stockholm Declaration on Road Safety 2020;
 Sikka port in Gujarat (owned by Reliance; • National Road Safety Policy 2010;
handles import and export of petroleum • Delhi Declaration on Road Safety 2021
from Jamnagar refinery) exported the high-
est amount of seaborne refined oil to the
Price Cap Coalition countries 25. TRACK AND TRACE SYSTEM FOR EX-
 Vadinar port (also in Gujarat; owned by PORT OF PHARMACEUTICALS CONSIGN-
Nayara Energy Limited, of which Russian oil
company Rosneft holds around 50% share) MENTS
• India now imports about 87% of its crude oil re-
quirement (worth over US $190 bn) while it export- Context: Drugmakers have been given an extension until
ed petroleum products worth over $86 billion (ac- August 1st to implement the Track and Trace system for the
counting for more than 21 per cent of India’s total export of pharmaceutical consignments. The extension was
commodity exports) granted due to difficulties faced by members of the pharma
exporter body Pharmexcil in joining the system.
What is Laundromat?
‘Laundromats’ is a term used to describe a type of finan- About the system:
cial fraud where large amounts of money, often obtained It was designed to address counterfeit and product recall
through illegal means, are moved through a complex web of issues and has been in the works for 8 years. It is based on
transactions and accounts to disguise their origin and make traceability and barcodes on the packaging, which can help
them appear legitimate. identify the source and prevent sabotage. The system covers
secondary and tertiary packaging initially, with primary pack-
aging to be included at a later stage.

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 Current Affairs 30

Status of India in Pharmacy: SIDBI-World Bank

• India’s pharmaceutical exports rose more than 3% to
The Indian automobile industry ranked fifth largest glob-
about $25 billion (FY23) but has missed the $27 billion
ally and is expected to become the third largest by 2030.
target.
However, the sale of electric vehicles accounts for just 1% of
• India produces about 60% of global vaccines and 70%
total sales, currently.
of the World Health Organisation’s vaccines for essen-
tial immunization schemes.
• India is the world’s third-largest pharmaceutical pro- About SIDBI:
ducer and is considered a ‘pharmacy to the world’. Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) (est.
• It is the largest provider of generic drugs globally. 1990 as a subsidiary of IDBI bank; statutory body under
Ministry of Finance; HQ: Lucknow) is the apex regulatory
body for overall licensing and regulation of micro, small
26. UNIFIED PORTAL OF CENTRAL BUREAU and medium enterprise finance companies in India.
OF NARCOTICS

Context: The Central Bureau of Narcotics has launched a 28. PARVATMALA PARIYOJANA
unified portal to facilitate licensing and ExIM (Export and
IMport) authorizations for the pharmaceutical and chemical Context:
industries. The government has announced plans to develop over 250
projects in the next five years under the Parvatmala Pariyo-
Aim: To instil efficiency, transparency, and accountability jana.
within the department while ensuring the availability of es-
sential narcotic drugs to patients and their families. About National Ropeways Development Programme - “Par-
vatmala”
Features of the portal: Cloud-based storage, simplified Topic Description
process, and database integration with other government
Announced in Budget (2022-23)
services, including Bharat Kosh, GST, PAN- NSDL validation,
e-Sanchit, and UIDAI. Objective Development of ropeway and alterna-
tive mobility solutions technology. To
improve connectivity and convenience
About CBN: for commuters, besides promoting tour-
Central Bureau of Narcotics (est. 1950; HQ: Gwalior) is af- ism esp. in Hilly areas)
filiated with India’s Department of Revenue (Ministry of Nodal Ministry Ministry of Road Transport and High-
Finance) and regulated by the country’s Central Board of ways (MORTH)
Indirect Taxes and Customs. The main function of CBN is
Mode PPP (Public Private Partnership) mode
to stop opium production and trade and to issue licenses
for the production of legal synthetic drugs. It implements Regions Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Mani-
various United Nations Conventions and the provisions of pur, Jammu & Kashmir and other North
the NDPS Act, 1985. Eastern states
Benefits of Economical mode of transportation,
Ropeway faster mode of transportation, environ-
27. MISSION 50K-EV4ECO mentally friendly, last mile connectivity,
Ideal for difficult/challenging/sensitive
Context: terrain
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has
launched Mission 50K-EV4ECO, the initiative will fund the
purchase of 50,000 EVs in the country to spur the local eco-
29. UDAN 5.0
system.

About the mission:

• The pilot phase of ‘Mission 50K-EV4ECO’ will in-
crease the uptake for two, three and four-wheelers
through direct (to MSMEs) and indirect lending (to
NBFCs)
• This scheme is the precursor to EVOLVE scheme by

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Current Affairs 30

Maritime India Vision 2030 (expected to supersede the

Sagarmala Scheme) aims to build ports and digitize mari-
time infrastructure within the country.

31. PRAYAG PLATFORM

Context: Jal Shakti Ministry launched PRAYAG, a real-time

monitoring centre for planning and monitoring of projects,
river water quality, etc., during the 11th meeting of the Em-
powered Task Force of the National Mission for Clean Ganga
(NMCG)

About
PRAYAG (Platform for Real-time Analysis of Yamuna, Ganga
and their Tributaries) monitors various projects through var-
ious online dashboards such as Ganga Tarang Portal, Ganga
Districts Performance Monitoring System, etc.

About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

NMCG (est. 2011; as a registered society) aims to rehabili-
Other features of UDAN 5.0: tate and boost existing sewage treatment plants; curb pol-
• No predetermined routes would be offered. Only lution at exit points; maintain water flow without changing
Network and Individual Route Proposal proposed by natural variations; restore surface and groundwater, etc. in
airlines will be considered. Ganga and its tributary basins. It is being implemented by
• The same route will not be awarded to a single air- the National Ganga Council.
line more than once, whether in different networks
or in the same network.
• Airlines would be required to commence opera- 32. NUCLEAR LIABILITY
tions within 4 months of the award of the route.
Earlier this deadline was 6 months Context:
Talks between Indian and French officials over several issues,
30. SAGAR SETU MOBILE APP including liability, for the construction of six nuclear power
reactors in Maharashtra’s Jaitapur, have not resulted in any
Context: breakthrough.
The App Version of the National Logistics Portal (Marine),
named ‘Sagar-Setu’, has been launched by Ministry for Issues concerned:
Ports, Shipping and Waterways. • India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLN-
DA)
Aim: The app will provide real-time information on ves- • The high cost of power per unit
sel-related information, gate, container freight stations, • Opposition from activists and locals for the fear of
and transactions, enabling digital transactions for payments. environmental damage and health hazards
• Safety concerns: Concerns over the safety of nucle-
Benefits: The app will boost maritime trade, enhance the ar power have prompted Germany to switch off its
economy of the country, and increase the visibility of opera- last nuclear power reactor.
tions and tracking.
What is nuclear liability?
Nuclear liability refers to the legal responsibility for damages
About NLPM: and compensation in case of a nuclear accident or incident.
National Logistics Portal (Marine) is a national maritime It involves determining who is responsible for the damages
single window platform encompassing complete end-to- caused and who will pay for the compensation of those af-
end logistics solutions to help exporters, importers, and fected.
service providers exchange documents seamlessly and
transact business.

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 Current Affairs 30
What is CLNDA? Purpose To prevent land fraud and maintain up-
It is an Indian law enacted in 2010 to provide a civil liability dated land records
regime for nuclear damage in India. Key provisions of the
Key Features Based on the longitude and latitude co-
Act:
ordinates of the land parcel. Dependent
• It provides for strict and no-fault liability on the op- on detailed surveys and geo-referenced
erator, where it will be held liable for damage re- cadastral maps
gardless of any fault on its part.
Benefits Will help mitigate the huge pendency of
• Concept of supplier of equipment’s liability over
court cases (66 per cent of all civil suits in
and above that of the operator’s
India are related to land or property dis-
• It specifies the liability of nuclear operators
putes); Reduce the GDP loss (about 1.3%
• The compensation payable in the event of a nuclear
of GDP) due to projects being stalled
incident
over litigation involving land disputes;
• The process for claiming compensation
Sharing of land records data across de-
• Establishes the Nuclear Damage Claims Commis-
partments, financial institutions, and
sion to adjudicate claims for compensation
stakeholders; help develop land banks;
• Establishes the Nuclear Liability Fund to provide fi-
and lead towards Integrated Land Infor-
nancial support in the event of a nuclear incident.
mation Management System (ILIMS).
ULPIN is part of Digital India Land Records Modernisation
About Jaitapur nuclear power project (signed in 2010): DILRMP Programme (DILRMP) was launched in
It is a proposed 9,900 MW nuclear power plant in Maha- 2008 as a Central Sector scheme under
rashtra, India. It is planned to be constructed by the French the Ministry of Rural Development. The
energy company Electricite de France (EDF), using six Eu- Department of Land Resources is imple-
ropean pressurised reactors (EPRs). It is the world’s big- menting DILRMP since 2016 as a Central
gest nuclear power generation site under consideration at Sector Scheme for - Computerization
present of land records; Survey/Re-survey; and
Computerization of registration
About Convention on Supplementary Compensation for About ILIMS Contains information on parcel owner-
Nuclear Damage (CSC) (adopted 1997): ship, land use, taxation, location bound-
It seeks to establish a uniform global legal regime for com- aries, land value, encumbrances and
pensation to victims in the unlikely event of a nuclear ac- more. Aims to develop a system that
cident. India is a party to it. It is based on the exclusive can be customized by different states as
liability of the operator of a nuclear installation and no needed
other person (but Indian law provides for the Supplier’s What are Ca- A cadastral map is a detailed and ac-
liability as well) dastral Maps? curate map that shows the boundaries
and ownership of land parcels within a
specific area. It is used by governments
LAND REFORMS to maintain land records and for land ad-
ministration purposes, such as property
tax assessment, land-use planning, and
33. BHU-AADHAAR OR ULPIN resolving land disputes.

Name Bhu-Aadhaar (“bhu” meaning earth/

land) or Unique Land Parcel Identifica-
34. NATIONAL GENERIC DOCUMENT REGIS-
tion Number (ULPIN) TRATION SYSTEM (NGDRS)
Description It is a 14-digit identification number for
every surveyed parcel of land in India, Context:
launched in 2021 The Ministry of Rural Development announced that 28
Adopted by 26 states/UTs; pilot testing states and Union Territories in India have adopted the Na-
done in 7 more states/UTs; Part of Dig- tional Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) for
ital India Land Records Modernization land records
Programme (DILRMP); Provides stan-
dardization across states, easy sharing
of land records, protects government
land, and ensures transparency

166 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
About National Generic Document Registration System Context:
Topic Information Researchers at IIT Mandi have developed a novel car-
bon-based catalyst to make water electrolysis more ef-
NGDRS is an advanced software application for the execu-
ficient.Water electrolysis is the process of choice to pro-
tion of land registration documents
duce ‘green hydrogen.
Initiated By Department of Land Resources (DoLR),
Ministry of Rural Development
About water electrolysis:
Developed By National Informatics Centre (NIC)
• In water electrolysis, water molecules are split into
Objective Ensure transparency, accountability, and hydrogen and oxygen using electricity inside a de-
reduction in time, cost, and procedures vice called an electrolyser. However, this process
for execution of registration documents; consumes a lot of electrical energy.
Empower citizens by enabling property
valuation and online document submis-
New finding:
sion
• A new study has reported a porous carbon materi-
Compatibility Scalable, flexible, configurable, and com- al containing nitrogen that functions both as a cat-
patible with state-specific needs alyst and as the anode in electrolyser units – and
Components Computerization of land record; Survey/ could substitute the metal-based catalysts.
Re-survey; Computerization of registra- • The researchers produced this material, called ‘la-
tion ser carbon’, by exposing a sheet of a polymer called
polyimide to a laser beam, which carbonised the ex-
posed bits, leaving the remainder rich in nitrogen.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Advantages of the new catalyst:
• Laser carbon is “highly power efficient”, cheaper
35. COMPACT SUPERCAPACITOR to produce, has a simpler synthesis technique, and
“can be batch-manufactured with a laser”.
Context:
Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers have designed 37. HOW PLANTS COMMUNICATE
a novel ultra-micro supercapacitor, a tiny device capable of
storing an enormous amount of electric charge.
Context:
• Apart from being small in size and more compact A team led by experts at Tel Aviv University has shown to-
than existing supercapacitors, they can potentially mato and tobacco plants, among others, not only make
be used in many devices ranging from streetlights sounds but do so loudly enough for other creatures to hear.
to consumer electronics, electric cars and medical
• Plants have evolved complex biochemical respons-
devices.
es and the ability to dynamically alter their growth
(and regrow body parts) in response to environ-
Benefits: mental signals including light, gravity, tempera-
• Supercapacitors, combine the best of both batter- ture, touch, and volatile chemicals produced by
ies and capacitors – they can store as well as release surrounding organisms.
large amounts of energy and are therefore highly
sought-after for next-generation electronic devices.
More about the research:
• In 2019, researchers showed the buzzing of bees
Current capacitors can cause plants to produce sweeter nectar. Oth-
• They typically use metal oxide-based electrodes, ers have shown white noise played to Arabidopsis,
but they are limited by poor electron mobility. a flowering plant in the mustard family, can trigger
• In the future, the researchers are planning to ex- a drought response.
plore if replacing MoS2 with other materials can • Researchers recorded airborne sounds produced
increase the capacitance of their supercapacitor by tomato and tobacco plants, and 5 other species
even more. (grapevine, henbit deadnettle, pincushion cactus,
maize and wheat). These sounds were ultrasonic, in
36. NOVEL CATALYST OFFERS TO MAKE HY- the range of 20-100 kilohertz, and therefore can’t
be detected by human ears.
DROGEN MORE VIABLE AS A FUEL

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 Current Affairs 30
What causes these sounds? National Policy Group 1: Disorders amenable to one-
• The team’s findings suggest that “cavitation” may for Rare Diseases time curative treatment (financial
be at least partially responsible for the sounds. (NPRD), 2021 support of up to Rs. 20 lakh under
• Cavitation is the process through which air bubbles the umbrella scheme of Rashtriya
expand and burst inside a plant’s water-conducting Arogya Nidhi)
tissue, or “xylem”. Group 2: Those requiring long-
term or lifelong treatment.
38. RARE DISEASE Group 3: Diseases for which definitive
treatment is available but challenges
are to make an optimal patient
Context:
selection for benefit, very high cost
The Indian government has exempted all imported medi-
and lifelong therapy.
cines and foods for personal use related to the management
of 51 rare diseases (as listed in NPRD 2021) from basic cus-
toms duty. 39. PLANT FUNGUS INFECTING HUMANS
The government has also fully exempted Pembrolizumab
(Keytruda) used in the treatment of various types of cancer Context:
The first case of a plant fungus called Chondrostereum pur-
About Rare diseas- Information pureum infecting human beings has been reported from
es Kolkata.
Definition A rare disease (also called “Orphan” • The fungus is known to cause Silver leaf disease in
disease) is a condition that affects a plants, especially in species of rose families.
small number of people compared to • However, there were no reported instances of this
the general population— one or less fungus infecting human beings from any part of the
than one per 1000 people (WHO); world.
one or less than one in 2500 (India
definition). There are 7,000 known Possible reason:
rare diseases ( over 72% of them are Rising temperature due to global warming is thought of as
genetic) with an estimated 300 mil- one of the major reasons for this new threat to human be-
lion patients in the world. ings. Most fungi thrive in the range of 12°C to 30°C.
Examples lysosomal storage disorder, maple
syrup urine disease, Severe food pro-
tein allergy, Wilson’s disease 40. DRUG-RESISTANT BACTERIA STRAIN
Benefits of exemp- The exemption will lead to substan-
tion tial savings for patients with rare dis- Context:
eases, who are often unable to afford The national public health agency of the United States Cen-
life-saving medicines due to prohibi- tres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expressed
tive costs concern over a drug-resistant bacteria strain allegedly linked
to eye drops imported from India
Process People importing them have to ob-
tain a certificate from the central or
state director general of health ser- About the strain:
vices or district medical officer or civ- • It is “extensively” antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas
il surgeon. These certificates have to aeruginosa bacteria found in multiple open contain-
be provided to the customs officers ers of eye drops.
at the time of clearance. • Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause infections in
Challenges of rare Patients with rare diseases are dis- the blood, lungs (pneumonia), or other parts of the
diseases advantaged by the lack of volumes body after surgery.
that usually spur pharmacological
companies into producing life-saving The eye drops were manufactured by Chennai-based Glob-
medicines al Pharma Healthcare and distributed in the U.S. market by
The magnitude of An estimated 100 million people in EzriCare and Delsam Pharma. Previously, WHO had issued
rare diseases in India have some form of rare diseas- two medical product alerts on cough syrups manufactured
India es in India which were exported to Gambia and Uzbekistan.

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Licensing requirements of drug manufacturers in India: Need for this declaration: Threat posed by the misuse of
• Manufacturing of drugs for export needs licensing commercial spyware e.g., Israeli software Pegasus, Hermit
from the concerned State Licensing Authority (SLA) spyware
under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics
Act,1940 Countries involved: Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark,
• All manufacturers were required to meet the re- France, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the
quirements of the importing country. United Kingdom, and the United States

41. ’THE HAT’: 50-YEAR-OLD GEOMETRY What is a Spyware?

MYSTERY Spyware is software with malicious behaviour that aims
to gather information about a person or organization and
Context: send it to another entity in a way that harms the user—
A group of scientists have discovered a new shape with 13 for example, by violating their privacy or endangering their
sides, named ‘the hat’, It is the first ‘einstein’ tile (‘ no re- device’s security.
lation to Albert Einstein’ ) to have been found: a shape that
can cover a plane without overlapping, leaving gaps, or re-
peating patterns. 43. RACCOON STEALER

Shape: polykite with the edges of eight kites to make it Context:

The National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), a
specialized intelligence agency, has informed government
entities, that they were targeted by the Raccoon Stealer mal-
ware.

It retrieves sensitive data from infected machines. The mal-

ware is usually delivered through email and is available as
Malware-as-a-service (MaaS).

Description of terms used:

About Description
Fig: The grey area shows the polykite shape of ‘the hat’ Malware Type of software designed to harm or disrupt
computer systems, networks, or devices. Can
take many forms such as viruses, worms, Tro-
Significance:
jans, ransomware, and spyware.
The discovery has answered a long-standing question in
the field of plane geometry and generated excitement in MaaS Malware-as-a-Service is a type of service that
the scientific community. It is the first time a single aperi- allows non-technical individuals to create and
odic tile has been found to cover a plane, which has been distribute malware. Anyone can subscribe to
long-awaited as the number of shapes in a tile has decreased such a service on a pay basis. It is often used
over the years. by cybercriminals to launch attacks against in-
dividuals or organizations.
Raccoon A mammal native to North America, the larg-
42. FIRST-EVER ANTI-SPYWARE DECLARA- est of the procyonid family. Can carry rabies, a
TION life-threatening disease for humans.
NTRO National Technical Research Organisation
Context: (NTRO; est. 2004; HQ: New Delhi) is a techni-
The US and 10 other nations (India is not part of it) issued cal intelligence agency under National Secu-
the first-ever significant anti-spyware declaration rity Adviser in Prime Minister’s Office. It also
includes the National Institute of Cryptology
Aim: Research and Development (NICRD). It has the
The declaration seeks to realize the importance of stringent same “norms of conduct” as the Intelligence
domestic and international controls on the proliferation and Bureau and the Research and Analysis Wing.
use of this technology.

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 Current Affairs 30

44. ASSEMBLY THEORY

Context:
Assembly theory is a new idea in physics that aims to explain
the complexity of living things.

Explanation:
As objects become more complex, they require more local
memory to store information about how to assemble their
unique parts. This theory treats the shortest path to build
an object from its elementary building blocks, called the
assembly index, as an intrinsic property of the object. E.g.,
This approach has been used to show that molecules with
an assembly index above 15 steps are only found in living
samples.

Usage: By estimating the point at which molecules in a

chemical soup become so complex that they start using the
information to make copies of themselves, the theory may
help us understand when and how life arose from non-life.

Significance: Assembly theory is a promising new idea that The aspect of the Details
could help us better understand the complexity of life and Project
the role of memory and information flow in the universe. Name Design and Development of a Uni-
fied Blockchain Framework for offer-
ing a National Blockchain framework
Various interpretations of ‘Time’:
Interpreta- Description Example
The objective of To evolve the blockchain technology
tion
the project stack and enable Open APIs for seam-
Newton Time is absolute The ticking of a clock less integration and offer blockchain-
and unchanging. as-a-service (BaaS)
Darwin Time has direction The evolution of spe- Under National Strategy on Blockchain
and is affected by cies (2021, under MeITY), which encom-
the past. passes major technology components
Einstein Time is a dimen- Space-Time dimension required for Web3 to create a trusted
sion, and the past, digital platform by evolving a national
present, and future Blockchain infrastructure
exist simultaneous- What is BaaS? Blockchain-as-a-service (BaaS) refers
ly. to third-party cloud-based infrastruc-
Thermody- Time has an arrow, A working engine ture for companies to build, host and
namic moving forward use their own blockchain apps, smart
rather than back- contracts and functions on blockchain
ward. technology.
Quantum The passage of Entanglement of parti- Benefits of BaaS Facilitate wider adoption of block-
time emerges from cles chain technology, reduce the cost of
changes in quan- infrastructure for smaller companies
tum states. promoting innovation and entrepre-
neurship, and enable better security
compliance by ensuring supply chain
traceability
45.BLOCKCHAIN PROJECT TO EXPLORE THE
POTENTIAL OF WEB3

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What is block- Blockchain is a secure and decen- Location 27-km-long track loop buried 100m
chain? tralized way of storing information, underground on the Swiss-French bor-
where each transaction or data is veri- der
fied and recorded in a block, creating a Experiments ATLAS, CMS
chain of blocks that cannot be altered
Achievements Discovery of Higgs boson or “God par-
or deleted once added to the chain.
ticle” during the first run; using data to
look beyond Standard Model
Prelims Links: New quest To further understanding of “dark mat-
Q. With reference to Web 3.0, consider the following ter”
statements: (UPSC 2022) Nobel prize Peter Higgs and his collaborator
1. Web 3-0 technology enables people to control their François Englert were awarded the No-
own data. bel Prize for physics in 2013 for the dis-
2. In the Web 3.0 world, there can be blockchain-based covery of the Higgs Boson
social networks. What are Had- Hadrons are subatomic particles that
3. Web 3-0 is operated by users collectively rather than by rons? are made up of smaller particles called
a corporation. quarks. They are one of the two main
Which of the statements given above are correct? types of particles that make up matter,
[A] 1 and 2 only the other being leptons.
[B] 2 and 3 only What are Bo- In particle physics, a boson is a type
[C] 1 and 3 only sons? of subatomic particle that follows
[D] 1, 2 and 3 Bose-Einstein statistics, named after
the Indian physicist Satyendra Nath
Answer: D
Bose.

46. LARGE HADRON COLLIDER (LHC)

47. URANIUM-241
Context: Context: Recently, physicists in Japan discovered a previ-
Currently, engineers are warming up the LHC for its third sea- ously unknown isotope of uranium, with atomic number 92
son of operations, following upgrades and mass number 241, i.e., uranium-241. Physicists were in
search of a ‘magic number’.
What is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)?
The LHC is the world’s largest science experiment that What is a “Magic Number”?
smashes tiny particles called hadrons together at really In nuclear physics, “magic numbers” are specific numbers
high speeds. It uses protons as the particles and has a long of protons or neutrons in atomic nuclei that correspond to
circular pipe where they’re accelerated. Stable configurations. The heaviest known ‘magic’ nucleus is
lead (82 protons). After this nucleus becomes unstable.
About LHC Description
Aim LHC is expected to throw up evidence What are Isotopes?
of “new physics” — or physics beyond Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same
the Standard Model of Particle Phys- number of protons but differ in the number of neutrons in
ics, which explains how the basic build- their nuclei. Isotopes of an element have nearly identical
ing blocks of matter interact, governed chemical properties but may differ in their physical proper-
by four fundamental forces. ties such as density and radioactivity.
Working LHC studies the smallest known build-
ing blocks of matter. It fires two beams
of protons almost at the speed of light
in opposite directions, guided by the
magnetic field of superconducting elec-
tromagnets
Built by European Organisation for Nuclear Re-
search (CERN)

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About U-241 Information microelectromechanical systems, and medical imagers.

Discovery Researchers accelerated uranium-238
nuclei into plutonium-198 nuclei at the Graphene (an allotrope of carbon) is an incredibly thin
KEK Isotope Separation System (KISS) us- material made up of a single layer of carbon atoms ar-
ing multinucleon transfer. The resulting ranged in a hexagonal pattern. It is part of graphite but has
nuclear fragments contained different unique properties of its own.
isotopes.
Method Time-of-flight mass spectrometry was
used to measure the mass of each nucle-
us.
Half-life Theoretical calculations suggest it could
have a half-life of 40 minutes.
Significance This is the first such discovery since 1979.
Importance Refines our understanding of nuclear
physics and has implications for design-
ing nuclear power plants and models of
exploding stars. Measuring the mass of
uranium and its neighbourhood elements
yields essential nuclear information to
understand the synthesis of heavy ele-
ments in explosive astronomical events.
Future Impli- This new approach using multinucleon
cations transfer reaction and KISS is expected
to lead to the discovery of more neu-
tron-rich actinide nuclides, elucidating
the stability of nuclides and the process
of astronomical nucleosynthesis.
About Urani- Uranium (chemical symbol U) is a natu- 49. ZERO CLICK SPYWARE
um rally occurring radioactive element.
Isotopes of In its natural state, Uranium consists of Context:
Uranium three isotopes (U-234 (0.0057%), U-235 An Israeli company’s (QuaDream Ltd) Spyware has been
(0.72%) and U-238 (99.28%)). Other iso- used against journalists, opposition figures and advocacy or-
topes that cannot be found in natural ganizations across at least 10 countries - according to new
uranium are U-232, U-233, U-236 and research published Tuesday by Microsoft Corp and the inter-
U-237. net watchdog Citizen Lab.

48. MAGNETORESISTANCE What is Spyware?

Spyware refers to software programs that are designed to
collect data from a computer or device without the user’s
Context:
knowledge or consent.
Researchers in the UK, led by Nobel laureate Andre Geim,
have discovered that graphene displays an anomalous giant
magnetoresistance (GMR) at room temperature. About Zero Click Spyware
It is a no-interaction-needed hacking tool, known as “Ze-
ro-Click”, which can remotely compromise devices without
What is Magnetoresistance?
an owner needing to open a malicious link or download a
Magnetoresistance is a phenomenon where the electrical re-
tainted attachment.
sistance of a material change in response to a magnetic field.
The magnetoresistance observed in the graphene-based
device was “almost 100 times higher than that observed in What are Zero-click attacks?
other known semimetals in this magnetic field range.” Zero-click attacks are a type of cyber-attack where a device
or system is compromised without any interaction or ac-
tion from the user. Zero-click attacks often rely on zero-days,
Usage of GMR: GMR is used in hard disk drives, magnetore-
which are vulnerabilities that are unknown to the software
sistive RAM in computers, biosensors, automotive sensors,
maker and for which no fix is presently available.

172 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30

50. INDIGENOUS CHIP FOR NAVIC Ethylene oxide:

At room temperature, ethylene oxide is a flammable co-
Context: lourless gas with a sweet odour. It is used primarily to
A Bengaluru-based space technology company, Elena Geo produce other chemicals, including antifreeze. In smaller
Systems, has developed a chip (named NavIC processor) amounts, ethylene oxide is used as a pesticide and a ster-
that can form the core of Navigation, Positioning and Tim- ilizing agent. The ability of ethylene oxide to damage DNA
ing applications using India’s indigenous satellite-based makes it an effective sterilizing agent but also accounts for
navigation system, NavIC. Previously, IIT-Bombay had devel- its cancer-causing activity.
oped a homegrown receiver chip – Dhruva

Indian NavIC GPS system has faced issues in integration with 52. BIOLUMINESCENCE
mobile phones as the mobiles require an extra chip (unlike
USA’s GPS). This has been one of the major obstacles to the Context:
widespread use of NavIC. Recently, Visakhapatnam beaches started glowing due to a
phenomenon called bioluminescence

About NavIC: About Biolu- Description

minescence
Topic Information
Definition Production and emission of light by living
About NavIC NavIC is a stand-alone navigation satellite organisms.
system developed by ISRO. It consists of
7 satellites (3 Geo stationary and 4 Geo- Mechanism The chemical reaction between luciferin
synchronous) covering India’s landmass (a molecule that, when it reacts with ox-
and up to 1,500 km beyond its boundar- ygen, produces light.) and oxygen, is cata-
ies. lyzed by the luciferase enzyme.
Operational Approved in 2006, NavIC became opera-
tional in 2018
L1 band India is trying to shift to L1 frequency
(from current L5 and S bands) as it will
increase the use of NavIC in wearable de-
vices and personal trackers.
Applications NavIC is being used in public vehicle
tracking, emergency warning alerts for
fishermen, and tracking and providing Bioluminescence is chemiluminescence
information related to natural disasters. that takes place inside a living organism
Other global Global Positioning System (GPS) of the Prevalence Found in many marine organisms, in-
navigation sys- U.S.A; Galileo from the European Union; cluding bacteria, algae, jellyfish, fish, and
tems Russia’s GLONASS; China’s Beidou; QZSS sharks
covers the Asia-Oceania region, with a fo- Functions Used for warning or evading predators,
cus on Japan. luring or detecting prey, and communicat-
ing within a species
Examples Fireflies, anglerfish, jellyfish, biolumines-
51. ETHYLENE OXIDE cent plankton
V i s a k h a p at- Here the phenomenon is most likely the
Context:
nam result of an algal bloom (significant accu-
The European Commission has classified ethylene oxide
mulation) of the dinoflagellate species of
as carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic for reproduction (pre-
noctiluca and ceratium. These emit light
viously it was classified as a fumigant)
when disturbed by breaking waves

Significance:
Agricultural products being exported to European Union will 53. SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE
now be mandatorily tested.
Context: A new research by IIT Madras has suggested the
use of Supercritical carbon dioxide to flush out oil from de-
pleting oil and gas reservoirs.

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 Current Affairs 30
What is Supercritical carbon dioxide?
It is a fluid state of carbon dioxide where it is held at or above
its critical temperature (31∘C) and critical pressure (73 atm).

Benefits: About Quantum Computing:

• Carbon Dioxide Sequestration: Having properties Quantum computing is a new way of computing that uses
midway between a gas and a liquid, supercritical the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calcu-
carbon dioxide helps in simultaneous carbon dioxide lations. In traditional computing, data is processed using
sequestration bits, which are either a 0 or a 1. But in quantum comput-
• Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) from depleted Oil ing, the data is processed using quantum bits or qubits,
wells: Supercritical carbon dioxide reduces oil vis- which can be both a 0 and a 1 at the same time. This prop-
cosity, induces in situ swelling of the oil and thus en- erty of qubits is called superposition, which allows for mul-
hances oil recovery tiple calculations to be performed simultaneously, making
quantum computing exponentially faster than traditional
Method: ‘Surfactant-Alternating gas (SAG) injection’ ap- computing for certain types of problems.
proach: In this process, carbon dioxide gas is injected into
the reservoir, where it becomes supercritical, followed by
injection of water or surfactant solution. 55. EMIC PLASMA WAVE

Context:
54. QUANTUM MISSION Scientists in India have identified a type of plasma wave
called Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves at the
Context: Indian Antarctic station, Maitri.
The Indian Union Cabinet has approved the National Quan-
tum Mission (NQM), with a budget of ₹6,003 crore, to fund What is Plasma?
research and development of quantum computing technolo- Plasma is often referred to as the fourth state of matter,
gy and associated applications. along with solid, liquid, and gas. It is a type of gas that is
made up of electrically charged particles, such as ions and
About National Quantum Mission free electrons. Plasma can be found in many places, includ-
ing flames, lightning, and the sun.

What are Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves?

It is a type of plasma wave that is generated in the Earth’s
magnetosphere, a region of space around the Earth that
is affected by the planet’s magnetic field. These waves can
resonate with charged particles, particularly ions, that are
trapped in the magnetosphere, causing them to move in a

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cyclical motion.

Significance of the study of EMIC waves:

The study can help understand the impact of energetic par-
ticles (esp. Killer electrons) in the radiation belts on the low
orbiting satellites.
• Killer electrons are electrons having speed close to
the speed of light, which form the radiation belt of
planet Earth

About HURUN
It is a research, media and investments business, best
known for its Hurun Rich List, a ranking of the wealthiest
India’s Antarctic Missions: Acceded to the Antarctic Trea- individuals in China
ty System (1983); Dakshin Gangotri (1984); Maitri (1989);
Sagar Nidhi ice-class vessel (2008); Bharati (2015)
India’s Arctic Mission: Himadri (2007); observer at the Arc- 57. DIGITAL SCIENCE PARK
tic Council
Context:
Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for India’s first Dig-
56. GLOBAL UNICORN INDEX ital Science Park in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
About Digital Science Park is a multidisciplinary
Context: After the United States and China, India has re-
cluster-based interactive-innovation zone
tained the third-highest number of unicorns in the world
focused on digital technologies.
(Hurun Report on Global Unicorn)
Location Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Findings: Cost ₹1,500 crores; ₹200 crores from the Gov-
ernment of Kerala, remaining from other
• India, with 68 unicorns has added 14 new unicorns
sources including industry partners
since the pandemic began and stands behind USA (666)
and China (316) Duration To be completed in 2 years
• Top-most unicorn in India: BYJU’s ($22 billion); Swiggy Key Focus Ar- Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, elec-
and Dream11 (both at $8 billion) eas tronics, smart hardware, sustainable and
• Offshore unicorn: India (70) has more than China (32) smart materials
and both countries produce more offshore unicorns Facilities High-end research labs and facilities in-
than any other country cluding cleanrooms, material character-
ization facilities, Blockchain and cyberse-
curity labs etc.,

58. DIGITAL SERVICES ACT

Context:
European Commission adopted the first designation deci-
sions under the Digital Services Act (DSA)

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Key features of the Digital Services Act (DSA): C o nte nt Social media com- Large social media plat-
Feature Description Modera- panies will have to forms need to appoint
Definition A set of common rules on intermedi- tion add “new proce- key personnel to han-
aries’ obligations and accountability dures for faster re- dle law enforcement
across the single market moval” of content requests and user griev-
Objective To tightly regulate the way intermedi- deemed illegal or ances.
aries, especially large platforms such as harmful.
Google, Facebook, and YouTube, func- Respon- Places increased ac- Places responsibility on
tion when it comes to moderating user sibility countability on the social media platforms
content Big Tech companies.
Faster Removals Social media companies will have to E n c r y p - The DSA does not The IT Rules mandate
and Provisions add “new procedures for faster re- tion explicitly address that social media plat-
moval” of content deemed illegal or encryption issues forms identify the first
harmful. They will also have to explain originator of the infor-
to users how their content takedown mation on its platform
policy works. The DSA also allows users under certain condi-
to challenge takedown decisions taken tions, including cases of
by platforms and seek out-of-court set- child sexual abuse ma-
tlements terial, which may com-
Greater Re- The law avoids a one-size-fits-all ap- promise the encryption
sponsibility for proach and places increased account- security on its platform.
VLOPs ability on the Big Tech companies.
Under the DSA, ‘Very Large Online Plat- 59. MYELIN SHEATH
forms’ (VLOPs) and ‘Very Large Online
Search Engines’ (VLOSEs), that is plat-
forms having more than 45 million us- Context:
ers in the EU, will have more stringent Scientists have developed monolayers of pure myelin basic
requirements. protein (MBP) using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique to
study the role of MBP in diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Direct Supervi- The European Commission will be re-
sion by EC sponsible for centrally supervising these
requirements and their enforcement. About Myelin Sheath:
More Transpar- VLOPs and VLOSEs will face transparen- Information
ency on Algo- cy measures and scrutiny of how their Definition A protective membrane that wraps around
rithms algorithms work, through systemic the axon of nerve cells in the Human body
risk analysis and reduction to drive ac- Function Acts as an insulator, allowing for fast and
countability about the social impacts of efficient transmission of electrical signals
their products. along the nerve cells
Clearer Identifi- Online platforms must ensure that us- Composition Consists of lipids and proteins, including
ers for Ads ers can easily identify advertisements myelin basic protein (MBP)
and understand who presents or pays
for the advertisement. They must not Importance Damage to the myelin sheath can lead to
display personalised advertising direct- neurological disorders such as multiple
ed towards minors or based on sensi- sclerosis
tive personal data. About pure MBP is a major protein component of the
Myelin ba- myelin sheath. It is responsible for the ad-
Comparison of EU’s DSA vs. India’s IT Rules:
sic protein hesion of the cytosolic surfaces (liquids
Criteria EU’s DSA India’s IT Rules (In- (MBP) found inside cells) of myelin.
formation Technology
About Multi- It is a chronic autoimmune disease of the
Rules, 2021)
ple sclerosis central nervous system (CNS) that affects
Scope This applies to all This applies to all social the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. In
intermediaries op- media platforms operat- MS, the immune system attacks and dam-
erating in the EU, ing in India, irrespective ages the myelin sheath, leading to a variety
irrespective of their of their country. of symptoms including muscle weakness,
country fatigue, balance problems, and vision loss.

176 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
evolution” from its Class 10 textbooks.
About Darwin’s theory of evolution:
Darwin’s Theory of Evolution
Definition Darwin’s theory of evolution is the
process by which species of organisms
develop and change over time through
natural selection.
• Variation: Individuals within a spe-
cies have differences or variations.
• Inheritance: Some of these vari-
Principles ations are heritable and can be
passed on to offspring.
60. SUPREME INITIATIVE • Selection: Organisms with advan-
Context: tageous variations have a higher
The Ministry of Science and Technology has launched the chance of surviving and repro-
Support for Up-gradation Preventive Repair and Mainte- ducing, passing on these advanta-
nance of Equipment (SUPREME) initiative to provide finan- geous traits to their offspring.
cial support for the upgradation and maintenance of analyt- • Time: Evolution occurs over long
ical instrumentation facilities (AIFs). periods of time, allowing for grad-
ual changes to accumulate.
What are AIFs? Natural Selec- Natural selection is the driving force
They are specialized laboratories that provide advanced re- tion behind evolution. Organisms with ad-
search infrastructure and technical expertise for scientific vantageous traits are more likely to
investigations in various fields such as physical sciences, life survive and reproduce, passing on
sciences, materials sciences, and engineering. those traits to their offspring. Over
time, this leads to the evolution of new
species.
About SUPREME initiative:
Controversies Darwin’s theory of evolution has been
Topic Details controversial since its introduction.
Aim To provide financial support for repair, Some religious and cultural beliefs
upgradation, maintenance, retrofitting, or conflict with the idea of evolution.
acquiring additional attachments to increase Influence Lamarck, the French naturalist pro-
the functional capabilities of existing analyt- posed his own theory of evolution be-
ical instrumentation facilities fore Darwin; Darwin’s theory was
Eligibility Different facilities created under the projects an extension of laissez-faire econom-
with the support of DST only will be consid- ics; Darwin was greatly influenced
ered for funding support under this Scheme. by Malthus’ ideas of competition in an
Also, UGC recognized Central Universities/ environment with limited resources.
State Funded Universities/Deemed Univer-
sities /Private Universities among others are
also eligible to apply under this scheme. AGRICULTURE
Duration The duration of support will be for a period
not exceeding 3 years.
F u n d i n g The funding pattern in the scheme would be 62. PROTECTION OF PLANT VARIETIES AND
Pattern 75:25 for all private and government-owned FARMERS’ RIGHTS AUTHORITY
institutions (except for state-funded institu-
tions for which 100% funding would be con- Objective:
sidered). To protect the rights of Kerala farming communities over the
traditional plant varieties.
61. THEORY OF EVOLUTION
Context:
Recently, the National Council of Educational Research and
Training (NCERT) dropped the entire section on “Theory of

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About Sorghum Sorghum is a cereal grain that is

grown for both human consumption
and animal feed. Sorghum is a ver-
satile crop that can grow in a wide
range of environmental conditions,
from drought-prone areas to more
humid regions.

About Arabidopsis

It is a small flowering plant that be-

longs to the mustard family (Brassi-
caceae). It is widely used as a model
organism in plant biology research
due to its small size, rapid life cycle,
and easily manipulable genetics.
63. SPACE SEEDS
Context: 64. PULSES IN INDIA
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO) had sent two varieties of
Context:
seeds, arabidopsis and sorghum, to space to make them cli-
The Indian government has begun monitoring the stock lev-
mate-tolerant by exposing them to harsher surroundings.
els of pulses in the country amidst concerns of a possible
decrease in yield due to heavy rain and hailstorms in late
About: March and early April.
Details • The total production of pulses in 2021-22 was 27.3
Positive impact of Exposure to increased solar radia- million tonnes and this year’s target was kept at
solar radiation on tion can cause genetic changes in 29.55 million tonnes.
plants plant seeds, which can potential-
ly make them more resilient and
adaptable to harsh environmental
conditions such as drought, high
temperatures, and soil salinity. This
adaptation process is known as
space mutagenesis.

Negative impact Excessive exposure to solar radia-

tion can be harmful to plant seeds,
leading to genetic mutations that
may be deleterious or even lethal.
How will the study By accelerating the natural genetic
work? adaptation of crops through space
mutagenesis, scientists may be able
to create new and improved plant
varieties that can thrive in the face
of increasing environmental stress-
es.

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Related News: Issue of inferior Poor seed quality arises as most farm-
The Indian government has urged states to procure pulses seeds ers in India keep their own seed and
(for Mid-day meals) under the PM-POSHAN (Prime Minis- do not tend to do any seed processing
ter’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition) program to ensure varietal purity or seed quali-
from NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing ty. Inferior quality seeds lead to “Ger-
Federation of India Ltd.). mination failure”
Reason for this direction: The government maintains buf- The legal status Enactment of Seeds Act, 1966 gives
fer stocks of pulses through NAFED and wants states to of seeds in India legal status to seeds in India; Seed Act
purchase from them to ensure benefits from economies of allows farmers to get compensation for
scale and subsidized rates for the students losses incurred; Seed certification is
About NAFED: voluntary but labelling is compulsory
NAFED (est. 1958; HQ: New Delhi) is a cooperative market- in India; PPV&FR Act, 2001 to ensures
ing organization that promotes cooperative marketing of availability of quality seeds and plant-
agricultural produce and stabilizes prices of essential com- ing material to the farmer
modities like pulses.
About PM POSHAN 66. MAHARISHI
Pradhan Mantri POshan SHAkti Nirman (PM POSHAN) is Context: MACS 2023 unanimously agreed to launch a Millet
a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, earlier known as the Na- Initiative - MAHARISHI which was proposed by India for re-
tional Scheme for Mid-Day Meal (launched 1995; under search in the field of millets
Ministry of Education) in Schools. It aims at Enhancing
the enrolment, retention and attendance of students, and About:
improving nutritional levels among school-going children
(class 1 to 8). It will provide one hot cooked meal in Gov- Description
ernment and Government-aided schools from 2021-22 to Full name MAHARISHI (Millets And OtHer Ancient
2025-26. Grains International ReSearcH Initiative)
Purpose Research and awareness about agro-bio-
diversity, food security, and nutrition
65. ‘SATHI’ PORTAL AND MOBILE APP aligning with the International Year of
Millets 2023
Context: Secretariat Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR),
The Sathi (Seed Traceability, Authentication and Holistic In- Hyderabad
ventory) portal and mobile app were launched by the Minis- T e c h n i c a l International Crops Research Institute
try of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Support for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), One
CGIAR Centres, and other international or-
About Description ganizations
Objective Designed to curb the sale of spurious Focus Nutri-cereals or superfoods, mainly grown
seeds and ensure that quality seeds on marginal land in dry areas of temper-
reach farmers ate, sub-tropical, and tropical regions
Working Quality assurance, seed source iden- Priority Areas Food Security and Nutrition; Building resil-
tification (traced through a QR code ience and sustainable agriculture through
system), Seed Certification, Seed Li- approaches of climate resilient agriculture
censing, Seed Catalogue, Dealer Farm- and One Health; Digitalization for Agricul-
er Sales, Farmer Registration and direct tural Transformation; Public-Private Part-
subsidies to registered farmers’ bank nerships for Research and Development
accounts
Process Seeds with valid certification can only
be sold by valid licensed dealers to About MACS:
centrally registered farmers who will The G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS)
receive a subsidy through DBT directly involves the meeting of ministries or governmental bod-
into their bank accounts ies responsible for agricultural research in the respective
Developer National Informatics Centre in collabo- G20 states as well as leading research institutions which
ration with the Ministry on the theme strategically advise these decision-makers. The first meet
of ‘Uttam Beej – Samriddh Kisan’ of MACS was held in Mexico in 2012.

www.insightsonindia.com 179
 Current Affairs 30

HEALTH How much intake of HFSS is safe?

Nutrient WHO recommended in- The actual average
take usage in India
67. PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE FOR Fat Less than 30% of total Not available
EMERGING THREATS (PRET) energy intake (80g per
day)
Context: Salt Less than 5 grams per 10-12 grams per
The Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats Initia- day day
tive (PRET) will launch on April 24-26, 2023, with a focus on Sugar Less than 7% of total Around 36 grams
respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness. energy intake (7g per per day
100gm)
About PRET:
Details About India Nutrition Ratings (INR)
Purpose Improve disease pandemic prepared- It mandates pre-packaged foods to carry a star rating sim-
ness by leveraging systems, capaci- ilar to the energy-efficiency ratings on electronic goods, to
ties, knowledge, and tools for groups discourage the consumption of foods high in sugar, salt and
of pathogens based on their mode of fats.
transmission
Regulations The initiative will operate under the In-
ternational Health Regulations (IHR)
and promote whole-of-government
and whole-of-society approaches to
pandemic planning.
Vision More equitable and robust response to
future disease pandemics
Implementa- Established by country authorities in
tion priorities line with regional and global mandates
Other pro- One health approach; WHO’s Health
grammes to Emergencies Programme (WHE); Pro-
prevent future posed Pandemic Treaty About FSSAI:
pandemics Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (est. 2008;
About WHO The World Health Organization (est. HQ: New Delhi) is an autonomous statutory body (under
1948; HQ: Geneva) is a specialized agen- the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006) established un-
cy of the UN responsible for internation- der the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
al public health. India is a member.

69. 100 FOOD STREETS IN 100 DISTRICTS

68.FSSAI
Context:
Context: Cadbury Bournvita’s products advertisement and The Ministry of Health has proposed the operationalization
product packaging have been found to be misleading as they of ‘100 food streets across 100 districts’ in the country to
did not disclose the sugar content. promote safe and hygienic food practices.

FSSAI regulation on the product packaging:

About the Eat Right Food Street Project:
FSSAI issued a draft notification on front-of-package label-
ling in September 2022 that proposed the “Indian Nutrition Key Details Description
Rating.” It would notify consumers if a food product was Aim To promote safe and healthy food prac-
high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS), allowing them to make an tices, reduce food-borne illnesses, and
informed choice. improve overall health outcomes
Implementing Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in
However, FSSAI has been found to have failed at implement- Authority collaboration with the Ministry of Hous-
ing its own regulations. ing and Urban Affairs

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Current Affairs 30

Funding Financial assistance of ₹1 crore per food Implemen- - 5 years as a Central

street/district provided to States and tation pe- sector scheme
Union Territories riod
Implementa- Through the National Health Mission Coverage - Initially covers five
tion (NHM) in convergence with the Ministry states - Assam, Odisha,
of Housing and Urban Affairs and tech- Madhya Pradesh, Ma-
nical support from the Food Safety and harashtra, and Karna-
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) taka
Number of 100 food streets in 100 districts across the
Food Streets country Significance: Both APPI and AHSSOH are important initia-
About Nation- It was launched in 2013 subsuming tives aimed at improving animal health and reducing the risk
al Health Mis- the National Rural Health Mission and of potential pandemics. Both initiatives are essential in pro-
sion the National Urban Health Mission, with moting animal health and welfare, which in turn can have a
the aim to achieve universal access to eq- positive impact on human health and the economy.
uitable, affordable & quality healthcare
services that are accountable and respon-
About One Health Approach (2022-2026)
sive to people’s needs.
One Health is an approach calling for “the collaborative ef-
forts of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally, and
70. ‘ANIMAL PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS globally, to attain optimal health for people, animals and
our environment”, as defined by the One Health Initiative
INITIATIVE’ (APPI) AND THE ‘ANIMAL
Task Force.
HEALTH SYSTEM SUPPORT FOR ONE
HEALTH’
71. MALARIA
Context:
Union Ministry for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Context:
has launched the Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative India is set to make malaria a notifiable disease nationwide,
(APPI) and World Bank-funded Animal Health System Sup- with the aim of being malaria-free by 2027 and eliminat-
port for One Health (AHSSOH) to enhance India’s prepared- ing the disease by 2030. Currently, malaria is notifiable in 33
ness and response to potential animal pandemics, in line states and union territories.
with the One Health approach.
What is the meaning of ‘notifiable disease’?
About APPI and AHSSOH: A notifiable disease is any disease that is required by law to
APPI (Animal Pan- AHSSOH (Animal Hus- be reported to government authorities. Examples of notifi-
demic Prepared- bandry Infrastructure able diseases include tuberculosis, measles, hepatitis, HIV/
ness & Response) Development Fund) AIDS, COVID-19, and many others.
Objective Enhance India’s Create an ecosystem
preparedness and for better animal health About Malaria:
response to po- management using the Information
tential animal pan- One Health approach
It is a life-threatening mosquito-borne blood disease
demics
caused by Plasmodium parasites
Key pillars Integrated disease Strengthen district lab-
Spread Through the bites of infected female
surveillance & oratories, provide mo-
Anopheles mosquitoes
monitoring (built bile veterinary units in
on National Digital remote and high-risk Prevalence Predominantly found in tropical and
Livestock Mission), areas, upgrade dispen- subtropical areas of Africa, South Amer-
disease modelling saries and hospitals, ica, and Asia
algorithms and ear- train veterinarians and Symptoms Fever and flu-like illness, including shak-
ly warning systems, private diagnostic labs ing chills, headache, muscle aches, and
strengthening regu- tiredness
latory system (e.g., Parasite 5 species cause malaria in humans,
Nandi online por- with Plasmodium falciparum and Plas-
tal), targeted R&D modium vivax posing the greatest threat

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 Current Affairs 30

Deaths (2021) 619,000 worldwide, with 11 high-bur- Reasons for Use Calcium carbide is still being used as
den countries contributing heavily to an artificial fruit ripening agent be-
the global disease burden cause it is cheap and an easier meth-
Control tools Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) are od.
the primary vector control tool used by 73. NATIONAL HEALTH ACCOUNTS ESTI-
endemic countries
MATES FOR INDIA (2019-20)
Malaria vaccine The RTS, S vaccine (Mosquirix devel-
oped by GlaxoSmithKline); R21/Matrix
M developed by the University of Ox- Context: The National Health Accounts Estimates report for
ford India (2019-20) has been released, revealing various health
outcomes.
Initiatives WHO’s ‘E-2025 Initiative’ aims to erad-
icate malaria in 25 countries by 2025,
while India has the National Frame- Key highlights:
work for Malaria Elimination and the Key Highlights Percentage of GDP and Signifi-
National Strategic Plan for Malaria cance
Elimination to guide its efforts Total Health Expendi- 3.6% (increased)
India’s achieve- India has achieved a reduction of over ture
ment 83% in malaria morbidity and 92% in Government Health Ex- Increased from 1.13% (2014-15)
malaria mortality between the years penditure to 1.35% (2019-20)
2000 and 2020

Government Health Ex- Increased from 29% (2014-15)

72. CALCIUM CARBIDE penditure as % of Total to 41.4% (2019-20)
Health Expenditure
Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of In- Share of primary Increased from 51.3% in 2014-
dia (FSSAI) has urged food commissioners of all states and healthcare in Current 15 to 55.9% in 2019-20. Nation-
Union Territories to take action against the unauthorized Government Health Ex- al Health Policy 2017 where
use of artificial fruit ripening agents, such as calcium car- penditure (CGHE) states that two-thirds of public
bide, which has been prohibited. health spending must be in Pri-
mary Health systems.
About Calcium Carbide: Share of Out-Of-Pock- Declines from 62.6% in 2014-15
Information Description et expenditure in Total to 47.1% in 2019-20. This shows
Health Expenditure progress towards ensuring fi-
Calcium carbide is a highly reactive compound that re-
nancial protection and Univer-
leases acetylene gas
sal Health Coverage for citizens.
Common Uses Used in mining and metal industries,
Per capita Government Doubles (from Rs. 1,108 to Rs.
and in the production of acetylene
spending on healthcare 2,014 between 2014-15 to 2019-
gas.
20)
Function Released acetylene gas which is used
Private health insur- Increasing
to artificially ripen fruits.
ance share
Health Conse- The highly toxic substance can cause
Social Security Expen- Increased (from 5.7% in 2014-
quences skin irritation, respiratory problems,
diture (SSE) on health- 15 to 9.3% in 2019-20). This in-
and even cancer.
care crease in social security has a
Prohibited Use The use of calcium carbide as an arti- direct impact on reducing out-
ficial fruit ripening agent is prohibited of-pocket payments.
under the Food Safety and Standards
(Prohibition and Restriction on Sales)
Regulation, 2011. About National Health Accounts Estimates for India:
Warning by FSSAI The Food Safety and Standards Au- The report is produced annually by the National Health
thority (FSSAI) has warned that the Systems Resource Centre (under Health Ministry)
use of calcium carbide can lead to the • Accounting framework used: Internationally accepted
formation of arsenic and phospho- System of Health Accounts 2011, ( recommended by
rus, which are poisonous in nature. World Health Organization)

182 www.insightsonindia.com
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• This is the 7th such report ( from 2013-14 to 2019-20) Vaccine Shingrix ( for pre-
National Health Systems Resource Centre (est. in 2006- vention of shingles)
07; under the National Rural Health Mission) is the apex About shin- Shingle is a viral in-
body for technical assistance, Strategy development and gles fection that causes
capacity building for the states and Ministry of Health and a painful rash. It can
Family Welfare (MoHFW) occur anywhere in
your body. Shingles
are caused by the
74. THE BIG CATCH-UP varicella-zoster vi-
rus — the same virus
Context: that causes chicken-
On April 24, 2023, a global effort called “The Big Catch-up” pox
was announced by various health organizations
Purpose To prevent shingles
and post-herpetic
About Big Catch-up Initiative: neuralgia in adults
The Big Catch-up aged 50 years or
Implementing Part- WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Al- more
ners liance, Bill & Melinda Gates Founda- Virus Target Varicella zoster virus (VZV)
tion, Immunization Agenda 2030, Type It is the world’s first non-live, recombinant
and other health partners subunit vaccine to be given intramuscularly
Objective Boost childhood vaccination rates in two doses.
and reverse declines caused by the Approved US Food and Drug Administration and the
COVID-19 pandemic By European Commission
Target Countries 20 countries including India, where Risk Groups Individuals with weakened immunity due to
three-quarters of the children who diabetes, heart disease, kidney diseases, etc.
missed vaccinations in 2021 live
What is a It is a type of vaccine that is made by taking
Key Activities Strengthen healthcare workforces, “non-live, a small piece of the germ (and not the whole
improve health service delivery, recombi- germ) that causes a disease and using it to
build demand for vaccines, and ad- nant sub- stimulate the body’s immune system to pro-
dress obstacles to restoring immu- unit vac- duce a response.
nization cine”?
Current coverage In India, full immunization coverage
among 12–23-month-old children
increased from an estimated 62% 76. CDSCO
in 2015–2016 to 76% in 2019–2020. Context:
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has is-
About Immunisa- It has set a target of avoiding 50 mil-
sued an alert listing 48 commonly used medicines, as they
tion Agenda 2030 lion vaccine-preventable infections
failed the latest drug safety alert issued by the drug regula-
(launched in 2021) in this decade; It intends to reduce
tor
the number of zero-dose children
by 50%. And achieve 90% cover-
age for essential vaccines given in About CDSO
childhood and adolescence. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (HQ:
New Delhi) is India’s national regulatory body for cosmet-
ics, pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Responsibilities Regulatory control over the import of
75. SHINGRIX drugs, approval of new drugs and clin-
ical trials,
Context: Ministry Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pharma has announced the launch of
Enabling Legisla- Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and
the Shingrix vaccine in India for the prevention of shingles
tion Rules 1945
(herpes zoster) and post-herpetic neuralgia in adults aged 50
years and above.

www.insightsonindia.com 183
 Current Affairs 30

Key Functions Approval of Drugs, Conduct of Clinical

Trials, laying down standards for Drugs,
Control over the quality of imported
Drugs, Coordination of the activities of
State DCOs by providing expert advice;
approval of certain licenses as Central
License Approving Authority
Joint Responsi- Grant of licenses of certain special-
bility with State ized categories of critical Drugs such as
Regulators blood and blood products, Vaccine
CDSCO is headed by the Drug Controller General of India

ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE & CON-

SERVATION

77. 1ST EVER INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ZERO

WASTE

Context:
The first-ever International Day of Zero Waste was celebrat- 78. GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH
ed on March 30, 2023, to encourage people to prevent and Context:
minimize waste and promote a circular economy and help A new study published in the Nature Ecology & Evolution
achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (11 and 12). journal reveals those dozens of coastal invertebrate organ-
isms, including tiny crabs and anemones, have been able to
• Established by: The United Nations Environment
survive and reproduce on plastic debris in the Great Pacific
Programme (UNEP) and UN Human Settlements Pro-
Garbage Patch
gramme (UN-Habitat)
• Objective: To raise awareness about zero-waste ini- Key findings:
tiatives and their importance in tackling the global • Plastic pollution in the ocean might be enabling the
waste crisis. creation of new floating ecosystems of coastal spe-
cies that are not normally able to survive in the open
ocean
The USA generates more waste than any other nation in the
world with 4.5 pounds (2 kg) of municipal solid waste (MSW)
per person per day. In comparison, the average per capita
waste in India is about 670 grams per day.

Related news: Swachhotsav 2023

Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs launched Swa-
chhotsav 2023 campaign to galvanise the participation
of women to realize the goal of ‘Garbage Free Cities’ and
help 1,000 cities become 3-star Garbage Free Cities (GFC)
by October 2024 under the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban
(SBM-U)
Star Rating (launched in 2018 under SBM-U 2.0) aims to
encourage a competitive, mission-mode spirit among Ur-
ban Local Bodies (ULBs).

ODF Plus villages in India increased from about 7% in 2022

to 40% in March 2023

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Current Affairs 30

79. OZONE POLLUTION Government Initiatives towards Green Steel:

Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga project in Eastern India, which
Context: can provide gas to all the Steel plants.
As per the CPCB, Ground-level ozone (O3) has started to
emerge as Delhi’s lead pollutant during the day, particularly 81. AMRIT SAROVAR MISSION
after rain, according to data from the Central Pollution Con-
trol Board (CPCB)
Amrit Sarovar Mission (launched on 24th April 2022) to
develop and rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each district
About Ground-level Ozone:
of the country, creating 50,000 water bodies of a size of
It is a type of pollutant that is produced when two prima-
about an Acre or more, as part of the celebration of Azadi
ry pollutants, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic com-
ka Amrit Mahotsav.
pounds, react in sunlight and stagnant air. It is referred to
as a “secondary” pollutant because it is not directly emit- About Details
ted, but rather formed through chemical reactions between Ministries In- Department of Rural Development, De-
these primary pollutants. volved partment of land resources, Department
of Drinking Water and Sanitation, De-
partment of Water Resources, Ministry
Type of Location Effects Government of Panchayati Raj, and MoFECC
ozone efforts
Collaborations The mission utilizes Mahatma Gandhi
G o o d S t r a t o - Forms a pro- Kigali Amendment with various NREGS, XV Finance Commission Grants,
o z o n e sphere tective layer and Montreal Pro- Schemes PMKSY sub-schemes such as Watershed
(Useful) that shields us tocol to phase Development Component, and Har Khet
from harmful down ozone-de- Ko Pani besides States’ own schemes.
UV rays pleting gases
Target To be completed by 15th August 2023
B a d T r o p o - Harmful air Shifting to BS-VI
People’s Par- Local freedom fighters, their family mem-
o z o n e sphere pollutant; compliant vehi-
ticipation bers, Martyr’s family members, Padma
( H a r m - (Ground causes dam- cles, shutting down
Awardees and citizens of the local area
ful) l e v e l age to crops of thermal power
wherein an Amrit Sarovar is to be con-
Ozone) and forests, plant, banning of
structed, will be engaged at all stages.
respiratory garbage burning,
system irrita- GRAP, the launch About Azadi Ka Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrates 75
tion, worsens of NCAP, setting Amrit Mahot- years of independence and the glorious
lung condi- up monitoring net- sav history of its people, culture and
tions work for air quality achievements.
assessment
Period: From 12th March 2021 (starting
the 75-week countdown) to 15th Au-
About CPCB:
gust 2023 (to our 75th anniversary of
The Central Pollution Control Board of India (est. 1974; independence)
HQ: New Delhi) is a statutory organization under the Min-
istry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It was
established in 1974 under the Water Act, 1974, but is en- 82. DETECTING TOXIC POLLUTANTS
trusted with the powers and functions under the Air Act,
1981.
Context:
Scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Scienc-
80. GREEN STEEL es (CeNS) have developed a new low-cost substrate that can
increase the sensitivity of Surface-enhanced Raman spec-
troscopy (SERS), to help detect pollutants particles such as
Context:
N-nitroso diphenylamine (NDPhA), a potent carcinogen and
The Union Minister of Steel and Civil Aviation approved 13
a severe threat to mankind
Task Forces for defining the roadmap for ‘Green Steel’.

What is Raman spectroscopy?

About Green Steel:
Raman spectroscopy is a scientific technique that helps to
The term ‘Green Steel’ refers to a steelmaking pro-
cess that lowers greenhouse gas emissions, cuts costs and identify and study the properties of different materials. It
improves the quality of steel. works by shining a laser beam on a sample and measur-

www.insightsonindia.com 185
 Current Affairs 30
ing the scattered light that comes back. This scattered light Impact of this increasing heat absorption:
contains information about the chemical composition and
Earth Sys- Impact of Increasing Heat Absorption
structure of the material being studied, which can be used
tem Com-
to identify different molecules and compounds.
ponents
Land Increased ground surface temperatures
Trigger decomposition of soil organic matter
and plant litter by soil microbes will re-
lease carbon dioxide in the process. Higher
soil respiration can decrease soil water.
W a t e r Heat storage within inland water bodies 
Sir C.V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in Bodies An increase in lake water temperatures
1930 for his work on Raman spectroscopy. Making conditions ripe for algal blooms
T r o p o - The lower atmosphere, also known as the
sphere troposphere, is warming up due to increased
83. SAFETY ACROSS ASIA FOR THE GLOBAL heat accumulation, especially in the upper
ENVIRONMENT (SAFE) troposphere in the tropics Changes in the
Earth’s climate, circulation and weather pat-
Context: China is not participating in a United Nations proj- terns.
ect called Safety Across Asia for the cause the spread of in- C r y o - Increased heat uptake  Melting of ground-
fectious diseases from animals to humans. Also, Vietnam sphere ed and floating ice less albedo effect 
and Laos have yet to approve the surveys. Contribute significantly to the overall cryo-
sphere heat gain
About SAFE:
The project aims to prevent future pandemics due to zoo- What is Earth’s Energy Imbalance?
notic, or animal-to-human, disease transmission. It refers to the difference between the amount of energy
• Launched in 2021 (will run until 2024) that the Earth receives from the Sun and the amount of en-
• Coordinated by: United Nations Office on Drugs and ergy that it radiates back to space.
Crime (monitors illegal wildlife trafficking) • Positive EEI: When this imbalance is positive, it
• Funded by the European Union means that more energy is entering the Earth’s
• Four Asian countries - China, Thailand, Vietnam and system than is leaving it, which leads to a warming
Laos - were initially selected for the survey under planet.
the project • Significance: EEI is an important indicator of climate
change and provides an estimate of how much and
It is believed that the strain of coronavirus that caused the how fast the Earth’s climate is warming.
COVID-19 disease was first identified in the Chinese city of
Wuhan’s wet market in December 2019. China has since
banned the sale and consumption of food from wildlife an-
imals.

84. HUMAN-INDUCED PLANET-WARMING:

EARTH ENERGY IMBALANCE

Context:
A new study (published in the journal Earth System Science
Data) warns that human-induced climate change is affecting
Earth’s energy balance.

85. MAJOR ECONOMIES FORUM (MEF) ON

What does the study say?
Over the last 50 years, about 89% of the accumulated heat
ENERGY AND CLIMATE
is stored in the ocean, 6% on land, a per cent in the atmo-
sphere, and about 4% available for melting the cryosphere.

186 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Context: Definition
The Leaders Meeting of the Major Economies Forum on En-
ergy and Climate Change has acknowledged climate change
as a major challenge.
• The meeting was attended by the Heads of State
and Ministers of 20 major economies of the world.

About MEF:
Description A carbon credit is a permit allowing the
Purpose Facilitating dialogue among major emit- emission of one ton of greenhouse gases
ting countries (both developed and devel- per permit. They are periodically awarded
oping) to advance efforts against climate to companies contributing to pollution in
change order to limit their emissions while allow-
Y e a r 2009 by US President Barack Obama ing them to sell the extra credits to another
Launched company that needs them.
Members 20 major economies including India, Aus- Trading Allowance-based: regulated entities re-
tralia, Brazil, China, UK, UAE, etc. Mechanism ceive a certain number of allowances
(credits) for emissions; can buy and sell this
GDP and GHG MEF economies account for roughly 80%
o meet compliance obligations or generate
Emissions of global GDP and global greenhouse gas
revenue through excess credits
(GHG) emissions
Offset-based: voluntary offsets created by
Focus Achieving International Energy Agen-
emissions reductions projects (e.g., renew-
cy’s (IEA’s) “Credible Pathways to 1.5°C”,
able energy) that are verified, registered,
through Decarbonizing Energy; Reducing
and sold to companies or individuals look-
deforestation to net zero; Launching a
ing to reduce their carbon footprint
Methane Finance Sprint to cut methane
emissions; Accelerating hydrofluorocar- Market Size Global market estimated to be worth $60
bon (HFC) phasedown under Kigali Amend- billion in 2021, expected to reach $100 bil-
ment; Accelerate CCUS technologies lion by 2030
through a COP 28 Carbon Management Types of Certified Emissions Reductions (CERs),
Challenge Credits Emission Reduction Units (ERUs), Verified
Emission Reductions (VERs), Renewable
Energy Certificates (RECs), etc.
86. FARMING: CARBON CREDIT MARKET Benefits Encourages emissions reductions and sus-
tainable practices, generates revenue for
Context: companies, creates opportunities for in-
The Uttar Pradesh government has launched an agroforest- vestment in emissions reduction projects,
ry project in partnership with The Energy and Resource In- contributes to global climate goals
stitute (TERI) to link farming with the global carbon credit
market and generate additional rural income. Challenges Ensuring accuracy and reliability of emis-
sions measurement and verification, pre-
About the carbon credit market: venting fraud and double-counting, es-
Information tablishing clear standards and regulations,
addressing concerns around offset quality
and additionality
India’s posi- India is among the top producers and ex-
tion porters of carbon credits in the world
India’s Green Reducing GHG emissions by 45%, generat-
Target (INDC) ing 50% of its power from renewable ener-
gy sources and reaching net zero emissions
by 2070.

Read about Draft Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

www.insightsonindia.com 187
 Current Affairs 30

87. 2ND NORTH SEA SUMMIT 88. USE OF HYDROGEN IN THE STEELMAK-
ING
Context:
Nine European countries have convened for a summit aimed Context:
at boosting the deployment of offshore wind turbines in the A recent study by German researchers suggests that hydro-
North Sea to make it the largest green energy centre in Eu- gen could be used for steelmaking instead of Carbon.
rope.
What is steel?
About the 2nd North Sea Summit: Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon with improved strength
Location Ostend, Belgium and fracture resistance compared to other forms of iron.
Participants 7 EU countries: Belgium, Denmark, Strong steel consists of a tiny amount – less than 1% – of
France, Germany, Ireland, Luxem- carbon.
bourg, Netherlands Issues with the current method of steelmaking:
2 non-EU countries: Norway, and the The current method of steelmaking— the blast furnace/
United Kingdom basic oxygen furnace route, and the electric arc furnace
route—contributes to 5-7% of global emissions. Making one
Objective Accelerate deployment of offshore
tonne of steel releases 1.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide
wind turbines to make the North Sea
the “largest green energy centre in Traditional Steelmaking New Steelmaking Process
Europe” Process Using Hydrogen
Targets 120 GW offshore wind energy capac- Iron oxide is heated with Iron oxide is reacted with hy-
ity by 2030, and 300 GW by 2050 coke (coal with high car- drogen in a direct reduction
Previous Declara- The first summit in 2022 had Esbjerg bon content) at 1,700°C reactor.
tion Declaration (signed by Belgium, Den- inside a blast furnace.
mark, Germany, and the Netherlands Carbon reacts with oxygen Hydrogen reacts with oxygen
in 2022) to form carbon dioxide, in iron oxide, producing wa-
Key Announce- The Netherlands and the United leaving iron with around ter vapour as a byproduct.
ment Kingdom announced a new intercon- 4% carbon behind.
nection to link a Dutch offshore wind Iron is remelted and ox- Creating a “microfracture
farm to the UK ygen is blown through it, structure” on the iron ox-
About Offshore They generate electricity using wind producing more carbon ide feedstock to encourage
wind turbines power in bodies of water and are dioxide and reducing the the creation of channels that
larger than onshore turbines, built to amount of carbon in the drain trapped water and al-
withstand harsh weather conditions iron to a desirable level. low hydrogen to replace it in
and strong winds. The electricity gen- the reaction.
erated is transmitted to the shore via
undersea cables. Of the total power Thus, the new process releases significantly less Green
from wind, 93% comes from onshore House gas.
systems and the rest only 7% off-
shore wind farms.
India’s status:
About the North India is the world’s second-largest steelmaker, having pro-
Sea duced 118.2 million tonnes in 2021.

89. BLUEWASHING

Context:
A report released by the International Panel of Experts on
Sustainable Food Systems (IPES) “Who’s tipping the scales”,
states that corporations are increasingly controlling global
food governance through various means such as lobbying,
The North Sea lies between Great political and institutional donations, market power, shap-
Britain, Denmark, Norway, Germany, ing trade and investment rules, and influencing research and
the Netherlands, Belgium and France. innovation.

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Current Affairs 30
Comparison of Greenwashing and Bluewashing: Context:
Greenwashing Bluewashing West Bengal recently notified four more biodiversity heri-
tage sites (BHS), taking the tally in the state to eight.
Definition A marketing A marketing tactic used by
tactic used by companies to deceive con- • The four new sites are Char Balidanga and the state
companies to sumers into believing that Horticulture Research and Development Station
deceive con- they are working towards campus in Deypara — both in Nadia, Namthing
sumers into achieving sustainable use Pokhar in Darjeeling and the Amkhoi Fossil Park in
believing that and conservation of food Birbhum.
their products systems and water bodies.
or services are
environmen-
tally friendly or
sustainable.
Example A clothing com- An oil and gas company
pany claiming claiming to be a leader
their clothes in protecting the ocean,
are eco-friend- while continuing to engage
ly, but still using in deep-sea oil drilling and
unsustainable other activities that harm
materials and marine ecosystems.
manufacturing
practices.

90. INDIA-UK NET ZERO INNOVATION VIR-

TUAL CENTRE

Context: India and the United Kingdom will create India-UK

NET Zero Innovation Virtual
Centre
Related News:
About India-UK NET Zero Innovation Virtual Centre: Context: The ₹300 crores Chengalpattu Botanical Garden
Purpose To bring stakeholders from both coun- (in Tamil Nadu) is being planned across 138 hectares. It will
tries together to work in some of the be India’s largest botanical garden.
focus areas including decarbonization
of manufacturing processes & trans- What are Botanical Gardens?
port systems, and green hydrogen as Botanical gardens are outdoor spaces dedicated to the cul-
a renewable source tivation and display of a wide variety of plants. The oldest
Announced It was announced during the India-UK of the Indian Botanic gardens called the Acharya Jagadish
Science & Innovation Council meet- Chandra (AJC) Bose Indian Botanic Garden, in Howrah was
ing established in 1787.
Other initiatives UK’s International Science Partner-
between India ships Fund (Newton-Bhabha fund); About Botanical Survey of India
and UK UK-India scientific ‘deep sea voy- The Botanical Survey of India (est. 1890; under MoEFCC;
age (for carrying out scientific studies) HQ: Kolkata) is a premier organization in India responsible
and ‘space parks’ (manufacturing hub for undertaking scientific research and documentation of
for space-related technology) part- the country’s plant diversity.
nership; India-UK Neutron Scattering Top of Form
Workshop; India-UK iSiS project (for
neutron and muon science); UK-India
Tech Partnership (2018) 92. ECO-SENSITIVE ZONES
Context:
The Supreme Court of India has modified its earlier judg-
91.BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITES (BHS) ment that mandated a minimum one-kilometre eco-sensi-

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 Current Affairs 30
tive zone around protected forests, national parks, and wild- Activities Activities that can be regulated include
life sanctuaries across the country. mining, construction, and tourism
Changed Order: Size As per National Wildlife Action Plan
Aspect Previous Changed Order (2002-2016), land within 10 km of the
2022 Order boundaries of national parks and wild-
M i n i m u m 1 km ESZ cannot be uniform life sanctuaries is to be notified as ESZ.
ESZ distance across the country and has However, its size can vary depending on
to be “protected area-spe- the location and specific needs of the
cific”. protected area
Applicability Applied uni- Not applicable to ESZs for Notification ESZs are designated by the Ministry
of order versally to which draft and final notifi- of Environment, Forests and Climate
all protected cations have been issued by Change (MoEF&CC) (under the Envi-
areas MoEF&CC and in respect of ronment Protection Act, 1986)
proposals. Importance ESZs are crucial for maintaining the eco-
Mining al- Not specified, No mining is allowed, ei- logical balance, and integrity and pro-
lowed but implied ther within national parks tecting the wildlife of India
to be allowed and sanctuaries or in a 1 km
within ESZ radius.
93. NETRAVALI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
D e v e l o p - Not specified, Any developmental ac-
ment activi- but subject to tivities undertaken with-
ties restrictions in ESZs should follow the Context: The black panther was rescued and will be released
MoEF&CC 2011 guidelines into the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary in South Goa
and provisions of the 2022 About the Sanc- Description
Office Memorandum by tuary
MoEF&CC Location Situated in the Sanguem Taluka in
Exception Not specified Where national parks and Eastern Goa.
sanctuaries are located on River River Netravali or Neturli originates
inter-state borders or share in this sanctuary. It is an important
common boundaries. tributary of the Zuari River.
Neighboring Sanc- Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctu-
Why SC changed its 2022 order? tuaries ary and the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctu-
• The earlier order had affected hundreds of villages in ary lie to the north.
the peripheries of forests, Waterfalls Has two all-season waterfalls, name-
• The stringent observance of the judgment would ham- ly Savri and Mainapi.
per the development of basic infrastructure like schools, Flora Predominantly moist deciduous type
dispensaries, and roads, and affect eco-development ac- forest with patches of semi-ever-
tivities around national parks and sanctuaries. green forest in the valleys
• The order would also impact certain projects of nation-
Fauna Indian gaur, spotted deer, sambar
al and strategic importance such as the construction of
deer, barking deer, wild boar, black-
national highways, railways, defence-related infrastruc-
faced langur, Great Pied Hornbills,
ture, etc.
Black Panther, Slender Loris and the
Giant Squirrel.
About Eco-sensitive zone:
Other Protected Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mhadei
Definition Areas in Goa Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Ma-
E c o - s e n s i t i v e An area around a protected area like a haveer Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife
zone (ESZ) national park or wildlife sanctuary Sanctuary, Mollem National Park,
Purpose To conserve the biodiversity and eco- and Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
systems of protected areas by regulat- About Panther A black panther is the melanistic co-
ing human activities lour variant (increased development
Regulations The government can regulate and re- of the dark-coloured pigment) of any
strict certain activities in ESZs through Panthera, particularly of the leopard
guidelines and laws in Asia and Africa, and the jaguar in
the Americas.

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94. ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK GETS A 95. Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary

FERNARIUM
Context:
Context: Eravikulam National Park (ENP), the natural habi- The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh is set
tat of Nilgiri tahr in Munnar, has a new attraction — a Fer- to become a tiger reserve, according to the National Tiger
narium set up inside the park. Conservation Authority (NTCA).

Fernarium: What is the issue?

• A fernarium is a type of botanical garden or greenhouse The announcement has caused concern among the Idu
that specializes in cultivating and displaying various Mishmi people who believe that the reserve would restrict
species of ferns. their access to the forest.
• Ferns are part of the Epiphytic family. They grow natu-
rally in a soilless condition. The plants obtain water and Who are Idu Mishmis?
nutrients through leaching from trees. They are a sub-tribe of the Mishmi group (the other two
• Ferns are a diverse group of plants that do not produce Mishmi groups are Digaru and Miju) in Arunachal Pradesh
flowers or seeds but instead reproduce through spores. and have a strong connection to the region’s flora and fauna.
According to Idu mythology, tigers are their “elder broth-
About Eravikulam National Park: ers,” and their belief system of myths and taboos protects
• Declared a Sanctuary in 1975 and later a National Park many animals, including a prohibition on killing tigers.
(1978) with the intention of protecting the indigenous
population of Nilgiri Tahr (highly endangered mountain Idu Mishmis are an example of a ‘cultural model of conser-
goat). vation’ and they support wildlife protection.
• “Neelakurinji”, the flower that blooms once in twelve
years grows here.
• The highest peak south of the Himalayas – the Anamudi About Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary
is located here. Location Near Anini district in Arunachal
Pradesh (Eastern Himalayas)
Derived Name The Dibang River, a tributary of the
Brahmaputra River
Located within Di- Adjacent to the Mouling National
hang-Dibang Bio- Park, Dibang WLS was established in
sphere Reserve the 1980s. Later in 1988, as per the
guidelines of UNESCO, together these
areas became part of the Dibang Bio-
sphere Reserve, one of the major
bio-diversity hotspots of the world.
Altitude Ranges from 1800m to 5000m
Vegetation Temperate broad-leaved forests,
temperate conifer forests (Rhodo-
dendron, Bamboo, Gregaria, Tsuga,
etc.), and alpine vegetation at higher
altitudes
Wildlife Mishmi takin, Asiatic black bear, ti-
gers, Gongshan muntjac, Red panda,
Red goral, and Musk deer

About NTCA:
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (est. 2005; HQ:
New Delhi) was established following a recommendation
of the Tiger Task Force, constituted by the Prime Minister
of India for reorganised management of Project Tiger and
the many Tiger Reserves in India. It is chaired by the Minis-
ter for Environment and Forests.

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96. GANDHI SAGAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Context:
Madhya Pradesh will develop the Gandhisagar Sanctuary as
a second home for cheetahs within six months to retain the
state’s tag as the “Cheetah State”.

Why develop a second home?

The move comes after experts suggested that Kuno National
Park, the current home for cheetahs, does not have enough
space for all of them. Recently, two Cheetah (translocated
under The Cheetah Project) died.

About Gandhisagar Sanctuary:

About Description
Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary situated
on the northern boundary of the Mandsaur and Nimach
districts in Madhya Pradesh (adjoining Rajasthan)
Year of creation 1974
Landscape Vast open landscapes, rocky terrain
Vegetation Northern tropical dry deciduous for-
est, mixed deciduous forest, and scrub Prelims Links
Flora Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)
Palash 1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first pro-
Fauna Chinkara, Nilgai, Spotted Deer, Indian posed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club
Leopard, Striped Hyena, Jackal, croco- of Rome’.
diles, fish, otters, and turtles 2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be
Places of Interest Chaurasigarh, Chaturbhujnath temple, achieved by 2030.
Bhadkaji rock paintings, Narsinghjhar Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Hinglajgarh fort, Taxakeshwar temple (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: B

SPACE

98. TITAN

Context:
NASA’s Dragonfly mission to explore Titan is scheduled for
launch in 2027, and the spacecraft is expected to arrive at
its destination in around 2034. The Dragonfly mission is part
of NASA’s ‘New Frontiers’ programme, which also includes
the New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt; Juno
DISASTER MANAGEMENT to Jupiter; and OSIRIS-REx to the asteroid Bennu.

97.CONFERENCE ON DISASTER RESILIENT About Titan:

INFRASTRUCTURE • Titan is the second largest moon (Saturn’s) in our
solar system (after Jupiter’s Ganymede).

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• It is larger than Mercury and has lakes, rivers, loy as the coolant. A thermoelectric enriched ura-
clouds, and rain of methane on the surface. nium fuel with zirconium hydride as a moderator
• Titan’s building blocks are expected to be similar to converter was used to directly convert heat from
those on the earth before life took root. While both the reactor into electricity.
the earth’s and Titan’s atmospheres contain abun- • Russia has sent quite a few of them, including one
dant nitrogen, Titan lacks oxygen. that crashed and scattered radioactive debris over
• The presence of methane and nitrogen in Titan’s Canada in 1978.
atmosphere could allow their component atoms
– carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen – to potentially
exist and recombine to form a rich variety of organic
101. ONE OF THE BIGGEST KNOWN BLACK
compounds. HOLES DISCOVERED

Context:
99. REUSABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE AUTONO-
Astronomers have discovered one of the biggest black holes
MOUS LANDING MISSION (RLV LEX) ever found, using gravitational lensing.

About Gravitational Lensing:

• Gravitational lensing is the name given to the phe-
nomenon where a foreground object—a galaxy or
a black hole—bends the light from a more distant
object behind it, magnifying it in the process.

How was the discovery made?

• The researchers used supercomputer simulations
that simulated light from a faraway galaxy travel-
ling through the Universe hundreds of thousands
of times. Each of the simulations had a black hole
of a different mass, changing the light’s journey to
Earth.
• When the researchers included an ultra-massive
black hole in one of the simulations, the path taken
by the light exactly matched the path seen in actual
images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.
• This helped them discover the ultra-massive black
hole, over 30 billion times the mass of our Sun, in
the foreground galaxy.
100. SNAP-10A This new approach taken by the researchers could make it
possible to study inactive black holes in distant galaxies,
Context: Launched on April 3, 1965, SNAP-10A was the which is not currently possible using existing techniques.
world’s first operational nuclear reactor in space. While it
still remains in orbit, it was operational for just 43 days. 102. ARTIFICIAL METEOR SHOWERS COULD
SOON BE A REALITY: REPORT
About nuclear reactors:
A class of devices that contain and control sustained nucle-
ar chain reactions, these systems are at the heart of any Context:
nuclear power plant. According to a report, Tokyo-based ALE is set to launch the
satellite in 2025 and it hopes to give people all over the
world “the opportunity to view the world’s first live hu-
Nuclear Reactor in Earth orbit: man-made meteor shower.”
• The U.S.’ first and only known space nuclear reac-
• The project is called Sky Canvas and it is designed to
tor, the SNAP-10A was the result of the govern-
collect atmospheric data in the mesosphere, which
ment-sponsored System for Nuclear Auxiliary Pow-
is the third layer of the atmosphere.
er (SNAP) programme, also known as SNAPSHOT
• ALE plans to do this by using a pressure-driven sys-
for Space Nuclear Auxiliary Power Shot.
tem of gas tanks that will shoot pellets at a speed
• The SNAP reactors had liquid sodium-potassium al-
of 8 kilometres per second.

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 Current Affairs 30
About meteor showers: About MeerKAT:
• A natural meteor shower happens when our planet MeerKAT is an array of 64 large antenna dishes in the Meer-
passes through the trail of debris left by a comet or kat National Park, in the Northern Cape of South Africa. It
an asteroid. uses radio signals from space to study the evolution of the
• Meteors are chunks of rocks and ice that are eject- universe and everything it contains
ed from comets as they orbit the Sun.
• Around 30 meteor showers that are visible to ob- Findings:
servers on Earth occur every year and some of them Using a coding framework called Astronomaly, astronomers
have been observed for centuries. discovered a potential Odd Radio Circle, which they named
SAURON. SAURON is the first scientific discovery made in
MeerKAT data with machine learning.

What are Odd Radio Circles?

In astronomy, an Odd Radio Circle is a very large, unexplained
astronomical object that, at radio wavelengths, is highly cir-
cular and brighter along its edges.

103. LIGO-INDIA

105. TEMPO

Context:
The Tropospheric Emissions Monitoring of Pollution (TEM-
PO) instrument is a new device launched by SpaceX Falcon 9
rocket that will enable scientists to track air pollution over
North America comprehensively from space, down to the
neighbourhood level (i.e., 10sq KM range)

Other features:
• Coverage area: Greater North America, from Puerto
Rico to Canada
• Orbit: Geostationary
• Monitoring: Hourly basis during daytime
• Pollutants monitored: Nitrogen dioxide, produced
from the combustion of fossil fuels, formaldehyde,
and ozone.

104. MEERKAT RADIO TELESCOPE

106. COPERNICUS PROGRAMME
Context:
Astronomers used machine learning to mine data from Context: March 2023 saw variations on several meteoro-
South Africa’s MeerKAT telescope logical fronts, according to the Copernicus Climate Change
Service (C3S) (data gathered from the satellite under the Co-
pernicus programme)

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Current Affairs 30
What is C3S? Importance First discovered by astronomer Galileo Gal-
The C3S is a monthly climate bulletin of the European Com- of Jupiter’s ilei more than 400 years ago, Jupiter’s icy
mission to report the changes observed in global surface air moon moons have huge oceans of liquid water
temperature, sea ice cover and hydrological variables. -- the main ingredient for life as we know
it. That has made Ganymede and Europa
About Copernicus programme prime candidates in the search for life.
Description Ganymede It is the Solar System’s largest moon and
About Copernicus is the Earth observation com- the only one that has its own magnetic field,
ponent of the European Union Space Pro- which protects it from radiation.
gramme (started in 2014) Europa It is believed that underneath Jupiter’s Eu-
Purpose To provide accurate, timely and easily ac- ropa’s icy surface, the amount of water is
cessible information to improve the man- twice that on Earth. NASA is expected to
agement of the environment, understand launch its Europa Clipper in 2024 to gather
and mitigate the effects of climate change data on Europa’s atmosphere, surface and
and ensure civil security interior.
Launched by European Commission (EC) in partnership Significance The first time the ESA has sent a spacecraft
with European Space Agency (ESA) beyond the asteroid belt.
Services pro- Land management, Marine environment,
vided Emergency response, Security, Climate 108. RESOURCES AT MOON
change
Satellites Copernicus is served by a set of dedicat- Context:
ed satellites (the Sentinel families of sat- China plans to start building a lunar base using soil from the
ellites) moon in the next five years, with a team designing a robot
Launch Sentinel series of satellites (starting from named “Chinese Super Masons” to make bricks out of lunar
2014 and will place a constellation of al- soil.
most 20 more satellites in orbit before
2030)
About the mission:
• China aims to retrieve the world’s first soil sample
107. EUROPE’S JUICE MISSION from the far side of the moon in a mission around
2025
• Then China will launch the Chang’e-8 mission
Context: The European Space Agency’s JUICE spacecraft is to around 2028 for making bricks out of lunar soil
blast off on an eight-year journey through the Solar System

Importance of Moon:
About the JUICE mission:
Resource Description
Name JUICE (JUpiter ICy moons Explorer)
Helium-3 A rare isotope that is abundant on the
Launch Date April 2023 (scheduled) on the Ariane 5 rock- moon and can be used as fuel for nuclear
et for 8 years journey (arrival on Jupiter in fusion reactors.
2031); lift off from French Guiana
Water Water ice has been found in the moon’s
Goals Study Jupiter and its three largest moons polar regions. It offers a valuable re-
(Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa) to under- source for future lunar colonies or deep
stand if their oceans could have ever been space missions.
suitable habitats for life.
Metals The moon contains metals such as iron,
Agency European Space Agency (ESA) under its Cos- titanium, and aluminium, which could
mic Vision 2015-2025 programme be used for construction and manufac-
Instruments 10 scientific instruments, including an op- turing purposes.
tical camera, ice-penetrating radar, spec- Rare Earth Ele- The moon contains rare earth elements
trometer, and magnetometer. ments such as yttrium, lanthanum, and neo-
dymium. These resources could be mined
and used to support the development of
advanced technology in space.

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Solar Power The moon receives constant sunlight, 110. NISAR SATELLITE
making it an ideal location for solar pow-
er generation. How will NISAR map Himalayas’ seismic zones?
Launching Pad Moon can serve as the base for the ex- The satellite will use two frequency bands to image the seis-
ploration of other planets. mically active Himalayan region and every 12 days, create a
“deformation map” to give advance warning of land subsid-
Other missions on Moon: Artemis (NASA), Chandrayaan-3 ence and places that are at greatest risk from earthquakes.
(India), Chang’e (China) Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (Korea),
Luna 25 (Russia), SLIM (Japan)

109.YZ CETI B
Context: Astronomers have discovered a repeating radio
signal from YZ Ceti b, a rocky, Earth-sized exoplanet rotating
around a small red dwarf star only 12 light-years away from
Earth.
Significance: This discovery suggests the presence of a mag-
netic field around the planet, which is one of the prerequi-
sites for a habitable planet.

What is a Radio signal from Exo-Planets?

Radio signals from planets are electromagnetic waves that
are emitted naturally by planets in the radio frequency
range. The intensity and frequency of the radio signals vary
depending on the planet, its magnetic field, its atmosphere,
and other factors.

How Ceti b produce a radio signal?

The radio signals detected from YZ Ceti b are a result of the
interaction between the planet’s magnetic field and the star, 111. GAGANYAAN MISSION
and such signals can only be produced if the exoplanet orbits
very close to its parent star and has its own magnetic field to
influence the stellar wind and generate the signals.

What is Exoplanet?
An exoplanet, also known as an extrasolar planet, is a planet
that orbits a star other than our sun.

About Red Dwarf Stars:

They are small, low-mass, dim, and cool stars, they are the
most common and smallest in the universe. As red dwarfs
are dimmer than other stars, it is easier to find exoplanets
that surround them. Also, the habitable zone of red dwarf
stars is closer to the star than stars like our sun, making it
easier to observe potentially habitable planets

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112. TROJAN ASTEROIDS About Details

Context:
NASA’s Lucy mission has captured its first images of the Ju-
piter and Trojan asteroids using its high-resolution L’LORRI
camera

What are Trojan asteroids?

Trojan asteroids are a group of asteroids that share Jupiter’s
orbit around the sun. There are two groups of Trojan aster-
oids, the “Greeks,” which lead Jupiter in its orbit, and the
“Trojans,” which follow behind it.

Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS)

Purpose Designed to explore internal and enclosed
terrain structures to assess evidence for life
Focus It will help in finding life on the Enceladus
(6th largest moon on the Saturn), Martian po-
lar caps, descending crevasses in Earth’s ice
sheets
Propulsion EELS robot has an actuation and propulsion
and grip- mechanism driven by power and communi-
ping mech- cation electronics. It uses a rotating propul-
anism sion unit that acts as tracks, while the grip-
ping mechanism and propeller unit help it to
access a plume vent exit
Adaptabil- The robot’s adaptability to various terrains
ity and its unique features makes it capable of
Significance: exploring areas that were once inaccessible
These asteroids are believed to be ancient remnants from About En- Enceladus is about 500 kilometres in diame-
the early days of the solar system, and studying them can celadus ter and is mostly covered by fresh, clean ice,
provide insight into the formation and evolution of the plan- making it one of the most reflective bodies
ets. They hold clues to the formation of our solar system as of the Solar System. Also, Enceladus now ap-
they are gravitationally stable for billions of years. pears to meet all of the criteria for a habit-
able ocean.
About Lucy mission 114. QUASARS
The Lucy mission is a 12-year-long solar-powered mission
to study eight asteroids, covering a distance of over 6 bil-
lion km, to deepen the understanding of the “young solar
system”. The mission is named after ‘Lucy’ (a 3.2-million-
year-old species of hominins).
The mission is designed to understand the composition of
the diverse asteroids that are a part of the Trojan asteroid
swarms. It is the first spacecraft to be sent to study these
Trojan asteroids up close.

113. EXOBIOLOGY EXTANT LIFE SURVEYOR

(EELS)

Context:
NASA is developing a snake-like robot - EELS - which is ca-
pable of assessing evidence for life on extreme terrain and
outer planets.

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115. 3200 PHAETHON

SPECIES IN NEWS
Context: Phaethon, an asteroid that is the source of the an-
nual Geminid meteor shower, has been found to have a tail
made of sodium gas rather than dust as previously thought. 116.SHORT- Context: Short-beaked echid-
nas in Western Australia beat
BEAKED ECHID-
the heat by blowing mucus
About Phaethon NAS bubbles, according to research-
It is classified as an asteroid (the first to be discovered ers from Curtin University.
via satellite in 1983) and named after the Greek myth
It is 1 of 4 living species of
of Phaethon, son of the sun god Helios, due to its close
echidna. It is covered in fur
approach to Sun. It is blue in colour, which is rare for an
and spines and has a distinc-
asteroid.
tive snout and a specialized
Mystery Phaethon is an asteroid but it shows tongue, which it uses to catch
comet-like behaviour, by being the its insect prey (ant and termite)
source of the annual Geminid meteor at a great speed.
shower.
Mechanisms used by animals to stay cool: Dogs pant to
About the Gem- The Geminids are a prolific meteor cool off; Kangaroos lick their arms so that the evaporating
inid meteor shower caused by the object 3200 Phae- saliva cools the underlying blood vessels; Vultures squirt
shower thon, which is thought to be a Palladian watery poop on their naked legs; Birds and mammals fluff
asteroid with a “rock comet” orbit. The their feathers (to increase the air trapped near their skin
meteor shower peaks during mid-De- which acts as an insulator to regulate body temperature);
cember each year and is considered to Jackrabbits, increase blood flow to their ears which dissi-
be one of the best and most reliable an- pates heat more quickly.
nual meteor showers.
117. SNAILFISH: The fish - a type of snailfish -
Asteroid Vs An asteroid is a small rocky or metallic
FISH SWIMMING was filmed at a depth of 8,336m
in the Izu-Ogasawara Trench,
Comet body that orbits the Sun, while a comet MORE THAN 8KM south of Japan, using a robotic
is a small icy body that also orbits the UNDERWATER ‘lander’ submarine.
Sun but is composed of ice, dust, and • Snailfish belong to the
rock. Asteroids are generally solid and family of marine ray-finned
inactive, while comets are known for fishes.
their long tails created by the sublima- • No. of species: over 300
tion of their ice as they approach the species of snailfish in the
Sun. world and most of them
About Meteor A meteor, on the other hand, is a small can be found swimming in
particle, typically a piece of an asteroid shallow rivers.
or comet, that enters the Earth’s atmo- • In extreme conditions:
sphere and burns up due to the friction Some snailfish have adapt-
with the air. When a meteor enters the ed to live in the freezing
Earth’s atmosphere and starts to glow, it cold waters of the Arctic
is often referred to as a shooting star or and Antarctic, and in the
meteorite. extreme pressure condi-
tions in the world’s deepest
underwater trenches.
How do they survive under such immense pressure?
These deepwater snailfish have squishy, gelatinous bod-
ies, which help them to survive the crushing pressure. They
don’t have a swim bladder - an organ found in most fish
which controls their ability to float. In terms of food, these
fish are like little vacuum cleaners, that suck up scraps and
tiny crabs on the ocean floor.

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118. TAMIL NADU’S CUMBUM GRAPES Conservation status Near Threatened

Habitat Coastal mangrove forests in Eastern
India
Characteristics Forages on the ground and rests on
trees
First census location Coastal mangrove patches in Kend-
rapara and Jagatsinghpur districts,
Odisha, India

About Bhitarkanika National Park

It is the second-largest Mangrove ecosystem in India. It
is inundated with waters from rivers Brahmani, Baitarani,
Dhamra and Patasala forming a unique ecosystem. It is the
breeding place for the Salt Water Crocodiles. The Gahir-
matha Beach which forms the boundary of the sanctuary
in the east is the largest colony of the Olive Ridley Sea
Turtles.

120.TOQUE MACAQUES

About the grapes: Context: Sri Lanka is planning to export 1,00,000 toque ma-
Cumbum Panneer Thratchai, also known as Cumbum caques to China.
grapes, is a variety of grapes grown in the Cumbum Valley
located at the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, India. The toque macaque is endemic to Sri Lanka and classified
Features: as Endangered (IUCN). It is reddish-brown-coloured. The
• The grapes are medium to large in size, compact, most characteristic feature is the toque-like swirl of hair on
and suitable for making wine, spirits, jams, canned its head top.
grape juice, and raisins.
• Introduced in Tamil Nadu in 1832 by a French priest,
these grapes are rich in vitamins, tartaric acid, and
antioxidants, and reduce the risk of some chronic
diseases.

119.MANGROVE PITTA BIRD

A census of mangrove pitta birds

was conducted in two coastal
districts of Odisha, India, where
the nearly threatened species is
found.A total of 179 individual
mangrove pitta birds were count-
ed, with the highest concentration
found in the mangroves near the
Context: Mahipura river mouth inside the
Bhitarkanika National Park.
About Mangrove The mangrove pitta is a species of
Pitta bird passerine bird in the family Pittidae
native to the eastern Indian Sub-
continent and western Southeast
Asia.
Scientific name Pitta megharencha

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121. HELOPELTIS THEIVORA 123. INDIAN SKIMMERS

Context: The tea mosquito bug
(Helopeltis Theivora) is Context:
spreading rapidly and af- The Satkosia wildlife sanctuary in India has recorded the
fecting tea production in breeding of Indian Skimmers for the first time
both low and high-eleva-
tion plantations in South-
About Indian Skimmers:
ern India
Information
About the Bug: It is a major sucking pest
of tea (Camellia sinensis Common Name Indian Skimmer, Indian Scis-
L.) in most tea-producing sors-bill (Rynchops albicollis)
countries. The nymphs and
adults of the TMB suck the
sap from tender leaves,
buds and young shoots,
Native The Indian Skimmer is native to
which results in heavy crop
India, Bangladesh, Myanmar,
losses.
Nepal, Pakistan and Vietnam.
Prevention: It can be controlled by us-
Habitat Coastal estuaries, sandy lowland
ing synthetic pesticides.
rivers, lakes, marshes, estuaries
However, the 2014 Plant
Protection Code (PPC) Distribution Western and eastern India, with
from the Tea Board of India breeding locations mostly along
restricts the use of harmful the Chambal River in Central In-
pesticides to keep the tea dia
safe and free from harmful IUCN Endangered
pesticides CITES Status Not listed
Threats Habitat degradation, disturbanc-
India is the second highest producer of tea (China is the es near rivers
largest producer and consumer of tea) in the world and About Satkosia wildlife Located in Odisha on the banks
makes up over 12% of world exports. sanctuary of the Mahanadi River, the sanc-
tuary is one of the critical tiger
habitats by the National Tiger
122. BATS DYING OF HEAT STROKE Conservation Authority (NTCA).

124. GUM ARABIC

Context: Sudan’s eruption into conflict has affected the sup-

plies of gum Arabic across the world.

Gum arabic:
• It is a natural gum derived from the hardened sap of
two species of the Acacia tree - Senegalia Senegal
and Vachellia seyal.
• The gum is harvested commercially from wild trees,
mostly in Sudan (80%) and throughout the Sahel
(from Senegal to Somalia).
• Gum Arabic first found its way to Europe via Arabic
ports, hence the name.
• It is soluble in water, edible and used primarily in the
food industry and soft-drink industry as a stabiliser.
• It is also used in printing, paints, glues, cosmetics,
and viscosity control in inks and textile industries.

200 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Context:
India’s defence exports have increased tenfold in the last six
years (from about 1500cr in 206-17 to nearly 16000 cr by
2022-23)

Status of India in defence export:

• India exports to 85 countries- Top three recipients
are Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Armenia
• No. of firms involved: over 100
• Target: US $5 bn by 2024-25
Some of the schemes for defence export promotion:
• Institutional: Formulation of Defence export strat-
egy, Defence export steering committee and Ex-
port Promotion Cell (EPC)
• Negative list: India has formulated a negative list
of countries for defence export by the Ministry of
External Affairs (MEA)
• End-to-end online export authorisation
• Allowing FDI in defence up to 74% (by automatic
125. ’MIRCHA’ RICE route)
• Open General Export License (OGEL): An export
license to export specified items to specified des-
Context:
tinations.
Mircha’ rice of Bihar’s West Champaran has been awarded
the GI tag.
Related news: India may acquire a slew of American weap-
Features of the Rice: ons for its Navy - including Hellfire missiles and Mark 54
• Name: The size and shape of the grain appear like anti-submarine torpedoes for its MH-60 Romeo multirole
that of black pepper; hence it is known as Mircha or helicopters.
Marcha Rice.
• The grains and flakes of this rice have a unique aro- MK 54 lightweight torpedoes are USA’s primary anti-sub-
ma that makes it different. The cooked rice is fluffy, marine warfare weapon. It can track, classify, and attack
non-sticky, sweet and easily digestible with a pop- underwater targets.
corn-like aroma.

127. COPE INDIA

Context:
The Air Forces of India and the U.S. are set to conduct the
Cope India exercise at the Kalaikunda airbase in West Ben-
gal, with Japan as an observer.
Army YUDHABHAYAS & VAJRA PRAHAR
Navy MALABAR (Multilateral - Japan joined in 2015
and Australia in 2020)
Air Force RED FLAG 16-1

128. EXERCISE KAVACH

DEFENSE/SECURITY Exercise Kavach is a joint military exercise involving the as-
sets of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard conduct-
126. INDIA’S DEFENCE EXPORT ed at Andaman and Nicobar command.

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129. PRALAY MISSILES Description

Missile Type All-weather, over-the-horizon,
anti-ship missile
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing
Defense, USA)
Range of Fire 93 to 280 km
Flight Path Low-level, sea-skimming cruise
trajectory
Solid-fuel Rocket Used in surface ships, subma-
Booster rines, and coastal defence bat-
teries
Users About 30 nations, including India
Other Anti-ship mis- Anti-ship version of the BrahMos
siles with India supersonic cruise missile; indig-
enous Naval Anti-Ship Missile
(Short Range) or NASM-SR MIS-
SILE

131. COMMAND CYBER OPERATIONS AND

SUPPORT WINGS (CCOSWS)

130. ABOUT PRALAY MISSILES: Context:

The Indian Army has decided to create Command Cyber Op-
Feature Description
erations and Support Wings (CCOSWs) to assist its forma-
Missile Type Quasi-ballistic Surface-to-Surface mis- tions in dealing with cyberspace security challenges posed
sile by adversaries.
Range 150-500 km
Propulsion Solid-propellant rocket motor About CCOSWs:
Capabilities Ability to change path mid-air, evad- Topic Information
ing interceptor missiles
Purpose To assist Army formations in taking up
Target Designed to destroy enemy radar, cyberspace security challenges and
communication centres, airfields, and safeguard networks
command centres
Goal Increase preparedness levels in the
Developed by Defence Research and Development cyberspace domain
Organisation (DRDO)
Function Help Army formations in addressing
Deployment Indian Air Force and Indian Army cyberspace security challenges posed
Significance Pralay will be India’s first tactical qua- by adversaries. The Lead Directorates
si-ballistic missile and will give the and Test Bed formations will facilitate
armed forces the capability to hit en- the absorption of niche technologies
emy positions and key installations in and improve the exploitation of futur-
actual battlefield areas. istic technologies across the army.
Challenges Ad- Adversaries’ expansion of cyber war-
dressed fare capabilities, cyber-attacks on
critical infrastructure, digital illitera-
130. HARPOON MISSILES cy, import dependency on electronic
devices, lack of coordination among
Context: agencies, and inadequate infrastruc-
Taiwan to buy 400 US anti-ship missiles to face China threat ture and trained staff

About the Missile:

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Other Initiatives National Cyber Security Policy (2013); Reasons for im- Investments in Soft Infrastructure:
Taken by India Framework for enhancing Cyber Secu- provement in In- PM Gati Shakti Scheme; National Lo-
rity; Tri-service Defence Cyber Agency dia’s performance gistics Policy; Cargo Tracking, use of
(DCA); setting up of CERT-In and Na- RFID
tional Critical Information Infrastruc-
ture Protection Centre (NCIIPC) Investment in hard infrastructure
Initiatives taken US Cyber Command was established e.g., trade-related infrastructure; re-
by other countries in 2009; France adopted a national duction of delays in cargo tracking and
for cyberwarfare cyber security strategy in 2015; Chi- dwell times, etc.,
na’s Strategic Support Force in 2015;
Russian GRU; Israel’s Unit 8200; Investment in Technology: Digitalisa-
tion; implementation of supply chain
visibility platforms
Other initiatives Logistics Ease Across Different States
INDICES (LEADS) Report and LEADS Index

132. WORLD BANK’S LOGISTIC PERFOR-

MANCE INDEX 2023

Context:
India has climbed six places in the World Bank’s Logistic
Performance Index (LPI) 2023, now ranking 38th out of 139
countries (from 44 in 2018)

About LPI Description

Purpose Benchmarking tool to help countries
identify challenges and opportunities
they face in their performance on
trade logistics
Created By World Bank
Duration It comes out every two years (from
2010 to 2018); however, after the
COVID-19 break, the report has been
released now in 2023
Dimensions 6 (Customs, Infrastructure, Interna-
tional Shipments, Logistics Compe-
tence and Quality, Tracking and Trac-
ing, Timeliness). It ranks countries on
a scale of 0 to 5, with 5 being the high-
est score.
Top countries in Singapore and Finland
2023

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