CA 30 May 2023 Monthly

Lesser flamingos
After a 6-year absence, a group of lesser

flamingos have returned to Pulicat Lake in
Chennai.
CURRENT AFFAIRS 30
MAY 2023
.IW NSIGHTSONINDIA.CM
O
Current Affairs 30
4. India’s New Parliament: Need and Significance 29
INSIDE Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

5. Enforcement Directorate (ED) 31
6.National Human Rights Commission 32
Judiciary
GS PAPER 1 7. Article 142 33
Modern Indian History 8. Judicial recusals 34
9. Jallikattu, Kambala can go on in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka:
1. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore 8
SC 35
World History
Government Policies and Interventions for Development in
2. Israel-Palestinian issue: 75 years since the displacement of various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Im-
700,000 Palestinians 9 plementation
Society 10.Model Prisons Act 2023 36
3. Erosion of the traditional Indian family 10 11. Government Implements RPwD Act 2016 37
4. The battle to end child marriage 11 12. Labour Day 38
5. How prosperity fuels dowry demand in India 12 Issues Relating to the Development and Management of So-
Role of women and related Issues cial Sector/Services Relating to Health, Education, Human
Resources
6. Insufficient Representation of Women in India’s Workforce
14 13. Misleading food ads and regulations to curtail them 39
7. Sexual Harassment in Sports 15 14. Law to recall bad drugs 41
A. Issues with the Protection of Women from Sexual Harass- 15. An integrated system of medicine 42
ment (PoSH) Act 17 16. India@100: Resolving the tribal health challenge 43
Population and Related Issues 17. All-in-one insurance policy plan 44
8. Migration away from metros, towards small towns 17 18. COVID-19 is no more a public health emergency of inter-
national concern 45
Developmental issues, Urbanization, their problems and
19. UN Report: Improving Maternal and newborn health and
their remedies
Survival and reducing stillbirth 46
9. Smart Cities Mission 18
Issues Relating to Poverty and Hunger
Important Geophysical Phenomena
20. Poverty Estimation in India 47
10. El Niño likely to bring extreme weather across the world 21.The goal of zero hunger 48
19
A. Hunger Hotspots – FAO-WFP early warnings on acute food
11. Cyclones: How are cyclones formed and named? 19 insecurity 49
12. Deep Ocean currents in Antarctica are slowing down 20 22. Food Fortification: Benefits and associated risks 50
Reports & Indices Important aspects of governance, transparency and account-
13. Global Slavery Index 2023 21 ability, e-governance
14. Global Report on Internal Displacement 2023 (GRID- 23. Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) 51
2023) 22
Role of Civil Services in a Democracy
24. Code of Conduct for civil servants 52
GS PAPER 2 25. Gender Parity in Civil Services 53
Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and
Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure global groupings and agreements involving India and/or af-
fecting India’s interests.
1. Constitution Bench Verdict in Shiv Sena Case 23
2. Delhi Government Case Vs LG 24 26. India and BRICS 54
A. The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordi- 27. India-UAE CEPA 55
nance 2023 26 28. India-Maldives Relations 56
B. Power to promulgate/re-promulgate ordinances 27 29. Buddhism: India’s soft power projection tool 58
3. Water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana27 30. Strategic convergence between the US, UAE, Saudi Ara-
bia 59
Parliament
31. Quad Cooperation in Biotechnology 60
2 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
32. Forum for India Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) 61 21.NavIC satellite: Why a regional navigation system matters
33. G7: De-risking and Effective Climate Action 62 to India 89
Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
Countries on India’s Interests 22.Globalization and Climate Change 91
34. EU’s carbon border tax 63 23.Methane mitigation policies 92
35. Indian Diaspora: Sri Lanka’s Malaiyaha Tamils 64 24.Debt-for-climate swaps 92
Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their 25.Green Energy Open Access Rules, 2022 93
structure, mandate 26.Groundwater exploitation and sinking land 94
36. WTO: Outlawing India’s tech tariffs 65 27.Making Cities Climate-Ready 95
37. 76th World Health Assembly 66 28.The 2023-2033 Implementation Plan for Advancing Cli-
mate, Environment and Health Science 96
GS PAPER 3 29.Roadmap to energy justice 97
30.The Role of Small Modular Reactors in the Energy Transi-
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization 98
tion, of resources, growth, development and employment. 31.Land reclamation 99
1. GST has begun to show sustained growth 66 32.Global Land Outlook Report 100
2.Gig economy 68 33.Wildlife translocation programmes 101
3. Why has the RBI withdrawn Rs 2,000 notes? 69 Disaster management
4. RBIs report on currency and finance 70 34.Combating forest fires in Uttarakhand 102
5. RBI’s gold reserves 71 35.New ESCAP Study on Natural Disasters 103
6. Cross-Border Insolvency 72 Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
7. SAI20: Blueprint for a blue economy 73 36. Maoist challenge: Needs political understanding, not se-
8. National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS) 2021- curitization 104
22 74 37.Insurgency in Manipur 105
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Internal Security
9. Decarbonising transport sector 75 38. 25th anniversary of Pokhran-II 106
Economic Liberalization, Trade Agreement
10. TEPA between India and EFTA states 76 GS PAPER 4
Inclusive Growth 1. Ethical Issues with Remission 107
11. Financial Inclusion in Rural India 77
A. The financial inclusion of women 78 CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT (CME)
Agriculture
12.Agricultural exports-imports 79 1. NITI Aayog’s Compendium on Best Practices in Social Sec-
13.Making agri-commodity value chains sustainable 81 tor 2023 108
14.Direct-seeding method gains currency in India’s pad- a. Best Practices in ‘AGRICULTURE’ 108
dy-growing regions 82 b. Best Practices in ‘EDUCATION’ 108
15.GM food and sustainable food production 83 c. Best Practices in ‘SOCIAL WELFARE’ 109
Health d. Best Practices in ‘ENVIRONMENT’ 109
e. Best Practices in ‘SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY’ 110
16.WHO: Incentivising the development of new antibacterial
treatments 2023 84 F. Best Practices in SKILL DEVELOPMENT 110
17.Indian Pharma Industry 85 g.Best Practices in HEALTH & NUTRITION 110
h.Best Practices in Financial inclusion and Energy conserva-
Science and Technology
tion 111
18.“Risk-based” regulation for artificial intelligence (AI) 86 i. Best Practices in ‘E-governance and digitization’ 111
19.Decentralised renewable energy (DRE) technologies 88 j. Best Practices in Women’s Empowerment 112
Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology k.Best Practices in Sports and Disaster mitigation 112
20.India’s Women in Science 88 2.Colonel John Pennycuick 113
Space 3.Commander Abhilash Tomy 113
www.insightsonindia.com 3
Current Affairs 30
4.John Sullivan 113 50.Use of animals for espionage 125
5.Maria Mies 113 51.‘Shuttle Diplomacy’ 125
6.Neeraj Chopra 114
7.Georgi Gospodinov 114
8.L. Elayaperumal 114
FACTS FOR PRELIMS(FFP);
9.Tina Turner 114 GS PAPER 1
10.Richard Feynman: Think on your own 114
11.My life as a Comrade 115 Indian Heritage and Culture
12.Return to Roots 115 1. Thrissur Pooram 126
13.25 years of Kudumbashree 115 2. Vaisakh Purnima 126
14.Sachhi Saheli Mahila Agro Producer Company Limited 3. Mridangam 126
116 4. Sengol 127
15.Welfare fund for MGNREGS workers 116 5. Saraswati Yantra 127
16.Shramavahini 116 6. Tungnath temple 127
17.Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers Bill 116 7.Rang Ghar
18.Single-teacher schools (Jharkhand) 116 127
19.Changathi literacy examination 117 8. Santiniketan 128
20.Keep Underprivileged Youth Away from Drugs 117 9. Mohenjodaro’s Dancing Girl 128
21.Racism in football 117 10. Gongadi Shawls 128
22.Shift to Cash Transfer 117 11. Muziris 128
23.Freeing “dotted lands” 118 12. Pandya: Trade routes between Romans and Madurai129
24.Bihan Mela (Seed Festival) 118 13. Shilabhattarika 129
25.Total e-Governance Kerala’s declaration 118 14. Matrilineal Meghalaya 129
26.Punjab: Right to Walk 118 15.Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology
27.Agra Smart City 118 (CSTT) 130
28.Digital Tripura project 119 16. International Museum Expo 2023 130
29.India Data Capacity Accelerator 119 17. France’s Bastille Day celebrations 131
30.Sam Altman: Challenges and future of AI technology 119 Modern India / Personalities
31.Regulation of AI 119 18. Maharana Pratap 131
32.Thirsty AI 119 19. Samarth Ramdas and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 131
33.Giant Artificial Intelligence 120 20. Gopal Krishna Gokhale 132
34.’Odisha for Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘Artificial Intelli- Urbanization, their problems and their remedies
gence for Youth’ initiatives 120
21.Digital twins 132
35. WHO: Potential harm of using AI 120
36.Technophobia 121 Important Geophysical Phenomena/Geography
37.NYC skyscrapers turning to carbon capture 121 22. Blue Hole 132
38.Examples of initiatives under Mission LiFE 121 23.Seamounts 133
39.Bhopal and local SDGs 122 24. Palghat Gap 133
40.Ganga Prahari 122 25.Northern Lights In India 133
41.Disposable Diapers 122 26.India is heating up slower than the world average 133
42.Appointment of Sultan Al Jaber as the president-delegate A.Heat Index 133
of COP28 122
43.Saving Olive Ridley Turtles 122
44.Nature Education Centre 123
GS PAPER 2
45.Napier grass 123 Indian Constitution
46.Utilizing pine needles 123
1.Article 299 of the Constitution 134
47.Bushfire Management Program 123
Local Government
48.Heli-tourism 124
49.Riverine-Based Religious Tourism Circuit 124 2. Quota in Urban Local Bodies 134
Judiciary
Current Affairs 30
3. Hate Speech 135 22. Prices of Drugs going off-patent 145
4. Use of Regional Language in Courts 136 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population
5. Power to direct changes in STs list 136 23. Twenty Point Programme 145
A. Article 355 137
Issues relating to development and management of Social
Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Re-
sources.
24. ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ campaign 145
25.India’s Child Wasting 146
26.Programmes for Social Security Cover 146
27. Stars Programme 146
A. PARAKH 147
International Relations, News & Organizations
28.Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP)
147
29. India-Bangladesh rail link 148
31. ‘Route to Development’ 149
32. Washington Declaration 149
33.International Organization for Migration (IOM) 150
34. Migration, Mobility Pact with Australia (MMPA) 150
35. New Development Bank (NDB) 150
36. International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) 151
137 37. 75 years of UN Peacekeeping Forces 151
6. Anuradha Bhasin’s Case – Internet Shutdown 137 38. NATO Plus 152
7.Freedom to Protest 137 39.Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) 152
8. ‘Forum Shopping’ 138 A. IPEF Ministerial Meeting 152
9. Independence of District judiciary 138
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
GS PAPER 3
10. Cantonments 139 Economy, Banking, Energy, Infrastructure
Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Ac- 1. Robert Lucas’ rational expectation theory 152
countability, E-governance; Policy, Legislations
2. Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) 153
11. Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 140 3.ECL-based loan loss provisioning norms 153
12. National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) 140 4. Surety bonds 154
140 5.RBI payout to Government 154
13.e-Malkhana 140 6. SAMARTH campaign 154
14. National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) 140 7. Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) 155
15. Link death and birth register 141 8. Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE)
A. Census in India 141 155
Government policies and interventions for development in 9. Clearing corporations 156
various sectors and issues arising out of their design and im- 10.Front-Running 156
plementation. 11. LIBOR 156
16. PM CARES Fund 142 12. Snowball effect 156
17. SAKSHAM Learning Management Information System 13. Evergreening of loans 157
143 14. ‘Lightweight’ payments system 157
18. ODF Plus Status 143 15. Startup India Seed Fund Scheme 157
19. Blood Donation by LGBTQ 143 16. US debt ceiling deal 158
20. Pension Adalat 144 17. Business Ready Project 158
21.Sanchar Saathi Portal 144 18. Agmark registration 159
A. CEIR system 144 19. IT Hardware PLI Scheme 2.0 159
Current Affairs 30
20. Project-SMART 159 62. Space Science and Technology AwaReness Training
21. Build-Operate-Transfer (toll) model 160 (START) 177
22. Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) 160 63. Saturn’s Moon 177
23.Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) 161 64. XPoSat 178
24.Industrial Corridor Development in Andhra Pradesh 161 65. Cosmic Dust Particles 178
25.Govt cuts subsidy on electric 2-wheelers 161 66. China sends its 1st Civilian to space 178
26. UDAN 5.1 162 67. Semi-cryogenic Engine 179
27.Greenwashing TechSprint 162 Environment, Climate & Conservation
28. Coal production in India 163 68.Global temperature likely to breach 1.5°C threshold by
29. Manufactured sand (M-Sand) 163 2027 179
30. Ethanol blending 164 69. Global Greenhouse Gas Watch 180
31. Oil pipelines 164 70. Carbon Capture Coalition 180
32.South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE) 165 71. Impact of Warming on the Aquatic Animals 180
Agriculture 72.Tipping Points 180
33. Pesticides in Tea 165 73. Climate Reparations 181
34. Krishi Mapper 165 74. Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shehar 181
35. Nutrients in millets affected by processing and polishing A. Meri LiFE’s app 182
166 75. Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) 182
36.Minimum Import Price for Apples 166 76.’Harit Sagar’ Green Port Guidelines 182
37. Sunflower oil 166 77.Lakes 183
38. World Food India 2023 167 78. People’s Biodiversity Register 183
39. Certification of Indian organic products 167 79. World Biodiversity Day 2023 183
40. Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana (PMMSY) 168 80. Star rating system for water taps, and sanitary fixtures:
Bharat Tap 184
HEALTH
81. International Climate Action in Civil Aviation 184
41.Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine 169
82. Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project 184
42. National Programme for Prevention & Control of
83. ADB’s IF-CAP 185
Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) 169
84. Fit for 55 186
43. Policy on rare diseases 169
85. Central Asian Flyway (CAF) 186
44. World Thalassemia Day 170
86. Credit Suisse-Ecuador Deal for Galapagos Conservation
45. Mpox 170
186
46.Arsenic contamination 170
87. UNFF18 187
47. WHO’s advice on non-sugar sweeteners 170
88. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend 187
48. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria 171
89. Regulating captive breeding of exotic animals 187
Science and Technology 90. Cold-blooded animals 187
49. Biosynthetic clock 171 91.Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary 188
50. Foucault pendulum 172 92.Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary 189
51. Sludge to Fertilizer 172 93. Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) 189
52. Mitochondrial Donation Treatment (MDT) 173 94.Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) 190
53. Calcium-41 173 Disaster Management
54. Pangenome Map 173
95. Neurotoxins 190
55. AI Supercomputer ‘AIRAWAT’ 174
SPECIES IN NEWS
56. ASTR 174
57.Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) 175 96.Babool 191
58. Telangana: State Robotics Framework 175 97.Baobab trees 191
59. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) 176 98.Lesser flamingos 191
60. EU Code of practice against disinformation 176 99. Gharials 191
100. Shelled pteropods & Flightless Midge 192
Space Technology
101.Leatherback Turtles 192
61.StarBerrySense 176
102. Malabar Pied Hornbill 192
Current Affairs 30
103. Gangetic dolphins 193
104.International Leopard Day 2023 193
105. Cheetah Project Steering Committee 193
CyberSecurity
106. Bluebugging 194
107. FluHorse 194
108. Volt Typhoon 195
Security challenges
109. Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) 195
110. Thermobaric Bomb 196
Defense
111. ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) 2023 196
112.Defence production 196
113. NIA’s Operation Dhvast 197
114. Tarini 197
115. NAFIS 197
116. INDUS-X under the iCET 198
Reports & Indices
117. WEF: “Future of Jobs” Report 198
118. Global Report on Food Crises 2023 199
119. World Press Freedom Index 2023 199
Current Affairs 30
2. As a social reformer:
GS PAPER 1 • He constantly questioned the importance of caste in
India’s discourse.
• In his poem - ‘The Sacred Touch’ (in the Harijan) and
MODERN INDIAN HISTORY drama - ‘Chandalika’, he shunned untouchability as
being inhumane.
• His works - Chokher Bali (on themes like widowhood,
1. GURUDEV RABINDRANATH TAGORE patriarchy and child marriage), Maanbhajan, and
Aparichita (shunning the practice of dowry) - touched
Context: upon almost all the social evils of that time.
The 162nd birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tag- Works • He published his first poems at the
ore was celebrated across the globe on May 7. age of 16 under the pen name ‘Bha-
nusimha’.
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore (7th May 1861 – 7th Au- • Notable works include Gitanjali,
gust 1941) Ghare-Baire, Gora, Manasi, Balaka,
and Sonar Tori. He is also remem-
About He was a Bengali polymath who worked
bered for his song ‘Ekla Chalo Re’.
as a poet, writer, playwright, composer,
• For all his contributions he is widely
philosopher, social reformer and painter.
known as ‘Kavi guru’.
Philosophies • He propagated ideas of humanism,
Tagore vs • He was a good friend of Mahatma
idealism, nationalism and interna-
Gandhi Gandhi and is said to have given him
tionalism.
the title of Mahatma. However, both
• One of the most remarkable institu-
disagreed on key issues at times.
tions established by Tagore - Visva
• For example, Tagore sharply criti-
Bharati University (1921) - ushered
cised Gandhi, after he blamed the
in a new era of Indian nationalism
prevalence of untouchability for the
(incorporating all the best aspects of
massive earthquake in Bihar.
Western culture into the best of Indi-
• Tagore renounced British imperial-
an culture).
ism, yet he did not fully support or
Contributions agree with Gandhi and his Non-co-
1. As a freedom fighter: operation movement.
• For him, true freedom meant the ability to be truthful Awards • In 1913 he became the first non-Eu-
and honest with oneself otherwise autonomy loses all ropean to have won the Nobel Prize
of its worth. in Literature for his novel ‘Geetanja-
• He viewed British rule as a symptom of the overall li’.
“sickness” of the social “disease” of the public. • Knighthood was given to him by Lord
• He wrote the song ‘Banglar Mati Banglar Jol’ (Soil of Hardinge in 1915.
Bengal, Water of Bengal) to unite the Bengali popula- Relevance to- Tagore’s ideas on nationalism, human-
tion after the Bengal partition in 1905. day ism, internationalism and divinity stay as
• He actively participated in the Swadeshi movement alive and relevant.
(1905). Being shocked when it broke into communal
violence, he withdrew from the movement.
• He wrote the ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ (adopted as the Prelims Links: (UPSC 2021)
national anthem of Bangladesh later) and ‘Jana Gana Q. With reference to Madanapalle of Andhra Pradesh,
Mana’ (adopted as the national anthem of indepen- which one of the following statements is correct?
dent India later) which helped ignite a feeling of na- 1. Pingali Venkayya designed the tricolour Indian Nation-
tionalism amongst people. al Flag here.
• For Hindu-Muslim unity, he started the Rakhi festival. 2. Pattabhi Sitaramaiah led the Quit India Movement of
the Andhra region from here.
He renounced the Knighthood in protest of the Jallian- 3. Rabindranath Tagore translated the National Anthem
wala Bagh massacre (1919). from Bengali to English here.
4. Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott set up the head-
quarters of the Theosophical Society first here.
Ans: 3
Current Affairs 30
WORLD HISTORY
2. ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN ISSUE: 75 YEARS

SINCE THE DISPLACEMENT OF 700,000 PAL-
ESTINIANS
Context:
UN commemorated the mass displacement of Palestinians,
known as the Nakba, for the first time in its history.
What is Nakba (catastrophe)?

It refers to the mass displacement and exodus of Palestin-
ians that occurred in 1948 when Israel was established. It
resulted in approximately 700,000 Palestinians being forced
to leave their homes, becoming refugees.
Why were Palestinians displaced?

Palestinians were displaced primarily as a result of the es- Status of Palestinian Refugees:
tablishment of the state of Israel in 1948. The displacement The status of Palestinian refugees remains a significant and
occurred during the Arab-Israeli war that followed Israel’s unresolved issue. According to the United Nations Relief
declaration of independence. and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), there
are approximately 6 million registered Palestinian refugees.
Many of them continue to live in refugee camps in the West
A brief timeline of the Israel-Palestinian issue:
Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
• Early 20th century: Jews and Arabs both claim histori-
cal and ancestral connections to the land of Palestine.
• 1917: Balfour Declaration expresses support for a Views of the International Community:
Jewish national home in Palestine The international community supports a two-state solution,
• 1947: The United Nations proposes a partition plan, where Israel and a future independent Palestine exist side by
recommending separate Jewish and Arab states in Pal- side. Various peace talks and initiatives, such as the Camp Da-
estine. vid Summit in 2000 and the Annapolis Conference in 2007,
• 1948: Israel declares independence, leading to the Ar- have aimed to resolve the conflict but have not yet resulted
ab-Israeli war. in a final agreement. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates and
• 1967: The Six-Day War takes place, with Israel gaining Bahrain signed normalization agreements with Israel.
control of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza Strip,
Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights. Views of India:
• 1993: The Oslo Accords are signed, establishing a India’s views on the Israel-Palestinian issue have evolved
framework for peace negotiations between Israel and over time. Historically, India supported the Palestinian
the Palestinian Authority. cause and recognized the Palestinian Liberation Organiza-
• Current situation: Israel occupies the West Bank and tion (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Pales-
East Jerusalem, with the construction of Israeli settle- tinian people. However, in recent years, India has adopted a
ments and separation barriers impacting Palestinian more balanced approach and emphasized its commitment
territories. to a two-state solution. India supports the establishment of
a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state exist-
ing peacefully alongside Israel.
Conclusion:
The UN marking 75 years since the displacement of 700,000
Palestinians recognizes historical injustice, affirms Palestin-
ian rights, advocates for a peaceful resolution, and shows
solidarity with Palestinians.
Current Affairs 30
Insta Links: Socializa- Family plays a vital role in socializing children,
Israel Palestine conflict tion teaching them societal norms, values, and
behaviours
Mains Links: I d e n t i t y Family provides a sense of belonging and
Q. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a Formation helps individuals develop their identity by
depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. instilling cultural, religious, and familial val-
(UPSC 2018) ues.
Intergen- The presence of multiple generations in a
e rat i o n a l family fosters intergenerational relation-
Prelims Links: (UPSC 2015) Bonding ships, creating opportunities for shared wis-
Q. The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears dom, experiences, and mutual learning.
in the news in the context of the events related to
Moral and Families teach principles of honesty, integrity,
a) Central Asia Ethical De- compassion, and responsibility.
b) Middle East velopment India swear by Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
c) South-East Asia Kutumb or family has traditionally acquired
d) Central Africa primacy in human interpersonal-social rela-
Ans: B tionship dynamics.
Education Guidance and Financial Support
SOCIETY Challenges faced by the traditional family system:

Example
Changing For instance, if a woman desires a career out-
3. EROSION OF THE TRADITIONAL INDIAN G e n d e r side the home but is expected to prioritize
FAMILY Roles domestic responsibilities, conflicts may arise.
G e n e r - When younger members adopt different val-
Context: a t i o n a l ues, lifestyles, and beliefs than their older rel-
The article highlights the increasing cases of violence with- Gap atives.
in families, suicides among young individuals, and the rising Urbaniza- As individuals seek better opportunities or
number of children involved in criminal activities as symp- tion and education, they may move away from their
toms of societal ill-health and disruptions in the traditional Mobility extended families, leading to a decrease in
family system. close-knit family support networks.
Influence Technology can impact traditional family dy-
What is a family? of Tech- namics, with increased screen time and vir-
A family is a social unit consisting of individuals who are re- nology tual interactions potentially diminishing the
lated by blood, marriage, or adoption. It is a fundamental sense of togetherness within the family.
institution in society where members provide support, love, Excessive For example, candid and heart-to-heart di-
and care for one another, and share common experiences, emphasis alogues between husband-wife and par-
values, and responsibilities. on Indi- ent-children are becoming rare. They have
vidualism become too formal and superficial. This chal-
What is the meaning of a traditional Indian family? lenges the collectivist nature of traditional
The traditional Indian family refers to the prevailing fami- family systems.
ly structure and dynamics that have been historically and Excessive Formalisation
culturally prevalent in Indian society. It typically follows a From birthdays to weddings and house-warmings to con-
patriarchal system where the father or eldest male mem- dolence meetings, everything is being made into a formal
ber holds authority and decision-making power within the event. This creates the “crisis of authenticity” of our inter-
family. personal feelings.
C u l t u r a l Cultural and social changes, such as global-
Importance of family: and Social ization and exposure to diverse perspectives,
Example Changes can challenge traditional family norms and
values.
Emotional During challenging times, such as the loss of a
Support loved one or personal struggles
Current Affairs 30
Balancing The traditional family system may face difficul- 4. THE BATTLE TO END CHILD MARRIAGE
Work and ties in accommodating individual aspirations
Family while maintaining traditional family roles and Context:
responsibilities. According to UNICEF, multiple crises are threatening to re-
verse hard-earned gains in the decline in child marriage.
Ways of Reviving India’s Traditional Family System:
Example Child marriage:
Promote In- Using storytelling, family meals, and • It refers to any formal marriage or informal union
ter-generational cultural celebrations. between a child under the age of (18 for females
Bonding and 21 for males in India) and an adult or another
child.
Strengthen Com- Promote dialogue that goes beyond • Most child marriages involve girls, many of whom
munication and formalities and embraces deeper are in poor socio-economic conditions.
Dialogue emotional connections.
Value Traditional Encourage the preservation of tradi-
Data on child marriage:
Values and Cus- tional values, customs, and cultural
• Worldwide, an estimated 640 million girls and wom-
toms practices within the family, ensuring
en alive today were married in childhood, or 12 mil-
that they are passed down to younger
lion girls per year.
generations.
• Child marriages have declined from 21 to 19% (glob-
Foster Mutual E.g., provide emotional support during ally) since the last estimates were released five years
Support and Care challenging times and engage in acts of ago.
kindness and assistance. • However, global reductions would have to be 20
Balance Individu- E.g., Encourage family members to times faster to meet SDG 5.3 of ending child mar-
alism and Collec- pursue personal goals while maintain- riage by 2030.
tivism ing a sense of togetherness, shared de-
cision-making, and a commitment to Status in India:
the welfare of the family unit. • While India has recorded significant progress in re-
Embrace Modern E.g., Encouraging the use of technolo- cent decades, it still accounts for one-third of the
Technology Re- gy for virtual family gatherings, shar- global total (India’s child marriage rate is 21% as
sponsibly ing updates, and staying connected per NHFS-5).
across distances. • 8 States have a higher prevalence of child marriage
Promote Gender Advocate for gender equality within than the national average - West Bengal, Bihar and
Equality and Em- the family, promoting shared respon- Tripura top the list with more than 40% of women
powerment sibilities, equal opportunities, and em- aged 20-24 years married below 18.
powering women to pursue their aspi-
rations. Most affected regions:
• South Asia continues to remain home to nearly half
Woman-led, child-focused and elder- (45%) of the world’s child brides.
ly-sensitive families are the need of • Sub-Saharan Africa is home to the second-largest
the hour global share of child brides (20%).
Conclusion: Highlights of the UNICEF’s findings:

The traditional Indian family system holds immense value • The world is engulfed by a ‘Polycrisis’ - a cluster of
and significance in providing emotional support, socializa- related global risks with compounding effects, such
tion, identity formation, and a sense of belonging. Reviving that the overall impact exceeds the sum of each part.
and nurturing the traditional family system can contribute • Health and economic crises (rising poverty, income
to the well-being of individuals, the cohesion of society, and shocks), escalating armed conflicts, climate change
the preservation of cultural heritage. shocks and the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 are
forcing families into child marriage.
Mains Links: • Girls living in fragile settings are twice as likely to
Q. Examine the causes and concerns associated with the become child brides as the average girl globally.
erosion of the traditional Indian family structure. How
has this transformation affected Indian society? (250
Words)
Current Affairs 30
Way ahead for India:
• The solution lies in empowering girls, creating prop-
er public infrastructure and addressing societal
norms.
• At the gram panchayat level, ensuring that Child
Protection Committees and Child Marriage Prohibi-
tion officers are doing the job and activating com-
munity support groups.
 Best practice: Odisha now has over 12,000
Child Marriage Free Villages.
Conclusion:
It is possible to end child marriage, which requires unwav-
ering support for vulnerable girls and families. The focus
should be on keeping girls in school and making sure they
have economic opportunities.
Insta Links: ILO–UNICEF joint report on social protection for

children
5. HOW PROSPERITY FUELS DOWRY DE-

Fig: Factors Driving Child Marriage MAND IN INDIA
Immediate and lifelong consequences on girls:
• Less likely to remain in school. Context:
• Difficult for girls to access health care, social ser- A recent study has revealed that as prosperity and opportu-
vices and community support that protect them nities for men in India have improved, the demand for dowry
from child marriage. has increased.
• Increased risk of early pregnancy → increasing the • The researchers examined more than 74,000 mar-
risk of child and maternal health complications and riages in India between 1930 and 1999 to examine
mortality. the evolution of dowry over time.
• Can also isolate girls from family and friends, taking
a heavy toll on their mental health and well-being.
Key findings of the study about Dowry in India:
Laws and policy interventions in India: • Economic growth perpetuates and boosts the prac-
• The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 and tice of dowry payments in India
the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences • As men gain better education and higher-quality
Act 2012 aim at protecting children from violation jobs, dowry amounts increase.
of human and other rights. • Dowry payments decrease as more women receive
• A parliamentary standing committee is weighing education in an area.
the pros and cons of raising the age of marriage • Promoting women’s education and increasing their
for women to 21, which has been cleared by the participation in the workforce can potentially help
Union Cabinet. reduce the prevalence of dowry.
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: The government • Families refusing to pay dowry may end up with
launched this scheme in 2015 to encourage par- lower-quality grooms for their daughters, creating
ents to save money for the future of their girl child a strong economic incentive for grooms to accept
• Kanyashree Prakalpa Scheme: The West Bengal dowry.
government launched this scheme in 2013 to pro- • No correlation with caste-based factors: The prac-
mote the education and welfare of girls and pre- tice of dowry began around the same time for both
vent child marriage in the state. high and low-caste groups, indicating that caste-
• National Plan of Action for Children: The plan based factors do not solely explain its rise.
includes strategies to prevent child marriage and
promote education and healthcare for children
• Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme
Current Affairs 30
Status of Marriages in India: Consequences of the prevalence of the dowry system in In-
• Most Indian marriages are still arranged, and nearly dia:
all women marry by their late twenties. • Financial Burden on the Bride’s Family
• Some 90% of the marriages studied until 1999 in- • Abuse: Women are subjected to physical, emotion-
volved dowry al, and mental abuse if dowry demands are not met.
• Nearly all marriages in India are monogamous • Norms: Reinforcement of patriarchal norms, treating
• Less than 1% end in divorce women as inferior and perpetuating gender-based
• Parents play an important role in choosing the discrimination.
bride/groom • Breakdown of Marriages: Dowry-related disputes
• Over 90% of couples live with the husband’s family and conflicts often lead to marital discord, separa-
after marriage tion, and even divorce.
• More than 85% of women marry someone from • Deaths: Cases of dowry deaths, suicides, and bride
outside their own village burning due to dowry disputes and harassment.
• Over 78% of marriages are within the same district • Financial dependence: Women’s lack of financial in-
dependence and control over their own resources,
(Source: India Human Development Survey, 2005; National leads to dependency on their husbands.
Family Health Survey 2006; REDS, 1999) • Inequality: Preference for investing in dowry over
girls’ education, limiting their opportunities for per-
sonal and professional growth.
What is the Dowry system in India? • Reinforcement of Harmful Stereotypes: Dowry per-
The dowry system in India refers to the bride’s family giving petuates the notion that women are commodities to
to the bridegroom, his parents, or his relatives as a condition be bought, reinforcing harmful stereotypes in soci-
of the marriage. ety.
Causes of the prevalence of the dowry system in India: Provisions to combat the prevalence of the dowry system
Causes Description in India:
Patriarchal Soci- Women are considered as econom- Provisions Examples
ety ic burdens and need to be financially Legal provi- Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (Prohibits
supported. sions: the giving or taking of dowry); Section
Economic Fac- Dowry is seen as a way to provide fi- 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
tors nancial security to the bride after mar- (Criminalizes cruelty against married
riage. women); Mandatory requirement to
Social Pressure Expectations from the bride’s family to report dowry-related offences to the
and Status display their social and economic sta- police or concerned authorities.
tus. I n s t i t u t i o n a l Family Welfare Committees (Constitu-
Gender Inequal- Unequal distribution of property and provisions tion of committees at district levels to
ity inheritance rights favouring male heirs. review dowry complaints and provide
assistance); Women Helpline Numbers;
Cultural and Tra- Deep-rooted customs and traditions
Sensitization of Law Enforcement Agen-
ditional Beliefs have perpetuated the practice of dow-
cies
ry.
SC observations In Vishaka vs State of Rajasthan (1997):
Fear of Social Concerns about societal judgment and
SC requested the Law Commission of
Stigma reputation if dowry is not provided.
India to take a “fresh look” to bring
Lack of Legal En- Inadequate implementation and en- “more teeth” to the law against dowry.
forcement forcement of laws against dowry. Recently, the Supreme Court has held
Lack of Educa- Limited awareness about gender equal- that Dowry’s death can be presumed
tion and Aware- ity and the negative impacts of dowry. if the wife was harassed, mentally and
ness physically close before her death in the
Desire for Mate- Greed for wealth and material posses- marital home.
rial Gain sions led to demands for dowry. G o v e r n m e n t Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao; Sukanya Sam-
Peer and Family Pressure from extended family, rela- schemes riddhi Yojana; Ujjawala Scheme; One
Pressure tives, and societal expectations. Stop Centres (Sakhi); and National Ser-
vice Scheme (NSS) Special Camping Pro-
grammes
Current Affairs 30
NGOs/ CSOs • Shakti Vahini is a non-governmental

initiative organization working towards the ROLE OF WOMEN AND RELATED IS-
prevention of dowry-related vio-
lence and trafficking of women. SUES
• Breakthrough is an organization
that focuses on promoting gen-
der equality and challenging social 6. INSUFFICIENT REPRESENTATION OF
norms, including the dowry system. WOMEN IN INDIA’S WORKFORCE
• Maitri is an NGO that works to em-
power women and prevent violence
against them, including dowry-relat- Context:
ed issues. India surpassed China as the world’s most populous coun-
• Women’s Legal Initiative (WLI) is try, which led analysts to highlight the potential benefits of
an NGO that focuses on legal em- India’s demographic dividend.
powerment and access to justice for
women.
A major obstacle to realizing this potential: Insufficient rep-
resentation of women in India’s workforce.
Ethical aspects of dowry in India:
• Violation of human rights, gender inequality, and com- Significance of more women in the workforce: India could
modification of women. add $550bn to its GDP by increasing its female labour force
• Dowry is considered unethical as it treats women as participation by just 10% (McKinsey).
commodities, subjecting them to financial transactions
and devaluing their worth.
• Dowry perpetuates gender discrimination, where wom- What does the data say? Nearly half of India’s population
en are seen as burdens and objects of transaction. is female and yet, the female participation rate in India’s la-
• Dowry infringes upon the principles of equality, dignity, bour force has consistently fallen from its peak in 2000 (31%)
and autonomy. to a low of 21% in 2018 (World Bank).
• The practice goes against the fundamental values of re-
spect, fairness, and justice. Reasons for this:
• Ethically, dowry is condemned as it promotes inequality, ● India is still a largely patriarchal society:
perpetuates harmful stereotypes, and undermines the ○ Indian women spend 8 times the number of
inherent rights and dignity of women. hours on unpaid care work compared with
men. The global average is 3 times.
Conclusion: ○ Only 32% of Indian women work after they
Educating daughters is a valuable gift that empowers them. get married and most of them are part of
Society needs to be aware of the seriousness of crimes relat- the agricultural sector.
ed to dowry. Local communities should be engaged through ● Safety concerns: Not being able to find jobs close to
women’s rights education programs. Misuse of dowry provi- home also prevent women in big cities from joining
sions should be addressed through laws and safeguards. the workforce.
● Insufficient formal wage employment opportuni-
ties: For example, women employees account for
less than 20% of India’s manufacturing sector.
Mains Links: ● Concentration in low/non-productive jobs: Like ag-
Q. Although dowry was made illegal decades ago, harass- riculture, primary caregiver at home, etc.
ment and deaths over dowry cut across class, financial, ed- ● Lack of opportunities for women returning to their
ucational and religious barriers. Analyse the causative fac- careers after a professional break.
tors and suggest reforms to end this menace. (250 Words) ● Higher level of participation in education and in-
crease in the family income.
Q. Why is dowry so deeply entrenched in our society?
Analyse ethically. (250 Words)
Current Affairs 30
• Active awareness of the “gender-specific” con-
straints that face most women.
• Gender-responsive policies need to be contextually
developed.
• The goal is not merely to increase female labour
force participation, but to provide opportunities for
decent work → contribute to the economic empow-
erment of women.
Conclusion:
Women’s labour force participation and access to decent
work are important and necessary elements of an inclusive
and sustainable development (SDG 5) process.
Mains Links:
Q. What are the continued challenges for women in India
against time and space? (UPSC 2019)
Steps taken:
• A new Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepre-
neurship has been established to coordinate the
skill development schemes across various sectors. 7. SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN SPORTS
• The National Career Service (NCS) Project provides
a nationwide online platform for job seekers and Common issues faced by women in sports:
employers.
Issue Examples
• The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017 pro-
vides for enhancement in paid maternity leave from Lack of funding For example, the US women’s soccer
12 weeks to 26 weeks and provisions for mandatory and support team has won more titles than the
crèche facilities. men’s team but has been paid less.
• An advisory to the States under the Factories Act G e n d e r- b a s e d Female athletes may face discrimina-
1948 for permitting women workers in the night discrimination tion based on their gender, such as be-
shifts with adequate safety measures. ing told they are not as strong or capa-
• A network of Women Industrial Training institutes, ble as male athletes.
National Vocational Training Institutes and Regional
Vocational Training Institutes. E.g., Indian sport is characterised by
• A number of protective provisions have been incor- a dangerous combination of political
porated in various labour laws - The Equal Remuner- nexus and male domination of posi-
ation Act 1976, The Minimum Wages Act 1948. tions of power.
Sexual harass- Tennis player Ruchika Girhotra from
Best practices: ment and abuse 1990 dared to raise her voice against
● TVS (one of India’s biggest two-wheeler manu- the then president of the tennis feder-
facturers): Offers a scheme for women who are ation and IG Haryana Police;
returning to their careers (after the break) with Chinese Tennis star Peng Shuai accused
flexible working hours, mentoring and training to former Chinese Vice Premier Zhang
them. Gaoli of sexual assault (2018); USA
● Gabriel India Ltd [An auto parts company in Ho- Gymnastics sexual abuse scandal
sur (Tamil Nadu)]: It provides perks such as on-site
Lack of media Women’s sports events are often giv-
accommodation, subsidised food and training pro-
coverage en less media coverage compared to
grammes to attract more women workers, as their
men’s events, which can limit their vis-
attrition rates are lower compared to their male
counterparts. ibility and opportunities for sponsor-
ship.
Decreased Qual- Inferior facilities and equipment, lack
Way ahead: ity Training of quality trained coaches
• A policy framework encouraging and enabling wom-
en’s participation should be constructed.
Current Affairs 30
S t e r e o t y p i n g Female athletes may be objectified and

and objectifica- stereotyped based on their appear-
tion ance rather than their athletic abili-
ties.
Discrimination based on sexual orien-
Social Attitudes tation and gender identity, negative
and Disfigure- performance evaluations, and loss of
ment starting position
Some of the ethical issues faced by
sexual harassment of women in sports
include abuse of power, violation of
trust, infringement of human rights,
and the creation of hostile and unsafe
Ethical Issues environments.
Steps needed and those taken to address the issues faced

by women in sports:
Step Example
Education and For instance, the International Olympic
Awareness Committee’s (IOC) Athlete365 program
offers educational resources on a range What is Internal Complaints Committee?
of topics including athlete safeguarding. The ICC is the first port of call for any grievance under the
Policy and Sports Authority of India has issued PoSH Act, and it needs to have a minimum of four members
guidelines de- guidelines that mandate female coach- with at least half of them women and one external mem-
velopment es to accompany female athletes during ber, preferably from an NGO or an association that works
travel. for women’s empowerment or a person familiar with issues
Reporting and Sexual Harassment Electronic Box (SHe- related to sexual harassment, like a lawyer.
c o m p l a i n t Box) provides single-window access for
mechanisms women to register their complaints of Status of various federations on ICC:
sexual harassment.
Federation ICC Status
Accountability National Human Rights Commission
Gymnastics Federation of India, Table No ICC
and enforce- (NHRC) issued notices to the Union
Tennis Federation, Handball Federation,
ment Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry and the
Wrestling Federation, Volleyball Federa-
Sports Authority of India on the reported
tion,
inappropriate behaviour of a coach.
Judo Federation of India, Squash Rack- ICC has only
Support and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
ets Federation, Billiards & Snooker Fed- three members
empowerment launched the Khelo India Scheme in
eration
2018 to promote sports at the grassroots
level, with a special focus on encourag- Badminton Association of India, Archery ICC has no ex-
ing the participation of girls. Association, Basketball Federation, Indi- ternal member
an Triathlon Federation
Conclusion:
To address the issues faced by women in sports. It will re-
quire a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including
governments, sports organizations, and civil society, to cre-
ate a safe and equitable environment for women in sports.
Insta Links:
What triggered Indian Wrestlers’ Protests?
Current Affairs 30
A. ISSUES WITH THE PROTECTION OF Mains Links:

WOMEN FROM SEXUAL HARASSMENT Q. “Though women in post-Independent India have ex-
(POSH) ACT celled in various fields, the social attitude towards women
and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart
from women’s education and women empowerment
Context:
schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu?”
The Indian Supreme Court has expressed concern over the
(UPSC 2021)
“sorry state of affairs” in the implementation of the Protec-
tion of Women from Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act.
Q. How has women’s participation in sports changed over
time? Enlist the challenges and limitations that women in
Key issues highlighted by the Supreme Court regarding the sports face and measures taken to empower them.
implementation of the PoSH Act:
Issue Highlighted
Uncertainty in Uncertainty about whom to approach in POPULATION AND RELATED ISSUES
Implementa- case of sexual harassment at the work-
tion place.
Reluctance Lack of confidence in the process and 8. MIGRATION AWAY FROM METROS, TO-
its outcome of the PoSH. Women facing WARDS SMALL TOWNS
sexual harassment in the workplace are
reluctant to report such misconduct.
Insensitive A hostile, insensitive, and unresponsive
comments working environment towards women
employees hampers the success of the
Act.
Non-Compli- E.g., Only 16 out of 30 national sports
ance in forming federations in the country had consti-
ICC tuted Internal Complaints Committees
(ICCs) mandated under the 2013 Act.
Fear of Step- - If authorities/management/employers
ping out of cannot assure women a safe and secure
Homes workplace, they will fear stepping out of
their homes to make a dignified living
and exploit their talent and skills to the
hilt.
Inquiry Process Many times the inquiry process has
been done in a “hurry” without adher-
ence to the principles of natural justice.
Recommendations:
• The Union, States, and UTs have been directed by
SC to undertake a time-bound (8 weeks) exercise
to verify whether Ministries, Departments, gov- Reasons for Migration to Smaller Cities in the IT/ITeS Sec-
ernment organizations, etc., had constituted Inter- tor:
nal Complaints Committees (ICCs), Local Commit- Reasons Example
tees(LCs), and Internal Committees(ICs) under the
Remote and Companies like Cognizant allowed em-
Act.
hybrid work ployees to work from anywhere (during
• These bodies were ordered to publish the details of
models the pandemic), leading to a shift away
their respective committees on their websites
from major cities.
Companies can establish satellite offices
Previously, National Commission for Women (NCW) had in smaller cities, supporting remote and
asked all states to ensure that coaching centres and edu- hybrid work models.
cational institutes strictly enforce the Sexual Harassment
of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Re-
dressal) Act, 2013.
Current Affairs 30
Cost savings Moving to smaller cities allows companies What is the Smart Cities Mission?
to reduce real estate costs and invest • It is an initiative of the MoHUA launched as a Cen-
more in people and R&D. trally Sponsored Scheme on June 25, 2015.
• To promote cities that provide core infrastructure,
Employees can save more in terms of
and a clean and sustainable environment, 100 cities
rental costs and experience social benefits
(to be developed as Smart Cities) have been select-
in smaller towns.
ed through a two-stage competition (from January
Rich talent Smaller cities have untapped talent with 2016 to June 2018).
pool a potential talent drain to larger metros, • 66 of the cities are small (less than 1 million popu-
providing opportunities. lation) and are implementing two-thirds of the proj-
Higher reten- Employees prefer to stay in their home- ects.
tion rates towns, leading to higher retention rates in
smaller cities. It aims to:
Availability of Smaller cities like Coimbatore offer qual- • Drive economic growth through comprehensive
office space ity office spaces with amenities at lower work on social, economic, physical and institutional
and ameni- costs compared to metros. pillars of the city and
ties • Improve the quality of life through smart solutions.
Rise of Co-working spaces provide access to • Focus on sustainable and inclusive development by
co-working high-quality office space at a fraction of the creation of replicable models which act as light-
spaces in the cost in larger cities. houses to other aspiring cities.
smaller cities
Counter-mag- Surat and Pune have started acting as a The six fundamental principles on which the concept of
net dynamics counter-magnet region to Mumbai and Smart Cities is based are:
attract migrants from the neighbouring
districts of Maharashtra
Insta Links:
Human Migration
What kinds of projects were proposed?
Mains Links: • The project includes making certain stretches of pe-
destrian-friendly roads into more capital-intensive
Q. What are the main socio-economic implications arising
ones like laying water pipelines and constructing
out of the development of IT industries in major cities of
STPs.
India? (UPSC 2021)
• In addition, some PPP infrastructure projects like
multi-modal transport hubs, common mobility cards
Q. Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration and public bike sharing are included.
within and outside India in the last four decades. (UPSC • All 100 cities have also constructed Integrated Com-
2015) mand and Control Centres to monitor all security,
emergency and civic services.
 During the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic,
these were converted into emergency re-
DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES, URBAN- sponse units by many of the cities.
IZATION, THEIR PROBLEMS AND
THEIR REMEDIES What is the status of the projects?
• The projects were supposed to be completed with-
in five years, but in 2021 the Ministry changed the
9. SMART CITIES MISSION deadline for all cities to June 2023.
• As of March 2023, the 100 cities have issued work
Context: orders for 7,799 projects worth Rs 1.80 lakh crore.
The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry (MoHUA) has • 50 out of the 100 cities have completed 75% of the
extended the deadline for the Smart Cities Mission from projects and would be able to complete the remain-
June 2023 to June 2024. ing works by June.
• However, they would need more time to carry out
the documentation, dissemination and institution-
alisation of the best practices and innovations.
Current Affairs 30
Significance of extending the deadline to June 2024: It will sphere can fuel hurricanes in the central/eastern
enable all 100 smart cities to not only complete their proj- Pacific Ocean and can hinder hurricane formation
ects but also document and disseminate the learnings from in the Atlantic Basin.
the mission.
Potential threats due to an El Niño event:
Insta Links: Smart Cities Mission (SCM) • A new spike in global heating will increase the
chance of breaking temperature records (in 2024).
• 50:50 chance of the global temperature temporarily
IMPORTANT GEOPHYSICAL PHE- reaching 1.5°C above the pre-industrial era.
NOMENA
Likely impact on India:
• Normally, El Nino is good for the northeast mon-
10. EL NIÑO LIKELY TO BRING EXTREME soon [Oct-Dec in the peninsular region] but bad for
WEATHER ACROSS THE WORLD the southwest monsoon (dry periods during June-
Sept).
Context: • The monsoon season (~70% of India’s annual rain-
According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), fall) is crucial to India’s agriculture - a lifeline for
the world should prepare for the development of El Niño, about 60% of the country’s net cultivated area.
which is often associated with increased heat, drought or • Monsoon drives farm produce, rural spending, in-
rainfall in different parts of the world. flation, jobs, and industrial demand.
• Good farm output checks food inflation, raises rural
incomes and helps inject demand into the economy.
Challenge ahead for India:

• IMD forecasted a “normal” monsoon at 96% (+/-5%)
of the long-period average (LPA is 87 cm for the pe-
riod of 1971 to 2020).
• An unusually cold start to summer could delay the
start of the monsoon season.
Way ahead - EW4All:

• The Early Warnings For All Initiative (EW4All) was
formally launched by the UN Secretary-General in
November 2022 at the COP27 meeting in Sharm El-
Sheikh.
• The Initiative calls for the whole world to be covered
by an early warning system by the end of 2027.
Background:
• La Niña has now ended after persisting for three
years and the tropical Pacific is currently in an EN- Insta Links: El Nino and Monsoon
SO-neutral state (neither El Niño nor La Niña).
• There is a 60% chance for a transition from EN- 11. CYCLONES: HOW ARE CYCLONES
SO-neutral to El Niño during May-July 2023.
• 2016 was the warmest year on record because of
FORMED AND NAMED?
the confluence of a very powerful El Niño event and
global warming. Context:
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a
cyclonic/low-pressure area is developing in the Bay of Bengal
The typical impacts of El Niño include:
and may intensify into a cyclonic storm.
● Increased rainfall in parts of southern South Amer-
ica, the southern US, the Horn of Africa and central
Asia. What this weather system be called? Cyclone Mocha (pro-
● Severe droughts over Australia, Indonesia, and parts nounced ‘Mokha’) - a name suggested by Yemen after the
of southern Asia. Red Sea port city, which is known to have introduced coffee
● Warm water during summer in the northern hemi- to the world over 500 years ago.
Current Affairs 30
of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
• The IMD is also mandated to issue advisories to 12
other countries in the region on the development
of cyclones and storms.
WMO/ESCAP (World Meteorological Organisation/United

Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific):
• In 2000, the group (comprising Bangladesh, India,
the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
and Thailand), decided to start naming cyclones in
the region.
• After each country sent in suggestions, the WMO/
ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC) finalized the
list.
What is a cyclone and how are they formed?

Insta Links: What is a ‘bomb cyclone’?
Meaning A cyclone is a low-pressure system that
forms over warm waters.
12. DEEP OCEAN CURRENTS IN ANTARCTI-
Mechanism • A high temperature anywhere means
of forma- the existence of low-pressure air, and
CA ARE SLOWING DOWN
tion a low temperature means high-pressure
wind. Context:
• As air warms over hotter regions it as- The deep ocean currents (called ‘Overturning Circulations’)
cends, leading to low pressure at the in Antarctica, which play a crucial role in redistributing heat,
surface it is covering. carbon, and nutrients around the globe, are slowing down
• In a depression or low-pressure situ- earlier than predicted (as per the new research, published in
ation, the air is rising and blows in an the journal Nature Climate Change)
anticlockwise direction (in the northern
hemisphere) around the low. Finding:
• This is because of the Coriolis effect, a • Overturning circulation has slowed by almost a third
result of the earth’s rotation on its axis. (30%) and deep ocean oxygen levels are declining.
Favourable Warm seas present ripe conditions for the • These changes were expected by 2050, but are al-
conditions development and strengthening of cyclones ready happening
and fuel these systems over the water.
Effects As warm air rises and cools, water vapour What are the Overturning Circulations?
condenses to form clouds and this can lead Overturning Circulations refers to the global network of
to rains. ocean currents that redistribute heat, carbon, and nutrients.
Most vul- Weather systems formed over the Bay of They play a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate, main-
nerable re- Bengal in the peak of summer in May are taining oxygen levels, and shaping ocean currents.
gion among the strongest in the North Indian
Ocean region.
Threats Can lead to individual hazards such as storm
surge, flooding, extreme winds, tornadoes
and lighting → loss of life and material dam-
age.
How are cyclones named?

• They are named by the regional specialized mete-
orological centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone
Warning Centres (TCWCs). Why are the Overturning Circulations slowing?
• There are six RSMCs in the world and five TCWCs. The Overturning Circulations are slowing due to melting
• As an RSMC, the IMD names the cyclones develop- Antarctic ice, which freshens surface waters and reduces
ing over the north Indian Ocean, including the Bay their density, hindering the sinking process and disrupting
Current Affairs 30
the circulation pattern. REPORTS & INDICES
Impact of ‘the Slowing’:
• It can lead to reduced oxygen levels in the deep
ocean, affecting marine organisms. 13. GLOBAL SLAVERY INDEX 2023
• Disrupts the base of the food chain: As the Southern
Ocean supports about three-quarters of global Context:
phytoplankton production → impacts the marine According to the Walk Free Foundation’s Global Slavery In-
ecosystem. dex 2023, 50 million people are living in conditions of mod-
• It can also intensify global warming by reducing the ern slavery - a 25% rise over the last five years.
ocean’s capacity to store carbon dioxide and heat.
• It can contribute to rising sea levels due to the ther-
Modern slavery:
mal expansion of warmer waters.
• It refers to situations of exploitation in that a per-
About Deep Water Circulations (DWC): son cannot refuse or leave because of threats, vi-
olence, coercion, or deception.
Deep Water Circulation (DWC) • It manifests as forced labour, child labour, forced
About DWC refers to the movement of water in marriage, debt bondage, commercial sexual ex-
the deep ocean, driven by density differ- ploitation, human trafficking, etc.
ences caused by temperature and salinity
variations.
The Global Slavery Index:
Formation In polar regions, sea ice formation causes • It is an assessment of modern slavery conditions in
surrounding seawater to become saltier 160 countries.
and denser, leading to sinking. The process • It uses data released by the International Labour Or-
repeats as surface water is pulled in to re- ganisation (ILO), the International Organisation for
place sinking water. This circulation pattern Migration (IOM), etc.
is known as thermohaline circulation. • The Index provides rankings across 3 dimensions:
Significance Heat Distribution; Carbon Dioxide Control; Size of the problem (prevalence), Government re-
Shapes ocean currents and circulation pat- sponse and Vulnerability (political instability, in-
terns globally; Affects sea level by redistrib- equality).
uting heat and influencing thermal expan- • The 2023 index is significant as India holds the G20
sion presidency this year, with a focus on sustainable de-
Deep-Water The Indian Ocean does not produce its own velopment and climate change mitigation.
Circulations deep water; it receives it from other sourc-
in the Indian es like the North Atlantic and the Antarctic. Highlights of the Global Slavery Index 2023:
Ocean

Prelims Links: (UPSC 2021)
Q. Consider the following statements:
1. In the tropical zone, the western sections of the
oceans are warmer than the eastern sections owing to the
influence of trade winds. • 50 million people were living in conditions of mod-
ern slavery on any given day in 2021.
2. In the temperate Zone, westerlies make the east-
• The practice has become more prevalent over the
ern sections of oceans warmer than the western sections
last five years (a 25%/10 million rise), due to cli-
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? mate change, armed conflict, weak governance and
1. 1 only COVID-19.
2. 2 only • G20 nations account for more than half of all peo-
3. Both 1 and 2 ple living in modern slavery because their trade op-
4. Neither 1 and 2 erations and global supply chains allow for human
Ans: 3 rights abuses.
The situation within G20 nations: India tops the list with 11
million people working as forced labourers, followed by Chi-
na, Russia, Indonesia, Turkey and the U.S.
Current Affairs 30
Case of India sustainability plans.

• Providing primary and secondary education to children
Vulnerable popu- Indigenous communities and those and tightening regulations around forced and child mar-
lation engaged in fishing and agriculture in riage.
States like Odisha and West Bengal
have become victims of debt bond-
Conclusion:
age, human trafficking and mass dis-
● Strong legislation and accountability of G20 nations
placement.
must be ensured to empower vulnerable communi-
India’s Stance on • The Bonded Labour Abolition Act ties.
modern slavery 1976. ● The road to preventing forced labour goes through
• A Central Scheme for Rehabilita- the right of access to public goods, global commons
tion of Bonded Labour. and decent work.
• According to the SC, non-payment
of minimum wages amounts to
“forced labour” under Article 23 14. GLOBAL REPORT ON INTERNAL DIS-
of the Constitution. PLACEMENT 2023 (GRID-2023)
Challenges • Poor implementation of laws due
to corruption, apathy, legal loop-
holes and lack of political will.
• India’s new Labour Codes (which
are yet to be implemented) may
give “legal sanction” to forced
labour by extending work hours
and diluting the social security of
people working in the organised
and unorganised sectors.
• No data on people stuck in mod-
ern slavery: India’s last nation-
al survey of bonded labour was
done in the mid-90s.
Best practice States like Tamil Nadu have initiated
plans to conduct a survey;
Challenges:
• SDG 8.7 [ending forced labour and modern slavery]:
High prevalence of modern slavery and stagnating gov- Key Highlights of the Report:
ernment action highlight the difficulty in achieving this Highlight Details
goal by 2030.
Total Number of Over 71million IDPs across 110
• Sectors of the economy promote modern slavery: Like
IDPs countries and territories at the end
the textile industry promotes conditions of forced and
of 2022, a 20% increase in a year
unpaid work, lack of benefits (maternity leave), etc.
• Poor govt policies: For example, the “Sumangali” Total IDPs in India Over 6 lakh were from conflict and
scheme in Tamil Nadu traps women and girls from mar- violence while 32 thousand were
ginalised locations to work in exploitative conditions in due to disasters
spinning mills. Weather-Related 98% of disaster displacements in
Displacements 2022 were triggered by weather-re-
Way ahead: lated events; floods and storms
• South-south cooperation to bring more transparency in caused 6 out of 10 disaster displace-
value chains, social security for workers at all stages, and ments
holding corporations accountable in multilateral and bi- Pakistan and India Pakistan had the highest number
lateral free trade agreements. of disaster displacements in 2022,
• Implementing stronger measures and legislations that followed by China and Afghanistan,
prevent governments and businesses from sourcing while India ranked fourth
goods and services linked to modern slavery.
• Embedding anti-slavery measures in climate change
Current Affairs 30
La Niña’s Influence The prolonged three-year La Niña Mains Links

phenomenon contributed to the rise Q. Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the im-
in weather-related disasters, espe- portant environmental impacts which always attract
cially floods, leading to widespread controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the
disasters across the globe measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while
Regional Displace- Sub-Saharan Africa experienced proposing major developmental projects. (UPSC 2016)
ment Patterns the highest-ever displacement due
to disasters in 2022. South Asia wit-
nessed double the annual average of GS PAPER 2
disaster displacements
Actions needed Unconditional cash assistance for FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
supporting the immediate needs of
IDPs; Developing IDPs’ livelihoods OF THE UNION AND THE STATES, IS-
and skills; Importance of building SUES AND CHALLENGES PERTAINING
resilience and preparedness at an
individual, community, and national TO THE FEDERAL STRUCTURE
levels; addressing the impacts of cli-
mate change and investing in adap-
tation measures are crucial to miti-
1. CONSTITUTION BENCH VERDICT IN SHIV
gate future displacements SENA CASE
Context:
The Global Report on Internal Displacement 2023 (GRID-
The Supreme Court of India has passed a unanimous verdict
2023), published by the Internal Displacement Monitoring
on various issues related to the split in Shiv Sena in June
Centre (IDMC), is the world’s leading source of data and
2022.
analysis on Internal Displacement (ID). The 2023 edition
sheds light on the significant increase in the number of
people displaced by disasters in 2022 and the complex re- Background of the issue:
lationships between disasters, conflict and violence, food In 2019, Uddhav Thackeray became the Chief Minister of
security and ID. Maharashtra leading the MVA alliance. In 2022, Eknath
Shinde and other MLAs went missing, claiming no confi-
IDMC (formed 1998; HQ: Geneva) is an International dence in the MVA alliance and Thackeray. The Thackeray
non-governmental organization established in 1998 by group initiated disqualification proceedings against them,
the Norwegian Refugee Council in Geneva. It is focused on and Mr Shinde moved the Supreme Court to dispute it. The
monitoring and providing information and analysis on the Governor directed a floor test to see if Thackeray’s govern-
world’s internally displaced persons. ment still had support, and Uddhav Thackeray resigned
without facing it. Later, the Election Commission of India
allotted the name Shiv Sena and party symbol to Shinde’s
Conclusion: faction, and Thackeray’s side argued that they must be dis-
There is a need for India to formulate policies and strategies qualified as their actions amounted to defection.
that are focused on migration, promote inclusive growth and
development, and reduce distress-induced migration.
Key observations by Supreme Court in the Maharashtra
verdict:
1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol assert the
principle of non-refoulment (a refugee should not be re- Observation Explanation
turned to a country where they face serious threats to Appointment of Speaker must recognise the whip and
their life or freedom) whip leader authorised by the political par-
ty, based on the party constitution, af-
ter conducting an inquiry.
Insta Links
Forcibly displaced crossed 100 million in 2022
The power to appoint a whip and a
leader rests with the “political party”
and not the “legislature party,” as stat-
ed in the Tenth Schedule of the Con-
stitution.
Current Affairs 30
Legislative wing Allowing the legislative wing to act Terms Used:

vs political party independently from the political party “Political party” Vs “Legislature party”:
contradicts the constitutional system While a political party is an organization of people with
of governance. common political goals and ideologies, e.g., BJP, Congress;
Disqualification Disqualification ought to be decided as a legislature party is a group of elected representatives
procedure per established procedures in law and of the same political party who coordinate their legisla-
the Speaker is the appropriate author- tive activities and strategy in the legislature. E.g., elected
ity for this under the Tenth Schedule representatives of BJP in Lok Sabha forms the “legislature
of the Constitution, which lays down party” of BJP in Lok Sabha.
the anti-defection law.
What is a Whip?
While deciding disqualification pleas, A whip is a party official in charge of ensuring that par-
the Speaker must consider the consti- ty members vote in accordance with the party’s position
tution of the political party (as submit- on a particular issue. The concept originated from British
ted to ECI) Parliament. All parties can issue whips to their members.
Pending disqual- The Speaker should decide on pending Parties appoint a senior member from among their House
ification peti- disqualification petitions in a reason- contingents to issue whips — this member is called a chief
tions able timeframe. whip, and he/ she is assisted by additional whips
MLAs have the right to participate in Insta Links

proceedings of the House regardless of • Does the anti-defection law need changes?
the pendency of any petitions for dis-
qualification.
Mains Links
Floor test A floor test is to be conducted by the
Q. Examine why the anti-defection law has been ineffec-
Governor only on obtaining objective
tive, even counterproductive in preventing defections.
material to show that the incumbent
How can this situation be rectified? (250 Words)
government had lost the confidence of
the House.
Governor’s role Then Maharashtra Governor Bhagat 2. DELHI GOVERNMENT CASE VS LG
Singh Koshyari was not justified in call-
ing for a floor test on June 30, 2022, as Context:
he did not have objective material to The Supreme Court of India has given the state government
show that the incumbent government of Delhi complete control over administrative services in the
had lost the confidence of the House. National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCTD), except for public
order, police, and land.
The Governor is not empowered to en-
ter the political arena and play a role in
inter or intra-party disputes. Background of the Issue:
The Delhi government and Lieutenant Governor have been
Restoration of The Thackeray group had sought to
in a legal battle since 2015 over control of “services” in
the Uddhav gov- restore the situation prior to June 29,
Delhi. The Supreme Court gave a split verdict in 2019, and
ernment 2022, but the Supreme Court ruled that
a five-judge Constitution Bench has now delivered its ver-
it cannot reinstate the Uddhav govern-
dict on the issue of control and whether officers allocated
ment as he had resigned and not faced
to Delhi come under the administrative control of the Del-
the floor test.
hi government or Delhi LG. The case also included the con-
stitutional validity of the Government of National Capital
Significance of the judgement: Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2021, which referred
It upholds the principles of constitutional morality and the to the Lieutenant Governor as the “government” in any
integrity of the democratic process. law made by the Legislative Assembly of Delhi.
Current Affairs 30
What is the Verdict of the SC? Special provision for Delhi UT:
Verdict Special provisions have been made for certain UTs, such
Powers of Lt. Governor shall be bound by the decision as Puducherry, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir (yet to
LG of the Delhi government over services, apart be constituted), which have a legislative assembly and a
from public order, police and land. Council of Ministers headed by a Chief Minister. The leg-
Powers Centre had exclusive legislative and execu- islative assembly of these UTs has the power to make laws
of Central tive control over ‘services’ relating to public with respect to matters enumerated in List II or List III in
govern- order, land and police as envisaged under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution insofar as these
ment Article 239AA. matters are applicable in relation to the UT.
Federalism The Centre had argued that the Constitution
in UT is a federal Constitution with a strong uni- However, some entries in List II, such as public order, po-
tary bias as far as UTs are concerned. lice, and land, are not within the legislative competence of
the legislative assembly of Delhi.
Contradicting it, SC said that Indian federal-
ism is not unitary and any further expansion Quotes used by SC:
of the Union’s power will be contrary to the Quote 1: “The principles of democracy and federalism are
Constitutional scheme. essential features of our Constitution and form a part of
Powers to If a democratically elected government is the basic structure.
the elect- not given the power to control the officers, Quote 2: “Federalism is a means to reconcile the desire of
ed govern- the principle of the triple chain of account- commonality along with the desire for autonomy and ac-
ment ability (Political, Administrative and Public commodate diverse needs in a pluralistic society”
accountability) will be redundant.
Principle It extends to the responsibility of officers,
of collec- who in turn report to the ministers. If the offi-
tive re- cers stop reporting to the ministers or do not Prelims Links:
sponsibil- abide by their directions, the entire principle Q. In the context of India, which one of the following is
ity of collective responsibility is affected. the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy? (UPSC
2020)
1. An agency for widening the scope of parliamenta-
The scope of the Court’s verdict:
ry democracy
• While interpreting Article 239AA(3)(a), the Court
ruled that the Legislative Assembly of the NCTD has 2. An agency for strengthening the structure of
jurisdiction over entries in List II (The State list) and federalism
List III (The Concurrent list), except three entries in 3. An agency for facilitating political stability and
List II (public order, police, and land). economic growth
• The Union of India has executive power only over 4. An agency for the implementation of public policy
these three entries in List II over which the NCTD Ans: 4
does not have legislative competence.
• Consequently, executive power over “services” (List Q. Which of the following are the discretionary powers
II) can be exercised exclusively by the Government given to the Governor of a State? (UPSC 2014)
of the NCTD.
1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing
the President’s rule
How are UTs administered? 2. Appointing the Ministers
The Union Territories (UTs) in India are administered by the 3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature
President through an appointed administrator, who rep- for consideration of the President of India
resents the President and exercises administrative powers 4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State
in the UT. The judiciary in the UTs is governed by the Con- Government
stitution and laws made by the Parliament. In some UTs, Select the correct answer using the code given below.
such as Delhi and Puducherry, the administrator holds
significant powers, including the ability to make laws and 1. 1 and 2 only
regulations for the UT, while in others, the administrator’s 2. 1 and 3 only
powers are limited to providing advice to the elected gov- 3. 2, 3 and 4 only
ernment. 4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: 2
Current Affairs 30
The power conferred on When a Constitution Bench

A. THE NATIONAL CAPITAL TERRITORY OF Parliament (under Article of the SC declares/inter-
239AA) is to make fresh prets the law, the same is
DELHI (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 2023 laws for giving effect to or binding on all courts and
supplementing the provi- authorities in India.
sions contained in various
Context: clauses of Article 239AA.
The President of India exercised legislative power under Ar- Therefore, altering the Articles 123, 141, and 144
ticle 123 of the Constitution to promulgate The Government scope of Article 239AA(3) are in Part V (The Union) of
of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordi- (a) requires Constitutional the Constitution. None has
nance, 2023. Amendment under Article a non-obstante clause.
368.
Need to promulgate the Ordinance: The Ordinance negates Consequently, the ordi- Therefore, Article 74 could
the Constitution Bench judgment of the SC, that brought nance promulgated under not override Article 144.
“services” under the Government of National Capital Terri- Article 123 to expand the
tory of Delhi (NCTD). scope of Article 239AA(3)(a)
is liable to be struck down.
Key highlights of the Government of NCTD (Amendment)
Ordinance 2023: Conclusion:
● Creation of National Capital Civil Service Authority The Union of India’s decision to prefer review (Article 137)
(NCCSA): and promulgate an ordinance (Article 123) simultaneously is
○ It will be headed by the CM of Delhi, with ill-conceived.
the Chief Secretary and Principal Home Sec-
retary of Delhi being the other two mem- Important Articles of the Indian Constitution discussed
bers. above
○ It will make recommendations to the Lieu- Article 74 It provides for a Council of Ministers which
tenant Governor (LG) regarding the transfer, shall aid the President in the exercise of the
posting, vigilance and other incidental mat- President’s functions.
ters wrt to AISs and DANICS serving the Del- Article 137 It deals with the review of judgments or or-
hi government. ders by the Supreme Court.
○ All matters are required to be decided by a Article 141 It stipulates that the law declared by the Su-
majority of votes. This means that the deci-
preme Court shall be binding on all Courts
sion of the elected CM can be overruled by
within the territory of India.
the two senior bureaucrats.
● Role of LG: Article 144 All authorities, civil and judicial, in the terri-
tory of India, shall act in aid of the Supreme
○ The L-G will pass orders to give effect to the
Court.
recommendations passed by the NCCSA.
○ In case the L-G differs from the recommen- Article 239 The Constitution (69th Amendment) Act,
dation made, s/he may return the recom- AA 1991 inserted Article 239 AA in the Constitu-
mendation for reconsideration by the NCC- tion, giving special status to Delhi and estab-
SA. Therefore, the final decision will lie with lishing an Administrator and a Legislative As-
the LG. sembly. The Assembly has the power to make
laws for the NCT of Delhi, except for police,
public order, and land. The L-G has dual con-
Changes brought by the Ordinance: It inserted “services” of
trol and can either act on the aid and advice
List II into Article 239AA(3)(a), thereby expanding the scope
of the Council of Ministers or refer a differ-
of matters (under the control of the Union) from 3 to 4.
ence of opinion to the President. This power
The Constitutionality of the Ordinance tussle between the elected government and
the L-G has been a point of contention.
In terms of Article 368 In terms of Articles 141 and
144 Article 368 The Parliament may in the exercise of its con-
stituent power amend by way of addition,
variation or repeal any provision of the Con-
stitution in accordance with the procedure
laid down in this article.
Current Affairs 30
Mains Links: SC verdicts on the issue

Q. Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) • RC Cooper Case 1970: If an Ordinance is issued solely
can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor to bypass the Parliament, the President’s decision to
and the elected government of Delhi? Examine. (UPSC promulgate the Ordinance can be challenged.
2018) • D C Wadhwa v. State of Bihar 1986: If the Govern-
ment ignores the legislature and repromulgate an Or-
dinance, it would be a colourable exercise of power.
B. POWER TO PROMULGATE/RE-PROMUL- • Krishna Kumar Singh v. State of Bihar 2017: A sev-
GATE ORDINANCES en-judge Bench of the SC held that the satisfaction of
the President under Article 123 is not immune from
judicial scrutiny; not a parallel source of law-making
Ordinance
or an independent legislative authority. It reiterat-
Meaning It is a law enacted by the Executive (President ed that the Governor’s power to issue an Ordinance
in the case of Union and Governor in the case is in the nature of an emergency power. Repeated
of State) to meet extraordinary/urgent cir- re-promulgations without bringing the Ordinance to
cumstances. the legislature would be unconstitutional.
Extraor- Article 123 of the Indian Constitution empow-
d i n a r y / ers the President [Article 213 - Governor] to Insta Links: The ordinance route is bad, repromulgation
u r g e n t promulgate Ordinances during recess of Par- worse
c i r c u m - liament.
stances
Mains Links:
A r t i c l e If at any time, except when both Houses of
123 Parliament are in session, the President is sat- Q. Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on
isfied that circumstances exist which render it violation of the spirit of separation of powers doctrine.
necessary for him to take immediate action, he While noting the rationales justifying the power to pro-
may promulgate Ordinances. mulgate ordinances, analyze whether the decisions of
the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated
Real au- Under Article 74, the President acts on the ad- resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate
t h o r i - vice of the Council of Ministers. Hence, it is in ordinances be repealed? (UPSC 2015)
ty that effect the government that decides to bring
d e c i d e s the Ordinance.
to bring 3. WATER DISPUTE BETWEEN ANDHRA
the Ordi-
PRADESH AND TELANGANA
nance
Effect An Ordinance shall have the same force and
effect as an Act of Parliament. However, the
government is required to bring an Ordinance Context:
before Parliament for ratification. The water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana,
stemming from the Krishna River, remains unresolved even
Life • If the government fails to get an Ordinance
after 9 years since the bifurcation of the combined state.
ratified by the Parliament, it will lapse at
the expiration of 6 weeks from the reas-
sembly of Parliament. Maximum life of an About the Dispute:
Ordinance = 6 months (recess) + 6 weeks The dispute began with the erstwhile Hyderabad and My-
• The Ordinance may lapse earlier - if the sore states and later continued between successors Maha-
President withdraws it or if both Houses rashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It originated from
pass resolutions disapproving it (imply that the Gentlemen’s Agreement signed in 1956, which aimed
the government has lost the majority.) to protect the Telangana region’s interests regarding wa-
Criticism • As lawmaking is a legislative function, Or- ter resources. In 1969, the Krishna Water Disputes Tribu-
dinance power is provided to meet urgent nal (KWDT) was set up under the Inter-State River Water
situations. Dispute Act, of 1956, and presented its report in 1973. It di-
• However, the governments adopt the Ordi- vided water between Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra
nance route to bypass the legislature. Pradesh.
• Repromulgation of an Ordinance, which
extends life of an Ordinance, allows the After the bifurcation of the state, both states have proposed
executive to further seize legislative power. new projects (e.g., the project to increase Krishna water
Current Affairs 30
utilization above the Srisailam Reservoir) without proper Other Inter-State River Water Sharing Disputes:
clearance from river boards and authorities as required by River (s) States
the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. This led to
Ravi and Beas Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan
complaints and disputes between the two states. Also, Tel-
angana has been pushing for an equal share. Narmada Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharash-
tra, Rajasthan
Krishna Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kar-
Legal Provisions:
nataka, Telangana
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 mandates for
the constitution of an Apex Council by the Central Govern- Vamsadhara Andhra Pradesh, Odisha
ment for the supervision of the functioning of the Godavari Cauvery Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
River Management Board and Krishna River Management Puducherry
Board. The Apex Council comprises the Union Water Re- Godavari Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kar-
sources Minister and the Chief Ministers of Telangana and nataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha
Andhra Pradesh.
Mahanadi Chhattisgarh, Odisha
Mahadayi Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka
Constitutional provisions:
Periyar Tamil Nadu, Kerala
Inter-State River Water Disputes: Under Article 262, Parlia-
ment may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute
or complaint with respect to the use, distribution and con-
trol of waters of any inter-state river and river valley. The Par- About Description
liament enacted two laws, the River Boards Act (1956) and
Godavari River The river
the Inter-State Water Disputes Act (1956).
(Source: Trim-
bakeshwar near
About River board: Nasik; Length:
The River Boards Act provides for the establishment of river 1465km) extends
boards by the Central government for the regulation and over the states
development of inter-state rivers and river valleys. A River of Maharash-
Board is established at the request of state governments tra, Telangana,
concerned to advise them. Andhra Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh and
Odisha in addi-
tion to smaller
About Inter-State Water Disputes Act: parts in Madhya
It empowers the Central government to set up an ad hoc Pradesh, Kar-
tribunal for the adjudication of a dispute between two or nataka and the
more states in relation to the waters of an inter-state river or Union territory
river valley. The decision of the tribunal is final and binding of Puducherry.
on the parties to the dispute. Neither the Supreme Court Its tributaries
nor any other court is to have jurisdiction in respect of any are: Pravara, Pur-
water dispute which may be referred to such a tribunal un- na, Manjra, Pen-
der this Act. ganga, Wardha,
Wainganga, Pra-
Way forward: nhita (combined
To address water disputes effectively, it is necessary to es- flow of Waingan-
tablish a permanent tribunal with Supreme Court’s appel- ga, Penganga,
late jurisdiction and amend Article 262 and the Inter-State Wardha), Indra-
Water Disputes Act. Communication channels must be im- vati, Maner and
proved for consensus-building, and the central body should the Sabri
represent states adequately. The Ministry of Jal Shakti has
issued a gazette notification defining the jurisdiction of river
management boards, which can help overcome challenges.
Clear demarcation of power for each state should be fol-
lowed.
Current Affairs 30
Krishna River The river (source: Prelims Links:

Mahabalesh- Q. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC 2019)
war (Satara); Famous place River
Length: 1400 1. Pandharpur Chandrabhaga
km; third-longest
2.Tiruchirappalli Cauvery
river in India, af-
ter the Ganges 3. Hampi Malaprabha
and Godavari; Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
fo u r t h - l a rge st (a) 1 and 2 only
in terms of wa- (b) 2 and 3 only
ter flows, after (c) 1 and 3 only
the Ganges, In- (d) 1, 2 and 3
dus and Go-
Answer: A
davari). It runs
from four states Q. Consider the following rivers: (UPSC 2015)
Maharashtra, 1. Vamsadhara
North Karnata- 2. Indravati
ka and the rest 3. Pranahita
of its journey in 4. Pennar
Telangana and
Which of the above are tributaries of Godavari?
Andhra Pradesh
(a) 1, 2 and 3
before it empties
into the Bay of (b) 2, 3 and 4
Bengal. Its trib- (c) 1, 2 and 4
utaries are Tung- (d) 2 and 3 only
abhadra, Mall- Answer: D
aprabha, Koyna,
Bhima, Ghata-
prabha, Yerla, PARLIAMENT
Warna, Dindi,
Musi and Dudh-
ganga. 4. INDIA’S NEW PARLIAMENT: NEED AND
SIGNIFICANCE
S r i s a i l a m It is constructed across the Krishna Riv-
project er in Nagarkurnool district, Telanga- Context:
na and Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh. • In the 75th year of Independence, India’s new Par-
It is the 2nd largest (1670 MW; after Koyna liament building, embodying the culture, pride and
Dam 1960 MW) capacity working hydro- spirit of the entire nation, was recently inaugurated
electric station in India. The dam was con- by the PM of India.
structed in a deep gorge in the Nallamala • 19 opposition parties boycotted the inauguration
Hills. event, accusing the central government of sidelining
President Droupadi Murmu - the country’s first tribal
head of state.
Insta link:
Krishna River water dispute
Mains Links:
Q. Write a critical note on the Krishna River water dispute
and critically evaluate the successes of tribunals in resolv-
ing river water disputes in India. (250 Words)
The old Parliament:
• At the coronation of George V as Emperor of India in
1911, the announcement of the transfer of the seat
of GoI from Calcutta to the ancient Capital of Delhi
Current Affairs 30
was made.
• The GoI Act 1919 provided for a bicameral legisla-
ture for India and the need for the new was felt.
• The parliament building’s construction took six years
(and Rs 83 lakhs) - from 1921 to 1927, and its circu-
lar shape is believed to be inspired by the Chausath
Yogini temple at Mitawli village in MP’s Morena dis-
trict.
Need for a new Parliament building:

● Existing Parliament is old: The existing Parliament
house (which will be converted into a ‘Museum of
Democracy’ after the new Parliament becomes op-
erational) is almost a century-old Heritage Grade-I
building, showing signs of distress and over-utiliza-
tion.
● Narrow seating space for MPs:
○ The present building was never designed to
accommodate a bicameral legislature for a
full-fledged democracy.
○ The Central Hall has seating capacity only
for 440 persons and when the Joint Ses-
sions are held, the problem of limited seats
amplifies.
○ The number of Lok Sabha seats is likely to
increase significantly from the current 545
after 2026.
● Distressed infrastructure: The addition of services
like water supply, sewer lines, etc., has led to seep-
age of water at several places and impacted the aes-
thetics of the building. Main features of the new Parliament building:
● Safety concerns: For example, fire safety, structural • A “Platinum-rated Green Building” with about
safety (Delhi is currently in Seismic Zone-IV), etc. 65,000 sq m built-up area, which will be divyang
● Obsolete communication structures: Communica- friendly.
tions infrastructure and technology is antiquated in • The triangular shape ensures the optimum utilisa-
the existing Parliament, and the acoustics of all the tion of space.
halls need improvement. • A larger Lok Sabha hall (888 seats) based on the
● Inadequate workspace for employees. peacock theme (India’s national bird) and a larg-
er Rajya Sabha hall (384 seats) based on the lotus
theme (India’s national flower).
• The Lok Sabha may accommodate up to 1,272 seats
The new Parliament:
for joint sessions of Parliament.
• It is part of the Central Vista Project - the ongoing
• A state-of-the-art Constitutional Hall symbolically
redevelopment project to revamp India’s central
and physically puts the Indian citizens at the heart
administrative area (designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens
of our democracy.
and Sir Herbert Baker during British colonial rule)
• A Central Lounge that will complement the open
located near Raisina Hill, New Delhi.
courtyard (with a banyan - the national tree) will be
• It is designed by Ahmedabad-based HCP Design,
a place for members to interact with each other.
Planning and Management under architect Bimal
• Ultra-modern state-of-the-art features like a digi-
Patel and has been built by Tata Projects Ltd.
tised voting system, well-engineered acoustics and
audiovisual systems in the two chambers.
Interior decorations:
• Murals depicting maps of ancient India-protected
monuments of ASI and UNESCO, etc.
• 3 ceremonial entrance halls with huge brass imag-
Current Affairs 30
es of Mahatma Gandhi, Chanakya, Gargi, Sardar The Pal- Bucharest,
Vallabhbhai Patel, B.R. Ambedkar, and the Chariot ace of Romania
Wheel from the Sun Temple at Konark are on dis- Parlia-
play. ment
• Reflecting the cultural diversity of India in line with
the “Made in India” initiative Tripura’s epitome
bamboo wood flooring and carpets from UP’s Mir-
zapur embellished the new Parliament.
The Re- Berlin, Ger-
Some other magnificent Parliament buildings ichstag many
Name Location Image

B i n n e n - The Hague,
hof Nether-
lands Significance of the new Parliament:
Symbol of the vision and aspirations of India, the spirit of
change and continuity and will witness the making of India
as ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Expectations from the new Parliament:
• The trend of increasing disruptions and long peri-
ods of deadlock is antithetical to the spirit of Parlia-
Nation- D h a k a ,
ment - law-making through debate, discussion, and
al Par- B a n g l a -
consensus.
l i a m e n t desh
• Hence, the new Parliament offers an opportunity to
House
seriously introspect on Parliamentary conduct and
make Parliament more efficient and productive.
Conclusion:
The new Parliament should not only be the fountainhead/
epitome of architectural excellence but should also work as
The Cap- Wa s h i n g -
a lighthouse to guide India in its ambitious journey of ‘new
itol ton DC, US
India@100’; ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’, etc.
STATUTORY, REGULATORY AND VAR-

IOUS QUASI-JUDICIAL BODIES.
5. ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE (ED)
The Great B e i j i n g ,
Hall of China
the Peo-
ple
The Na- Abuja, Ni-

t i o n a l geria
Assembly
Complex
Current Affairs 30
Explaining the issues: Mains Links:
The tenure for directors of CBI and ED is two years. Howev-
Q. The erosion of institutional autonomy and freedom in
er, in November 2021, the President promulgated two ordi-
the decision-making of organisations like the Enforcement
nances allowing the Centre to extend the tenures from two
Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
years to up to five years. So, now they can be given three an-
has weakened Indian polity and democracy. Critically anal-
nual extensions. The Supreme Court had previously upheld
yse. (250 Words)
this and allowed the extension of ED’s chief Sanjay Kumar
Mishra, but said that such extension should be done in rare
and exceptional cases and for a short period. Q. Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation
contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to
tackle the problem of money laundering both at national
Now, the government has again extended the tenure of
and international levels. (UPSC 2021)
Mr Mishra citing a pending review by the Financial Action
Task Force and that Mishra would not remain in service after
his term comes to an end in November. This has been chal- 6.NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
lenged in SC again.
Context:
Issues with ED and PMLA: For the 2nd time in a decade, the UN-backed Global Alliance
Issue Example of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) deferred
Misuse of PMLA is used to investigate crimes not the accreditation of the National Human Rights Commission,
PMLA for or- related to money laundering or organized India (NHRC-India).
dinary crimes crime, leading to the attachment of assets
of genuine victims. GANHRI:
Lack of trans- The Enforcement Case Information Re- ● Formerly known as the International Coordinating
parency and port (ECIR) is not given to the accused and Committee of National Human Rights Institutions
clarity the ED lacks clarity in selecting cases to (NHRIs), GAHNRI is a global network of NHRIs.
investigate. ● It is constituted as a non-profit entity (under Swiss
law) and Secretariat support is provided by the Of-
Blanket pow- The ED has been assigned almost blanket
fice of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
ers powers under PMLA for searching, seiz-
(OHCHR).
ing, investigating, and attaching assets
● It coordinates the relationship between NHRIs and
considered to be proceeds of crime.
the UN human rights system.
Low convic- Between 2005 and 2013-14, there were
tion rate zero convictions, and between 2014-15 The Paris Principles:
and 2021-22, only 23 cases were under ● They were defined in 1991 and were adopted by
conviction out of 888 cases registered. the UN Human Rights Commission (1992) and the
UN General Assembly (1993).
Allegation of “Political figures who have crossed over
Political bias- to the government side have mysteriously ● They provide the international benchmarks
against which NHRI can be accredited.
es been given ‘clean chits’ or have seen ED
go slow in proceedings against them” ● They set out 6 main criteria that NHRIs are re-
quired to meet. These are:
○ mandate and competence;
Way forward: ○ autonomy from the government;
While the ED has been given expansive powers under PMLA,
○ independence guaranteed by a statute or
there must be a balance between these powers and adher-
Constitution;
ence to constitutional provisions to prevent political misuse.
○ pluralism;
The process of investigation should not become a punish-
ment, and there should be a commitment to expeditiously ○ adequate resources; and
resolve cases for speedy trials and convictions. ○ adequate powers of investigation.
Constant scrutiny over the operations of the Enforcement Importance of GANHRI accreditation:
Directorate is necessary, and any lacunas in the operative ● Institutions accredited with “A status” means full
part can be filled through suitable legislation, executive ac- compliance with the Paris Principles.
tion, or a revised order of the apex court. ● It is the only non-UN body whose internal accredita-
tion system grants access to UN committees - speak-
ing rights and seating at human rights treaty bodies.
Current Affairs 30
NHRC-India • Engage in human rights education among various sec-

tions of society and promote awareness among the
About It is a statutory body established on 12 Octo- masses.
ber 1993 (in conformity with the Paris Princi- • Encourage the efforts of NGOs and institutions work-
ples), under the Protection of Human Rights ing in the field of human rights literacy, etc.
Act (PHRA) 1993 [Amended in 2019].
Objective A watchdog for the promotion and protec-
tion of the human rights of citizens of India. Why is the accreditation NHRC-India deferred?
The PHRA defines Human Rights as the rights • Lack of independence (political interference in appoint-
relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of ments).
the individual guaranteed by the Constitution • Lack of diversity (in staff and leadership) and account-
or embodied in the International Covenants ability.
and enforceable by courts in India. • Insufficient action to protect marginalised communities,
religious minorities, and human rights defenders.
Composi- • A Chairperson, who has been a Chief Jus- • Involving the police in probes into human rights viola-
tion (13) tice of India or a Judge of the SC. tions.
• 1 member, who is, or has been, a Judge • Poor cooperation with civil society.
of the SC. • All of the above is contrary to the ‘Paris Principles’.
• 1 member, who is, or has been, the Chief
Justice of an HC.
• 3 Members, out of which at least one Way ahead:
shall be a woman to be appointed from • Its decisions should be made enforceable by the gov-
amongst persons having knowledge or ernment.
practical experience in matters relating to • Members of NHRCs should include civil society, human
human rights. rights activists, etc.
• 7 ex officio members - NCSC, NCST, NCBC, • NHRC should have its independent investigating staff.
NCW, National Commission for Minori-
ties, National Commission for Protection Mains Links:
of Child Rights and the Chief Commission- Q. Though the Human Rights Commissions have contrib-
er for Persons with Disabilities. uted immensely to the protection of human rights in In-
Appoint- • By the President of India, on the recom- dia, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the
ment mendation of a committee consisting of mighty and powerful. Analysing their structural and prac-
- The PM (Chairperson), The Union Home tical limitations, suggest remedial measures. (UPSC 2021)
Minister, The LoP in the Lok Sabha, The
LoP in the Rajya Sabha, The Speaker of the
Lok Sabha, The Deputy Chairman of the
Rajya Sabha. JUDICIARY
• The sitting Judge of the SC or sitting Chief
Justice of any HC can be appointed only
after consultation with the CJI. 7. ARTICLE 142
Functions
Context:
• The protection of human rights and recommend mea-
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that it can directly
sures for their effective implementation.
grant divorce to couples under Article 142 (1) of the Consti-
• Enquiry into complaints of violation of human rights
tution, which allows it to do “complete justice” in any cause
or negligence in the prevention of such violation by a
or matter.
public servant.
• Studies treaties and international instruments and
makes recommendations for their effective implemen- What did SC say?
tation to the GoI. The court can waive the mandatory six-month waiting peri-
• Review factors that inhibit the enjoyment of human od for divorce under The Hindu Marriage Act (HMA), 1955,
rights and recommend appropriate remedial mea- and allow the dissolution of the marriage on grounds of an
sures. irretrievable breakdown even if one of the parties is not
• Undertake and promote research in the field of hu- willing.
man rights.
• To visit jails and study the condition of inmates. Significance of the decision: The decision enables couples to
bypass the time-consuming process of obtaining a decree of
Current Affairs 30
divorce through family courts, which have a large number of  Justice must not only be done but must also
similar cases pending. be seen to be done.
• The oath of office: Both the SC and HC judges prom-
About Article 142: ise to perform their duties without fear or favour, af-
fection or ill-will, in accordance with the III Schedule
Topic Information
of the Constitution.
Article 142 (1) provides discretionary power to the Su- • Restatement of the Values of Judicial Life adopted
preme Court as it states that the SC in the exercise of its by the SC: It forbids a judge from deciding a case
jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is where he holds pecuniary interest unless the con-
necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or mat- cerned parties clarify that they have no objections.
ter pending before it.
Application Release of AG Perarivalan, one of the Recent instances of judicial recusals:
life convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassi- • In the afore-mentioned case involving a former
nation case; Cleansing of Taj Mahal and IPS officer (Sanjiv Bhat), recusal was sought on the
granting justice to many undertrials; ground that there was a likelihood of bias since the
Ayodhya dispute case same Judge, a Gujarat HC judge had reprimanded
Significance It has been invoked to protect the the IPS officer.
rights of different sections of the pop- • The CJI rejected an application seeking his recusal
ulation and serves as a check on the from hearing petitions seeking legal recognition of
government, acting as a system of same-sex marriages.
checks and balances with the legis- • Justice Gita Gopi of the Gujarat HC recused herself
lature. It provides complete justice to from hearing Rahul Gandhi’s appeal seeking a stay
various deprived sections of society or on his conviction in the criminal defamation case.
protects the environment
Example of judi- Ban on the sale of alcohol along na- Why do judges recuse?
cial overreach tional and state highways where the • To prevent the perception that the judge was biased
court extended the ban to State high- while deciding a case.
ways as well • When an appeal is filed in the SC against an HC judg-
Negative Impact Article 142 has some negative aspects ment delivered by the concerned judge before his
such as ambiguity, promoting judicial elevation.
overreach, and unaccountability. The
phrase “complete justice” is still un- What is the procedure for recusal?
clear and judgments passed by the Su- • Although several SC judgments have dealt with the
preme Court have created confusion. issue, India has no codified rules governing recusals.
• There are two kinds of recusals - automatic (where
a judge himself withdraws from the case) or when a
8. JUDICIAL RECUSALS party raises a plea for recusal.
• The decision to recuse rests solely on the conscience
Context: and discretion of the judge and no party can compel
Calling it an attempt to indulge in ‘bench hunting’, a former a judge to withdraw from a case.
SC judge refused to recuse himself from hearing a plea. • If a judge recuses himself, the case is listed before
the Chief Justice for allotment to an alternate
What is recusal? Bench.
• It is the act of declining to take part in an official ac-
tivity, such as a court case because the administra- Do judges have to record reasons for recusal?
tive or court authority presiding over it has a conflict Since there are no statutory rules governing the process, it
of interest. is often left to the judges themselves to record reasons for
• This conflict of interest can arise in many ways - recusals.
from holding shares in a litigant company to having
a prior or personal association with a party. Concerns:
• The majority of the time, the grounds for recusal are
The practice of judicial recusals stems from: not made public, which endangers judicial transpar-
• The cardinal principles of due process of law: ency.
 Nemo judex in sua causa - no person shall • However, the Delhi HC recently ruled that any inves-
be a judge in his own case. tigation into the reasons for recusal would consti-
Current Affairs 30
tute an interference with the course of justice. What is Jallikattu/eruthazhuvuthal?
• It is a bull-taming sport traditionally played in TN as
part of the Pongal harvest festival and as a celebra-
Rules formulated by the SC in the past:
tion of nature, of which cattle worship is a part.
● Ranjit Thakur v. Union of India (1987): To deter-
• However, it has long been contested over cruelty to
mine if a judge should recuse, what is relevant is
animals and the bloody and dangerous nature of
the reasonableness of the apprehension of bias in
the mind of the concerned party. the sport.
● State of West Bengal v. Shivananda Pathak (1998):
Judicial bias is a condition of mind which renders Background of the case:
the judge incapable of impartiality in a particular W e l f a r e A two-judge Bench of the SC banned such
case. Board of sports including Jallikattu.
● SC Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India v. A. • The apex court held “bovine sports”
India (2015): Where a judge has a pecuniary in- Nagaraja contrary to the PCA Act - fixes the du-
terest, no further inquiry is needed to establish 2014 ties of persons in charge of animals and
whether there is a ‘real danger’ of bias.
defines animal cruelty.
● Indore Development Authority v. Manoharlal and
• The PCA Act overrides the so-called tra-
Ors (2019): Merely having a legal opinion does not
dition and culture and the Parliament
disentitle one from being impartial.
must elevate the rights of animals to
that of constitutional rights (under Arti-
Practice in foreign jurisdictions: cles 14, 21).
• The United States has a well-defined law on recus- MoEFCC It prohibited the “exhibition or training of
als, which details the grounds for recusal - financial notifica- bulls as performing animals”.
or corporate interest, a case in which the judge was tion, 2016 However, an exception specified that bulls
a material witness or a lawyer, and a relationship to
might still be trained as performing animals
a party.
at Jallikattu, according to the customs and
• The United Kingdom’s law laid down a standard to
culture of different communities.
look at the likelihood of bias from the perspective of
a fair-minded and reasonable observer. TN amend- • This was done to allow Jallikattu in
ed the PCA the state, to preserve the cultural her-
Act in 2017 itage of TN, to ensure the survival and
Conclusion: well-being of the native breeds of bulls,
• It is the judge’s ‘constitutional duty’ to be ‘transpar- and to minimize cruelty to animals in the
ent and accountable’ and therefore reasons must concerned sports
be indicated for recusal (Justice Kurien Joseph). • A batch of petitions were filed chal-
• There is a need for ‘procedural and substantive lenging the above exemption and
rules to deal with the growing frequency of recusal the amendments, following which
pleas (Justice Madan Lokur). the SC referred the matter to the
Constitution Bench, as the issue
The practice of “bench hunting” refers to petitioners at- involved the interpretation of the
tempting to have their cases heard by a specific judge or Constitution.
court in order to obtain a favourable order. • The Bench was tasked with decid-
ing whether Jallikattu could be pre-
served as the cultural right of TN
under Article 29(1) of the Constitu-
9. JALLIKATTU, KAMBALA CAN GO ON IN
tion.
TAMIL NADU AND KARNATAKA: SC The recent verdict of the SC:
Context:
A five-judge Bench of the SC upheld the amendments made
by TN, Maharashtra and Karnataka to The Prevention of Cru-
elty to Animals (PCA) Act 1960, allowing bull-taming sports
like Jallikattu, Kambala, and bullock-cart races.
Current Affairs 30
• It overruled its 2014 ruling in ‘Welfare Board of India What is Criminal Justice System in India?
v. A. Nagaraja’ and held that Jallikattu has a strong cul- The Criminal Justice System (CJS) in India is a set of legal and
tural component. institutional frameworks that govern the detection, inves-
• The amendments (to the PCA) were “valid legisla- tigation, prosecution, and punishment of criminal offences.
tions”, as these are not a piece of colourable legisla- • The CJS in India is mainly guided by three major legal
tion and that it relates to List III of the 7th Schedule documents:
to the Constitution [prevention of cruelty to animals].  The Indian Penal Code
• The court also said that the 2017 amendment does  The Code of Criminal Procedure
not violate -  The Indian Evidence Act.
 Articles 51-A (g) and 51-A (h), which im- CJS has four subsystems:
pose duties on Indian citizens to protect  Legislature (Parliament)
the environment and develop a scientific
temper, humanism, spirit of inquiry, and  Enforcement (Police)
reform, respectively.  Adjudication (Courts)
 Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 21  Corrections (Prisons, Community Facilities)
(Right to Life) of the Constitution.
• However, the Jallikattu issue is “debatable” and must Need for new Prison Act:
ultimately be decided by the Parliament, as the issue
Examples/Facts
requires social and cultural analysis in greater detail.
O u t d a t e d The Indian Prison Act was enacted in 1894
laws and amended several times, but it fails to
Insta Links: Jallikattu address modern-day prison challenges.
Human rights E.g., custodial deaths, torture, and over-
violations crowding are widespread in Indian pris-
GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND IN- ons.
TERVENTIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT Focus on re- The current prison system focuses more
habilitation on punishment than rehabilitation, which
IN VARIOUS SECTORS AND ISSUES leads to high recidivism rates (committing
ARISING OUT OF THEIR DESIGN AND offence again).
IMPLEMENTATION
A new act should emphasize the need for
rehabilitation programs and better in-
10.MODEL PRISONS ACT 2023 tegration of prisoners into society upon
release.
I m p r o v e d Many Indian prisons lack adequate health-
healthcare care facilities, leading to higher mortality
rates.
Te c h n o l o g y The current prison system is largely man-
integration ual and paper-based, leading to delays
and inefficiencies.
Overcrowding According to the latest data available
from the National Crime Records Bureau
(NCRB), the occupancy rate of Indian pris-
ons is over 117%, indicating severe over-
crowding.
Staff training Many Indian prison staff lack adequate
training, leading to incidents of human
rights abuses, corruption, and misman-
agement.
E.g., In 2020 it was reported that the Pu-

zhal Central Prison in Chennai, Tamil
Nadu had only one guard for every 100
prisoners.
Current Affairs 30
Previous other recommendations: Status of Persons with Disabilities in India:
SC appointed Justice Amitava Roy (retd.) The committee There are about 2.68 crore (2.21% of the population) peo-
recommended several measures to address the issue includ- ple with disabilities in India according to the 2011 census of
ing: India.
• Speedy trials
• Increasing the number of lawyers for prisoners
• Setting up special fast-track courts for petty offences
About the Accessibility standards for persons with disabil-
• Promoting the concept of plea bargaining
ities:
Aspect Accessibility Standards
Initiative for prison reforms in India: The Modernisation
Aim Provide access to medical services for per-
of Prisons Project (2021-26) aims to enhance security and
sons with disabilities—Preventive, curative
facilitate prisoner rehabilitation in India through the use
and rehabilitative.
of modern security equipment; E-Prisons Project, Model
Prison Manual 2016, and National Legal Services Authority Barriers Limited access to quality education, low em-
(NALSA). ployment rates, and inadequate healthcare
services.
Key Aspects of accessibility standards
Conclusion:
The Model Prison Act 2023 is aimed at improving prison Physical En- E.g., Ramps and accessible entrances; Bar-
administration and conditions, protecting the rights of pris- vironment rier-free pathways and accessible parking
oners, and promoting their rehabilitation and reintegration spaces; Elevators and lifts for vertical acces-
into society. It is expected to bring much-needed reforms to sibility
the Indian prison system and align it with international stan- Transporta- Accessible buses, trains, and stations;
dards. tion Wheelchair ramps and lifts; Audible and vi-
sual announcements
Insta Links: Information Accessible formats for printed materials;
Prison Reforms in India and Com- Captioning and audio descriptions for au-
munication dio-visual content; Accessible websites and
digital platforms
Mains Links: Technology Screen reader compatibility; Keyboard ac-
Q. Instances of the President’s delay in commuting death cessibility; Alternative text for images
sentences have come under public debate as denial of jus-
The initiative taken by India
tice. Should there be a time specified for the President to
accept/reject such petitions? Analyse. ( UPSC 2014) C o n v e n - • India has ratified the UN Convention on
tions the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• India is a signatory to the Biwako Mil-
11. GOVERNMENT IMPLEMENTS RPWD lennium Framework and the Declara-
ACT 2016 tion on Full Participation and Equality
of People with Disabilities in the Asia
Pacific Region.
Context: • Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right
The Government of India has implemented the Rights of Real” for Persons with Disabilities in
Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016 to establish ac- Asia and the Pacific.
cessibility standards for persons with disabilities.
Constitu- • Article 41 of DPSP: State shall make
What are accessibility standards for persons with disabili- tional effective provisions in cases of disable-
ties? ment.
Accessibility standards for persons with disabilities refer to • 7th schedule: The subject of ‘relief of
guidelines and regulations that aim to ensure equal access the disabled and unemployable’ is
and participation for individuals with disabilities in various specified in the state list of the Seventh
environments and services. These standards cover different Schedule of the Constitution.
aspects of accessibility—Physical environment, transporta- Legislation Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act
tion, information and communication, technology, and pub- 2016 increased the number of disabilities
lic facilities. from 7 conditions to 21; Accessible India
Campaign;
Current Affairs 30
Shift in Atti- Focus on disabilities has been shifted from 12. LABOUR DAY
tude the individual to society, i.e., from a medi-
cal model of disability to a social or human Context:
rights model of disability. May 1 is widely known as Labour Day/International Work-
Institute Indian Sign Language Research and Training er’s Day - a day to celebrate the contribution of workers
Centre and the National Institute of Mental worldwide.
Health Rehabilitation, have been established
Technology Unique Disability Identification Portal; BIS Background:
standard IS 17802, focuses on accessibility • The origin of Labour Day dates back to the 19th cen-
requirements for ICT products and services tury - when a nationwide strike of 1886 for an eight-
hour workday culminated in a violent movement in
Measures needed: Chicago, US.
• Strengthen preventive health programs, including early • In 1889, the International Socialist Conference de-
screening for all children, as demonstrated by Kerala’s clared May 1 would be an international holiday for
successful Comprehensive Newborn Screening (CNS) labour/May Day/Labour Day/Workers Day.
programme • In India, the first Labour Day (initiated by the Labour
• Embrace a Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) ap- Kisan Party of Hindustan) was celebrated on May 1,
proach to maximize the abilities of individuals with dis- 1923, in Madras.
abilities
• Increase public awareness and understanding of dis- The primary objective of Labour Day:
ability through social campaigns that challenge stigmas • To acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the
and stereotypes. working class,
• Encourage inclusiveness by transitioning individuals • Create awareness about their rights, and
from special schools to mainstream environments, pro- • Protect them from exploitation.
moting a diverse range of influences and interactions.
Current trends in the labour market worldwide:
Insta Links Three years after the COVID-19,
75 Years: Laws that Shaped India- The Rights of Persons with • Small and micro-enterprises/people have been hard
Disabilities Act, 2016 hit by inflation
• Lack of opportunities
Mains Links • Real wages have fallen, and poverty inequality is
rising
Q. Though the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
was a landmark step but much is left to be desired to
achieve inclusivity and accessibility for the disabled. Exam- Indian labour market - Major issues:
ine. (250 Words) • Surplus labour force: Without the commensurate
rise in job opportunities in the labour market.
• Unskilled labour force: Leading to a rise in indecent/
Prelims Links: poor quality jobs like manual scavenging, etc.
Q. India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities.  For example, 8 people died in Gujarat (in
What are the benefits available to them under the law? April 2023) while cleaning sewers, despite
(UPSC 2011) the practice being declared illegal across the
country.
1. Free schooling till the age of 18 years in govern-
ment-run schools. • Low absorption of skilled labour
2. Preferential allotment of land for setting up busi- • Labour market imperfections: Such as lack of ade-
ness. quate information regarding jobs, numerous labour
laws, etc.
3. Ramps in public buildings.
• The workers in the unorganised sector: Constitute
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? about 93% of the total workforce in the country →
(a) 1 only not covered under social security measures → most
(b) 2 and 3 only affected during COVID-19 pandemic.
(c) 1 and 3 only • Unemployment: Causing problems like disguised
(d) 1, 2 and 3 unemployment, seasonal unemployment, open un-
Ans: D employment and educated unemployment.
• Son of the soil doctrine: For example, Haryana en-
Current Affairs 30
acted a new law reserving 75% of private sector jobs Conclusion:
with monthly salaries up to ₹30,000 for locals. Social justice should be the keystone of labour reforms at
the level of national, regional and global policies and actions.
This will help in achieving equitable and resilient societies.
Labour reforms
Global • The International Labour Organization (ILO)
is a UN agency to advance social and eco- Insta Links: New labour codes give a free hand to employ-
nomic justice by setting international labour ers: Unions
standards.
• In 1919, the ILO adopted the Hours of Work Mains Links:
(Industry) Convention (British India ratified
Q. “Success of the ‘Make in India’ programme depends
in 1921), limiting the number of working
on the success of the ‘Skill India’ programme and radical
hours to eight a day and 48 hours a week.
labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments. (UPSC
• The Declaration of Philadelphia (1944) re-
2015)
stated the traditional objectives of the ILO
and highlighted two new directions: the cen-
trality of human rights to social policy, and ISSUES RELATING TO THE DEVELOP-
the need for international economic plan-
ning. MENT AND MANAGEMENT OF SO-
India • Labour falls under the Concurrent List of the CIAL SECTOR/SERVICES RELATING
Constitution.
• The central government replaced the 29 ex-
TO HEALTH, EDUCATION, HUMAN
isting labour laws with four Codes. RESOURCES
• These Codes regulate (i) Wages, (ii) Industrial
Relations, (iii) Social Security, and (iv) Occu-
pational Safety, Health and Working Condi- 13. MISLEADING FOOD ADS AND REGULA-
tions. TIONS TO CURTAIL THEM
• eShram: This portal will help build a compre-
hensive National Database of Unorganised Context:
Workers (NDUW) in the country. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has
• PM Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM): flagged 32 new cases of misleading advertisements and
Meant for old age protection and social secu- claims made by food business operators.
rity of Unorganised workers.
• Aam Admi Bima Yojana: Providing social se- • FSSAI has referred the cases to licensing authorities
curity to unorganised sector workers. and warned that offenders face penalties of up to
INR 10 lakh or suspension or cancellation of licens-
es for repeated offences.
How to prioritise social justice for a sustainable and stable
future?
What are misleading advertisements?
• Policies and actions must be human-centred.
Misleading advertisements are those that make false or ex-
• Focusing on ‘decent work’: The most effective way
aggerated claims about a product or service with the inten-
to reduce inequality, and poverty and ensure social
tion of deceiving consumers.
protection is a ‘Decent Work for All’ - SDG 8.
• Addressing the long-term structural transforma-
tions: By ensuring that new technology creates and Examples of misleading advertisements:
supports employment, and skills training, treating Company Misleading Claim
demographic changes/migration as a ‘dividend’.
Detox Tea Co. “Lose 10 lbs in 7 days with our tea”
• Reinvigorate labour institutions and organisations:
To make social dialogue effective and vigorous. Beauty Products “Eliminates wrinkles in one day”
• Review laws and regulations: To make them up-to- Inc.
date - protecting workers and supporting sustain- Bourn Vita “Our drink is low in sugar” (when it
able businesses. contains high sugar content)
• Creating a global platform: To recommit to inter- Fresh Teeth Inc. “Whitens teeth 10 shades in one use”
national cooperation and solidarity and to create Hair Care Co. “Regrows hair in 2 weeks”
greater policy coherence, a Global Coalition for So-
cial Justice is needed. Social Networking “100% safe and secure”
Inc.
Current Affairs 30
Impact of misleading advertisement: Consumer Protec- These mandatory rules require sell-
Examples tion (E-Commerce) ers to take back defective or defi-
Loss of Volkswagen used deceptive advertising to Rules, 2020 cient goods, withdraw services, or
Customer market their diesel cars as environmentally provide refunds if goods or services
Trust friendly, causing damage to the environment do not meet the description on the
and a loss of trust in the company by custom- platform.
ers. Advertising Stan- A self-regulatory organization that
N e gat i ve PepsiCo’s advertising campaign for Aquafina dards Council of monitors ads and deals with com-
Brand Im- bottled water, which claimed the water was India (ASCI) plaints against them in India.
age “pure, perfect and refreshing,” was mislead-
ing because the water was sourced from tap Tags given to packaged foods:
water.
Tag Description Example
Legal Con- L’Oreal was sued by the Federal Trade Com-
sequences mission (USA) for advertising that their an- Natural A food product that is a single Fresh fruits
ti-ageing creams could mimic the effects of a food derived from a recog- and vegetables
surgical facelift. nized natural source and has
nothing added to it. Packaging
Health Im- For example, sugary drinks such as soda are must be done without chemi-
pact associated with many health problems. cals and preservatives.
Ethical im- Unfair Competition, Breach of Trust, Decep- Fresh The term “fresh” can only be Freshly baked
pact tion and Manipulation used for food products that bread, freshly
have been washed, peeled, squeezed juice
Legal provisions against misleading advertisements: chilled, trimmed, or cut with-
Legal Provisions Description out any other processing that
alters its basic characteristics.
CCPA’s Guidelines Issued in 2022, these guidelines cov- If food is processed in any way
to Prevent False or er goods, products, and services, and to extend its shelf life, it can-
Misleading Adver- aim to prevent false or misleading not be labelled as “fresh.”
tisements advertising.
Pure “Pure” is to be used for sin- Pure honey,
Food Safety and Specifically deals with food (and re- gle-ingredient foods to which pure maple
Standards Regula- lated products), and regulates prod- nothing has been added, and syrup
tions, 2018 uct claims, while the above guide- the unavoidable contami-
lines deal with goods, products and nants are within prescribed
services. controls.
Cable Television Advertisements must not draw in- Original “Original” is used to describe Original recipe
Network Rules, ferences that it has “some special or food products made to a for- potato chips
1994 miraculous or supernatural property mulation, with a traceable
or quality, which is difficult to prove. origin that has remained un-
FSS Act 2006 Misleading ads are punishable under changed over time.
Section 53 of the Food Safety and N u t r i - Nutritional claims in food ad- “High in pro-
Standards Act, 2006. t i o n a l vertisements can be about the tein”, “Low in
Consumer Welfare Set up under the Central Goods and Claims specific contents of a product sugar”
Fund Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017, this or comparisons with another
fund promotes and protects the wel- food item.
fare of consumers.
Central Consumer Monitors and enforces consumer Conclusion:
Protection Council protection laws facilitates consumer To improve food safety in India, companies should provide
education, and provides consumer evidence to support their claims and modify advertise-
redressal mechanisms. ments for better consumer understanding. FSSAI and state
food authorities should conduct surveys to ensure better
enforcement and administration of the FSS Act. Compen-
sation and fines should be increased in cases of injury or
death, and more food testing laboratories should be estab-
lished.
Current Affairs 30
About: potentially harmful to the public.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
Central Consumer Protection Authority (founded 2019; Drug regulation in India:
HQ: New Delhi; Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs
Food and Public Distribution) is a regulatory authority
set up under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act,
2019 in relation to matters affecting the rights of consum-
ers by individuals or entities
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

FSSAI (founded 2008; HQ: New Delhi) is a statutory body
established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,
Government of India. The FSSAI has been established un-
der the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which is a
consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation
in India.
Insta Links
Regulating misleading advertisements
Mains Links
Q. Do you think that the brand ambassadors of products
should be held accountable for misleading advertise-
ments and endorsements? Examine. (250 Words)
In India, drugs and cosmetics are regulated by:
• Act: Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules 1945: It
Prelims Links assigns various responsibilities to central and state reg-
Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018) ulators.
1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced • Agencies:
the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. • Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI): It is respon-
2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of In- sible for approving licenses for specified categories of
dia (FSSAI) is under the charge of the Director General of drugs, setting standards for manufacturing, sales, im-
Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family port, and distribution of drugs in India, and heads the
Welfare. department of CDSCO.
• Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO):
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
It prescribes standards for ensuring the safety, efficacy,
(a) 1 only and quality of drugs, cosmetics, diagnostics, and devic-
(b) 2 only es. It also regulates the market authorization of new
(c) Both 1 and 2 drugs and clinical trial standards.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 • National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA): It
Answer: A controls the pricing of pharmaceutical drugs in India
14. LAW TO RECALL BAD DRUGS

Why India doesn’t have a law for drug recall?
Context: Reasons Explanation
India has not implemented a law to recall bad drugs from
Apathy and Lack The government’s drug regulatory bod-
the market since 1976, even though discussions have taken
of Expertise ies give more importance to promoting
place on this topic several times over the years.
the growth of the pharma industry than
restricting their activities. Moreover,
What is a drug recall? they lack expertise in drug regulation
A drug recall is the process of removing a prescription or (as USA FDA has)
over-the-counter drug from the market. A recall may occur
if a medication is found to be defective, contaminated, or
Current Affairs 30
Fragmented India has a highly fragmented regulato- Meaning It means a conjoint study, training and
Regulatory ry structure, with each state having its practice in indigenous/traditional medicine
Structure own drug regulator. (ayurveda, Unani, etc) and modern (allopa-
Opposition to Both the pharmaceutical industry thy) medicine.
Centralized Reg-
and state drug regulators have resist- Why do pa- 5 barriers(5As) to healthcare: awareness,
ulatory ed greater centralization of regulatory tients favour access, acceptability, affordability, and ac-
powers. They fear that a central regula- complemen- countability.
tor could slow down the growth of the tary medi- Complementary medicine gives people
industry. cine? with chronic diseases who have already
No Interest in There appears to be no sustained de- tried a number of things an option. That is
Government mand from civil society for reform, and why, 50% of people use complementary
the government is more invested in the medicine, and more than 70% have used it
growth of the pharmaceutical industry. at some point during their lifetime.
Concerns No evidence-based benefits of comple-
Impact of substandard drugs: mentary medicine, lack of data on safety
and efficacy, and a lack of standardization
Impact Example
of formulations.
Adverse health In 2022, the World Health Organization
Integrative medicine is a business: Data
effects linked the deaths of almost 60 children
shows that it increases the cost of care and
in Gambia to substandard cough syrups
does not improve the patient’s clinical out-
manufactured in India.
comes.
Loss of trust in In 2019, the case of supplying substan-
Efforts to The National Integrated Medical Associ-
the healthcare dard and falsified antiretroviral drugs
p r o m o t e ation (NIMA) is an Indian NGO of general
system to the government in South Africa.
complemen- practitioners educated in integrated system
Economic losses Patients may have to spend more mon- tary medi- of medicine.
for patients and ey on healthcare due to the need for cine in India The National Ayush Mission (launched in
the healthcare additional treatments and hospitaliza-
2014) has played a crucial role in preserving
system tions.
and promoting India’s traditional systems
Legal and reg- In 2021, a firm was seized in Agra City of medicine and their integration into the
ulatory con- (UP) for purchasing expired drugs at mainstream healthcare system.
sequences for low costs and reselling them with new
WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medi-
manufacturers packaging. The company may face legal
cine (Jamnagar, Gujarat) was set up to pro-
consequences for these actions.
mote Traditional Medicines as a system of
treatment for various ailments.
Way forward: CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medi-
To create an effective recall mechanism, the responsibility of cine is a premier institute located in Jam-
recalling drugs needs to be centralized under one authority mu and dedicated to the research of drug
with the legal power to hold companies liable for failures to discovery.
recall drugs and search and seize batches of failed medicine.
Some universities in India offer BISM (Bach-
elor in Integrated System of Medicine)
Insta Links: What is the agreement between ICMR and the Ministry of
Spurious Drug Menace Ayush: The two-day National Ayush Mission Conclave talks
about the practice at AIIMS and research in complementary
15. AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF MEDICINE medicine.
Context: Significance of the move:

The ICMR under the Union Health Ministry and the Union ● It will enhance the treatments that can be offered
Ministry of Ayush has agreed to enhance cooperation in under one roof.
health research in the field of integrated medicine. ● It will help build harmonized protocols for clinical
care research, and this is especially important for
non-communicable diseases, where medical treat-
An integrated system of medicine/complementary med- ment options are limited.
icine ● It will take Ayurveda and yoga to the world.
Current Affairs 30
Way ahead: Health schemes in tribal areas:
Randomised control trials (RCTs) and peer-reviewed studies
of traditional medicine must be promoted. • The National Health Mission (NHM): It envisages the
achievement of universal access to equitable, afford-
able and quality healthcare services that are account-
Conclusion: able and responsive to people’s needs.
Many systems of medicine have a role to play in keeping hu- • Various initiatives supported under the NHM for bet-
man beings well. Modern medicine is extremely important, ter healthcare in tribal areas:
but there is a wealth of wisdom and ancient traditions which • Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres
can be incorporated sensibly and safely for the well-being of (HWCs) are established as part of the Ayushman
man. Bharat programme.
• National Free Drugs Service Initiative and Nation-
Insta Links: Integrated medicine system to alter the future al Free Diagnostic Service Initiative have been
of disease management rolled out.
• The ASHA programme provides for recruitment of
ASHA at habitation level, in hilly, tribal and difficult
areas.
16. INDIA@100: RESOLVING THE TRIBAL • National Ambulances Services under NHM for
HEALTH CHALLENGE free transportation of sick patients to the health
facilities.
• All tribal majority districts whose composite
Context:
health index is below the State average have been
As India celebrates its achievements, it must build a health-
identified as High Priority Districts (HPDs)
care system that caters to tribal communities.
Since independence, India has made remarkable strides:

• As the world’s 5th-largest economy and a leader in
the digital realm.
• Demonstrating the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutum-
bakam - One World, One Family.
 For example, through its Vaccine Maitri ini-
tiative, India provided over 60 million vac-
cine doses to nations across the world.
Challenges:
• Equitable, affordable and quality healthcare for 1.4
billion people.
• Finding a way to achieve this without disrupting the
identities of tribals.
Healthcare issues faced by Tribal communities in India:

• They constitute 8.9% of the population and remain
the most neglected and deprived group when it
comes to access to healthcare. Way ahead:
• For example, the mortality rate in tribal areas is • Urgent need to empower tribal communities and
44% higher than the national average, and infant ensure they receive equitable, affordable and ac-
mortality is 63% higher [Ministry of Tribal Affairs]. cessible healthcare.
 This can be ensured by suitable investments
(in medical colleges and training centres
Reasons behind poor health indicators among tribals:
across such remote areas), public policy and
They face multifaceted challenges - lack of infrastructure, governance.
medical professionals, connectivity, affordability, equip-
ment, insurance, funding, etc. • Empowering tribal communities must be done stra-
tegically.
 With a more communitarian social setup,
an underdeveloped economy dependent
on forest resources and unique geographic
conditions, their health outcomes necessi-
Current Affairs 30
tate a unique approach. Plan by IRDA (Bima Trinity of the policy):
Best practices: • Bima Sugam: The portal will integrate insurers and
• Mera Baccha Abhiyan: distributors, providing customers with a one-stop
 It aims to fight malnutrition through pub-
shop for purchasing insurance policies and managing
lic participation in Datia district, Madhya
Pradesh. service requests and claim settlements. It will also be
 As a result, the district witnessed a drop in integrated with digitized birth and death registries
malnutrition rates (by 17.5%), rise in immu- • Bima Vistar: It will be bundled risk cover product,
nisation, breastfeeding and a drop in diar- which offers defined benefits for each risk and aims
rhoea. to provide faster claim payouts without the need for
• Piramal Swasthya - One of the largest implementing surveyors.
agencies of primary healthcare programmes in India: • Bima Vaahaks: The third component of the plan in-
 It has over a decade’s experience of work- volves deploying a women-centric workforce called
ing with the tribal communities of Andhra Bima Vaahaks (carriers) in each Gram Sabha (village
Pradesh, implementing its unique commu- council) to promote the benefits of insurance prod-
nity-based model. ucts.
 More recently, it has partnered with NITI
Aayog to transform the health and nutrition
systems in 25 Aspirational Districts spread Other plans:
across 7 States of India. • State-level insurance committees: To achieve the goal
of providing insurance coverage for all citizens by 2047,
Conclusion: the IRDA plans to establish State-level insurance com-
• As India moves towards India@100, the responsibil- mittees and involve State governments in formulating
ity of providing healthcare (a fundamental human district-level insurance plans.
right) for all lies both with private and government • Amendment to insurance laws (Insurance Act, 1938) to
institutions. allow differentiated capital requirements for niche in-
• Tribal communities can be empowered by inclusive surers, attract more investments, and enable the addi-
leadership and investments in healthcare infrastruc- tion of value-added services to insurance policies.
ture, contributing to the UN SDGs.
Benefits:
Insta Links: Launch a national tribal health mission • It will provide citizens with an affordable single poli-
cy that covers health, life, property and accident
• Settling claims within a short timeframe (potentially
within six to eight hours or a maximum of one day)
17. ALL-IN-ONE INSURANCE POLICY PLAN • Will allow policyholders to easily access their policies
and submit death certificates, enabling quick processing
and transfer of funds.
Context:
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
(IRDA) in India is working on an all-in-one policy plan to ad- Issues with the current Insurance law: The current insur-
dress the low insurance penetration in India. ance laws in India do not allow the inclusion of value-add-
ed services along with insurance policies. For instance, in-
surance companies are restricted from offering additional
Aim:
benefits like an annual yoga membership or nursing ser-
• To offer an affordable bundled insurance product
vices for policyholders’ parents who live far away.
that covers health, life, property, and accident risks.
• To expedite claim settlements by linking death reg-
istries onto a common platform In 2022, India’s life insurance penetration stood at around
• To create a “UPI-like moment” in insurance, similar 3%, while the non-life insurance penetration was much
to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the bank- lower at one percent.
ing sector
About IRDA: The Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority of India (founded 1999; HQ: Hyderabad) is a
statutory body (under the IRDA Act 1999) and is under
the jurisdiction of Ministry of Finance and is tasked with
regulating and licensing the insurance and re-insurance
industries in India.
Current Affairs 30
Trends during COVID-19 spread in India:

Insta Links:
• ‘COVID deniers’ at the beginning of the pandemic:
• Insurance law review on cards to push for ‘efficient
Resulted in the spiking of COVID-19 cases in India.
use of resources’
• Misinformation during the 2nd wave: A third wave
• CHANGES IN GENERAL INSURANCE BUSINESS BILL
in India would affect children resulting in the depri-
vation of schooling and learning of children.
• Policy interventions missed factoring in the local
18. COVID-19 IS NO MORE A PUBLIC context: Local context determines the epidemiolog-
ical pattern, spread of disease, and proposed inter-
HEALTH EMERGENCY OF INTERNATIONAL ventions.
CONCERN
Steps taken by India towards Covid-19 prevention:
Context: • Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance Consor-
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that tium (INSACOG) for genomic sequencing and track-
COVID-19 was no longer a public health emergency of inter- ing the evolution of variant strains of SARS-CoV-2.
national concern (PHEIC). • The National Biopharma Mission (NBM) and the
Ind-CEPI Mission have enabled the strengthening of
When was it declared PHEIC? the national vaccine development ecosystem.
COVID-19 was announced as a ‘PHEIC’ by the WHO on Jan- • Mission COVID Suraksha was launched as part of the
uary 30, 2020. Aatmanirbhar Bharat 3.0 for promoting the R&D of
Indian COVID-19 vaccines.
What is the current status of COVID-19?

It has acquired the status of other endemic diseases (from Some best practices in India:
the pandemic). India reached the COVID-19 endemic stage • “Har Ghar Dastak” campaign: Aims at awareness,
a year ago. mobilisation and vaccination of all eligible beneficia-
ries.
• Training of healthcare professionals: The Govern-
ment of India has utilized the iGOT (Integrated Gov-
ernment Online Training) platform to train various
personnel.
Lessons from COVID Pandemic that India must embrace

and implement:
• Invest in healthcare (HC) infrastructure.
Current Affairs 30
• India needs National HC Services Regulatory Au- 19. UN REPORT: IMPROVING MATERNAL
thority: To check rampant black marketing of criti-
AND NEWBORN HEALTH AND SURVIVAL
cal drugs, artificial shortage and discrepancies in the
cost of the same. AND REDUCING STILLBIRTH
• India needs more doctors, paramedics and hospi-
tals. Context:
• Revamp Primary health centres with the PPP mod- According to a report by the United Nations global progress
el. on improving maternal and newborn health has halted since
• Bring the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under 2015.
PMO to enhance proficiency in predicting future
pandemics.
Objective of the report:
• Better pay and training of ASHA workers: They
It outlines progress at the mid-point for the achievement of
played a critical role in creating awareness in rural
the Sustainable Development Goals, and highlights priority
India - allaying fake apprehensions regarding vac-
actions towards eliminating preventable maternal and new-
cines.
born deaths and stillbirths.
• Fight disinformation in mission mode.
• A strategic reserve of critical medicines.
Global Findings:
Way ahead: • Global progress in reducing deaths of pregnant women,
• COVID-19 has ‘officially’ transitioned from a popula- mothers and babies has stagnated for eight years
tion-level challenge to more of an individual health • Deaths: Over 4.5 million women and babies die every
concern. year during pregnancy, childbirth or the first weeks after
• The government should offer formal training cours- birth - mostly from preventable or treatable causes if
es in epidemiology to prepare India for future out- proper care was available.
 290 000 maternal deaths each year
breaks and epidemics and to curb misinformation.
 1.9 million stillbirths (babies who die after
• Integrate the COVID-19 response to general health
28 weeks of pregnancy )
services.
 2.3 million newborn deaths (in the first
• It is time to drop the COVID-19 fixation and move on month of life)
to tackle other more pressing health challenges in
the country.
India Findings:
• India tops the list of 10 countries which bear 60% of
Mains Links:
global maternal deaths, stillbirths & newborn deaths
Q. Critically examine the role of WHO in providing glob- burden
al health security during the COVID-19 Pandemic. (UPSC • India accounts for 17 per cent of global maternal deaths,
2020) stillbirths and neonatal births
Prelims Links: (UPSC 2022) Despite the high numbers, As per the Sample Registra-
Q. In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent the tion System (SRS) report by the Registrar General of India
COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: (RGI), the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of India has re-
1. The Serum Institute of India produced a COVID-19 vac- duced from 130 per 100,000 live births in 2014-16 to 113
cine named Covishield using mRNA platform. per 100,000 live births in 2016-18.
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using a vector-based
platform. Reasons for the halt in progress:
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine.
Reasons Examples
Which of the statements given above are correct? Decreasing Just 1 in 10 countries (of more than 100
1. 1 and 2 only investments surveyed) report having sufficient funds
2. 2 and 3 only in maternal to implement their health schemes relat-
3. 1 and 3 only and newborn ed to maternal and newborns.
4. 1, 2 and 3 health
Ans: 2 Lack of Infra- Less than a third of countries report hav-
structure ing sufficient newborn care and maternal
care units.
Current Affairs 30
Prematuri- According to the report, every year, 2.5

ty (the lead- million babies are born prematurely, and
ing cause of one million of these babies die due to
under-five complications.
deaths glob-
ally)
COVID-19 Around a quarter of countries still report
pandemic ongoing disruptions to vital pregnancy
and postnatal care and services for sick
children.
Rising poverty Poverty can impact access to quality ma-
ternal and child healthcare services, nu-
trition, and education.
Worsening For example, the current crisis in Sudan
humanitarian and the Russia-Ukraine war can affect ac-
crises cess to healthcare services and supplies.
Gender in- Only about 60% of women aged 15-49
Insta Links:
equality years make their own decisions regard-
Maternal death rate declining: report
ing sexual and reproductive health and
rights. This can affect access to healthcare
services and information. Mains Links:
Q. In order to enhance the prospects of social develop-
Recommendations: ment, sound and adequate healthcare policies are needed
• Scale-up access to quality sexual and reproductive particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health-
health services as part of universal health coverage and care. Discuss. (UPSC 2020)
primary health care
• Use of technology: E.g., using a simple, low-cost collec-
tion device called a ‘drape’ to reduce blood loss during ISSUES RELATING TO POVERTY AND
delivery HUNGER
• Addressing harmful gender norms, biases and inequal-
ities
• Investment and political commitment 20. POVERTY ESTIMATION IN INDIA
• Strengthening service delivery for quality and respectful
care Context:
• Community engagement There has been no official estimate of poverty in India after
• Data and information systems 2011-12. However, many private estimates are available.
• Access to quality emergency obstetric care (EmOC)
Poverty estimation in India:

Targets to be achieved:
Frame an action plan to end preventable newborn deaths
Build strategies for ending preventable maternal mortality
90% of pregnant women receiving at least four antenatal
care contacts
Skilled health personnel attending 90% of births
80% of new mothers and babies receive postnatal care
within two days of birth
80% of districts across countries have access to emergency
obstetric services and small and sick newborn care
Current Affairs 30
• Poverty can be defined as a condition in which an • No public discussion on the new methodology.
individual or household lacks the financial resources
to afford a basic minimum standard of living. Conclusion:
• Reliable estimation of poverty is the first step to- The discourse on poverty estimation has played an import-
wards eradication of poverty as it provides input for ant role in highlighting the living conditions of the poor and
the design, implementation and monitoring of an- the effectiveness of government policy. Thus, the adoption
ti-poverty programmes. of a scientific methodology that will generate uniform-er-
• Two critical components of the estimation of pov- ror-free data is the need of the hour.
erty in India:
 Information on the consumption expendi-
tures; Insta Links: Ways to measure poverty in India — and why the
 These expenditures are evaluated with ref- numbers matter
erence to a given poverty line.
• In 2011, 21.9% of Indians were considered to be liv- Mains Links:
ing below the national poverty line. Q. Though there have been several different estimates of
• Globally, 8% lived on less than the international pov- poverty in India, all indicate a reduction in poverty levels
erty line (WB) of US$1.90 per person per day. over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with refer-
ence to urban and rural poverty indicators. (UPSC 2015)
Issues with estimates of poverty in India:
• Vary in a wide range: From as high as 35% of India’s
population in 2017-18 (by S. Subramanian) to a low
21.THE GOAL OF ZERO HUNGER
of 1.4% (by Bhalla, Bhasin and Virmani) found for
2019-20. Context:
• No clear conclusion/consensus on whether poverty To achieve the goal of zero hunger, India should have a spe-
rose after 2011-12 or fell. cial and immediate focus on India’s youngest children.
Why do these differences arise? Why do India’s youngest children need urgent attention?
• Due to varying consumption expenditure data used. • According to the WHO, a minimum of 33% of the dai-
 A modified version of data (by Bhalla) from ly calorie intake is expected to come from food (at six
the Consumer Pyramid Household Survey months of age). The child obtains the remaining calories
(CME) shows that poverty has declined in through “on-demand” breastfeeding.
India. • According to the NFHS-5, 18% of mothers reported that
 While the National Statistical Office (NSO) their child (between ages 6-23 months) did not eat any
data (by S. Subramanian) that poverty in-
food/“zero-food” in the 24 hours preceding the survey.
creased in India.
• Close to 40% did not eat any grains (roti, rice, etc) for an
 The only consumption expenditure survey
conducted by NSO in 2017-18 was aban- entire day, and six out of 10 children do not consume
doned. milk (“zero-milk”).
• This raises serious concerns related to severe food in-
• Due to different poverty lines used:
security.
 The consumption aggregates from the PLFS
estimate poverty at 17.9% in 2020-21, com-
pared with 21.9% in 2011-12. Steps taken:
 The latest (Panagariya and More) report a
• Mission Poshan 2.0: The flagship programme dedicat-
poverty ratio of 32% in 2019-20 and 26% in
2020-21 using the same PLFS consumption ed to maternal and child nutrition.
data. • National Food Security Act 2013
• Zero Hunger Programme: Began in 2017 to improve
agriculture, health and nutrition.
Good news for India:
• Eat Right India Campaign
• A consumption expenditure survey is currently un-
• Food Fortification
derway.
• PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
• This will update the national accounts and inflation
indices.
Challenges:
Challenges: • Zero-food underscores that achieving sufficiency in
• The new methodology adopted: The absence of food production (the world’s leading country in milk
a comparable survey means it won’t help answer production) does not necessarily mean attaining
what happened to poverty after 2011-12. food security.
Current Affairs 30
• Deficiency in data (food-based metrics) related to Highlights of the report:
food and dietary consumption to effectively monitor • Many hotspots [Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia,
and assess the performance of government initia- Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen, Haiti, and the Sahel
tives. (Burkina Faso and Mali)] are facing growing hunger
• The rising burden of cardiovascular and other crises.
non-communicable diseases in India. • Conflict, climate extremes and economic shocks
• Disruptions in global food production and dis- continue to drive more and more communities into
tribution systems, accentuated by the ongoing crisis.
Ukrainian-Russian conflict. • The spillover from the crisis in Sudan is driving mas-
sive population displacement and hunger among
What needs to be done? people in search of refuge.
• Given their multifactorial nature with regard to
what causes stunting or wasting among children, Risks ahead:
the specific nature of the deficiencies must be as- • Deepening economic shocks and a likely El Nino
sessed. climatic phenomenon is raising fears of climate ex-
 For this, assessments using household-level tremes in vulnerable countries around the globe.
food insecurity modules developed by the • Acute food insecurity can potentially increase in
FAO can be adapted. magnitude and severity.
 This will constitute the foundation for any
evidence-based policy.
• Multiple (not single) ministries/departments of the
Government of India should take responsibility for Recommendations
designing, implementing and monitoring policies. Anticipatory Emergency re- Other actions
actions sponse
The success story of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Support the Sustain hu- Establish a local
SBM offers valuable insights for schemes like Poshan 2.0, upcoming cul- manitarian nutrition surveil-
in its strategic use of directly trackable metrics, and strong tivation with assistance, in- lance system to
political commitment at the highest levels. harvesting cluding food monitor the de-
packages. assistance and terioration of the
Conclusion: agricultural in- nutrition situa-
To achieve the SDG 2 of zero hunger, India should consider puts. tion, especially in
a strategic initiative aimed at eliminating food insecurity by high-risk areas.
ensuring adequate-affordable-accessible-nutritionally di- Supporting Nutrition-re- Build the capacity
verse food, with a special and immediate focus on mothers the establish- lated and of national and
and children. ment of green a g r i c u l t u ra l provincial disas-
corridors be- livelihoods ter-management
tween rural programmes. authorities on
Insta Links: The road to zero hunger by 2030
and urban the inclusion of
centres to en- forecast-based fi-
Mains Links: courage safe nancing and risk
Q. There is a growing divergence in the relationship be- spaces to sell insurance.
tween poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of so- produce.
cial expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to
spend more on non-food essential items squeezing their
food-budget – Elucidate. (UPSC 2019)
A. HUNGER HOTSPOTS – FAO-WFP EARLY

WARNINGS ON ACUTE FOOD INSECURITY
Context:
According to a new UN report - Hunger Hotspots – FAO-WFP
early warnings on acute food insecurity - India’s neighbours
(Pakistan, Afghanistan and Myanmar) are among the hun-
ger hotspots in the world.
Current Affairs 30
Implement Maintain pre- Advocate for the duction and scientific storages like silos and logisti-
cash-for-work vention and return of female cal support.
activities by treatment of staff to work • Innovations and investments, both public and pri-
supporting acute malnu- across the coun- vate, are key to addressing the food loss and waste
harvesting ac- trition activi- tries to reach pop- challenges. For example,
 GreenPod Labs is innovating in the packag-
tivities, to pro- ties integrat- ulations in need.
ing and storing of produce to augment their
vide income ed with the shelf life.
sources for food security,  Dehaat provides an online marketplace to
farmers. health, and farmers and buyers that reduces the num-
water, sanita- ber of hands the food trades in.
tion and hy-
giene (WASH)
package of 22. FOOD FORTIFICATION: BENEFITS AND
services. ASSOCIATED RISKS
Context:
According to a UN report, India’s pilot studies on rice fortifi-
Case of India: cation showed a significant drop in the prevalence of anae-
• The Global Hunger Index 2022 ranks India 107 (out mia among schoolchildren.
of 121 countries), and the level of hunger and un-
dernutrition in the country is now at “serious” lev- Food Fortification:
els. • It is defined as the practice of adding vitamins and
• India’s rank on this index has been worsening since minerals to commonly consumed foods during pro-
2020 - 94 in 2020 and 101 in 2021. cessing to increase their nutritional value.
• With 19.3%, India has the highest rate of child wast- • Food fortification has been identified as the strategy
ing (among under 5 children) in the world. by the WHO and FAO for decreasing the incidence
• About 16.3% of Indians are undernourished, and of nutrient deficiencies at the global level.
about one in every three children is stunted.
The scenario in India:
• In 2016, the FSSAI established standards for the for-
tification of rice, wheat flour, edible oil, double-for-
tified salt (DFS) and milk. It developed the ‘+F’ logo
and helped build capacity for food producers.
• The pilot public food fortification programme was
launched in 2019 by the FSSAI in partnership with
external non-profits, who are also associated with
the nutraceutical industry.
Real problem: • Fortified foods are now being included in public
• India is the largest producer of milk, pulses, banan- food schemes like PDS, ICDS, and Mid-Day Meal
as, and the 2nd-largest producer of wheat, rice, and Scheme/Poshan, helping to address the challenge
vegetables in the world. of malnutrition.
• Therefore, poor hunger indices can be attributed
mainly to food losses and wastage in India. Impact:
• Crops lost between post-harvest and the retailer Fortification may contribute to the prevention, reduction
(due to poor storage, handling, and transportation) and control of micronutrient deficiencies through mass for-
are referred to as losses. Food wastage is the loss of tification or targeted fortification.
food at the consumer’s end.
• Anywhere between 1% (in the case of milk) to 16%
Major issues with food fortification:
(guava) of the agricultural produce is lost by the
• The one-sided portrayal of fortification as a ‘cure-
time it reaches the retailer.
all’: Without any significant scientific perspective
and evidence on fortification.
Way ahead for India: • No independent risk analysis: FSSAI’s statutory reg-
• By providing farmers with a mechanism to access ulations caution against consuming iron-fortified
real-time prices, processing to absorb ‘excess’ pro- food by patients with thalassemia and sickle cell
Current Affairs 30
anaemia.
• Conflict of interest: The studies which FSSAI relies
on to promote fortification are sponsored by private
food companies.
• Evaluation studies are still not publicly available.
Case of treating iron deficiency anemia in India:

• Iron is an essential mineral required for many bodily
functions, including the formation of haemoglobin,
but can be harmful when taken in excess (tolerable
upper limit - 40 mg/day).
• One of the methods suggested for the treatment of
iron deficiency is the fortification of food with iron.
• As men cannot ‘excrete’ iron from the body (unlike
women), they are particularly vulnerable to excess
iron intake.
• Studies have shown that unabsorbed iron can lead
to constipation, and diarrhoea and has been closely
linked to many chronic comorbidities like diabetes,
and liver fibrosis/cirrhosis.
• It can impair the absorption of other minerals such
as zinc and copper, which are also essential for the
body and lead to other deficiencies.
Way ahead:
• Fortification should be pushed in a transparent man-
ner.
• To treat undernutrition in India, all three - dietary
diversity, higher protein consumption and fortifica-
tion, are essential.
• It is imperative to develop individualised strategies
and ensure thorough monitoring to detect any ad-
verse events at the earliest.
Insta Links:
Report alleges conflict of interest behind India’s fortified
food programme
IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF GOVER-

NANCE, TRANSPARENCY AND AC-
COUNTABILITY, E-GOVERNANCE
Objectives of ONDC:
Democratization and decentralization of e-Commerce; Inclu-
23. OPEN NETWORK FOR DIGITAL COM- sivity and access for sellers; Increased choices and indepen-
MERCE (ONDC) dence for consumers and making goods and services cheap-
er.
The way forward and Conclusion:

The success of the Open Network for Digital Commerce
(ONDC) will depend on how efficient the listing of products
from various sellers is and maintaining the quality of ser-
vices. The government needs to focus on building a better
digital space, implementing a digital education policy, con-
Current Affairs 30
ducting a well-funded adoption campaign, and providing a ed by K Santhanam - constituted in 1962.
secured single window for issue resolution.
Code of conduct highlighted in the rules:
Mains Link: ● Every member of the Service shall -
Q. Discuss the significance of ONDC. (150 Words)  Maintain high ethical standards, integrity
and honesty; political neutrality; account-
ability and transparency; fairness and im-
Prelims Links: partiality; responsiveness to the public, etc.
 Use public resources efficiently, effectively
Q. Consider the following: ( UPSC 2022) and economically; declare any private inter-
1. Aarogya Setu ests relating to his public duties to resolve
2. CoWIN any conflict of interest.
3. DigiLocker  At all times maintain devotion to duty, and
do nothing which is unbecoming of a mem-
4. DIKSHA ber of the Service.
Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital ● No member of the Service shall -
platforms?  Use his/her position to secure employment
(a) 1 and 2 only for any of his/her family members with any
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only private undertaking/NGO;
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only  Give or take or abet the giving or taking of
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 dowry.
Ans: D ● A member of the service may accept gifts from his
near relatives or friends having no official dealings
with them.
ROLE OF CIVIL SERVICES IN A DE-  But, he shall report to the government if the
MOCRACY value of such gift exceeds Rs.25,000.
● While members can hold personal political beliefs,
these rules restrict the degree to which they can act
24. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CIVIL SER- on them. For example, members not allowed -
VANTS  To be part of, assist political parties; inter-
fere with or take part in an election to any
legislature or local authority.
Context:  To criticise any current policy or action of
Specially designed Conduct Rules govern a civil servant’s be- the government. However, civil servants are
haviour and conduct. allowed to express their opinion on official
documents.
Who are the civil services? Penalties for transgressions:
• Major penalties can include “dismissal” from the
• There are 3 All India Services (governed by Article 312
service as well.
of the Indian Constitution) - the IAS, IPS and the Indian
• Besides, there are also the penal provisions men-
Forest Service (IFoS) - with officers allotted to various
tioned under the Prevention of Corruption Act
state cadres by the central government. The Centre
(POCA).
then gets a certain percentage of officers from each
state on central deputation.
• Other services are called Central Civil Services (such Issues with the Conduct Rules:
as the Indian Foreign Service, the Indian Revenue Ser- • Vague: For example, while the promotion of
vice, Customs and Central Excise Service, etc). These casteism is not covered under any specific Conduct
are under the central government with no state cadre Rules, casteist behaviour can be interpreted as “un-
system. becoming of a member of the Service”.
• Ambiguous: Ideas like personal integrity are not
well defined. That is why evils like taking dowry are
Rules governing civil services: banned but seemingly common.
• There are two sets of rules for civil servants - one for • There is no ethical code for civil servants in India.
AISs (The AIS Conduct Rules, 1968) and the other for
CCSs (The CCS Conduct Rules, 1964).
• These were framed based on recommendations of
the Committee on Prevention of Corruption head-
Current Affairs 30
Cultural and Families may hesitate over concerns about

Family Ex- explaining years of preparation if women
pectations do not succeed or face difficulty finding a
suitable groom. Distance and safety con-
cerns deter women from leaving home to
study in big cities.
Limited At- Women tend to make fewer attempts at
tempts and competitive exams compared to men. They
Lower Re- are also less likely to take up powerful de-
cruitment cision-making roles and more likely to seek
voluntary retirement.
Biases and Women face biases and limited opportuni-
L i m i t e d ties for promotions. They are often assigned
Postings roles overseeing cultural affairs, education,
and welfare, while men dominate urban de-
velopment, law and order, and finance.
Double Bur- Women officers face expectations to bal-
den of Fam- ance work with traditional roles as wives
ily Respon- and mothers, leading to career compro-
sibilities mises. The additional burden of domestic
responsibilities hampers career growth.
I n t e r s e c - Gender disparities vary across marginalized
tionality communities and different states. Women
Insta Links: PUBLIC SERVICE ETHICS/ADMINISTRATIVE ETH- from marginalized communities face wider
ICS gender gaps among aspirants.
Lack of Rep- The first woman foreign secretary was ap-
Mains Links:
resentation pointed in 2001 (Chokila Iyer) and the first
Q. Has the Cadre-based Civil Services Organization been at Higher woman finance secretary in 2011(Sushma
the cause of slow in India? Critically examine. (UPSC 2014) Leadership Nath). India has never had a woman cabinet
Positions secretary. The share of women in top lead-
ership positions in public administration is
25. GENDER PARITY IN CIVIL SERVICES significantly lower compared to countries
like Singapore, Australia, and Sweden.
Context: G e n d e r A 2021 UNDP global report on gender
In the Civil Services Exam of 2022, women secured the top 4 Equality equality in public administration reports
positions, and the percentage of women candidates recom- that women’s share of top leadership in In-
mended for services like IAS and IPS has risen from 24% to dia is only 12% compared to 29% in Singa-
34% since 2018, indicating an improvement in their partici- pore, 40% in Australia and 53% in Sweden.
pation in the administration.
Measures to increase women’s participation in Indian civil
Status of Women in Civil Services: services:
• Despite progress over the years, women have com- Measure Examples
prised only 13% of all Indian Administrative Service
A w a r e n e s s Conducting career counselling sessions
(IAS) officers from 1951 to 2020.
and Outreach in schools and colleges to educate young
• The proportion of women entering the IAS increased
girls about civil services; Organizing
from 9% in 1970 to 31% in 2020, but currently, only
awareness campaigns through media
21% of serving IAS officers are women.
platforms to highlight success stories of
women civil servants.
Gender Sensi- Implementing mandatory gender sensi-
Challenges to equal participation of women in important tization tization training for recruitment boards
positions include: and existing civil servants; Establishing a
Challenges Examples code of conduct that promotes an inclu-
sive and respectful work environment.
Current Affairs 30
Exam Reforms Reviewing the syllabus to ensure it is RELATIONS. BILATERAL, REGION-

free from gender biases and reflects di- AL AND GLOBAL GROUPINGS AND
verse perspectives
Coaching and Providing scholarships and financial as-
AGREEMENTS INVOLVING INDIA
P r e p a r a t i o n sistance specifically for women candi- AND/OR AFFECTING INDIA’S INTER-
Support dates to avail coaching programs; Estab-
lishing online platforms that offer study
ESTS.
materials, mock tests, and mentorship
to women preparing for civil services ex- 26. INDIA AND BRICS
ams.
Family Sup- Conducting awareness campaigns to
port and Social challenge gender stereotypes and en-
Norms courage families to support their daugh-
ters’ aspirations.
Special Re- Implementing targeted recruitment
c r u i t m e n t drives to increase women’s representa-
Drives tion in civil services
Work-Life Bal- Introducing flexible working hours and
ance telecommuting options to accommodate
the needs of women civil servants. Estab-
lishing onsite childcare facilities or pro-
viding subsidies for childcare expenses.
Sensitization Encouraging male civil servants to ac-
of Existing Civil tively support gender equality and act as
Servants allies for their female colleagues.
Tra n s p a r e n t Ensuring merit-based promotions and Importance of BRICS for India:
P r o m o t i o n s career progression opportunities for Importance Example
and Career women civil servants. Geo-Politics BRICS provides India with an opportunity
Progression to balance its strategic interests between
M o n i t o r i n g Publishing gender-disaggregated data the US and the Russia-China axis.
and Reporting on recruitment, representation, promo- Global Eco- BRICS plays an important role in the G20,
tions, and retention to identify gaps and nomic Order in shaping global economic policies and
measure the effectiveness of interven- promoting financial stability.
tions. Voice of De- BRICS has emerged as the voice of devel-
veloping Na- oping countries and is playing a significant
tions role in protecting the rights of developing
Conclusion: countries.
Gender equality in public administration is crucial for an Terrorism BRICS provides a platform for India to gal-
inclusive and accountable government that serves diverse vanize its efforts against terrorism and
public interests. To achieve gender parity in the bureaucracy, has worked within the grouping to take a
a shift in societal attitudes and family support is essential. strong stand against terrorism.
Encouraging girls from an early age to consider the IAS as a G l o b a l BRICS provides an opportunity for India to
serious career choice and providing adequate support and Grouping actively engage with China and resolve
resources can help address the gender diversity problem. mutual disputes. It also helps in garnering
support from other partner countries.
Mains Links
Q. Bring out the issues and challenges in increasing wom- Challenges for BRICS:
en’s participation in higher positions in Indian Civil Ser- Challenge Example
vices. (250 Words)
INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD-
Current Affairs 30
E c o n o m i c Brazil and Russia have been experiencing BRICS faces several challenges such as internal differences,
Divergence economic recessions in recent years, while global economic slowdown, and geopolitical tensions. How-
China and India have sustained high growth ever, the group can remain relevant by expanding its agenda
rates. South Africa’s economy has been per- to promote comprehensive development and enhanced co-
forming poorly, with high levels of unem- operation among all states. BRICS should also focus on the
ployment and inequality. democratization of international issues, respect for cultural
diversity, and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Political Dif- Russia’s annexation of Crimea and involve-
ferences ment in conflicts in Ukraine and Syria have
strained its relations with other BRICS mem- Mains Links
bers. China’s territorial claims in the South Q. Discuss the importance of BRICS for India. (250 Words)
China Sea have been a source of tension
with other BRICS countries that have com-
peting claims in the region. Prelims Links
I n s t i t u - The New Development Bank (NDB), es- Q. Consider the following statements: ( UPSC 2016)
tional Con- tablished by BRICS in 2014 to provide de- 1. New Development Bank has been set up by APEC.
straints velopment financing, has faced challenges 2. The headquarters of the New Development Bank
in disbursing loans and identifying viable is in Shanghai.
projects. The Contingent Reserve Arrange- Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
ment (CRA), a pool of foreign exchange re- (a) 1 only
serves, has not been tested yet. (b) 2 only
C o o r d i n a - Disagreements over the governance struc- (c) Both 1 and 2
tion Diffi- ture of the NDB and the CRA, as well as (d) Neither 1 nor 2
culties differing priorities in areas such as trade, in- Ans: B
vestment, and climate change, have made it
difficult for BRICS to present a unified front
on many issues.
E x t e r n a l The rise of protectionism, nationalism, and
Pressures populism in some advanced economies
has posed challenges for BRICS in terms of
trade, investment, and access to capital.
Way forward for BRICS:
27. INDIA-UAE CEPA
Example
Reform of BRICS countries could jointly advocate for
Multilateral the reform of the UN Security Council,
Institutions calling for the inclusion of more develop-
ing countries as permanent members.
Resolve to BRICS countries could share best practic-
Combat Ter- es and intelligence to combat terrorism,
rorism as well as work together to cut off funding
and resources for terrorist groups.
Promoting BRICS countries could share their experi-
Technological ences in adopting and implementing dig-
and Digital ital solutions in these sectors
Solutions for
the SDGs
E x p a n d - BRICS countries could organize joint cul-
ing Peo- tural events and exhibitions, establish
ple-to-People more student exchange programs and
Cooperation scholarships, and encourage more tour-
ism and business visits to each other’s
countries.
Conclusion: It is expected to increase the total value of bilateral trade in
Current Affairs 30
goods to over USD 100 billion and trade in services to over D i g i t a l The CEPA includes provisions on digital
USD 15 billion within five years. Trade trade, which aim to promote the develop-
India-UAE Trade relations: ment of e-commerce and digital trade be-
United Arab Emirates (UAE) is India’s 3rd largest trading tween India and the UAE.
partner, after the United States and China, with a bilateral
trade turnover of USD 68 billion in 2021. The UAE is also the Some of the challenges that the India-UAE CEPA may face
7th largest investor in India. are:
• Competition from other existing trade agreements in the
Various dimensions of India-UAE CEPA: region
Dimension Example • Diverse business and cultural practices between the two
Trade in The CEPA provides preferential market ac- countries
Goods cess for over 80% of products traded be- • The disparity in the level of development and economic
tween India and the UAE. size of the two countries
• Possible resistance from domestic industries in both
countries
Bilateral trade between India and the UAE
• Differences in regulatory standards and intellectual
reached historic highs during FY 2022-23,
property protection.
increasing from USD 73 billion to USD 84
billion, registering a 16% increase
Trade in The CEPA covers 11 broad service sectors
Services and more than 100 sub-sectors, such as Conclusion:
business services, communication services, The trade between India and UAE has strengthened over
financial services, tourism, and transport the years, with the UAE becoming India’s closest geopoliti-
services. cal partner in the Arab world. Despite recent challenges, the
bilateral ties between the two nations have proven resilient.
Investment The CEPA provides for a liberal and non-dis-

criminatory regime for cross-border invest-
ment between India and the UAE. Insta Links:
Te c h n i c a l TBT aim to ensure that technical regula- • India-UAE
Barriers to tions, standards, and conformity assess-
Trade (TBT) ment procedures do not create unneces-
sary obstacles to trade.
Sanitary It aims to protect human, animal, and plant
and Phy- health by setting standards for food safety,
28. INDIA-MALDIVES RELATIONS
tosanitary animal and plant health, and other related
(SPS) Mea- issues. Context:
sures India and the Maldives have marked a milestone in their de-
Dispute Set- The CEPA includes provisions on dispute fence ties with the laying of the foundation stone for the
tlement settlement, which provide for the resolu- Coast Guard ‘Ekatha Harbour’ in the Uthuru Thila Falhu atoll.
tion of disputes between India and the UAE
through consultations and negotiations. About the project:
Movement The CEPA includes provisions on the move- Purpose To strengthen the capability of the Maldivian
of Natural ment of natural persons, which aim to fa- Coast Guard and facilitate regional humani-
Persons cilitate the temporary entry of business- tarian assistance and disaster relief efforts
persons, investors, and skilled professionals S i g n i f i - The project is among the biggest Indian
between India and the UAE. cance grant-in-aid projects in the Maldives; a ma-
P h a r m a - The CEPA includes provisions on pharma- jor step in growing defence cooperation be-
c e u t i c a l ceutical products, which aim to promote tween India and Maldives
Products cooperation in the regulation and marketing O t h e r India gifted an additional landing craft to the
of pharmaceuticals between India and the D e v e l o p - Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF);
UAE. ments India had gifted a Dornier aircraft, patrol ves-
Intellectu- The CEPA includes provisions on IPR, which sel, and coastal radar system to the Maldives
al Property aim to protect and enforce intellectual prop- in previous years
Rights (IPR) erty rights between India and the UAE.
Current Affairs 30
Controver- Allegations that the project was a cover for Economic India is Maldives’ 2nd largest trading partner.
sy Indian military presence in Maldives; led to Coopera- Afcons, an Indian company, signed a contract
an “India Out” campaign backed by opposition for the Greater Male Connectivity Project
tion leader Abdulla Yameen (GMCP)
I n f r a - Hanimaadhoo International Airport Devel-
Importance of Maldives for India: Long-standing ties with structure opment project under an Indian credit line.
the Maldives; strategic location in the Indian Ocean; bene- Projects National College for Policing and Law Enforce-
ficial to India and other nations in the region with common ment (NCPLE) was inaugurated by India’s Ex-
maritime interests; in the backdrop of growing Chinese at- ternal Affairs Minister (2022)
tempts to expand its influence in the region Grant As- Grant assistance of 100 million Rufiyaa (cur-
sistance rency of Maldives) for the High Impact Com-
munity Development Project (HICDP) scheme.
S p o r t s Development of a sports complex in Gahd-
and Edu- hoo, and academic collaboration between
cation Maldives National University and Cochin Uni-
versity of Science and Technology.
Rehabil- A drug detoxification and rehabilitation cen-
i t a t i o n tre in Addu was built with Indian assistance.
Centre
C h i n a China’s strategic footprint in India’s neigh-
Factor bourhood has increased. The Maldives has
emerged as an important ‘pearl’ in China’s
“String of Pearls” construct in South Asia. Giv-
en the uncertain dynamics of Sino-Indian re-
lations, China’s strategic presence in the Mal-
dives remains a concern.
Challenges in India-Maldives relations:

• Political Instability: For instance, the arrest of Mal-
dives’ opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed in 2015
and the subsequent political crisis strained India’s
relationship with Maldives.
• Radicalisation: The increasing number of Maldivians
Various Dimensions of India-Maldives Relations: being drawn towards terrorist groups like the Islamic
Dimen- Example State (IS) and Pakistan-based jihadist groups is a con-
sion cern for India.
Historical The Maldives has a history intertwined with • China’s Strategic Presence: China’s increasing stra-
India, including conquest by Rajaraja Chola’s tegic presence in Maldives is a challenge for India.
Chola dynasty (Maldives’ northern atolls). It The Maldives has emerged as an important ‘pearl’
became a British colony and gained indepen- in China’s “String of Pearls” construct in South Asia,
dence in 1965, leading to political unrest. which is a concern for India’s security.
• China’s dominance: In 2018, Maldives cancelled an
Security Joint Exercises - “Ekuverin”, “Dosti”, “Ekatha”
agreement with India to develop a key naval base on
Partner- and “Operation Shield” (begun in 2021). India
the island of Marao.The move was seen as a result
ship provides the largest number of training oppor-
of China’s growing influence in the Maldives.
tunities for the Maldivian National Defence
• Political actions: Maldives cancelled a $511 mil-
Force (MNDF), meeting around 70% of their
lion contract awarded to Indian company GMR to
defence training requirements.
develop Male International Airport in 2012, which
strained the relationship between the two countries.
Maldives occupy an important position in In- • Domestic Politics: The India Out campaign in Mal-
dia’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth dives, which seeks to create anti-India sentiments
for All in the Region) and ‘Neighbourhood among the people of Maldives
First’.
Conclusion:
Current Affairs 30
India needs to play a crucial role in ensuring regional se- Ec o n o m i c India is currently home to seven of the eight
curity in South Asia and surrounding maritime boundaries Benefits most significant Buddhist sites in the world.
by actively participating in the Indo-Pacific security space. The Indian government has been developing
Effective communication and convincing Maldivians about the Buddhist Circuit, a tourist trail that con-
India’s intentions behind its projects on the island nation nects them.
are essential to avoid any changes in the domestic political
situation in Maldives.
Insta Links
India-Maldives
Mains Links
Q. Discuss the political developments in the Maldives in
the last two years. Should they be of any cause for con-
cern to India? ( UPSC 2013)
Pan-Asian 97 per cent of the world’s Buddhist pop-
presence ulation lives in the Asian continent, and a
29. BUDDHISM: INDIA’S SOFT POWER PRO- number of countries such as Bhutan, Myan-
JECTION TOOL mar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka conceive of
Buddhism as intrinsic to their national values
and identity
Context:
Soft Power India can use its Buddhist cultural diplomacy
India recently hosted a global Buddhist summit in New Del-
Projection to improve its relations with Southeast Asian
hi, which saw the participation of key figures from the global
countries and increase its influence in the re-
Buddhist community, including the Dalai Lama.
gion.
What is soft power diplomacy? 1. India has tried to provide an alterna-
• Soft power is the ability to obtain preferred outcomes tive to contested global politics, with moral-
by attraction rather than coercion or payment. Soft ity as the guiding principle.
power diplomacy refers to the use of cultural, social, 2. India’s Panchamrit principles in-
and economic means to influence the attitudes and clude “Sanskriti Evam Sabhyata” which
behaviours of other countries, rather than relying means cultural and civilizational links
solely on military or economic coercion. The concept
of soft power was coined by Joseph Nye in the 1990s.
• Examples include cultural exchanges, educational pro- Comparison of India’s approach to using Buddhism for soft
grams, humanitarian aid, and public diplomacy cam- diplomacy with that of China:
paigns. India China
Importance of Buddhism for India’s soft power diplomacy: Approach India has been pro- China has been using
moting Buddhism Buddhism as a tool of
Examples
as a soft power tool soft power diplomacy
Historical India’s cultural and historical ties with Bud- since the 1950s. for over two decades,
and Cultur- dhism can help strengthen its soft power particularly in South-
al Ties diplomacy with Buddhist countries like Sri east Asia and other
Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and parts of the world.
Vietnam.
O b j e c - To counter China’s To promote Chinese
Promoting As the birthplace of Buddhism, India can use tives growing influence, culture and expand
Religious its Buddhist heritage and teachings to en- and promote India’s China’s influence in the
Harmony gage with countries like China, which has a cultural heritage. region and beyond.
significant Buddhist population, to promote
dialogue and understanding between the
two nations.
Current Affairs 30
Key strat- India has focused During the Cold War, dhist schools of thought, such as Nagarjuna Buddhism,
egies on restoring an- China effectively used which is largely unexplored in academic study. Also, empha-
cient Buddhist Buddhist diplomacy to size the need for effective implementation of the Nalanda
sites, building new engage with its neigh- University project and proper management of tourist sites
ones, supporting bouring countries, and for the success of the Buddhist Circuit Project.
scholars and monks, it continues to employ
and promoting Bud- this approach to gain le- Quote: “India has not given ‘Yuddha’ to the world but
dhism through cul- gitimacy for its Belt and ‘Buddha’.” –PM Modi
tural exchanges. Road Initiative. Conclusion 2: As Buddha was the first diplomat of peace,
his teachings of peace and cooperation in these tough
Also, China has invest- times can become the guiding light of Indian diplomacy on
ed heavily in building the world stage.
Chinese Buddhist tem-
ples and monasteries
Insta links
abroad.
• New Delhi Declaration
Film Link India has not been China, with its influence
able to effectively over Hollywood, has Mains Links:
utilize this domain completely dominated Q. Analyze the significance & challenges of India’s soft
the narrative around power diplomacy through Buddhism. (250 Words)
Buddhism through cin-
ema.
30. STRATEGIC CONVERGENCE BETWEEN
Examples Restoration of the China has established
of initia- ancient Nalanda the World Buddhist Fo-
THE US, UAE, SAUDI ARABIA
Context:
tives University, orga- rum, which brings to-
The meeting in Riyadh between Saudi Arabia and the US,
nizing the Inter- gether Buddhist leaders
UAE, and India underlines the growing strategic conver-
national Buddhist from around the world.
gence between Delhi and Washington in the Gulf.
Conclave, 1st global Support the restoration
Buddhist summit of ancient Buddhist What is unique about this meeting?
and promoting Bud- sites, such as the Ang- • A major departure from the traditional approaches
dhist circuit tourism kor Wat temple com- to the Middle East in both India and the US.
in India. plex in Cambodia. • In India, the Nehruvian foreign policy either op-
posed Washington or kept its distance from the US
in the Middle East.
India faces several challenges in promoting soft power
through Buddhism, including: Recent changes in India’s Impact
foreign policy
• Many of India’s ancient Buddhist heritage sites are in a
state of disrepair, which makes it challenging to attract Shedding its “anti-West- Transformed India’s relations
visitors and promote Buddhist tourism. ern” lens in the Middle with the two Arabian king-
• Competition with other countries: Despite being home East. Joining hands with doms - Saudi Arabia and the
to a number of key Buddhist sites, such as Bodhgaya, the US (in the Middle UAE, into solid strategic part-
Sarnath, and Kushinagar, India has struggled to attract East), openly showcased nerships.
Buddhist tourists, who tend to favour sites in Thailand its friendly relations to Is-
and Cambodia. rael.
• Fragmented Buddhist community: The Indian Buddhist France has emerged as an The formation of a four-nation
community is fragmented and divided along sectarian important partner in the grouping (in October 2021)
lines, which makes it challenging to create a unified ap- Gulf and the Western In- called I2U2 brought the US,
proach to promoting Buddhism. dian Ocean. India now has India, Israel, and the UAE to-
• India’s soft power is often overshadowed by its eco- a trilateral dialogue with gether.
nomic and political power, which means that its cultural Abu Dhabi and Paris.
influence, including that of Buddhism, is not always rec- Delhi and London are ex- A new quadrilateral with the
ognized on the international stage. pected to work together US, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
in the Gulf soon. Britain
Conclusion: enjoys much residual in-
There is a need of promoting connections with other Bud- fluence in the Gulf.
Current Affairs 30
Recent changes in USA’s foreign policy (recalibrating its re- Mains Links:
gional strategy):
• Pakistan was a key part of the Baghdad Pact (1955), Q. ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is transform-
Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO) and the Region- ing itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in pres-
al Cooperation for Development (1964) to counter ent times – Discuss. (UPSC 2020)
the Communist threat to the region.
• However, it does not figure in the current strategy
to connect the Gulf with the Subcontinent. 31. QUAD COOPERATION IN BIOTECHNOL-
• This means the US is discarding its pro-Pakistan bias OGY
in thinking about the relationship between the Sub-
continent and the Gulf and building new partner-
ships, including with Delhi.
Context:
In order to give the necessary fillip to enhance Quad coop-
What led to the changes in the foreign policies of India and eration in biotechnology, India should be an ideal choice for
the US? the establishment of a Quad-led biomanufacturing hub.
• The decline in the Role of Pakistan in the Middle
East:
 Pakistan’s continuing strategic decline, and
socio-economic-political challenges.
 Pakistan has drifted too close to China
(all-weather partnership), tempted to align
with China and Russia in the region.
• The rising power of the Arabian Peninsula:
 The Gulf kingdoms (especially Saudi Arabia
and the UAE) have accumulated massive
financial capital and economic transforma-
tion will reduce their dependence on oil.
 They have also begun to diversify their stra-
tegic partnerships, develop nationalism,
promote religious tolerance and initiate so-
cial reform.
India’s new possibilities in the Arabian Peninsula:

• Regional partnership with the US is seen in terms
of geopolitical competition with China, elevating its
own standing in the region.
• Economic growth and productive involvement in
promoting connectivity and security.
• Overcoming violent religious extremism within the Background:
Subcontinent. • In 2021, the Quad set up a Critical and Emerging Tech-
nology Working Group to facilitate cooperation related
to developments in critical and emerging technologies,
Challenges: including biotechnology.
Beijing is now the second most important power in the • However, the Quad countries do not collaborate enough
world, and its diplomatic and political influence in the Gulf in biotechnology yet.
region will continue to rise.
Conclusion:
Biomanufacturing:
Seizing the new strategic opportunities in the Gulf would
• Meaning: It uses living systems, particularly micro-
involve the long overdue modernization of Delhi’s strategic
organisms and cell cultures, to produce molecules
discourse on the Gulf.
and materials on a commercial scale.
• Potential:
Insta Links: Diplomatic Dispatch- I2U2 Summit  It can transform the global industrial sys-
tem, with up to 60% of physical inputs to the
global economy.
 Countries like the US and China have de-
signed specific policies to shape their
Current Affairs 30
bio-economies. Conclusion:
• The proposed hub in India can capitalise on the eco-
nomic potential of the biomanufacturing industry
Case of India: and address existing and potential vulnerabilities in
• The National Biotechnology Development Strategy the global system.
envisions the country as a “Global Biomanufacturing • Through cross-Quad collaboration, India may
Hub” by 2025. emerge as a major force in the field of biomanufac-
• While the strategy sets a target of $100 billion for turing and assist the Quad in competing in this key
the hub, it is important to recognize that India’s am- area.
bitions require external support.
Insta Links: India’s Biotech Sector

India’s strengths:
• Existing infrastructure, pharmaceutical manufactur-
ing expertise, and skilled manpower. 32. FORUM FOR INDIA PACIFIC ISLANDS
• India is among the top performers in the field of bio- COOPERATION (FIPIC)
manufacturing in both the quality of research and Context:
research publications. Addressing the opening session of the FIPIC-3 summit (in
• India also has significant potential in low-cost bio- Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea/PNG), the PM of India
manufacturing (33% lower than the U.S.), particular- highlighted the importance of the 14 members of the FIPIC.
ly in the production of enzymes, reagents, research
materials, and equipment.
The Pacific Island Countries (PICs):
Challenges:
• India still requires significant capability and capaci-
ty uplifts to become a world leader.
• China has expressed its intention to capture this
market, similar to how it dominated small-molecule
active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
• Such dependence on the biomanufacturing sector
will be detrimental to both India and the Quad.
How does Quad complement these strengths?

• The U.S. has significant funding capability.
• Japan, Australia and the U.S. possess advanced bio-
technology innovation ecosystems and intellectual
property.
• It consists of the 3 major groups of islands: Melane-

Advantages of the proposed hub for India and Quad:
sia, Micronesia and Polynesia, and commonly refers
• Can help facilitate technology transfer,
to the 14 countries scattered in the South-West Pa-
• Connect investors,
cific Ocean.
• Establish a biomanufacturing fund that is adminis-
• These are the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall
tered through the Quad,
Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, the
• Support efforts to reduce dependency on China.
Solomon Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga,
Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
• The region comprises strategically located (at
the crossroads of significant maritime trade
Way ahead for India: routes) small island nations, with small populations
• Strengthening physical infrastructure. and resource-rich Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
• A scheme on the line the PLI scheme allocated $2 • Their profile is rising particularly given the populari-
billion to the pharmaceutical sector to make bio- ty of the Indo-Pacific construct.
pharmaceuticals, APIs, etc.
• Boosting the workforce by enabling access to cut-
India’s engagement with the PICs:
ting-edge technology and training, with a focus on
• In the early 19th century, Indian workers were
commercialising R&D.
taken to the region to work as indentured plan-
Current Affairs 30
tation labourers and most of whom settled par- er to PICs and to further strengthen its ties, In-
ticularly in Fiji and PNG. dia should assist the development goals of
• After independence, the region did not find the PICs.
much significance in India’s foreign policy.
• However, the changing geopolitical scenario and
strategic and economic compulsions, rising na-
33. G7: DE-RISKING AND EFFECTIVE CLI-
val capabilities have driven India to refresh and MATE ACTION
redesign its Pacific policy.
• India’s renewed interest can also be seen in the light Context:
of its own rechristened Act East policy. The 49th annual summit (Hiroshima, Japan) of the G7 lead-
• At this moment, the total annual trade between ers concluded recently.
India and PICs is about $300 million – exports are
around $200 million and imports are around $100
million.
The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC):
• It was launched during the PM of India’s visit to Fiji
in 2014 and includes 14 of the PICs.
• The FIPIC initiative marks a serious effort to expand
(from the Indian Ocean) India’s strategic and com-
mercial interests in the Pacific region.
India’s major assistance projects in the PICs:

• Setting up a special USD 1 million fund for adapting
Highlights of the summit:
to climate change and clean energy, establishing
• G7 countries said that they would build economic
a trade office in India, Pan Pacific Islands e-net-
resilience for themselves, based on a strategy of di-
work to improve digital connectivity.
versifying and deepening partnerships and de-risk-
• India has increased the annual “Grant-in-Aid” from
ing, not decoupling.
USD 125,000 to 200,000 to each of the 14 PICs for
• G7 acknowledged the urgency for effective climate
community projects of their choice, and launched a
action but offered little in terms of scaled-up action.
new Visitors Programme for PICs.
• At the FIPIC-2 (Jaipur, 2015), FICCI launched the Busi-
ness Accelerator for FIPIC to provide necessary What does de-risking and decoupling mean?
information and facilitation to businessmen on both De-risking Decoupling
sides. To move business away It is used as an alternative to
from areas that are con- an economic boycott to re-
The advantage to India: Presence of a sizable Indian Dias- sidered risky in terms of duce correlation between
pora – nearly 40% of Fiji’s population is of Indian origin and the returns they could markets.
about 3000 Indians live in PNG. generate.
To have resilient, effective supply chains to prevent coer-
Challenges: India’s interaction with the PICs still largely re- cion of any other country.
volves around its engagement with Fiji and PNG.

Why was ‘de-risking’ used by G7 countries? To describe
Way ahead: their stance towards China on economic matters.
• Climate change is a crucial area of common con-
cern where closer partnerships can be devel- De-risking in the context of China: It can be interpreted as a
oped for effective and concrete solutions. reduction of the reliance on China in the economic sphere -
• For India, it is important to develop a comprehen- for the supply of materials or as a market for finished goods,
sive and clearly defined strategy to engage with all so that potential risks to trade and disruption of supply
the PICs. chains are reduced.

G7 on effective climate action
Conclusion:
• The PM of India (at the FIPIC-3) called PICs “large
ocean states”, highlighting their strategic-com-
mercial importance for India.
• The recent efforts have brought India much clos-
Current Affairs 30
Need • The 1.5 degree Celsius threshold was likely bitious target of becoming climate neutral by 2050.
to be temporarily breached over the next • This was followed by a proposal for a regulation on
five years (WMO). CBAM in 2021 as part of the “Fit for 55” policy pack-
• Surpassing 2016, 2023 is on track to be- age, aiming to reduce GHG by at least 55% by 2030,
come the warmest ever. from the levels of 1990.
• The probability of occurrence of heat
waves in India and neighbouring countries What is the CBAM?
has increased by 30 times due to global
warming.
Mile- • A global peak by 2025: The G7 claimed
stones that their GHG emissions had already peak-
listed for ed, and asked all major economies (India,
effective China, Brazil, South Africa, and Russia) to
climate ensure that their individual emissions peak
action by 2025.
• Net-zero by 2050: It is essential in order to
meet the 1.5 degree Celsius target. The G7
asked all major economies to come up with
detailed road maps to reach the target.
• Eliminating “inefficient fossil fuel subsi-
dies” by 2025.
• It plans to impose a tariff/import duty on a set of
C h a l - • The 2025 peak year is not mandated un-
carbon-intensive imports, which will have to be
lenges in der the Paris Agreement. India has indicat-
paid by EU importers and companies who export
meeting ed that its emissions will grow in the next
such goods to EU countries.
the mile- decade as well. China, the world’s largest
stones emitter, would peak only towards the end
of this decade. Need for CBAM:
• Only Germany (among the major emitters • To prevent “carbon leakage”:
like the US, EU) has said it would attain  Carbon leakage is when companies relo-
cate the production or manufacturing of
net-zero status by 2045.
carbon-intensive materials to countries with
• China would turn net-zero in 2060, while less stringent climate rules.
India has set 2070 as the target. Some oth-  This is to avoid restrictions on carbon emis-
er countries. sions in their home country.
• The G7 countries put no deadline to end-
● To nudge behavioural change:
ing the use of fossil fuels.
 According to WB, less than 4% of glob-
al emissions are currently under carbon
Insta Links: pricing regimes as envisioned by the Paris
Clean-tech as the next big thing in rural India Agreement.
 Most levies aren’t high enough to effect an
actual change in polluter behaviour.
EFFECT OF POLICIES AND POLITICS
OF DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING Old vs proposed regime in the EU
COUNTRIES ON INDIA’S INTERESTS Emissions Trading System CBAM
Industries have to buy car- Will Phase out free carbon
34. EU’S CARBON BORDER TAX bon certificates if the num- allowances to domestic busi-
ber of emissions crosses ness, so that it doesn’t get
Context: The European Parliament - the legislative body of the cap. in a tangle with the WTO’s
the 27-member EU, reached a political deal on the carbon rules.
border tax - Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Background: Significance:
• CBAM was first introduced as a part of the European By setting the price for the carbon content of goods regard-
Green Deal, which serves as a guide for both tax and less of where they are produced, it will create a level field
non-tax policy initiatives in the EU to achieve its am- for businesses inside the bloc and those outside.
Current Affairs 30
Inade- Many families still reside in colonial-era line

Why are developing countries/India opposing CBAM? quate Liv- rooms without basic amenities. A UN body
• BRICS have opposed the measure, describing it as ing Con- highlighted in 2021 that the community is liv-
a unilateral, protectionist trade weapon that could ditions ing in “inhumane and degrading” conditions
lead to market distortion. Economic The financial crisis in Sri Lanka further exacer-
 For example, India has contended that the Distress bated their economic hardships. More than
CBAM will translate into a 20-35% tariff on
India’s exports, which now attract an MFN half the population living in estate areas is
duty of less than 3%. pushed into acute poverty.
• Economic shock for countries reliant on one/more Low wag- Their daily wage of LKR 1,000 (about ₹373) is
of the targeted industries. es tied to the target of 18-22 kg of plucked tea
 For example, Mozambique’s GDP would leaves every day, while braving leeches and
drop by about 1.5% due to the tariffs on al- wasp attacks.
uminium exports alone. Limited Lack of recognition as a distinct identity and
 27% of India’s exports ($8.2 billion) of steel, Political equal citizens. Demand for appropriate polit-
iron and aluminium products head to the Repre- ical power sharing and proportional electoral
EU. sentation arrangements.
Way ahead:
Funds from the sale of the CBAM levy can be diverted to
To alleviate these problems, the Malaiyaha Tamil commu-
support climate action efforts in less developed countries.
nity has released a declaration demanding the following:
This will guarantee both climate justice and the achievement
of carbon emission targets. • Design, resource, and implement a 10-year develop-
ment plan based on affirmative action to address de-
Insta Links: EU’s Carbon Border Tax: Is it regressive and pro-
cades of structural exclusion.
tectionist or an incentive for global decarbonisation?
• Reduce poverty, provide land and housing, and en-
hance public health and education access.
35. INDIAN DIASPORA: SRI LANKA’S • Ensure labour rights, including fair living wages and legal
protection.
MALAIYAHA TAMILS
• Recognize the Malaiyaha Tamils as a community with a
distinct identity and equal citizenship.
Context: • Establish appropriate political power sharing and a pro-
The Malaiyaha Tamil community in Sri Lanka has released a portional system of electoral arrangements.
declaration calling for greater recognition, political rights,
and improved living and working conditions.
Assistance provided by India:
• Grant projects cut across sectors such as education,
Who are the Malaiyaha Tamil community? health, livelihood, housing, and industrial develop-
The Malaiyaha Tamil community refers to a historically mar- ment.
ginalized group in Sri Lanka who migrated from southern In- • The Indian Housing Project aims to build 50,000 houses
dia around 200 years ago to work in British-run plantations. in war-affected areas and estate workers in the planta-
They mainly work in tea and rubber estates, contributing tion areas. However, the progress on it has been slow.
significantly to Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange earnings. Their • India now offers about 710 scholarship slots annually to
population is roughly around 10 lakhs (out of which around Sri Lankan students.
1.5 lakh people work in tea and rubber estates) • The reconstruction work of a century-old railway track
in northern Sri Lanka under India›s assistance
Problems faced by the Malaiyaha Tamil community in Sri
Lanka: Conclusion:
Problems Specific Examples India and the International community must pressure Sri
Lanka into providing the community with greater recogni-
Structur- Limited access to resources and opportunities
tion, political rights, and improved living and working con-
al Exclu- compared to other communities. Poor human
ditions through affirmative action and long-term develop-
sion development indices compared to other com-
ment plans.
munities.
Discrim- Deprived of citizenship rights until 2003. Sub-
i n a t i o n jected to discrimination and exploitation in Insta Links
and Ex- various aspects of life. Sri Lankan Tamils issue
ploitation
Current Affairs 30
Mains Links mestic manufacturing of ICT products.

• In case of non-compliance, the EU can unilaterally
Q. ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the pol-
impose trade sanctions against the losing country.
itics and economy of America and European Countries.
• Even if the EU does not impose trade sanctions, it
Comment with examples. (UPSC CSE 2020)
might use this ruling as a bargaining tool in the on-
going FTA negotiations with India.
IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL IN-
Options available to India:
STITUTIONS, AGENCIES AND FORA, • The WTO’s Dispute Settlement Understanding
THEIR STRUCTURE, MANDATE (DSU) provides an opportunity to appeal against the
panel ruling.
36. WTO: OUTLAWING INDIA’S TECH TAR-  However, the Appellate Body has ceased to
IFFS exist since 2019 because the US has been
Context: blocking the appointment of the body’s
3 WTO dispute settlement panels have found India’s tariffs members.
(between 7.5 - 20%) on certain ICT products such as mobile • The EU has created an alternative appellate mecha-
phones inconsistent with India’s WTO obligations. nism (under WTO) - the Multi-Party Interim Appeal
Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA). However, India is
Background: not a party to this.
• One of the central objectives of the WTO is to boost • Legally, India will not be required to comply with the
transparency and predictability in the multilateral trad- panel rulings till its appeal is heard.
ing order. • Also, the EU can’t impose trade sanctions on India,
• Hence, WTO member countries are under a legal obli- because the WTO law does not allow trade sanc-
gation not to impose tariff rates in excess of the max- tions when an appeal is pending.
imum tariff rates committed in their Goods Schedule.
The Goods Schedules/Harmonized System of Nomencla-
What are the allegations against India? ture (HSN):
In the complaints brought by the EU, Japan and Taiwan, the • These are based on the World Customs Organisa-
WTO panels concluded that India has violated Article II of tion’s classification system, which catalogues traded
the GATT because India’s tariffs breach its Goods Schedule. products with specific names and numbers.
• Due to the continuous emergence of new products
owing to technological innovations, the HSN system
India’s argument: is regularly updated to reflect new products, also
The ITA (which it signed in 1997) contains India’s legally bind- known as ‘transposition’.
ing tariff commitments on ICT products, hence, they are not
legally binding.
WTO’s IT Agreement (ITA):
• Adopted in 1996, it is an arrangement through which
The WTO panels rejecting India’s argument: select WTO member countries agree to eliminate
• India’s Goods Schedule (not the ITA) is the source of duties on IT products.
India’s legal obligations on tariffs. • However, the commitments under the ITA become
• The panels also rejected - binding on a country under Articles II of GATT only if
 India’s contention that its commitments un- they are incorporated in the Goods Schedule.
der the ITA are ‘static’ - not including prod-
ucts emerged due to technological innova-
tions after the conclusion of the ITA. Insta Links: WTO panel rules against India
 India’s argument is based on the Vienna
Convention on Law of Treaties - an error in Mains:
a treaty would invalidate a state’s consent.
Q. WTO is an important international institution where
• Accordingly, the panels have recommended India decisions are taken to affect countries in a profound man-
reduce its tariff rates and make them compatible ner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are
with its Goods Schedule. their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the lat-
est round of talks on Food security. (UPSC 2014)
Implications for India:

• Compliance would mean dismantling the high pro-
tective tariff wall that India has erected to boost do-
Current Affairs 30
37. 76TH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY quate for a global pandemic.
Context: What is the so-called Pandemic treaty?

The 76th World Health Assembly (WHA) is being held in Ge- • It should be a legally binding treaty (proposed by
neva (Switzerland) with the theme: WHO at 75: Saving lives, the EU and to be adopted by May 2024) for those
driving health for all. who sign up.
• It would be only the second such health accord af-
ter the 2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco
WHO and WHA: Control - a treaty that aims to reduce smoking via
• WHO: Since 1948, the World Health Organization taxation and rules on labelling and advertising.
(WHO) - the UN specialized health agency, leads and • Developing countries, especially in Africa, are keen
championed global efforts to give everyone, every- to use the negotiations to secure better access to
where a safe and healthy life. vaccines.
• WHA: It is the main decision-making body of WHO • However, the proposed treaty has come under fire
and comprises 194 Member States. Every year, dele- as critics warn that it could lead to countries ceding
gates from all Member States come together (gener- authority to the WHO.
ally in May) to agree on the Organisation’s priorities
and policies. Insta Links: WHO’s the pandemic treaty
Highlights of the 76th WHA: Mains Links:

1. Health for All: Transforming economies to deliver what
Q. Critically examine the role of WHO in providing glob-
matters report:
al health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. (UPSC
• It was launched by the WHO Council on the Econom- 2020)
ics of Health for All - formed in 2020 in response to
the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The report provides a roadmap to focus on the links
between health and sustainable, inclusive and in-
GS PAPER 3
novation-led economic growth.
It recommended reorienting economies to deliver health
for all across four interrelated themes:
INDIAN ECONOMY AND ISSUES RE-
LATING TO PLANNING, MOBILIZA-
TION, OF RESOURCES, GROWTH, DE-
VELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT.
1. GST HAS BEGUN TO SHOW SUSTAINED

GROWTH
Context:
Significance: The article highlights the trend in tax collection in India
Instead of health for all being seen as the servant of eco- post-Covid, specifically focusing on direct taxes and GST.
nomic growth → roadmap will structure economic activity
in a way that will allow all people faster with better access to Direct Tax Vs GST
essential health services. Direct Tax GST
Direct tax refers to the GST (Goods and Services Tax)
2. Pandemic treaty: taxes imposed on in- is an indirect tax levied on the
• Negotiations on new rules for dealing with pan- dividuals and entities supply of goods and services.
demics are underway at the WHA. (levied directly on the GST is a consumption-based tax
• The WHO already has binding rules known as the taxpayer) based on that is charged at each stage of
International Health Regulations - adopted in 2005 their income, profits, or the supply chain, from produc-
after the SARS outbreak. assets. It includes taxes tion to the final sale.
• These regulations are still considered appropriate like income tax, corpo-
for regional epidemics, such as Ebola but inade- rate tax, and wealth tax.
Current Affairs 30
During COVID, direct The recovery in GST collection Reduction in GST has significantly reduced trans-
tax experienced a de- has been better compared to transaction costs action costs, making business opera-
cline of nearly 10% but direct taxes. tions more efficient and cost-effective.
then saw a growth rate Removal of hid- By removing hidden and embedded
of 49% in 2021-22 and den and embed- taxes, GST has improved the competi-
18% in 2022-23. ded taxes tiveness of domestic industries in the
While the growth of Better recovery in GST has been global market.
corporation tax has due to: Seamless tax The system of seamless tax credits
been high, personal in- a) e-invoicing and procedural credits throughout the value chain and across
come-tax collection has simplification, b) better compli- state boundaries has minimized the
declined. ance procedures, c) the rising cascading effect of taxes.
inflation rate and d) the rise in
import duties
Challenges/Limitations of GST:
Challenge Explanation
About GST:
Refund de- There are concerns regarding delays in ex-
GST (introduced on July 1, 2017) is a multi-stage collection
lay issues port refunds, impacting businesses reliant on
mechanism and aims to be a unified indirect tax across the
timely refunds under the GST regime.
country on products and services. The objectives of GST in-
clude simplifying the tax system, preventing misclassifica- Rate dif- The presence of multiple tax rates is seen as
tions and litigations, avoiding an inverted duty structure, fe r e n t i a - inefficient for targeting benefits to the poor,
and ensuring a destination-based consumption taxation ap- tion leading to complexities and potential dispari-
proach. ties in the tax system.
Lack of The absence of a statutory mechanism for
Implementation: d i s p u t e uniform rulings by authorities has resulted in
GST is implemented through a dual GST model, with the Cen- redressal a lack of clarity and consistency in resolving
tre and States levying taxes on a common base. The rates m e c h a - disputes under the GST regime.
for GST range from 5%, 12%, 16% and 28%, and it applies to nism
most goods and services, excluding alcoholic liquor for hu- C o n s t a n t The frequent amendments made to the GST
man consumption and five petroleum products (petroleum a m e n d - law have caused confusion among taxpayers
crude, motor spirit (petrol), high-speed diesel, natural gas ments and tax administrators, leading to misunder-
and aviation turbine fuel). The GST Council, headed by the standings and misconceptions.
Union Finance Minister, is the governing body responsible Adaption Small and medium businesses face challeng-
for making key decisions regarding GST. and tech- es in adapting to the tech-enabled GST re-
nical is- gime, with IT glitches affecting the seamless
Achievements of GST: sues flow of input credits and ease of compliance.
C o m p l e x Businesses often face difficulties in moni-
Achievement Explanation
penalties toring vendor behaviour and believe they
High GST reve- GST revenues have shown a high should not be penalized for compliance de-
nues growth rate ( constantly reaching over ficiencies of their vendors after paying GST
1.5 Lakh crore a month collection) amounts.
Te c h n o l o g i c a l The GSTN, the technology platform 15th Fi- The 15th Finance Commission has highlighted
achievements for GST, has been successfully stabi- n a n c e additional concerns, including the multiplici-
lized, ensuring smooth operations and C o m m i s - ty of tax rates, shortfalls in GST collections,
transactions. sion con- volatility in collections, and inconsistencies
E-invoicing imple- Mandating e-invoicing for businesses cerns in return filing. The dependency of states on
mentation above Rs 100 crore has improved in- compensation from the centre is also a con-
voice matching and detection of fake cern.
invoices, enhancing tax compliance.
Improved tax E-invoicing, e-waybill and online pro- Conclusion:
compliance and cesses have improved tax compliance Anti-profiteering measures and compliance procedures in
enforcement and enabled better enforcement, GST need to be streamlined to ensure cost efficiency and
reducing instances of fraud and dis- price reduction benefits reach the common man. A group of
putes. ministers has proposed the removal of exemptions on vari-
ous services, aiming to bring uniformity and broaden the tax
Current Affairs 30
base under GST. Background: The strikes began when Blinkit slashed the min-
Insta Links: imum payout per delivery to Rs 15 per delivery from Rs 25.
Decriminalisation of offences under GST
The gig economy in India:
Mains Links
Q. Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax
(Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19
impacted the GST compensation fund and created new
federal tensions? (UPSC 2020)
Q. Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been sub-

sumed in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Also,
comment on the revenue implications of the GST intro- • According to the NITI Aayog estimates, nearly 23.5
duced in India in July 2017. (UPSC 2019) million workers will be engaged in the gig economy
by 2029.
Prelims Links:
Q1. Consider the following items: (UPSC 2018) Gig worker
1. Cereal grains hulled Gig workers refer to workers outside of the traditional em-
2. Chicken eggs cooked ployer-employee relationship. There are two groups of gig
workers - platform workers and non-platform workers.
3. Fish processed and canned
Platform workers Non-platform workers
4. Newspapers containing advertising material
When gig workers use on- Those who work outside of
Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST
line algorithmic matching these platforms are non-plat-
(Goods and Services Tax)?
platforms or apps to con- form workers, including
(a) 1 only nect with customers, they construction workers and
(b) 2 and 3 only are called platform work- non-technology-based tem-
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only ers. porary workers.
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: C
Issues faced by gig workers:
• Since the gig economy falls outside the scope of tra-
Q. What is/are the most likely advantages of implement- ditional, full-time employment, gig workers usually
ing ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’? (UPSC 2017) lack basic employment rights such as
1. It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple  Minimum wages,
authorities and will thus create a single market in India.  Overtime pay,
2. It will drastically reduce the ‘Current Account Defi-  Medical leave, and
cit’ of India and will enable it to increase its foreign ex-  A statutorily bound resolution of employ-
change reserves. er-employee disputes.
3. It will enormously increase the growth and size of • Whether gig workers should be categorised as ‘em-
the economy of India and will enable it to overtake China ployees’ or as ‘independent contractors’?
in the near future. • It depends on the extent of control and supervision
Select the correct answer using the code given below: exercised by the employer and the integration of
the worker with the organisation.
(a) 1 only  In India, employees are entitled to a host
(b) 2 and 3 only of benefits under the Minimum Wages Act
(c) 1 and 3 only 1948, EPF Act 1952 and the Payment of Bo-
(d) 1, 2 and 3 nus Act 1965.
Ans: A  Similarly, contract labourers are governed
under the Contract Labour (Regulation and
Abolition) Act 1970 and are entitled to ben-
efits under the EPF.
2.GIG ECONOMY
Context:  However, gig workers display characteristics
of both employees and independent con-
The strike by Zomato-owned Blinkit delivery agents has once tractors → as a result fall outside the ambit
again brought to the forefront the issues plaguing the gig of statutory benefits.
economy in the country.
Current Affairs 30
What is the proposed law for gig workers? Best practices:
In keeping with the National Commission on Labour’s recom-
mendation to consolidate central labour laws, the Ministry • In 2021, the UK Supreme Court classified Uber driv-
of Labour and Employment introduced the Code on Social ers as ‘workers’ under the UK Employment Rights Act
Security 2020. 1996.
• Germany’s Temporary Employment Act provides for
equal pay and equal treatment of gig workers.
Salient provisions in the Code on Social Security 2020: • Singapore has also proposed legislative changes to ex-
• It brings gig workers within the a mbit of labour laws tend work injury insurance and pension coverage to
for the first time. such workers.
• It distinguishes between such workers and employ-
ees.
• It stipulates that Central and State Governments Way ahead for India:
must frame suitable social security schemes for gig • The Labour Codes need to be implemented as soon
workers. as possible.
• A social security fund for gig workers, to which Gig • For this, State governments should frame rules as
employers must contribute 1-2% of their annu- soon as possible.
al turnover → to be used for the aforementioned
schemes. Mains Links:
• It also mandates the compulsory registration of all Q. How globalization has led to the reduction of employ-
gig workers to avail of benefits under these schemes. ment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is in-
• It also envisages the constitution of a National So- creased in formalization detrimental to the development
cial Security Board by the Central government to of the country? (UPSC 2016)
monitor the implementation of such schemes.
Concerns: 3. WHY HAS THE RBI WITHDRAWN RS 2,000

• Out of the four new labour codes proposed, gig work NOTES?
finds reference only in the Code on Social Security. Context:
• Hence, they cannot create legally recognised unions The RBI has decided to withdraw the Rs 2000 denomination
and access a national minimum wage that applies banknotes from circulation.
to all forms of employment.
When were the Rs 2000 banknotes introduced?
• Gig workers are excluded from the category of ‘un-
• On November 8 2016, the PM of India announced de-
organised workers’ or ‘wage workers’.
monetisation, withdrawing two banknotes (Rs 500 and
• Gig workers also remain excluded from accessing
Rs 1000) from circulation with immediate effect.
the specialised redressal mechanism against their
• The Rs 2000 and the new Rs 500 note were introduced
employers.
under (Section 26) of the RBI Act 1934, primarily with
• They also do not have the right to collective bargain-
the objective of meeting the currency requirement of
ing - a fundamental principle of modern labour law.
the economy expeditiously.
• All the above leads to the violation of their funda-
mental rights under Articles 14 and 21 and comes
within the meaning of forced labour under Article Demonetisation
23. Meaning It is the process of eliminating the lawful ac-
ceptance status of a monetary unit → The
Can judicial intervention be expected? existing types of currency are withdrawn
A petition demanding that gig workers or platform workers through circulation and supplanted with
be declared as ‘unorganised workers’ so that they come un- new currency.
der the purview of the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Need While demonetization is exceptional, gov-
Act, 2008, is pending in the SC of India. ernments around the globe have used it to
check - hyperinflation situations, counterfeit
currency, terror and tax fraud, and to intro-
duce a new monetary system in some circum-
stances.
Advantag- Control criminal activities forbid tax avoid-
es ance and other financial crimes, contribute to
a paperless financial system
Current Affairs 30
Disadvan- Expenses issuing new currency and coinage What is the Clean Note Policy?
tages minting can be high, illegal activity will not be • The policy was introduced in 1999 by the then RBI
stopped entirely and may create chaos among Governor: Bimal Jalan.
individuals • It seeks to give the public good-quality currency notes
P r i m a r y To check fake currency notes and to break the and coins with better security features, while soiled
r e a s o n s grip of corruption and black money. notes are withdrawn out of circulation.
for de- • Under the policy, the RBI had earlier decided to with-
moneti- draw from circulation all banknotes issued prior to
sation in 2005 as they have fewer security features.
India in
2016
Will the Rs. 2000 banknotes continue to be legal tender?
Effect on • Yes. The public can continue to use Rs 2000
India banknotes for their transactions and also receive
them in payment.
• However, they are encouraged to deposit/exchange
these banknotes on or before September 30, 2023.
The RBI has not clarified the status of these notes
after September 30.
Could there be a repeat of the demonetisation chaos of

2016?
• It is unlikely, as the printing of Rs 2000 notes was
stopped in 2018-19, and they are no longer com-
monly seen with the public (constitute only 10.8%
of notes in circulation).
• Also, the decision to withdraw Rs 500 and Rs 1000
notes was announced suddenly, taking the public by
surprise.
Insta Links: Supreme Court upholds demonetisation: What

The SC’s was the challenge about?
(4:1) ver-
dict on
demoneti-
sation 4. RBIS REPORT ON CURRENCY AND FI-
NANCE
Context:
Why has the RBI withdrawn Rs. 2000 notes? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a report on cur-
• With the fulfilment of the objective, the printing of rency and finance for the financial year (FY) 2022-23. The
Rs 2000 notes was stopped in 2018-19. theme of the report is ‘Towards a Greener Cleaner India’.
• The RBI issued the majority of the Rs 2000 denom-
ination notes prior to March 2017 - now at the end Major points in the Report are:
of their estimated lifespan of 4-5 years. Topic Summary
• Therefore, in pursuance of the Clean Note Policy
of the RBI, it has been decided to withdraw the Rs CBDC and CBDC can be more environment-friendly
2000 denomination banknotes from circulation. E n v i r o n - compared to alternative cashless methods.
ment Payments effected through CBDC would be
instantaneous and final, and reduced reli-
ance on clearing corporations and other
settlement infrastructure could cut down
energy consumption.
Current Affairs 30
C l i m a t e Public sector banks (PSBs) may be more Reforms suggested:

stress test vulnerable than private sector banks (PVBs) • Achieve medium-term steady-state GDP growth of
in India on the basis of Climate stress tests 6.5-8.5%. (RBI has suggested seven wheels of eco-
(loss to the financial system due to cli- nomic progress)
mate-related risks) • Rebalancing of monetary and fiscal policies, achieving
Financing re- An additional annual investment of about price stability
quirements 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030 would be re- • Promote IR 4.0
by India quired to fill the infrastructure gap due to • Transition to new zero-emission
Climate change. • Reducing government debt
M a c r o - India could lose anywhere around 3 to 10% • Implementing structural reforms such as improving
e c o n o m - of its GDP annually by 2100 due to climate access to low-cost land, raising the quality of labour,
ic Impact change. promoting innovation and technology, and rationaliz-
of Climate Job loss: 34 million job losses from heat ing subsidies
Change in stress associated with productivity decline
India by 2030.
Insta Links:
RBI and RBI joined Network for Greening the Finan- Report on Trends and Progress of Banking in India 2021-22
C l i m a t e cial System (NGFS) which aims to strength-
Change en the global response to meeting Paris
Agreement goals. It issued sovereign green Prelims Links:
bonds (SGBs) for green infrastructural in- Q. Consider the following statements:
vestments and released a framework for 1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is
mobilizing green deposits by regulated en- appointed by the Central Government.
tities. 2. Certain provisions in the Constitution of India give
Policy Op- Fiscal Policy Initiatives: Carbon pricing us- the Central Government the right to issue directions to the
tions to ing carbon taxes, Emission Trading System; RBI in the public interest.
Mitigate Cli- green taxonomy to identify sustainable 3. The Governor of the RBI draws his power from the
mate Risks green assets and activities, etc. Technol- RBI Act.
ogy adoption: targeted R&D investments
Which of the above statements are correct?
by Governments; addressing variability in
wind and solar power supply, developing an (a) 1 and 2 only
indigenous renewables supply chain, etc. (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Monetary Policy: Higher use of Central
Bank Digital Currency (CBDCs) can help low- Ans: C
er carbon footprint, Lower margin require-
ments for SGBs when used as collateral, etc.
5. RBI’S GOLD RESERVES
Related news: Context:

RBI released a report on currency and Finance with The RBI’s gold reserves touched 794.64 metric tonnes in fis-
the theme “Revive and Reconstruct” in the context of cal 2023, an increase of nearly 5% over fiscal 2022.
nurturing a durable recovery post-Covid-19.
Major concerns highlighted in the report are: Gold reserves
• The Covid-19 pandemic is one of the worst health cri- • Meaning: It is the gold held by a national central
ses in history, with India suffering significant losses in bank.
output, lives, and livelihoods. • Purpose:
• The Russia-Ukraine conflict has also negatively im-  A guarantee to redeem promises to pay de-
pacted the recovery momentum. positors, note holders/paper money/trading
• India is expected to recover from Covid-19 losses by peers, during the era of the gold standard -
a monetary system (until 1971) in which the
2034-35, assuming a growth rate of 7.2% for 2022-23
standard economic unit of account is based
and 7.5% beyond that. on a fixed quantity of gold.
 Currently, a store of value/ to support the
value of the national currency.
Current Affairs 30
Why is gold used as a reserve in Central banks? • The two key drivers behind the decision to hold gold
Unlike fiat currencies, which can be subject to inflation or - its performance during crisis times and its role as
devaluation due to various economic factors, the value of a long-term store of value.
gold tends to be relatively stable over time, which makes
it an attractive asset for central banks to hold as a reserve. Insta Links: Rising forex reserves and their importance
Additionally, gold is highly liquid, which means it can easily
be converted into cash or used to settle international trans-
actions. 6. CROSS-BORDER INSOLVENCY
Composition of India’s gold reserves:
• The 794.64 tonnes of gold reserves included gold Context:
deposits of 56.32 tonnes. The Indian government has decided to halt its plan to adopt
• 437.22 tonnes of gold is held overseas in safe custo- a cross-border insolvency regime that would have allowed
dy with the Bank of England and the Bank of Interna- foreign lenders to initiate bankruptcy proceedings against
tional Settlements (BIS). defaulting Indian businesses in local tribunals.
• 301.10 tonnes of gold is held domestically.
About Cross-border Insolvency:
Comparison with total foreign exchange reserves: Cross-border insolvency typically occurs when a debtor has
operations or creditors in multiple countries, and there is
a need for coordination and cooperation among different
courts and stakeholders to achieve an efficient and fair res-
olution.
• United Nations Commission on International Trade
Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Cross-Border Insol-
vency, 1997, is a widely accepted legal framework
to deal with cross-border insolvency issues.
Why has India halted its plan?

India halted the adoption of cross-border insolvency, based
on the fact that only around 50 countries have adopted the
UN model of cross-border insolvency, and many of them
have stringent restrictions in place.
Instead, the government’s current priorities include

• Expanding the informal debt resolution scheme for
larger corporations
• As on March 31 2023, India’s total foreign exchange • Implementing a new regime for handling the insolvency
(forex) reserves stood at $578.449 billion, and gold of group companies
reserves were pegged at $45.2 billion. • Creating a special regime for the real estate sector.
• Thus, the share of gold in the total forex increased • Remove lacunas in the operation of the Insolvency and
from about 7% (March 2022) to about 7.81%. Bankruptcy Code
• Reduce delays in case admission and approval of rescue
Why are these reserves increasing? plans
• RBI has been adding gold to its reserves to diversify • Prevent inappropriate transactions by the management
its overall reserves. of defaulting companies.
 This change in strategy has been driven
by negative interest rates in the past, the
weakening of the dollar, global uncertainty About Insolvency:
and rising inflation. Topic Description
• As gold is considered a more safe, secure and liquid Key Words • Insolvency: Inability to repay out-
asset, it can safeguard RBI’s returns. standing debt
• Bankruptcy: Court declaration of in-
What are other central banks doing? solvency, with appropriate orders to
• Many other central banks, including the Monetary resolve it and protect creditors’ rights.
Authority of Singapore (MAS), the People’s Bank of
China (PBoC), etc., have been buying gold.
Current Affairs 30
Insolvency Enacted in 2016, it consolidates laws re- and transparency of public administration,
and supporting SDG implementation.
and Bank- lated to the insolvency resolution of busi-
ruptcy Code ness firms.  Promoting intergenerational equity and ad-
dressing climate change concerns.
Insolvency Introduces Pre-packaged Insolvency Res-
and Bank- olution Process (PIRP) for Micro, Small,
ruptcy Code and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with Meaning of blue economy and its significance:
(Amendment defaults up to Rs 1 crore.
Bill), 2021
Challenges for
Lack of proper resolution with over 50%
the IBC of cases ending in liquidation; Significant
delays in resolution; High haircuts (debt
foregone) by creditors; Lack of digitization
Achievements A successful revival of India’s insolvency
regime and addressing non-performing
assets (NPAs); Improved credit discipline;
India’s rank in resolving insolvency im-
proved significantly
Provision of Currently, section 234 (empowers the • The global annual value of the blue/ocean economy
Cross border central government to enter into bilat- is ~$2.5 trillion.
Insolvency eral agreements) and 235 (adjudicating • About 90% of global trade by volume [75% by val-
authorities issuing letters of request to ue] is carried out through sea routes.
foreign courts) of IBC, 2016 provide a ba-
sic framework for cross-border insolvency
Efforts to promote blue economy:
Global India
Conclusion:
The introduction of a cross-border insolvency regime will be Sustainable Blue The blue economy is one of the 10
considered once the institutional capacity and overall bank- Economy Finance core sectors for national growth in
ruptcy resolution ecosystem are more robust. Principles (2018): India.
Laid out by the UNEP,
the framework can
Insta Links: be used by Investors
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code: Provisions to fund ocean-based
industries and Finan-
ciers to see how ma-
Mains Links
rine investment can
Q. The introduction of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
impact livelihood and
Code (IBC) in 2016 was a ‘watershed’ moment in India.
poverty eradication.
Comment (250 Words)
COP15 (CBD): It laid A National Blue Economy Poli-
out the global biodi- cy that aims to harness maritime
7. SAI20: BLUEPRINT FOR A BLUE ECONO- versity framework to resources while preserving the
MY conserve and sustain- country’s rich marine biodiversity
ably use the planet’s has been prepared by the Ministry
Context: biodiversity. of Earth Sciences.
The Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) will chair Compendium of Asset Accounts
SAI20 - the Engagement Group for Supreme Audit Institu- of Natural Resources: This first-ev-
tions (SAls) of G20 countries in Goa. er country-wide handbook (by
CAG) sets a national accounting
framework for the blue economy.
What is SAI20?
• The SAI20 Engagement Group of G20 was estab- Conservation of Coastal Ecosys-
lished in 2022 during Indonesia’s Presidency of the tem report by CAG: The audit
G20. resulted in focused recommenda-
• The constitution of SAI20 stems from a recognition tions to help improve the Coastal
of the role of SAIs in - Regulation Zone (CRZ) ecosystem.
 Promoting the efficiency, accountability,
Current Affairs 30
Challenges: 8. NATIONAL MANUFACTURING INNOVA-
• The measurement of the blue economy is challeng-
TION SURVEY (NMIS) 2021-22
ing due to conflicting definitions and issues while
classifying different sectors and sub-sectors.
• Climate change: Sea-level rise, water temperature,
storm surges, cyclones and wave conditions are
some of the signs.
• Land use changes, sand mining and deforestation
impinge on the coastal ecosystem.
In the context of India,

• ~15% of India’s coastal areas have witnessed chang-
es between 1992 and 2018 due to agriculture, de-
pleting forest cover and urbanisation.
• The population living in the country’s coastal areas
is expected to rise from 64 million in 2000 to 216
million by 2060.
Two priorities for SAI20 deliberations: Blue economy and

responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI).
What is expected in the blue economy deliberations? Major Findings of the NMIS Survey 2021-22:
● Preparation of technology-driven tools to assess
Findings Description:
authorised development in coastal stretches and
track marine water quality. Innovative Nearly 25% of India is innovative
● Evolution of globally relevant audit toolkits for firms
coastal spaces, which include - To p - ra n ke d Karnataka> Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Da-
○ Legal and institutional frameworks, state in in- man & Diu> Telangana> Tamil Nadu
○ Compliance with coastal regulations, novation (in
○ Biodiversity conservation, IMII)
○ Capacity building and compliance to SDGs. L o w e s t North-eastern states> Bihar> Assam>
ranked state Jharkhand
Lack of fi- Nearly 40% of the firms faced this issue
Way ahead:
nance from
• Disaster-resilient infrastructure along coasts
external
• ICT hubs for early warning systems
sources as a
• The SAI20 audit toolkits being prepared under the
barrier
leadership of the CAG of India will provide a unique
opportunity for constructive dialogue to improve Triple-Helix
the auditing of ocean-based activities. model focus
Conclusion:
The audit toolkits will help in the assessment of policy goals,
and resource efficiency while leveraging economic opportu-
nities towards a truly sustainable blue economy-based glob-
al development model.
Insta Links: Building a blue economy: What India can learn

from China
The survey focuses on this model. It refers
to the relationships between universities,
Mains Links: knowledge-based institutions (KBIs),
Q. Defining the blue revolution, explain the problems and firms, governments, and hybrid organiza-
strategies for pisciculture development in India. (UPSC tions
2018)
Current Affairs 30
Recommendations of the Survey: INFRASTRUCTURE: ENERGY, PORTS,
Recommenda- Example ROADS, AIRPORTS, RAILWAYS ETC.
tion
Awareness E.g., Through events, webinars, and me-
campaign for dia campaigns. 9. DECARBONISING TRANSPORT SECTOR
innovation
Collaboration Create a joint R&D program between Context:
( Tr i p l e - H e l i x universities, research institutes, and in- According to the ITF Transport Outlook 2023, acting now
model focus) dustries to foster collaboration and shar- and decarbonising transportation can help in achieving the
ing of best practices. goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Innovation Establish innovation centres in every
centres state that offer training and funding to The ITF Transport Outlook 2023: It was released by the In-
MSMEs. ternational Transport Forum (ITF) at the Leipzig Transport
Investment Encourage venture capitalists and angel Summit.
investors to invest in innovative startups
by providing tax incentives and reducing
ITF: It is a think tank (administratively integrated with the
regulatory barriers.
OECD yet politically autonomous) for transport policy that
Financing Establish a government-backed loan organises the Annual Summit of transport ministers.
program that offers low-interest loans to
firms for innovation projects.
Leipzig (Germany) Transport Summit:
Workforce Promote STEM education and provide
• Transport ministers from across 64 member coun-
training programs for workers to learn
tries of the ITF gathered under the event theme of
new skills in emerging technologies.
‘Transport Enabling Sustainable Economies’.
Industry 4.0 Provide financial assistance to firms to • The United Kingdom holds the current Presidency of
technologies upgrade their manufacturing facilities the annual Summit.
with digital technologies such as IoT, AI,
and big data analytics.
Intellectual Establish a strong legal framework that
property rights protects patents, trademarks, and copy-
protection rights, and provides swift enforcement
against infringement.
Mains Links
Q.1 “Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the over-
all growth of Gross-Domestic-Product(GDP) in the post-re-
form period” Give reasons. How far are the recent chang-
es in Industrial Policy capable of increasing the industrial
growth rate? (UPSC 2017)
Q.2 Normally countries shift from agriculture to industry

and then later to services, but India shifted directly from
agriculture to services. What are the reasons for the huge
growth of services vis-a-vis the industry in the country? Highlights of the ITF Transport Outlook 2023
Can India become a developed country without a strong • If action to decarbonise transport is accelerated, the
industrial base? (UPSC 2014) transport sector can still reduce its CO2 emissions
by about 80% over the next 25 years (compared to
Prelims Links: 2019).
Q. In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which one of the fol- • This drop will enable limiting the global tempera-
lowing is given the highest weight? ( UPSC 2015) ture increase to “well below” 2 degrees Celsius
(a) Coal production above pre-industrial levels - the Paris Agreement
(b) Electricity generation goal.
(c) Fertilizer production
(d) Steel production
Ans: B
Reaching this high-ambition scenario requires:
Current Affairs 30
• A combination of complementary policies that What is TEPA?
avoid unnecessary transport activity. A trade and Economic Partnership Agreement is a type of
• Shift to no-carbon transport and improve the effi- economic partnership agreement between countries. TEPA
ciency of transport. agreements offer flexibility in terms of negotiating terms
• Scale up cost-competitive technologies and fuels to and conditions, as the parties involved can tailor the agree-
move people and goods with fewer emissions. ment to their specific needs and interests.
Advantage of reaching this high-ambition scenario: The to- About EFTA:

tal capital investment needs of core infrastructure (road, rail,
Topic Description
airports and ports) will be 5% lower with ambitious policies
in place than carrying on with business as usual.
Policy recommendations:
Initiatives:
• The Decarbonising Transport initiative of the ITF: European Free Trade Association (est. 1960; HQ: Gene-
Promotes carbon-neutral mobility to help stop cli- va) is an intergovernmental organization founded by four
mate change. European countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and
• India: Switzerland as an alternative to the EU.
 Forum for Decarbonizing Transport:
Launched by NITI Aayog and WRI India, the Purpose To promote free trade and economic
project aims at bringing down the peak level cooperation among its member states
of GHG emissions (transport sector) in Asia. and with other countries
 EVs: National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, R e l a t i o n s h i p EFTA has a close relationship with the
FAME Scheme, Incentives under PLI Scheme, with EU EU and has signed several agreements,
etc. which allow for the free movement of
 Alternative fuels (CNG, etc), Ethanol blend- goods, services, capital, and people be-
ing, hybrid vehicles, BS (VI) norms, etc.
tween the EFTA countries and the EU
Strength of EFTA The economy of these countries is very
ECONOMIC LIBERALIZATION, TRADE countries strong. They rank among the highest
in the world in innovation, competi-
AGREEMENT tiveness, wealth creation per inhabi-
tant, life expectancy, and quality of life.
EFTA companies are also world leaders
in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology,
10. TEPA BETWEEN INDIA AND EFTA STATES machinery manufacturing, R&D-driven
technology products, geothermal-re-
lated technologies and many more.
Context:
The Secretary General of the European Free Trade Associ- Potential Benefits of TEPA between India and EFTA States:
ation (EFTA) states that a Trade and Economic Partnership
Agreement (TEPA) between India and EFTA will enhance the Area Benefits
economic partnership Trade India’s growth and leadership in green technol-
ogies can benefit from EFTA’s support.
Current Affairs 30
M a r k e t Improved market access for Indian goods to Mains Links:

Access EFTA markets where EFTA’s export products Q. What is a free trade agreement (FTA)? How are FTAs
frequently serve as inputs in Indian export in- important for India? What are the various issues that are
dustries. involved in FTA negotiation? How can the issues be re-
I n v e s t - Increase in investment from EFTA states (They solved? (250 Words)
ment have already invested over USD 35 billion in In-
dia)
Prelims Links:
M u t u a l EFTA states can benefit from India’s highly
Q. Consider the following countries: (2018)
Benefits skilled workforce in the services sector, and In-
dia can benefit from the over 400 companies 1. Australia
established by EFTA states generating more 2. Canada
than 1,50,000 jobs. 3. China
Re n e w- EFTA states can contribute to India’s green 4. India
a b l e growth aspirations with their cutting-edge 5. Japan
Technol- technologies in solar, wind, hydro, and geother- 6. USA
ogies mal power. Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of
ASEAN?
Challenges in Implementing TEPA between India and EFTA (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
Countries: (b) 3, 4, 5 and 6
Challenge Description (c) 1, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6
E c o n o m i c While EFTA countries (developed econ-
structure omies) focus on high-tech industries and Ans: C
services, India (developing economy) gen-
erally serves lower and middle-tech indus-
tries and services.
INCLUSIVE GROWTH
Market access E.g., issues regarding tariffs, quotas, and
non-tariff barriers to ensure free and fair
trade between the parties. 11. FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN RURAL INDIA
Regulatory Differences in regulations, standards, and
legal frameworks
Securing do- Particularly in sectors such as pharma- Context:
mestic manu- ceuticals, biotechnology, and machinery According to a new study, access to financial services such
facturers manufacturing, where EFTA countries as bank accounts can help Indian rural households cope
have a competitive edge. better with challenges such as poverty, inequality, and cli-
Environmen- Addressing environmental and social chal- mate risks.
tal and social lenges, such as promoting sustainable de-
velopment and gender equality, is crucial
What is FI?
in establishing a long-term, successful
partnership between the parties. The process of ensuring access to financial services and
timely and adequate credit where needed by vulnerable
Negotiation Negotiating a mutually beneficial agree- groups such as weaker sections and low-income groups at
ment that meets the interests of all paran affordable cost. (RBI)
ties involved can be challenging.
Need for financial inclusion in rural India:

Conclusion: • A key driver of economic growth, poverty alleviation
To ensure the conclusion of a mutually beneficial TEPA be- and prosperity.
tween India and EFTA, outstanding issues should be ad- • Access to formal finance can boost job creation, re-
dressed, areas of mutual benefit identified, and collabora- duce vulnerability to economic and climate shocks
tion on skilled labour promoted. Strong political involvement and increase investments in human capital.
and guidance are necessary for a swift negotiation process. • At a macro level, it can support sustainable and in-
clusive socio-economic growth for all.
Current Affairs 30
Highlights of the study: Way ahead:
• 59% of the surveyed households experienced cli- • Financial inclusion will reduce the resources that
mate shocks in at least one of the five previous years households need to keep in liquid form and there-
→ using their own savings to cope with the issue. fore make them available for productive invest-
• As rural households have limited access to liquidity, ments to address climate risk.
they take high-interest loans from informal sources. • Climate adaptation requires putting resources in the
• Households rely on financial assistance from kin hands of people because they are best placed to un-
and relatives followed by friends, village communi- derstand climate impacts.
ties, money lenders, and banks (in this order).
A. THE FINANCIAL INCLUSION OF WOMEN
Factors affecting access to financial services:
• Location: Most commercial banks set up their
Context:
branches in profitable urban commercial areas.
It is challenging to achieve financial inclusion (FI) for women
• Lack of infrastructure in rural and semi-urban ar-
until they actively participate in the formal financial industry.
eas: Lack of access to a formal banking outlet, prop-
er internet, electricity, etc., are major roadblocks to
both consumers and financial institutions. Why do women need FI?
• Rising unemployment and low wages: Financial • FI is considered a critical indicator of development
conditions of people plays a pivotal role in accessing and is identified as an enabler for at least eight of
available financial services. the 17 SDGs.
• Service charges: High bank charges not only dis- • For women, access to bank accounts, loans, insur-
courage people but also create a lack of trust among ance, and other financial services, results in direct
people using banking and financial services. improvements in outcomes of health, education,
employment → economic independence → em-
Financial institutions for inclusion: powerment.
• Scheduled commercial banks • In turn, such progress helps achieve the collective
• Regional rural banks goals of eradicating poverty, promoting inclusive
• Payment banks growth, and reducing inequality.
• Micro-finance institutions
• Business correspondents (Bank Mitra) The schemes promoting FI in India:
• Small finance banks
Government efforts:
• The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
• Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT)
• Aadhaar Enabled Payment Services (AePS)
• Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM)-UPI
Key challenges for India: While 80% of the Indian population

may have bank accounts, almost 45% of such accounts still
remain inactive due to a combination of - Access, Retention
and Financial Literacy.
Best practices:
• Companies such as Vakrangee Ltd., BTI payments,
FINO, etc., have provided many banking and ATM
services through a technology-driven platform.
 They have managed to boost rural entre-
preneurship and increase the level of fi-
nancial literacy.
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):
• The PM Mudra Yojana provides collateral-free
• 56% of all these new accounts are owned by wom-
loans up to Rs. 1 million for small and micro en-
en, which implies remarkable FI that has significant-
terprises.
ly reduced the gender gap, from 17% in 2011 to 6%
in 2017.
Current Affairs 30
Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT): Prelims Links: UPSC 2016
• Since its inception in 2013, the Indian government
Q. The establishment of ‘Payment Banks’ is being allowed
has cumulatively transferred Rs. 16.8 trillion to
in India to promote financial inclusion. Which of the fol-
beneficiaries through DBT. This has led to the FI of
lowing statements is/are correct in this context?
women, as they constitute a good number of bene-
ficiaries under the schemes. 1. Mobile telephone companies and supermarket chains
that are owned and controlled by residents are eligible
to be promoters of Payment Banks.
Challenges: 2. Payment Banks can issue both credit cards and debit
• Women still lack participation in the formal financial cards.
industry. For example, 3. Payment Banks cannot undertake lending activities.
 Most women only access their PMJDY ac-
counts to withdraw the benefit transfers Select the correct answer using the code given below.
from the various government initiatives. 1. 1 and 2 only
 Most of them do not use these accounts for 2. 1 and 3 only
savings, to build a credit history or avail of 3. 2 only
any financial products such as insurance
and loans. 4. 1, 2 and 3
• Inaccessibility: Most financial services are beyond

the reach of most women, particularly in the rural Ans: 2
hinterland.
• Concerns around privacy and confidentiality: Hes-
itation to discuss personal financial matters with
strangers. AGRICULTURE
• The lack of collateral due to limited access to assets
and property impedes their ability to avail of loans.
12.AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS-IMPORTS
• They have less influence over the family’s import-
ant financial choices → leading to wastages or use of
benefits for non-essential purposes. Context:
Both agricultural exports from and imports into India have
scaled new highs in the fiscal year that ended March 31,
How to address these concerns?
2023.
• Promote women’s access to and literacy in digital
tools.
• Promote the use of digital payments among wom- Provisional data of the Department of Commerce on agri
en. imports-exports:
• Appoint more women Business Correspondents
(BCs).
• Deepen convergence with self-help groups.
• Collect gender-disaggregated data and develop
strategies to form women-centric approaches.
• Promote digital credit for medium and small busi-
nesses.
Best practice:
• The Bank Sakhis programme by the National Rural
Livelihoods Mission trains SHG members to work as
BCs in rural districts.
Way ahead:
Digital payment solutions can be easily redesigned to en- • Agricultural trade surplus (Exports - Imports): It has
able access to information that are key stumbling blocks to marginally dipped from $17.82 billion to $17.46 bil-
the FI of women. lion.
 The surplus narrows further if one adds the
import of fertilizers, which have risen from
Insta Links: Women and financial inclusion $14.17 billion in 2021-22 to $17.21 billion in
2022-23.
Current Affairs 30
The drivers - global prices: • Spices exports have stagnated since 2020-21.
• The UN FAO’s Food Price Index (FPI) - a weighted • The exports of raw cotton, guar-gum (a thickening
average of world prices of a basket of food commod- agent used in extraction of shale oil and gas) and oil
ities over a base period value (2014-16 = 100) - re- meals, have declined.
mains high since 2020-21.
• It made India’s agri-commodities more globally price Imports profile:
competitive. • Imports meet roughly 60% of India’s vegetable oil
requirements, 10% of pulses.
Major export-import contributors: • Imports of spices, cashew and cotton - commodities
where India has traditionally been a net exporter -
have shown a rising trend.
Concerns:
• Unfavourable regulatory regime:
 Cultivation of GM Bt cotton and high glob-
al prices had enabled India to become the
world’s top producer (ahead of China) and
No. 2 exporter (after the US) of natural fibre.
 But, as the government is not permitting
new gene technologies, the country has
turned from a net exporter to an importer
of cotton.
• Domestic crop shortages: Specially in cotton, soy-
abean, guar-gum and oil meal.
• Spice imports going up are a reflection of reduced
price competitiveness (vis-à-vis Vietnam in pepper
and Guatemala in pepper).
• Export curbs: The government banned wheat ex-
ports, broken rice exports and slapped a 20% duty
on all non-parboiled non-basmati shipments.
Government steps to promote agricultural exports:

• Agriculture Export Policy (2018): It aims to harness
export potential of Indian agriculture to make India a
global power in agriculture and raise farmers’ income.
• ‘District as Export Hub’ Initiative of the Department
of Commerce would be utilised to achieve the objec-
tives of Agriculture Export Policy.
Export profile: • Transport and Marketing Assistance for Specified Ag-
• Basmati exports are mainly to the Persian Gulf riculture Products - a Central Sector Scheme to miti-
countries, while non-basmati shipments are more gate the freight disadvantage for the export of agricul-
diversified, spreading across - ture products.
 Asia (Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, Malay- • Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES)
sia, Vietnam, UAE and Iraq) and • Market Access Initiatives (MAI) Scheme
 Africa (from Senegal, Ivory Coast and Benin • The Export Promotion Schemes of APEDA
to Somalia and Madagascar).
 It’s non-basmati that has made India the
biggest rice exporter, ahead of Thailand.
Risks ahead:
• In sugar exports, the country has emerged as the
• International prices: The latest FPI reading showing
world’s No. 2 exporter after Brazil.
 Indian mills have built markets for both raw declining trends.
sugar (among refineries in Bangladesh, In- • Domestic food inflation, more curbs on exports
donesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Iraq) and a further liberalisation of imports if the ensu-
and ing southwest monsoon season delivers subnormal
 Regular plantation whites (in African coun- rainfall.
tries, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and China).
Current Affairs 30
Related news: Revision in India’s Import-Export tally

Context: India’s overall export-import figures (merchandise) for last year have been scaled down by around $3 billion
dollars each.
Earlier data Revised data Revision is dominated by

Exports Expected to have grown 6% $444.4 billion, reflecting a 5.3% rise Petroleum exports and imports
in 2022-23 to hit $447.46 from 2021-22 after the Russia-Ukraine conflict
billion
Imports $714.24 billion $711.85 billion, indicating a growth of
16.1%
T r a d e Expected to rise 40% Has risen 40.8% to $267.45 bn
deficit
Concerns: Trade deficit raises uncertainty on the outlook for India’s current account deficit and thereby rupee.
Insta Links: Importance of Agri exports
13.MAKING AGRI-COMMODITY VALUE Need for making agri-commodity value chains sustainable:
CHAINS SUSTAINABLE Making agri-commodity value chains sustainable is essential
to protect the environment, ensure long-term agricultural
productivity, meet consumer demands, address global sus-
Context: tainability challenges, promote stakeholder accountability,
The article highlights the challenges associated with making and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
agricultural commodity value chains sustainable. It identifies
four dimensions that make mitigating environmental im-
pacts a difficult task The challenges of ensuring sustainability in agricultural
commodity value chains:
Meaning of agri-commodity value chains: Challenges Examples
It refers to the entire process of production, processing, Market and produc- E.g., uncertain Export policies; ad-
distribution, and consumption of agricultural commodities, er Related verse WTO norms influencing Indi-
from farm to fork. an farmers; uncertain MSP by the
government
“Making Agri-commodity value chains sustainable” means Production related The production process, including
the practice of ensuring that the agricultural value chain land-use strategies, seed quality,
minimizes negative environmental and social impacts while and input usage, varies across differ-
promoting long-term economic viability. ent commodities. Lack of specific in-
tervention by farmers suited to the
specific production systems, such as
intensive or extensive agriculture or
agroforestry, leads to low yield.
Weak policies Weak governance mechanisms,
subsidies, market access, and infra-
structural support for Indian agricul-
ture
Marginalized farm- Poor Working conditions for mar-
ers ginalized tenants, almost no labour
rights, and inequity for Indian farm-
ers
Current Affairs 30
Few Government Initiatives for sustainable agriculture: 14.DIRECT-SEEDING METHOD GAINS
Scheme Objective CURRENCY IN INDIA’S PADDY-GROWING
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Promote organic farming REGIONS
Yojana
National Mission on Promote climate-resilient and Context:
Sustainable Agriculture sustainable agricultural prac- There is a growing trend of farmers in rice-growing states
(NMSA) tices such as conservation ag- of India adopting the direct-seeding method for paddy cul-
riculture, agroforestry, inte- tivation.
grated farming systems, etc.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sin- Improve water use efficiency
Reasons:
chayee Yojana in agriculture
With delays in rainfall and labour shortages, this method al-
Soil Health Card Scheme Encourage balanced and judi- lows farmers to sow seeds without waiting for rain or spend-
cious use of fertilizers ing time in nurseries.
National Mission on Promote sustainable produc-
Oilseeds and Oil Palm tion of oilseeds and oil palm
What is Direct Seeded Rice (DSR)?
(NMOOP)
DSR, also known as the ‘broadcasting seed technique,’ is
National Agricultural Mar- Create a unified national mar- a method in which seeds are directly drilled into the fields.
ket (e-NAM) ket for agricultural commod- There is no nursery preparation or transplantation involved
ities in this method.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Develop agri-processing clus-
Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) ters and infrastructure to in-
Technique:
crease value addition and re-
In this technique, farmers level the land, provide one
duce post-harvest losses
pre-sowing irrigation, and then sow the rice seeds directly
into the field instead of transplanting seedlings.
What should be done:
The production process, including land-use strategies and
Advantages of DSR over Traditional Agriculture:
inputs, varies across commodities, requiring tailored inter-
ventions. Strong governance mechanisms and policies, in- Advantages Direct Seeding Traditional Agricul-
cluding subsidies and regulations, can support sustainable Method (DSR) ture
value chains. Additionally, an inclusive approach is neces- Water Con- D i r e c t - s e e d i n g Relies heavily on
sary, considering working conditions, labour rights, equity, servation method reduces wa- flood irrigation,
and the effects of the climate crisis on production. ter requirement by leading to water
about 15%. wastage
Conclusion: Labour Effi- Requires fewer la- Requires a signifi-
There is a need to address the environmental, social, and ciency bourers for nursery cant workforce for
economic dimensions of sustainability in the context of ag- preparation and nursery and trans-
ricultural production, processing, and distribution. transplantation planting
Time Savings Eliminates the need Requires time for
for nursery prepara- nursery preparation
Insta Links
tion and transplant- and transplanting
Food Processing and Supply-chain management
ing time
Yield Poten- Can result in high- Yield may vary
tial er yields due to im- based on crop man-
Mains Links: proved crop management and envi-
agement ronmental factors
Q. Examine the role of supermarkets in the supply Soil Health Helps prevent the Puddling can lead to
chain management of fruits, vegetables, and food items. development of hard soil compaction and
How do they eliminate the number of intermediaries? crust beneath the reduced soil health
(UPSC 2018) plough layer
Crop Resi- Allows for better Crop residue man-
due Manage- management of crop agement can be
ment residue challenging in tradi-
tional methods
Current Affairs 30
Limitations of DSR: Challenges the world is facing - Conflict between food secu-
• Weed Management Challenges: DSR often requires rity and environmental protection:
multiple sprays of weedicides to control weed growth. • Agriculture is responsible for a quarter of the car-
In comparison, flood irrigation in the traditional meth- bon emissions and the vast majority of the world’s
od acts as a natural weedicide. biodiversity losses.
• Vulnerability to Climate Extremes: DSR may be more • However, there is the need to increase food pro-
susceptible to extreme weather conditions, such as high duction (by 50%), as the world’s population keeps
temperatures and deficient rainfall. growing [will reach 10 billion in 2057 (as per UN es-
• Crop Residue Management: Unlike traditional agricul- timates)].
ture, where rice straw is removed after harvest, DSR
leaves the crop residue in the field. Approaches to achieving food security and mitigating cli-
• Variability in Yield: The success of DSR can vary depend- mate crisis:
ing on factors like farmer expertise, soil type, and envi- • Dietary changes to make consumption more sus-
ronmental conditions. tainable.
• Initial Learning Curve: Transitioning from traditional • Better technologies to create more environmentally
agriculture to DSR may require farmers to acquire new friendly methods of agriculture. Gene technologies
knowledge and skills. are a crucial part of the strategy for a sustainable
• The seed requirement for DSR is also higher than food system.
transplanting.
• Land levelling is compulsory in DSR, therefore, in- What is GM food?
creasing the cost. • Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organ-
isms that have altered DNA to change their proper-
ties.
Mains Link:
• Foods produced from or using GMOs are often re-
Q. Discuss the significance of Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) ferred to as GM foods/crops.
(250 Words) • GMOs were first introduced in the US in 1994, to
prolong the shelf life of tomato plants.
• Since then, GM soybeans, wheat and rice have been
Prelims Links: approved for agricultural use.
• Currently, GM crop production uses ~10% of the
Q. What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage
land as compared to non-GM crops.
in agriculture? ( UPSC 2020)
1. Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the resi-
due of the previous crops. Advantages:
• Can improve yield, delay ripening to prolong their
2. Without the need for a nursery of rice saplings, direct
shelf life, builds resistance to disease/pests, frost, or
planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible.
drought, or adds nutrients.
3. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible. • Can be modified to reduce carbon emissions and
Select the correct answer using the code given below: boost the sustainability of food production.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only GM controversy:
(c) 3 only • Uncertainty (over-regulation) and concerns about
(d) 1, 2 and 3 safety (long-term impact on human-animal health
Ans: D and biodiversity).
• The monopoly of big corporations (like Monsanto)
→ expensive GM seeds.
15.GM FOOD AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD GM crops in India:

PRODUCTION • Indian farmers started cultivating Bt cotton - a
pest-resistant, GM version of cotton, in 2002-03.
 By 2014, around 96% of the area under cot-
Context: ton cultivation in India was Bt cotton, mak-
Genetically modified (GM) food is viewed as a controversial ing India the 4th-largest cultivator of GM
crops by acreage and the 2nd largest pro-
as well as a science-based solution for a sustainable global ducer of cotton.
food system.
• The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee
Current Affairs 30
(GEAC) cleared the environmental release of mus- gaps in ensuring a robust pipeline of antibiotic treatments.
tard hybrid Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH-11) for its
seed production and testing
What is AMR?
• Indian scientists have also developed strains of Sub-
It refers to the ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria,
1 rice, which are much more resistant to flooding.
viruses, fungi, and parasites, to resist the effects of anti-
• Golden rice is a GM strain modified to contain vita-
microbial drugs, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals,
min A, to combat the shortage of dietary vitamin A
and antiparasitic drugs. E.g., New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase
in parts of Asia and Africa.
(NDM-1) superbug
Way ahead:
• The focus of GM products must be on the social and Status of AMR:
public enterprise. It was responsible for nearly 5 million global deaths in 2019
• The industry must look at more local solutions that and is projected to cause over 2mn death by 2050 in India
help smallholder farmers in developing countries. alone. Yet the development of new antibiotics is limited,
• Easy availability of open-source seeds and GM tech- and access to existing treatments remains a challenge.
nologies.
• Creating a licensing landscape that empowers lo- What does the Report say:
cal farmers to adapt to the demands of sustainable • AMR remains one of the top 10 global public health
agriculture, to meet rising populations and climate threats facing humanity
change. • 1 in 5 deaths caused by AMR occurred in children under
the age of 5.
Insta Links: Genetic Modification in Crops • If no action is taken, AMR could cost the world’s econo-
my USD 100 trillion by 2050.
• Recommendations by the report: increased investments
Prelims Links: (UPSC 2018) in research and development, alignment of financing
With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mechanisms, and global efforts to ensure equitable ac-
mustard) developed in India, consider the following state- cess to antibiotics.
ments:
1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that What are the problems with AMR in India?
give the plant the property of pest resistance to a
AMR is a particular challenge in India due to the high burden
wide variety of pests.
of communicable diseases, an overburdened public health
2. GM mustard has the genes that allow plant system, limited laboratory capacity, inexpensive and widely
cross-pollination and hybridization. available antibiotics without prescriptions, Excessive use of
3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the antibiotics in livestock and poultry farming etc
IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Ans: 2
HEALTH
16.WHO: INCENTIVISING THE DEVELOP-

MENT OF NEW ANTIBACTERIAL TREAT-
MENTS 2023
Context:
The new WHO report (Incentivising the Development of
new antibacterial treatments 2023) highlights progress in
addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) but also identifies
Current Affairs 30
Other initiatives: Various issues associated with regulating the pharmaceuti-

cal industry in India:
• India: National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR) for
2017-2021 (updating it for 2022-2026) Issues Description Example
• Global: One Health Quadripartite: In 2021, the FAO, Quality con- Instances of contam- Contaminated
UNEP, WHO and World Organisation for Animal Health trol failures inated medicines medicine causing
joined to combat AMR. and substandard deaths in Gam-
drugs raise concerns bia or Uzbekistan
about product safe- (2022)
Conclusion: ty.
There is a need for priority actions to accelerate progress,
including commitments at the high-level meeting on AMR at I n t e l l e c t u - Allegations of violat- Patent infringe-
the United Nations General Assembly in 2024 and targeted al Property ing IPR laws ment case be-
financing mechanisms to address the crisis and ensure equi- Rights (IPR) tween Roche and
table access to antibiotics. Cipla.
Pricing and Challenges in bal- Concerns by phar-
affordability ancing the need for ma companies
Mains Links: affordable medi- overpricing of
Q. Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest health chal- cines for the poor drugs within
lenges of the 21st century. Examine why. (10M) with the profitability National List of Es-
of pharmaceutical sential Medicines
companies. (NLEM)
17.INDIAN PHARMA INDUSTRY
H e a l t h c a r e Issues related to Limited access to
infrastructure inadequate health- healthcare in rural
Context:
and access care infrastructure, areas of the coun-
The article emphasizes the need to improve India’s drug reg-
uneven distribution try.
ulatory regime to ensure credibility in the pharmaceutical
of facilities, and low
industry.
insurance coverage.
Global repu- Maintaining a strong Global Pharma
Status of India’s pharmaceutical industry: tation global reputation as Healthcare had to
Generic medicines India is the largest manufacturer of a reliable supplier recall a batch of
generic medicines globally (valued of high-quality phar- eye drops export-
at US$50bn currently and expected maceutical products. ed to the US due
to reach US$130 Bn by 2030) to links with vision
loss (Feb 2021)
India’s ranking in Indian Pharma ranks third in phar- R e g u l a t o r y India has 36 drug regulatory bodies caus-
production maceutical production by volume. framework ing confusion and non-effective enforce-
India is often referred to as the ment of regulations.
‘pharmacy of the world’ Transparency Lack of public disclosure of drug applica-
and credibil- tion reviews.
Vaccine supplier India is the largest vaccine supplier ity
in the world by volume (over 50% Environmen- E.g., Implementing green chemistry and
of all vaccines manufactured in the tal sustain- waste reduction measures has been found
world) ability to be non-existent.
Major pharmaceu- Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Anklesh- In India, drugs and cosmetics are regulated by:
tical hubs in India war, Vapi, Baddi, Sikkim, Kolkata, • Act: Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules
Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Banga- 1945: It assigns various responsibilities to central
lore, Chennai, Margao, Navi Mum- and state regulators .
bai, Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad,
• Agencies :
Pithampur.
 Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI):
It is responsible for approving licenses
for specified categories of drugs, setting
standards for manufacturing, sales, import,
Current Affairs 30
and distribution of drugs in India, and heads Conclusion:
the department of CDSCO. Indian government can enhance the quality and regulation
 Central Drugs Standard Control Organisa- of the pharmaceutical industry through legislative amend-
tion (CDSCO): It prescribes standards for ments, centralized drug databases, and the merging of regu-
ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of lators. It will build confidence, ensure high-quality generics,
drugs, cosmetics, diagnostics, and devices. and uphold India’s reputation as a reliable supplier, benefit-
It also regulates the market authorization
of new drugs and clinical trial standards. ing both domestic and global healthcare while protecting
 National Pharmaceutical Pricing public health.
Authority (NPPA): It controls the pricing of
pharmaceutical drugs in India Insta Links:
Spurious Drug Menace
Steps that can be taken by the government:
Steps Description Mains Links:
Amend the Drugs Modify the existing legislation to align Q. India enjoys an important position in the global phar-
and Cosmetics Act it with current requirements and en- maceuticals sector. Analyse the strength and weakness-
(1940) hance regulatory oversight. es of India in this sector. Suggest steps to overcome the
weaknesses. (250 Words)
Create a central- Establish a comprehensive database
ized drug data- to facilitate effective surveillance of
base all pharmaceutical manufacturers. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Merge India’s 36 Consolidate the regional regulatory
regional regula- authorities into a unified entity to
tors streamline the regulatory process and 18.“RISK-BASED” REGULATION FOR ARTIFI-
reduce the risk of inconsistent en- CIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
forcement.
Set common Implement uniform quality standards Context:
quality standards across all states to ensure consistent The Group of Seven (G7) has proposed a “risk-based” reg-
across states product quality and reduce the risk of ulation for artificial intelligence (AI) tools, which could be a
varying regulatory enforcement. first step towards creating a template to regulate AI such as
Increase budget- Allocate additional funds to strength- OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard.
ary support en inspection teams and conduct
more frequent inspections related to
What is AI?
product quality.
AI stands for artificial intelligence, which is the ability of ma-
Impose clear pen- Establish strict penalties for compa- chines to learn and perform tasks that normally require hu-
alties for firms ex- nies involved in exporting counterfeit man intelligence, such as problem-solving, decision-making,
porting spurious or substandard drugs. This will deter and language understanding.
drugs such practices and safeguard public
health.
What is GPT?
Create a public Develop a comprehensive safety da-
database of safe- tabase that contains information on
ty data drug-related adverse events, side ef-
fects, and other safety concerns.
Enact a national This will ensure swift and effective
law on drug recall recall processes, protecting the public
from potentially harmful drugs.
Strengthen CDS- Strengthen the Central Drugs Stan-
CO dard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
and provide it with statutory backing
WHO’s Good Promote and incentivize pharmaceu-
M a n u fa c t u r i n g tical manufacturers to adhere to the
Practice certifica- WHO’s Good Manufacturing Practice
tion (GMP) standards.
Current Affairs 30
Concerns related to rising AI software and chatbots: UK Adopts a ‘light-touch’ approach that aims to
Concerns Explanation foster innovation in the AI industry.
Privacy There is a risk that personal and sensi- Japan Takes an accommodative approach to AI devel-
tive information data could be used for opers.
unethical purposes, such as for target- China Drafted a 20-point draft to regulate generative
ed advertising or for political manipu- AI services that are likely to be enforced later
lation. this year.
Responsibility Since AI models can generate new con- India ICMR releases guidelines for artificial intel-
tent, such as images, audio, or text it ligence use in the health sector; Niti Aayog’s
may be used to generate fake news or National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and
other malicious content, without know- the Responsible AI for All report. India is not
ing who is responsible for the output. considering any law to regulate AI currently. In-
This could lead to ethical dilemmas over dia’s AI penetration factor at 3.09, the highest
responsibility. among all G20, OECD countries
Automation AI has the potential to automate many US Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights that proposed
and Lowering of processes, which could lead to job dis- a nonbinding roadmap for the responsible use
Job placement for people who are skilled of AI. The Blueprint spelt out five core princi-
in those areas. ples to govern the effective development of AI
Bias and Dis- AI can be trained on biased data, which systems.
crimination can result in the algorithm making deci-
sions that unfairly disadvantage certain
Conclusion:
groups. This can perpetuate societal in-
Although the risks of AI are widely known, it remains un-
equalities and lead to discrimination.
clear how the proposed AI Bill of Rights would address
Lack of Trans- There are concerns about who should these risks and how grievances would be remedied. Elon
parency and Ac- be held responsible for the actions of Musk, Steve Wozniak, and over 15,000 others have called
countability AI systems - creators of the AI systems, for a six-month pause in AI development, and for shared
the companies that deploy them, or the safety protocols to be implemented by labs and independent
governments that regulate them. experts.
Various steps taken by countries to regulate AI are:

Insta Links:
Country Initiative What are hallucinating chatbots?
G7 The EU’s “risk-based” regulation of AI refers
to the proposed AI Act that seeks to regulate Prelims Links:
artificial intelligence tools based on their level
Q1. With the present state of development, Artificial
of risk. The act categorizes AI systems into four
Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?
categories:
(2020)
• Unacceptable risk (e.g., in case of critical 1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial
infrastructure) units
• high risk
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
• limited risk
• minimal risk (e.g., spam filters, word pro- 3. Disease diagnosis
cessing) 4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
The level of risk determines the degree of reg- 5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy
ulatory scrutiny and compliance requirements
that the AI system would be subject to. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
EU The proposed AI Act segregates artificial intel- (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
ligence by use-case scenarios based broadly on (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
the degree of invasiveness and risk. The AI Act (c) 2, 4 and 5 only
is due next year. (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Italy Became the first major Western country to ban
Open AI’s ChatGPT out of concerns over priva- Ans: B
cy.
Current Affairs 30
19.DECENTRALISED RENEWABLE ENERGY Barriers to DRE tech adoption:

• The commercial viability of such solutions, which
(DRE) TECHNOLOGIES
are capital intensive in nature.
• One barrier faced by the users is the lack of direct
Context: contact with the manufacturers to address technol-
According to a new report, technologies that are powered ogy defects.
by DRE could potentially impact 37 million livelihoods in
India’s agriculture and textile sectors.
Way ahead:
• Assessment of demand: It will help in mapping the
DRE: Energy that is generated close to where it will be used needs of beneficiaries with appropriate fit to DRE
and typically uses renewable energy sources, including small livelihood applications.
hydro, combined heat and power (CHP), biomass, solar and • R&D and standardisation: To offer tailor-made solu-
wind power. tions important for their widespread adoption.
• Pilot and up-scaling: It is vital to ascertain the suc-
DRE technologies include: Solar-run textile manufacturing cess of any technology innovation on the ground.
units, biomass-powered cold solar storages and micro solar • Access to finance:
pumps, etc.  Introducing long-period, low-interest loans
to users to enable ease of adoption of such
solutions.
Current status in India:  State Rural Livelihoods Missions (SRLMs)
can leverage their existing institutional set-
up to provide financial support for the wom-
en SHG members.
• Skill development and capacity building:
 This has the potential of creating new local
job opportunities in operations, mainte-
nance and installation/fabrication.
 Linkages will be established in existing gov-
ernment schemes like MUDRA to support
micro-entrepreneurship in the value chain
for DRE livelihood applications.
• Public information and awareness
• India has 12 mature technologies powered by DRE.
• There are 5.5 lakh installations of these 12 technol-
ogies, with an estimated livelihood impact of 5.6
lakh people. ACHIEVEMENTS OF INDIANS IN SCI-
ENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Potential:
• DRE has a market potential of Rs 4 lakh crore in ru-
ral and peri-urban communities in India and can im- 20.INDIA’S WOMEN IN SCIENCE
pact 37 million livelihoods.
• Solar-powered technologies have the maximum po- Context:
tential to be deployed (UP leads in terms of estimat- Two books - Lilavati’s Daughters (2008) and Lab Hopping
ed future adoption). (2023) - highlight the complicated relationship between sci-
• Solar pumps are the most mature technologies due ence and gender in India.
to the government subsidies provided.
Some notable women scientists of India: Anandibai Joshi
Positive impacts of using DRE technologies: (India’s first woman physician), Iravati Karve (India’s first
woman anthropologist), Anna Mani (India’s first woman me-
teorologist), Dr N Kalaiselvi (currently, at the helm of CSIR),
V R Lalithambika (leading the Gaganyaan mission)
Current Affairs 30
Biotechnology (DBT).
• National Award for woman scientist: To recognize
the contribution of women scientists in the field of
Earth System Sciences.
• Multifaceted initiatives (like Women Entrepreneur’s
Quest (WEQ) Programme) have been launched by
DST to encourage women’s entrepreneurship under
Start-up India-Stand up India.
Conclusion:
STEMM is the prime engine that have steered national
growth and created a self-reliant India. Hence, equal partic-
ipation of both men and women in STEMM will help India
realise ‘Amrit Kaal’ in the true sense.
Data on women in science in India: As per the latest “Re-
search and Development Statistics 2019-20” of the Depart- Insta Links: Women in Science
ment of Science and Technology (DST), India has 16.6% of
women researchers directly engaged in R&D activities.
SPACE
The obstacles that hold women back include:
• Lack of representation, deeply entrenched patriarchy
• Institutional apathy
21.NAVIC SATELLITE: WHY A REGIONAL
• Poor working conditions, sexual harassment NAVIGATION SYSTEM MATTERS TO INDIA
• Familial issues like marriage, family responsibility (twin
burden of home and the workplace), relocation due to Context:
transferable job of the spouse, etc. ISRO will launch a new NavIC satellite (NVS-01), belonging
to the second generation of the Indian Regional Navigation
Impact: Satellite System (IRNSS), known as NavIC, to overcome some
Dropout from higher studies, career break, overage for sci- of the previous issues faced by NavIC.
entific jobs and prolonged absence from place of work or
even resignation from the job. Issues faced by NavIC (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite
System):
The government has taken several corrective steps: • Atomic clock failure: Several of the existing satellites
• Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement stopped providing location data after their onboard
through Nurturing (KIRAN) Scheme: Instituted to atomic clocks failed
encourage women in the field of S&T. • Satellite Replacement: Some of the satellites in the
 Women Scientist Scheme (WOS) under NAVIC constellation have reached the end of their mis-
KIRAN provides career opportunities, es- sion life or become partially defunct.
pecially for those who had a break in their • Limited Coverage: While NAVIC provides coverage over
career. the Indian landmass and a radius of 1,500 km around
 The Mobility Scheme under KIRAN ad- it, there is a need for further expansion and ground sta-
dresses relocation issues of working women tions outside India to improve coverage and accuracy in
scientists and provides support in project hard-to-reach areas.
mode for 2-5 years.
• User Segment Development: There has been a delay in
• Consolidation of University Research through Inno- the development of user receivers for the NAVIC system,
vation and Excellence in Women Universities (CU- resulting in limited utilization of the navigation services.
RIE) Programme. • Mobile Compatibility: Mobile phones in India currently
• Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEMM (Science, lack compatibility to process NAVIC signals, limiting the
Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine) widespread use of the system.
encourages Indian women scientists to undertake • Security and Encryption: Ensuring the security of NAVIC
international collaborative research. signals and preventing breaches or spoofing is a signifi-
• Vigyan Jyoti Scheme: Encourages girl students of cant challenge.
Class 9 to 12 to pursue education and career in S&T.
• Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orien-
tation Programme (BioCARe) of the Department of
Current Affairs 30
New features of the Satellite are (to overcome some of the Disaster Man- NavIC helps in tracking and responding
issues): agement to natural disasters, such as cyclones
• L1 Frequency: The inclusion of the L1 frequency (besides and floods.
L5 and S frequency) enhances compatibility with wear-
Transportation NavIC enables precise tracking of com-
able devices and personal trackers. The inclusion of L1
and Navigation mercial vehicles, enhancing road safety
frequency also increases interoperability with other sat-
and efficiency.
ellite-based navigation systems.
• Longer mission life: The second-generation satellites will Precision Ag- NavIC aids farmers in optimizing crop
also have a longer mission life of more than 12 years. riculture and management, irrigation, and soil nutri-
The existing satellites have a mission life of 10 years. Farming ent application.
• Rubidium atomic clock: The atomic clock ensures ac- Personal and NavIC enables real-time tracking of fish-
curate positioning, addressing a previous issue faced by Public Safety ermen and sends alerts in case of po-
satellites in the constellation tential dangers at sea.
• The heaviest in the constellation of NAVIC satellites ( Scientific and NavIC aids in scientific experiments,
will be launched by a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Te ch n olog ical geological surveys, and geodetic net-
Vehicle (GSLV) rocket): Previous satellites were much Advancements work development.
lighter and launched on PSLV. The higher weight allow-
ance allows for more instruments and fuel to be loaded.
Conclusion:
Currently, NavIC’s reach extends only 1,500 km beyond In-
NavIC’s advantages over other systems:
dian territory. However, for applications involving ships and
Advantages Explanation aeroplanes travelling beyond this range, satellites in Medium
Regional Cover- India is the only country that has a re- Earth Orbit (MEO) would be required. By adding MEO satel-
age gional satellite-based navigation system lites in the future, NavIC can extend its global reach and aim
(there are four global satellite-based to provide navigation services on a global scale, similar to
navigation systems — the American the capabilities of the GPS system.
GPS, the Russian GLONASS, the Europe-
an Galileo, and the Chinese Beidou
Mains Links:
Q. Why is the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite Sys-
Higher Accura- Once fully operational, NavIC open sig- tem (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?
cy nals are expected to provide accuracy (UPSC 2018)
up to 5 meters, surpassing GPS accuracy
(20 meters).
Geo-stationary Unlike GPS, NavIC uses satellites in high
Satellites geo-stationery orbit, ensuring constant Prelims Links:
coverage over the designated region. Q. With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Sat-
Improved Sig- NavIC signals arrive in India at a 90-de- ellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements: (
nal Reception gree angle, making them easier to re- UPSC 2018)
ceive even in congested or obstructed 1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four
areas (unlike GPS). satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
Indigenous De- NavIC is developed by ISRO, showcasing 2. IRNSS covers the entire India and about 5500 sq. Km
velopment India’s technological capabilities and re- beyond its borders.
ducing dependence on foreign systems. 3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with
full global coverage by the middle of 2019.
Why a regional navigation system matters to India:
Examples
(a) 1 only
Strategic Inde- India’s NavIC system operates inde-
(b) 1 and 2 only
pendence pendently without relying on GPS or
other global systems. (c) 2 and 3 only
National Secu- NavIC enables precise tracking and nav- (d) None
rity igation for defence operations and mili-
tary applications. Ans: A
Current Affairs 30
CONSERVATION, ENVIRONMENTAL S c a l a b i l i t y Globalization en- E.g., Tesla compa-

POLLUTION AND DEGRADATION and Econo- ables the estab- ny’s Giga factory for
mies of Scale lishment of global the manufacture of
supply chains, al- EV batteries in Chi-
lowing for large- na, Australia and the
22.GLOBALIZATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE
scale manufactur- USA
ing and distribution
Context: of renewable ener-
McKinsey Global Institute studies and WTO are of the view gy technologies.
that globalization is necessary for the path to sustainability
K n o w l e d g e Globalization facili- E.g., Paris Agree-
and mitigating the impact of climate change.
Sharing and tates the sharing of ment, International
Policy Align- best practices, ex- Solar Alliance etc.,
What is Globalization in the context of the Environment? ment pertise, and policy
Globalization, in terms of the environment, refers to the frameworks among
interconnectedness and interdependence of economies countries.
and societies worldwide, leading to the global exchange of
goods, services, information, and ideas. It has both positive
How globalization leads to a negative impact on the envi-
and negative environmental impacts.
ronment:
Negative Impact Description
Why is Globalization Necessary for decarbonization?
Carbon Emis- Globalized trade increases carbon
Aspect Reasons Example sions emissions from shipping, air travel,
Resource Dis- The materials and E.g., Lithium, is pri- and long-distance transportation of
tribution resources are not marily sourced from goods. E.g., importing goods from dis-
evenly distributed Australia and Chile, tant countries to meet consumer de-
globally. Globaliza- and its global avail- mands leads to increased emissions
tion allows for the ability is essential from transportation.
efficient sourcing for the widespread D e fo r e st a t i o n Global demand for commodities like
and trading of re- adoption of electric and Habitat Loss timber, soy, and palm oil drives defor-
sources from areas vehicles estation and habitat loss in regions with
with abundant sup- rich biodiversity. E.g., the expansion of
ply to areas with palm oil plantations in Southeast Asia
high demand. has led to extensive deforestation and
Technological Globalization pro- E.g., Sharing of R&D the loss of critical ecosystems.
Innovation motes the ex- in renewable energy Pollution and E.g., the export of electronic waste
change of knowl- technologies like so- Waste from developed to developing coun-
edge, ideas, and lar panels and wind tries for recycling often leads to im-
technological ad- turbines has accel- proper disposal and pollution.
vancements across erated their deploy-
Overconsump- Globalization and increased trade have
borders. ment and reduced
tion of Resourc- fueled a culture of consumerism, lead-
costs globally.
es ing to higher resource consumption.
Access to Fi- Globalization al- E.g., the global car-
Loss of Cultural Globalization can lead to the homoge-
nancing lows for cross-bor- bon credit trading
Diversity nization of cultures, eroding tradition-
der financial flows, mechanism
al practices and knowledge that are
making it easier for
often environmentally sustainable.
countries to access
the necessary cap-
ital and investment Few major efforts for sustainable globalization:
for decarbonization Corporate Sustainability Initiatives; Circular Economy Tran-
projects. sition; Sustainable Trade Initiatives (WTO); and Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)
Conclusion:
Balancing the benefits of globalization with environmental
sustainability requires careful consideration and implemen-
Current Affairs 30
tation of policies and practices that mitigate its negative Highlights of the study:
effects while maximizing its positive contributions to decar- • Since the 1980s, the rate of increase in methane
bonization and environmental protection. emissions is higher than ever before.
• Methane policies are actions by governments that
explicitly aim to monitor, prevent, or reduce meth-
Mains Links:
ane emissions from anthropogenic sources.
Q. Critically analyse the potential of Globalization as a cli- • 90% of identified national policies were from three
mate change mitigation strategy (250 Words) regions: North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
• The policies targeting fossil methane (coal, oil, and
gas) are lower than biogenic methane (released by
living organisms).
23.METHANE MITIGATION POLICIES
Concerns:
Context: • This trend has emerged despite readily available
According to a new study, only 13% of methane emissions solutions to cut methane emissions from the fossil
are covered by global methane mitigation policies. fuel sector.
• Impact of methane mitigation policies on industries
Methane (CH4) (like agriculture) important to the national economy,
energy and food security or rural poverty consider-
• A greenhouse gas (GHG) responsible for 30% of the ations.
warming since preindustrial times, second only to car-
bon dioxide (CO2).
India-specific findings:
• However, it is 80 times more potent at warming than
• No effective policies targeting methane emissions
CO2.
from rice cultivation and biomass burning (burning
• Agriculture, fossil fuels as well as solid waste and
of crop residues).
wastewater are the three major sources of methane.
• While policies targeting biomass burning have quite
• In India (3rd largest emitter of CH4) ~20% of its an-
broad coverage, their implementation remains
thropogenic CH4 emissions come from agriculture
challenging.
(manure management), coal mines, municipal solid  For example, the 1997 Coalbed methane
waste, etc. policy was ineffective in incentivising coal-
• According to the IPCC, the world must cut methane bed methane production.
emissions by at least 30 % by 2030.
Efforts to curb methane emissions
Way ahead:
Global India • The policies should focus on super emitters, which
Global Methane Pledge According to the Ministry of are facilities, equipment, and other infrastructure,
- Both the US and the New and Renewable Energy, a typically in the fossil-fuel, waste, or agriculture sec-
EU have planned to cut nationwide strategy to boost tors, that emit methane at high rates.
methane emissions by biogas production has re- • While reducing livestock or rice-production-related
30% (by 2030) compared ceived significant funding. emissions is challenging, India can contribute by re-
with the 2020 levels. ducing emissions associated with coal production.
UNEP’s International ICAR’s National Innovations in
Methane Emissions Ob- Climate Resilient Agriculture
servatory (IMEO) strate- (NICRA) project: Technologies Insta Links:
gy - To get policy-relevant (like System for Rice Intensi- Fossil fuels firms failed to curb methane emission: What
data into the right hands fication, Direct Seeded Rice) IEA’s annual report says
for emissions mitigation. were developed to reduce
methane emissions.
Methane Alert and Re- Crop Diversification Pro-
sponse System (MARS) gramme: Methane emissions 24.DEBT-FOR-CLIMATE SWAPS
- Launched at the COP27 are avoided due to the di-
to the UNFCCC in Sharm version of paddy to alternate Context:
El-Sheikh, Egypt crops like pulses, oilseeds, In the past decade, debt-for-climate swaps have grown rel-
maize, cotton, and agro-forest- atively popular among low- and middle-income countries.
ry.
Current Affairs 30
Debt-for-climate/debt-for-nature swaps Way ahead Countries like Sri Lanka [ranked as highly
vulnerable to climate change catastrophes
Meaning It is a debt restructuring device between and also reeling under the sovereign debt
the creditor and a debtor by which the for- crisis] can seek the help of these instru-
mer forgoes a portion of the latter’s foreign ments.
debt/provides its debt relief, in return for a
commitment to invest in specific environ-
mental mitigation and adaptation projects. 25.GREEN ENERGY OPEN ACCESS RULES,
Who will be • Low and middle-income countries, 2022
benefitted? small island developing states (SIDS).
• Example - Caribbean SIDS: The
Context:
COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a 73%
Union Power & NRE Ministry, urged industry leaders to set
drop in international tourist arrivals in
green targets and report violations of Green Energy Open
2020, and has aggravated the region’s
Access Rules.
debt crisis.
Need • These countries are most vulnerable to
What is Open Access?
climate change and are least able to af-
Open Access (OA) means non-discriminatory access to elec-
ford the investment to strengthen resil-
tricity transmission and distribution system
ience due to their debt burden.
• The signatories to the Paris Agreement
and the Glasgow Financial Alliance for What are Green Open Access Rules?
Net Zero (GFANZ) have a commitment It refers to regulations and guidelines implemented by the
to provide financial assistance to de- Government of India to promote the generation, purchase,
veloping countries to build clean, cli- and consumption of green energy.
mate-resilient futures. • The Ministry of Power notified the Electricity (Promot-
Advantages • Dual objectives: to promote specific in- ing Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Ac-
vestment and policy action (that aims cess) Rules, 2022 in June 2022.
to combat climate change) on the one About the Rules:
hand and some debt relief on the other. Description
• Seeks to free up fiscal resources →
Aim To ensure affordable, reliable, sustainable,
Governments can improve resilience
and green energy for all and promote clean
without triggering a fiscal crisis or sac-
and green energy in India
rificing spending on other development
priorities. Features • Any consumer with a connected load of
• Developed countries can fulfil their 100 kW or above can get Renewable Ener-
commitments (to support developing gy through open access from any Renew-
countries) through this attractive and able Energy generating plant
transparent instrument. • Open access to stakeholders—traders,
Power Exchanges, National / Regional /
Swap vs Swap: Offer debt relief above what is need-
State Load Despatch Centres, and Central/
condition ed to finance the climate investments (net
State transmission utilities.
grants debt relief), leading to a higher fiscal trans-
• Timeline: The open access has to be
fer and the creation of fiscal space.
granted within 15 days or else it will be
Conditional grants: Cover the cost of an in- deemed to have been granted.
vestment and require economic dislocation • Consumers may demand a supply of
→ diversion of resources from planned de- Green Power from DISCOMs.
velopment programmes. • Commercial and Industrial consumers are
Successful • In 2017, this small African country an- allowed to purchase green power on a vol-
implemen- nounced the successful conclusion of untary basis.
tation negotiations for a debt-for-adaptation • There shall be a uniform Renewable Pur-
(Seychelles) swap under a tripartite model. chase Obligation (RPO). Also, Green Hy-
• The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a US- drogen/Green Ammonia is included for
based environmental organisation, the fulfilment of its RPO.
bought $22 million of its debt in ex- • Promoting generation, purchase and con-
change for a promise to create 13 new sumption of green energy including from
marine protected areas. Waste-to-Energy plants
Current Affairs 30
S i g n i f i - It provides a transparent, simplified, uniform • According to the 2021 CAG report, groundwater ex-
cance and streamlined procedure for granting open traction in India (annual use - ~433 billion cubic metres)
access to green energy. Also, it facilitates the has exceeded the recharge rate, threatening 80% of po-
deepening of electricity markets and enables table water over the next two decades.
the integration of Renewable Energy (RE) re-
sources into the grid. What is land subsidence?
I n d i a ’ s India is contributing only 3.5 per cent to the Land subsidence is defined as the progressive or abrupt
Status global emission despite having about 17 per sinking of the earth’s surface caused by the elimination or
cent of the world’s population. India is lead- dislocation of subsurface earth components (like aquifers)
ing the clean energy transition globally and triggered by natural/human activity.
has the fastest growth of RE capacity addi-
tion. How is groundwater extraction linked to sinking land?
When the underlying aquifers - deep water channels that
Insta Links: are stores of percolated water, aren’t recharged, they run
dry. Hence, the layers of soil and rock above them start to
• India’s Renewable energy plan: Click here
sink and the issue is not specific to north India alone.
• India’s solar capacity: Milestones and challenges
How severe is the problem in India?

Mains Links • Data from the Sentinel-1 satellite shows that the
Q. “Despite an increase in renewable energy capacity, In- NCR region sank 15 mm per year (on average) be-
dia still heavily depends on fossil fuels for its energy securi- tween 2011-2017.
ty”. What measures need to be taken to increase the pace • Urbanisation and unplanned growth were major
of renewable adoption in India? Discuss. (15M) factors → exacerbated groundwater withdrawal →
land sinking.
Prelims Links:
Q. With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Devel- Impact:
opment Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following • If land sinking is expanded out over a large area,
statements is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2015) this could imply that the region will become flood-
prone.
1. It is a Public Limited Government Company.
• However, if the pace of sinking varies, it could have
2. It is a Non-Banking Financial Company. an effect on civil facilities such as roads, buildings,
Select the correct answer using the code given below. and residences.
(a) 1 only • It may cause fundamentals to deteriorate or cracks
(b) 2 only to form in buildings.
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Detecting the link between groundwater and land subsid-
ence:
Answer: C • The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) - a subsid-
iary body of the Jal Shakti Ministry, does not analyse
the consequences of ‘over-exploitation’
• This link only started to become clear from the data
26.GROUNDWATER EXPLOITATION AND of the GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experi-
ment) satellites that could measure minute changes
SINKING LAND in gravity on different parts of the Earth’s surface.
Context: Why is it difficult to detect the link?

In the plains of northwest India (Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, • Unlike land movement from landslides or earth-
Faridabad), which are heavily dependent on groundwater quakes, it is gradual and barely visible annually.
withdrawal for agricultural practices, land sinking/subsid- • So, it is harder to correlate with structural damage.
ence has been a problem for years.
What needs to be done?

Groundwater situation in India: • There needs to be greater recognition that ground-
• It is India’s most used water resource, accounting for a water exploitation has consequences other than wa-
quarter of total global groundwater extraction. ter scarcity.
Current Affairs 30
• The government and policymakers should have a de- Resilience Cities in low- and Cities in Bangladesh
tailed understanding of the geophysical properties lower-middle-income and India are more
of the areas undergoing subsidence. countries face the vulnerable to floods,
• Incentivising rainwater harvesting, ensuring strict highest exposure to heat stress, and cy-
implementation of laws against illegal mining of climate change-relat- clones, resulting in
groundwater, evaluating building conditions in haz- ed hazards. severe economic
ard zones and provisioning of such subsidence in consequences.
building designs.
Inclusive- Lack of inclusive- Cities in low- and
ness ness contributes to l owe r- m i d d l e - i n -
Some initiatives the vulnerability and come countries of-
lack of resilience in ten struggle with
International National
cities of low- and inadequate access
• The United Na- • Atal Bhujal Yojana is a lower-middle-income to healthcare, edu-
tions-Water Sum- groundwater manage- countries. cation, and essential
mit on Groundwater ment scheme launched in utilities such as wa-
2022: Organised to 2019. ter and electricity.
raise awareness on • Jal Shakti Abhiyan
Air Pollu- Cities in low- and Delhi, Kanpur, Pat-
groundwater conser- (2019): Launched in 256
tion middle-income coun- na etc. have expe-
vation. water-stressed districts
tries have higher lev- rienced high levels
• “Groundwater: Mak- to improve groundwater
els of air pollution, of PM2.5, especially
ing the invisible visi- conditions in these areas.
particularly PM2.5, during the winter
ble” campaign run by • Aquifer Mapping and
compared to cities in season
UN-Water throughout Management Pro-
high-income coun-
2022. gramme
tries.
Vertical De- Cities that develop New York City, have
Insta Links: UN Groundwater Summit 2022 to help raise velopment vertically consume higher population
awareness on aquifer protection, sustainable use and Pros- less land, accommo- density and eco-
perity date more people, nomic activity com-
Mains Links: and show increased pared to cities with
Q. Discuss the Status of Groundwater Depletion in the prosperity. sprawled develop-
country and account for the associated problems and ment.
suggest measures on the lines of groundwater extraction Lack of Cities with less veg- Cities like Tokyo,
norms that have been notified recently. (250 words) Vegetation etation, particularly with limited green
and Heat in upper-middle-in- spaces, face high-
Impact come countries, er temperatures
experience exacer- during heat waves
27.MAKING CITIES CLIMATE-READY bated impacts from due to the lack of
extreme heat events vegetation and in-
Context: and urban heat island creased heat reten-
A recent report by the World Bank titled “Thriving: Making effects. tion.
Cities Green, Resilient, and Inclusive in a Changing Climate”
provides guidance to local and national policymakers on how Five sets of instruments to improve the greenness, resil-
to create greener, more resilient, and inclusive cities. ience, and inclusiveness of cities (as recommended by the
report):
Status of Cities in terms of their greenness, resilience, and 5 I’s Description Example
inclusiveness (as per the report): Information Policies and measures Establishing a cli-
Aspect Findings Example to provide credible mate change in-
Greenness Cities in high- and up- Cities in North Amer- and timely informa- formation centre
per-middle-income ica are among the tion to individuals, to provide climate
countries contribute largest per capita businesses, and local risks data specific
significantly to global emitters of green- governments about to their city.
greenhouse gas emis- house gases. climate change risks,
sions. mitigation and adap-
tation measures
Current Affairs 30
Incentives It includes remov- FAME I and II nclusiveness: Inclusiveness refers to creating cities that
ing subsidies that scheme, EU’s Car- are socially and economically equitable, where all individ-
encourage activities bon Border Adjust- uals and communities have equal access to opportunities,
with negative envi- ment Mechanism resources, and services.
ronmental external- (CBAM)
ities, Implementing
Insta Links:
tax incentives or re-
Climate resilience plans in Indian Cities
bates for installing
energy-efficient tech-
nologies Mains Links:
Insurance Developing climate risk insurance schemes Q. Discuss global warming and mention its effects on
that provide coverage for businesses and the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring
households against losses from extreme down the level of greenhouse gasses which cause global
weather events, encouraging investment warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (UPSC
in climate-resilient infrastructure and en- 2022)
abling quick recovery.
Integration Policy interventions E.g., Smart City
promoting compact mission, PURA
cities and better inte- Scheme (provide 28.THE 2023-2033 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
gration between ur- urban amenities FOR ADVANCING CLIMATE, ENVIRONMENT
ban and rural areas; and livelihood op- AND HEALTH SCIENCE
Developing efficient portunities in rural
public transportation areas)
Context:
networks that con-
The World Meteorological Congress, the supreme body of
nect urban and rural
the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), is currently
areas
holding its 19th session (Cg-19).
Investments Investments by na- Allocating funds for
tional and local gov- the construction
ernments in green, of green buildings, The outcome of the Congress:
resilient, and inclu- renewable energy It recognised climate change as a threat to human health and
sive urban infrastruc- projects, and ur- endorsed a 10-year plan - The 2023-2033 Implementation
ture. This includes na- ban parks. Plan for Advancing Climate, Environment and Health Science
ture-based solutions and Services by the WHO-WMO, to scale up health services.
and measures to at-
tract private-sector fi- About the plan:
nance for sustainable Aim: To achieve better health and well-being for people fac-
development. ing existing and emerging extreme weather events, climate
change and environmental risks.
Conclusion:
Addressing the challenges of climate change and creating How?
sustainable cities requires a multi-faceted approach. It in- • Through the effective integration of climate, envi-
volves prioritizing green practices, building resilience to cli- ronment and health science and services across the
mate impacts, and promoting inclusiveness in urban devel- world.
opment. Taking action at the city level is crucial in mitigating • It will promote a coordinated approach to manag-
climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for gener- ing the impact of climate, weather, air pollution, ul-
ations to come. traviolet radiation, extreme events, etc., on health.
Significance:
Definitions: It is significant when
Greenness: Greenness refers to the environmental sus- • Climate-related illnesses (like malaria and dengue),
tainability and ecological balance of a city. premature deaths, malnutrition and threats to men-
Resilience: Resilience refers to the ability of a city to tal health and well-being are increasing.
withstand and recover from shocks, stresses, and climate • Climate-related cascading risks of extreme heat
change impacts. (15,000 people died in Europe in 2022), wildfire and
air quality-related health risks are increasing.
Current Affairs 30
Significance for India: 2014 to rationalise and reform APM gas pricing.
• In 2022, India recorded its hottest March which
triggered an early onslaught of heat waves across Outcome:
north, central and east India from March-May. • Prices of diesel in India have gone down in the last
• Extreme heat will oust 600 million Indians from year: This is when petrol and diesel prices went up
their climate niche, exposing them to extreme tem- by 35-40% in global markets, India imports over 85%
peratures by 2030. of its crude oil requirements and 55% of its natural
gas requirements.
Challenges: • No shortage of fuel anywhere in India: This is when
several neighbourhood countries have had dry outs
and power cuts to manage demand.
Long-term actions towards ensuring energy justice:
1. Expanding the network of crude oil suppliers:

This strategic decision not only ensured affordable ener-
gy for Indian consumers but also had a calming effect on
Way ahead: global petroleum markets.
2. Strengthening ties:
With countries like the US (energy trade has gone up 13
times in the last four years) and Russia to ensure a reli-
able supply of crude oil.
• The Early Warnings for All initiative: Extreme heat is

Expanding petrochemical production:
a focus area of this UN initiative, which is one of the
• India is a global exporter of petroleum products and
top strategic priorities at Cg-19.
its refining capacity is the fourth largest in the world
after the US, China, and Russia.
Insta Links: Is climate change affecting global health? • Efforts are underway to further enhance this capaci-
ty to 450 MMT by 2040.
29.ROADMAP TO ENERGY JUSTICE
3. Innovation and investments in exploration and produc-
Context: tion (E&P):
India’s energy strategy is presently recognised as being prag- India wants to boost its net geographic area under explo-
matic and balanced since it is motivated by assuring energy ration from 8% to 15% (0.5 million sq km) by 2025 and has
access, availability, and affordability for its vast population. reduced the prohibited/no-go areas in EEZ by 99%.
What is energy justice? Energy justice envisions elements

of a global energy system that fairly distributes both en- 4. Energy transition:
ergy services’ benefits and burdens and can be used as a However, as demonstrated at Glasgow, India is committed to
framework to identify energy injustices. becoming net-zero in emissions by 2070.
Short-term actions towards ensuring energy justice in In- 5. Moving towards a gas-based economy:
dia: ● By increasing the share of gas from the current 6.3
to 15% by 2030.
• Massive cuts in excise duty and VAT rates of petrol
and diesel. ● India has connected more than 9.5 crore families
• An export cess on petrol, diesel and ATF. with clean cooking fuel in the past nine years.
• Windfall tax on domestically produced petroleum ● PNG connections have increased from 22.28 lakh in
products to prevent refiners and producers from 2014 to over 1 crore in 2023.
profiteering at the cost of domestic consumers. ● The number of CNG stations in India has gone up
• Subsidised administered pricing mechanism (APM) from 938 in 2014 to 4,900 in 2023.
gas for the city gas distribution sector was drastically ● Since 2014, India has increased the length of its gas
increased. pipeline network from 14,700 km to 22,000 km in
• Revising the New Domestic Gas Pricing Guidelines 2023.
Current Affairs 30
6. Biofuel revolution: Background:
● At the recent India Energy Week 2023, India launched • Apart from Renewable Energy (RE), nuclear is also being
E20 - 20% ethanol blended gasoline - which will be explored as a clean energy option to help the nations in
expanded across the country in the next two years. achieving their decarbonisation goals.
● India’s ethanol-blending gasoline has grown from • The IEA has projected the global nuclear-installed pow-
just 1.53% in 2013-14 to 10.17% in 2023. er capacity to rise from 413 GW in 2021 to 871 GW by
● India is also setting up five 2nd generation ethanol 2050.
plants, which can convert agricultural waste into • Innovation in nuclear reactor technologies, both in
biofuel → reducing pollution due to stubble burning Large Reactors (LRs) and in the newer concept of Small
→ generating income for farmers. Modular Reactors (SMRs) will be important.
7. Developing the entire green hydrogen ecosystem: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
● The National Green Hydrogen Mission has been
launched with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore to accel- SMRs are Small - physically a fraction of the size of
erate India’s efforts towards - a conventional nuclear power reactor.
○ 4 MT of annual green hydrogen production Modular - making it possible for systems
and and components to be factory-assem-
○ Rs 1 lakh crore of fossil fuel import savings bled and transported as a unit to a loca-
by 2030. tion for installation.
Reactors - harnessing nuclear fission to
8. An integrated path for transitioning India’s future mobil- generate heat for electricity production
ity pathways: or direct application.
● Along with green hydrogen and biofuels, India is Capacity Ranging from less than 30 MWe to 300+
also supporting electric vehicles through a produc- MWe.
tion-linked incentive scheme. Classification Land-based water-cooled SMRs, Marine
● India is targeting the installation of alternative fuel based water cooled SMRs, High-tem-
stations (EV charging/CNG/ LPG/LNG/CBG etc.) at perature gas-cooled SMRs (HTGRs), Liq-
22,000 retail outlets by May 2024. uid metal-cooled fast neutron spectrum
SMRs (LMFRs), etc
Conclusion: Status of de- At present, nearly 80 SMR designs are in
● According to IEA estimates, India will account for v e l o p m e n t the development and licensing stages,
~25% of global energy demand growth between (globally) and a few of them are in the deployment
2020-2040. and operational stages.
● As India aspires to become a $26 trillion economy Advantages Manufactured off-site: This can signifi-
by 2047, implementing a unique strategy for ensur- cantly save construction time, unlike the
ing energy security and achieving energy indepen- conventional nuclear reactors that are
dence is the need of the hour. built on-site.
Low running costs (lesser fuel, fewer
Insta Links: The Road to Energy Atmanirbharta staff) and increased efficiency.
Better control/flexibility: Generating
Mains Links: less electricity when demand is down
Q. “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and mod- and are particularly useful for remote lo-
ern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable cations - have variable power generation
Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress requirements.
made in India in this regard. (UPSC 2018) Safety features: Don’t need a power
supply and can handle accidents without
the assistance of a person or a computer.
30.THE ROLE OF SMALL MODULAR REAC-
SMRs and SDGs: SMRs can play a key
TORS IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION role in the clean energy transition, while
also helping countries achieve SDG 7
(universal access to energy).
Context:
The NITI Aayog recently released a report on ‘The Role of
Small Modular Reactors in the Energy Transition’.
Current Affairs 30
Challenges Lack of development: SMR industry is Land reclamation

yet to realise a fully developed opera-
tional fabrication facility for large-scale Meaning It is the process of creating new land from
serial manufacturing of SMR compo- oceans, seas, riverbeds or lake beds.
nents. Methods Infilling (filling the area with large amounts
Economic benefits depend on the large- of heavy rock/cement/clay/dirt until the
scale production of SMRs. desired height is reached), draining of sub-
merged wetlands, land dredging (removal
A large number of technologies: For de-
of sediments and debris from the bottom of
ployment of the SMRs at the same time,
a body of water), etc.
could not only create regulatory chal-
lenges for the nuclear industry but also Objectives • A solution for many countries is to con-
take away some degree of cost optimi- trol flooding and make more space for
sation. agriculture and coastal industries, bal-
ancing economy and ecology.
Mobilising finance: For technology de-
• Cities are already spending to include
velopment, licensing and construction of
“future-ready” reclamation techniques
prototype plants.
- including seawalls and breakwaters -
Way ahead Standardisation of designs of compo- in ongoing reclamation projects and re-
nents and modules, strategic partner- inforcing and elevating existing coastal
ships, and harmonisation of regulatory defences.
and licensing processes will facilitate the
Example The Netherlands, where around one-third
adoption of SMRs at a large scale.
of the country is below sea level, must be
The existing safety assessment method- artificially drained to keep out the North
ology should be updated. Sea.
Availability of low-cost finance, inclu- Now a glob- • With the increased economic impor-
sion in green taxonomy and utilisation of al-scale tance of coastal zones, coastal land
innovative financing instruments such as phenome- reclamation has become a global phe-
green bonds, etc. non nomenon despite considerable cost and
Availability of required skilled person- engineering challenges.
nel across the value chain of engineer- • 106 cities around the world had alto-
ing, design, testing, inspection, construc- gether created around 2,530 square km
tion, etc. of coastal land (~90% of that land was
created in East Asia), an area roughly
the size of Luxembourg.
Conclusion:
• SMR may complement large-size reactors to in- China leads • From 2000 to 2020, Shanghai alone
crease the nuclear share in the energy mix and the way added around 350 square km, with Sin-
achieve Net Zero Emissions goals. gapore and Incheon (South Korea), also
• The respective governments have to play a major raising vast new areas.
role in consensus building towards nuclear energy • The “eco-city” projects in cities like
by engaging relevant stakeholders. Tianjin and Tangshan near Beijing in-
clude environmentally friendly features
like rehabilitated wetlands, artificial
Mains Links: reefs, and restored mangrove forests
Q. Give an account of the growth and development of that act as a buffer from ocean storms.
nuclear science and technology in India. What is the ad- • This means, the reclamation projects
vantage of a fast breeder reactor programme in India? today are getting intertwined with the
(UPSC 2019) emerging sustainability paradigm.
31.LAND RECLAMATION
Context:
Should new land be generated in oceans by land reclama-
tion, given that coastal regions around the world are endan-
gered by rising sea levels and more severe storms?
Current Affairs 30
Challenges: Highlights of the report:
• Most coastal land expansions happened in low-lying ar- Importance of Land: It is the operative link between biodi-
eas, with more than 70% of new land ‘at high risk’ of versity loss and climate change, which means restoring land
storm surges and flooding due to rising sea levels linked is crucial to solving interconnected crises.
to climate change.
• The environmental cost of land reclamation projects can
What are planetary boundaries?
be significant.
• The environmental thresholds that establish a “safe
• Projects have destroyed coastal land like marsh-
operating space for humanity” are known as plane-
es, swamps and mangrove forests.
tary boundaries.
• Using sand obtained from the marine and river en-
• The nine planetary boundaries are:
vironment can mean the destruction of habitats  Biodiversity loss
and spawning grounds of organisms.  Land-use change
 Climate change
As sea levels rise, is land reclamation still a good idea?  Nitrogen and phosphorus (geochemical) cy-
While land reclamation has provided benefits in the past, cles
the changing climate and rising sea levels introduce new  Freshwater use
challenges and risks. For example, the Maldives, a nation  Ocean acidification
that heavily relied on land reclamation, now faces the  Chemical pollution
threat of losing large portions of its reclaimed land due to  Atmospheric loading
rising sea levels, making it an unsuitable long-term solution.  Ozone depletion
It is crucial to assess the long-term sustainability, environ-

Threats:
mental impact, and cost-effectiveness of land reclamation
• Humans have already altered more than 70% of the
projects in the context of a changing climate.
earth’s land area from its natural state.
• Of the 9 planetary boundaries, climate change, bio-
Way ahead: diversity loss, land-use change, and geochemical cy-
• Use alternative fill like excavated rock and soil from cles have already been exceeded.
local construction projects, or reclaimed concrete,
asphalt, bricks and other rubble. Causes:
• Several countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia • Worldwide, food systems (including agriculture) are
and Vietnam) have already banned the export of responsible for 80% of deforestation and 70% of
sand for land reclamation. freshwater use and are the single greatest cause of
terrestrial biodiversity loss.
Conclusion: • Land degradation, desertification and drought pose
Seas are not empty spaces as there are vibrant human and a great risk to global food security as well.
non-human communities whose lives are dependent on the  Land degradation is the reduction or loss
health of the sea. Therefore, they need to be protected. of biological and economic productivity of
land and its constituents: soil, water, and
biodiversity.
32.GLOBAL LAND OUTLOOK REPORT
Impact:
Context: This has contributed significantly to global warming and
According to the 2nd edition of the Global Land Outlook environmental degradation → leading to a rise in poverty,
(GLO) report, humans have breached four out of nine plan- hunger, inequality, zoonotic disease transmission, etc.
etary boundaries.
Recommendations:
GLO: Effective land restoration:
• It is a United Nations Convention to Combat Desert- • The report defines land restoration as a continuum
ification’s (UNCCD) flagship publication, whose 1st of activities that
edition was launched in 2017 at the UNCCD COP13  Avoid (By eliminating practices that degrade
(China). the environment, ranging from land and
• It underscores land system challenges, showcases ecosystem conversion to socio-economic in-
transformative policies and practices, and points to equalities)
cost-effective pathways to scale up sustainable land  Reduce (By adopting sustainable land and
and water management. water management practices) and
Current Affairs 30
 Reverse (By revitalising soil, watersheds, Some best practices in India:
and other elements of natural ecosystems)
land degradation with the explicit objective • Holiyas: These are water management systems in Gu-
of meeting human needs and improving jarat, which store rainwater below the land surface.
ecology. The groundwater can be accessed and distributed us-
• The global annual cost of land restoration is expect- ing solar pumps when there is scarcity.
ed at ~$300 billion by 2030. • Plantopathy: It is a unique nature-based solution that
• Each dollar invested is estimated to return between can limit the impact of plant diseases on yields with-
$7 and $30 in economic benefits, moving towards out pesticides or chemicals.
an equitable and sustainable future. • Zero budget natural farming (ZBNF): It combines tra-
ditional and emerging practices to reduce costs (i.e.,
zero budget) while boosting yields and overall farm
Achieving land degradation neutrality (LDN):
health by using organic inputs sourced locally (i.e.,
LDN is a state whereby the quantity and quality of land re-
natural farming).
sources required to maintain ecosystem functions and ser-
vices and improve food security are steady or growing.
Conclusion:
Land restoration is a shared responsibility. Hence, govern-
Integrated land use planning:
ments, scientists, civil society, and private sector players
• Identifying the best combination of land uses →
need to work together to set land and ecosystem restoration
sustainably meeting the needs of the stakeholders
goals that transform land-use systems.
as well as preserving the land resources.
• A cost-effective approach is to identify landscapes
while maximising benefits, such as in global resto-
ration hotspots.
Regenerative agricultural practices:

Like terrace farming and rainwater harvesting → help restore
land, increase crop yields, reduce GHG emissions, sequester
atmospheric carbon, and create meaningful livelihoods.
Inclusive and responsible governance:

It is crucial to facilitate the shift to sustainable land use and
management practices.
Initiatives of Land Restoration
Global India
The Bonn Challenge (2011) Currently, 97.85 million Insta Links: Forest landscape restoration
is a global effort to restore hectares (mha) of land - an
350 million hectares of the area 2.5 times the size of In-
world’s degraded and defor- dia’s largest state Rajasthan, 33.WILDLIFE TRANSLOCATION PRO-
ested lands by 2030. has already been degraded. GRAMMES
UN Decade on Ecosystem In 2019, India raised its land
Restoration: The Decade restoration target (under Context:
(2021-2030) is being cham- the Bonn Challenge) from According to a new study, efforts to translocate wildlife must
pioned by the UNEP and 21 million hectares to 26 incorporate human-related factors, and biological and envi-
FAO. million hectares by 2030. ronmental considerations to realise the desired outcomes.
The G20 Global Initiative on Now, MGNREGS is to fund Wildlife translocation:
Reducing Land Degradation work to reverse land degra- • It is the intentional movement of animals for conser-
and Enhancing Conserva- dation. vation purposes - a technique to mitigate the loss and
tion of Terrestrial Habitats: depletion of endangered species.
Launched in 2020, it aims • It requires planning, a detailed analysis of the habitat,
to prevent, halt and reverse and consideration of the long-term prospects for the
land degradation and re- survival of the released animals.
duce degraded land by 50% • The ecological, economic, and societal consequences of
by 2040. the release are also taken into account.
Current Affairs 30
Advantages: The success story of including an anthropogenic angle:
• An important conservation tool for restoring threat- Four cheetahs were translocated from South Africa to Ma-
ened and endangered wildlife populations. lawi in 2017 is a major conservation success for a species
• To meet the goal of re-establishing populations in that is considered vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
formerly occupied areas.
• Population balancing - shifting from high/overpopu-
lation to low population regions. Global efforts - ICTC:
• International Conservation Translocation Confer-
ence (ICTC) is a premier conservation translocation
Risks associated:
science event, linked to the IUCN.
• Legal and policy issues
• This helps the government/policymakers to learn
• Disease concerns
from global experts how to best plan and imple-
• Stress to the animal: Translocation, unlike dispersal,
ment conservation translocations.
is not due to natural or deliberate behaviour.
• Homing: It refers to an animal’s capacity to travel
back to its original catch site after translocation. Conclusion:
The problem with India’s Project Cheetahs is that the species
is being translocated from entirely different countries and
The success/failure of translocating wildlife depends on -
ecosystems. Therefore, proper scientific study must be con-
• Which species is being shifted;
ducted before executing the project.
• Whether it can survive in its new habitat and breed
successfully;
• The amount of time and resources being allocated Insta Links: Cheetah project to bring in 12 big cats from
to the process. South Africa
• Anthropogenic angle/coexistence with people.
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
The failure of a translocation programme can lead to -
• Distrust between stakeholders;
• The loss of resources and 34.COMBATING FOREST FIRES IN UTTARA-
• Even the extinction or extirpation of entire popula-
KHAND
tions or species.
Context:
Case of India –
The chir pine belt of Uttarakhand, India, faces significant for-
• The ongoing Project Cheetah of the GoI: It has suf-
est fire challenges.
fered setbacks recently. Two cheetahs (one from
South Africa and the other from Namibian) brought
to MP’s Kuno National Park from South Africa died What is Chir Pine Belt?
of cardiac and renal failure. It refers to an area characterized by the dominance of chir
• The Gaur Relocation in India (2011): The project pine trees (Pinus roxburghii). It is found primarily in the state
saw the first reversal of local extinction in the Band- of Uttarakhand. The high presence of chir pine trees in this
havgarh Tiger Reserve (MP), with 19 Gaurs coming belt also contributes to the susceptibility to forest fires in
here from Kanha Tiger Reserves (MP). the area.
Need of the hour - Importance to be given to anthropogen- About the chir pine:
ic angle: It is a species of pine tree that is native to the Himalayan
• The IUCN Global Re-Introduction Perspective Series region. It is a fast-growing evergreen tree and forms dense
identifies the relationship between the inclusion of forests in the sub-tropical and temperate regions of Uttara-
human dimension objectives in wildlife transloca- khand.
tion efforts and programme outcomes. Factors contributing to forest fire challenges in the Chir
• Of the six key strategies identified for including hu- Pine Belt of Uttarakhand:
man dimension objectives, education was the most
common, followed by Factors Description
 Engaging locals, High forest Uttarakhand accounts for 1.6 per cent
 Providing economic benefits, density of India’s total geographical area. But in
 Increasing social tolerance, terms of forest cover, the state accounts
 Enforcing regulations and for 45 per cent, in contrast to national for-
 Supplying cultural benefits. est cover of just 21.67 per cent.
Current Affairs 30
High presence Chir pine dominates the forest composi- Joint Forest Manage- Promote community involve-
of pine trees tion in the region. Pine trees are rich in ment (JFM), Van pan- ment and cooperation in for-
organic polymers, making them vulnera- chayats, and communi- est management. Utilize elec-
ble to forest fires. cation tronic, social media, radio, and
Dry biomass Pine needles and other plant-based litter television for awareness. Raise
create fuel for fires. Dry biomass increas- awareness and encourage re-
es the risk of fire outbreaks. sponsible forest practices.
V u l n e r a b i l - The forest ecosystem in the region is
ity of nar- dominated by narrow-leaved species like National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has sug-
r o w - l e a v e d Pinus, Picea, and Abies. These species are gested measures for fire control in Himalayan regions such
species susceptible to fires when exposed to low as Early detection and reporting; Fireline creation; Commu-
temperatures and humidity. nity involvement; Training and capacity building; Use of tech-
Human-made Timber smugglers often set intentional nology and Firefighting teams.
fires fires to divert attention and facilitate il-
legal activities. Developmental activities A few measures taken are:
and unchecked land-use patterns con- National Policy on Forest Fire (finalized by the government);
tribute to human-induced fire hazards. National Plan for forest fire management; National Forest
Climate condi- Uttarakhand experiences low rainfall and Fire Danger Rating System; Firefighting tools and machinery
tions high temperatures. The ample availabil- (e.g. Fire Beaters, Pulaskis Tools, Forest Fire Showel, etc.);
ity of dry biomass during the summer Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme (FFPMS,
season increases fire risks. Also, Strong 2017)
winds contribute to the rapid spread of
fires across the forests. Conclusion:
Addressing and mitigating forest fires in the Himalayan re-
Measures to Combat Forest Fires in the Chir Pine Belt of gion requires a comprehensive approach that includes ear-
Uttarakhand: ly detection, community involvement, capacity building,
technology utilization, and effective collaboration between
Measures Description
various stakeholders. By implementing these measures, the
Plantation of suitable Introduce species like oak and risk and impact of forest fires can be significantly reduced,
broad-leaved species rhododendron with lower fire protecting the invaluable biodiversity and ecological balance
susceptibility. Diversify the for- of the region.
est composition and reduce the
overall fire risk.
Construction of watch Install watch towers to detect Mains Link
towers for early detec- forest fires at an early stage. Q. Enumerate the causes for the rising instances of forest
tion Facilitate prompt response and fires in India. What measures are needed to mitigate the
intervention to control fire inci- adverse impacts of forest fires? (250 Words)
dents.
Deployment of fire Assign personnel as fire watch-
watchers ers in vulnerable areas. Regular
surveillance to detect and re-
35.NEW ESCAP STUDY ON NATURAL DISAS-
port fires promptly. TERS
Creation and mainte- Clear vegetation creates fire
nance of fire lines lines and fire breaks as barriers. Context:
Use of remote sensing Utilize technology to detect According to a new study by the ESCAP, most countries in
technology and satel- active forest fires from space. Asia-Pacific (AP) are inadequately prepared to manage the
lite data Enable early identification and rising challenges of extreme weather events and natural di-
timely response to fire incidents. sasters.
Exclusive recruitment Employ trained personnel
of forest fire-fighting equipped with modern firefight- Highlights of the UN Economic and Social Commission for
staff ing technologies. Ensure spe- Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) study:
cialized teams are available for
fire suppression.
Current Affairs 30
1. Energy:
• A rapid increase in renewable energy by restructur-
ing national energy systems, new technical capaci-
ties, etc.
• The need for cross-border electricity grids to in-
crease the share of renewable energy.
• Energy efficiency codes must be aligned with net-ze-
ro goals to reduce carbon footprint in the building
sector.
• Climate-proofing energy systems.
2. The transport sector: Should be shifted to a low-carbon
• The AP region accounts for more than half of the
pathway by reducing transport distance through integrated
world’s GHGs.
land use, planning, shifting to sustainable transport modes,
• Over the past 60 years, temperatures in the AP re-
as well as improving vehicle and fuel efficiency.
gion have increased faster than the global mean.
• Extreme, unpredictable weather events and natu- 3. International trade:
ral hazards (like Tropical cyclones, heatwaves, floods • Integrate climate considerations into regional trade
and droughts) have become more frequent and in- agreements.
tense. • Trade must be climate-smart.
• The private sector must be encouraged to work
Impact: towards a low-carbon pathway and sustainability
• Damaging people’s health, immense loss of life and should be ingrained into business operations.
displacement. Some best practices:
• Food systems here are being disrupted, economies
damaged and societies undermined.
• Leading cause of poverty and inequality across the
region by disproportionately burdening poor and
marginalised groups.
Most vulnerable: China, India, Japan, Indonesia, the Repub-

lic of Korea and the Russian Federation are projected to suf-
fer the greatest losses under the worst-case climate scenario.
Challenges:
• The AP region is one of the most rapidly developing
regions of the world, with a significant proportion
of the global population.
• The region is also home to most of the world’s
low-lying cities and vulnerable small island states. About ESCAP:
• Overlapping crises of climate change and climate-in- The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for
duced disasters are increasingly threatening devel- Asia and the Pacific (est. 1947; HQ: Bangkok) is one of
opment in AP - the five regional commissions under the jurisdiction of the
 Undermining hard-won development gains. United Nations Economic and Social Council.
 Imperils Sustainable Development Goals
(SDG).
• Lack of necessary data as well as means to support LINKAGES BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT
adaptation and mitigation efforts.
• The current financing is insufficient to meet the re-
AND SPREAD OF EXTREMISM.
gion’s requirements for investment in climate action
or to contain global warming at 1.5°C. 36. MAOIST CHALLENGE: NEEDS POLITICAL
UNDERSTANDING, NOT SECURITIZATION
Steps needed:
The emissions gap in three key sectors - energy, transport,
and international trade and investment - needs to be closed. Context:
The efficacy of the Maoist movement needs to be gauged in
terms of their declining social base, not on the basis of how
Current Affairs 30
many violent incidents occur. cess.
Insta Links: LWE
Maoist movement in India
Mains Links:
Current Expected out- Issues
approach come Q. The persisting drives of the government for the devel-
Use ofThe use of The use of more force only opment of large industries in backward areas have result-
Force force (includ- helped the Maoists recruit ed in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who
ing special- from the local tribal popula- face multiple displacements with Malkangiri and naxal-
ly-trained tion. bari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win
forces such the left-wing extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens
as the Grey- back into the mainstream of social and economic growth.
The Maoist movement moved (UPSC 2015)
hounds) has from the leadership of outsid-
led to a de- ers (mostly from Telangana) to 37.INSURGENCY IN MANIPUR
cline in Mao- that of local tribals. Context:
ist presence Amid fresh violence in Manipur, the Kuki National Organisa-
and the use tion (KNO) has countered the claims of the Manipur CM that
of more force Such internal changes led to
local support for the move- 40 insurgents had been killed by security forces.
will end its
remaining in- ment from tribals in Chhattis-
fluence. garh and Jharkhand.
Develop- Welfare and The D Bandyopadhyay Com-
ment development mittee (2006) stated that land
as part of the alienation and poverty among
“strategy” to STs and Dalits, and lack of ac-
calm down cess to basic forest resources
and make the contributed to the growth of
Maoists irrel- Naxalism.
evant.
The state’s model of develop- How did violent clashes start?
ment has resulted in the dis- • Violence erupted in the Kuki-dominated Churachand-
placement of tribals → lead- pur district, where members of the Kuki tribe were pro-
ing to the peaceful Pathalgarhi testing against the Meitei community’s demands to be
movement in Jharkhand designated as a “Scheduled Tribe”.
• The tribes believe granting ST status to the Meiteis
What led to the failure of the above approaches: would be an infringement of their rights as they claim
• Declining Maoist presence/violence could well be a po- to be the marginalised part of the population.
litical strategy of the Maoists to go silent/underground History of conflict in Manipur: Manipur has been in the
and wait for lapses on the part of the security forces. cross-currents of India’s oldest insurgent movement - The
• Eminent Domain doctrine, argues that all resources be- Naga national movement in the 1950s.
long to the nation and can be extracted in the “national The Valley insurgent groups:
interest”. • In 1964, the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) was
• Development is seen as a zero-sum game by either side formed, demanding secession from India.
leads. • Subsequently, numerous Meitei insurgent groups
• A single conception of development to address the var- (PREPAK, PLA) came into being, which received arms and
ious, occasionally incompatible demands of oppressed training from China.
groups. • These groups operated with a dual purpose - indepen-
• The securitisation paradigm is also insufficient to com- dence from India, and warding off Naga insurgent
prehend social exclusion. groups.
The Kuki-Zomi insurgent groups:
Conclusion: • It started as a defence against aggression by other
• Both Ambedkar and Gandhi were of the view that social groups, but quickly turned to a call for Kukiland - an
exclusion and caste cannot be addressed through vio- imagined country spreading across the Kuki-Zomi inhab-
lence. ited areas of India, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
• To end the social exclusion of tribals there is the need • Over time, this was diluted to simply a call for a sepa-
to understand that development is a multi-faceted pro- rate state.
Government reaction:
Current Affairs 30
• The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958 was INTERNAL SECURITY
enacted and extended to the entire state.
• In the 1980s, Manipur was declared a disturbed area.
• A tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement 38. 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF POKHRAN-II
between the Centre, the state and the Kuki-Zomi groups
was signed in 2008. Context:
• As the law-and-order situation gradually improved, AFS- On May 11, 1998, codenamed Operation Shakti (literally,
PA has been repealed in several areas. “strength”)/Pokhran-II, India conducted three nuclear bomb
• However, the Valley insurgent groups (like the UNLF, test explosions at the Indian Army’s Pokhran Test Range.
which is considered the mother of all Meitei insurgent
groups) have never entered an agreement with the Cen-
tre. Timeline of Operation Shakti/Pokhran-II:
Insurgent groups in society and politics: Foundation of India’s nuclear programme laid by physicist
• The insurgent groups are intricately woven into daily Homi J Bhaba:
life in Manipur. • Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR): India’s
 They conduct strikes, and impose moral first research institution dedicated to the study of nucle-
codes such as a ban on Hindi movies and ar physics opened (1945) in Bombay, after Bhaba’s suc-
music, etc. cessful lobbying.
 The groups also levy ‘taxes’ on the public. • Department of Atomic Energy (DAE): Founded in 1954
• The groups are most visible today in the political life of with Bhabha as director.
the state. Candidates, cutting across party lines, stand
for elections with insurgent backing, and the groups The threat of China and Pakistan:
dictate to the voters who should win. • The 1962 Sino-Indian War and China’s subsequent nu-
clear bomb test at Lop Nor in 1964.
• The 1965 India-Pakistan war, with China openly sup-
porting Pakistan.
• Therefore, India was surrounded by two unfriendly na-
tions and needed to take steps towards building self-suf-
ficiency.
The “discriminatory” NPT:

• By the 1960s, discourse around nuclear disarmament
and non-proliferation as the Cold War arms race pushed
the US and the USSR to great extremes.
• In 1968, the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) came into
existence, defining nuclear-weapon states as those that
have built and tested a nuclear explosive device before
January 1, 1967 - the US, Russia (formerly USSR), the UK,
France and China.
• This disallows any other state from acquiring nuclear
weapons.
• The government of India refused to accede to the terms
of the treaty because it failed to address India’s con-
cerns.
Insta Links: What is the SoO agreement with tribal insur-
Pokhran-I/Operation Smiling Buddha:
gent groups that the Manipur govt withdrew from?
• By the 1970s, Vikram Sarabhai (Bhaba’s successor at the
DAE) had worked to significantly broaden India’s nuclear
Mains Links: technology.
Q. The north-eastern region of India has been infested • The Indira Gandhi government showed political will and
with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major on May 18, 1974, India carried out its first nuclear test at
reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this re- the Pokhran test site.
gion. (UPSC 2017) • This test was conceptualised as a “peaceful nuclear ex-
plosion” with “few military implications”.
International sanctions on India post-Pokhran-I:
Current Affairs 30
• The world was not willing to buy India’s version of the intelligently building sufficient and resilient
motive behind Pokhran-I and countries like the US and retaliatory capability to signal credible de-
Canada imposed significant sanctions. terrence.
• These sanctions (majorly on tech transfer) would be a  To make long-term innovative diplomatic
major setback for India’s nuclear journey and majorly investments towards the creation of a glob-
decelerate its progress. al environment conducive to peace and uni-
versal nuclear disarmament.
• Simultaneously, India can leverage the economic,
The period between the two tests:
political and cultural appeal to showcase the advan-
• Domestic political instability: The Emergency of 1975
tages of its philosophy of nuclear deterrence.
and PM Morarji Desai’s opposition to nuclear weapons
brought the programme to a grinding halt.
• 1980s: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was made in charge of In-
dia’s missile programme (1983) and India exponentially
increased its plutonium stockpiles. GS PAPER 4
• 1990S:
• With the fall of the USSR in 1991, India lost one of
its biggest military allies. 1. ETHICAL ISSUES WITH REMISSION
• The US continued to provide military aid to Pakistan.
• Discussions regarding a Comprehensive Test Ban
Treaty (CTBT) were also underway in the UN (it
would be finalised in 1996, but India did not sign it).
Pokhran-II - Projecting India’s strength:

• In 1995, permission for carrying out a nuclear test was
granted. However, logistical and political reasons pushed
back the tests further.
• In 1998, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government showed
political will and successfully conducted Operation
Shakti.
• Unlike the 1974 test, the Indian Government declared
itself as a state possessing nuclear weapons following
Pokhran-II.
• Though the test invited sanctions from some countries
(like the US), the condemnation was far less than in
1974.
• The test helped India enter the highly guarded club of
countries with the capability to deploy nuclear weap-
ons, helping it to cement its status as a dominant na-
tion-state.
India’s nuclear doctrine (presented in 1999) since Pokhran-
II: Conclusion:
• It highlighted a credible minimum deterrence Remission is an important aspect of the criminal justice sys-
(CMD) and a no-first-use (NFU) policy, while concur- tem that allows for the reduction of a sentence for a prison-
rently supporting non-proliferation and universal er. It should be used judiciously and with consideration of
disarmament. principles of justice, mercy, and public safety.
• The sole purpose of India’s nuclear deterrence is to
deter adversaries’ use or threat of use of nuclear Insta Links
weapons. The injustice of exceptionalism
• The policy changed India’s image and the US (once
an adversary of India’s nuclear programme) signed a
civil nuclear deal with India in 2008, acknowledging Mains Links
India as a responsible nuclear player. Q. What are the ethical considerations in the granting of
Way ahead: remission for prisoners, and how should governments
• India needs actions at two levels for sustainable na- balance the principles of justice, mercy, and public safety
tional security: in making these decisions? (150 Words)
 To address immediate security threats by
Current Affairs 30
CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT (CME)

1. NITI AAYOG’S COMPENDIUM ON BEST PRACTICES IN SOCIAL SECTOR 2023
A. BEST PRACTICES IN ‘AGRICULTURE’

Initiative Description
Crop Cluster Development Pro- A program that provides on-farm facilities to farmers for proper aggregation, grading/
gramme - Innovation in Haryana sorting, and processing of products in Haryana.
Organic Large Cardamom Pro- A program that aims to develop a value chain for organic large cardamom in Nagaland
duction- Nagaland and facilitate partnerships between farmers and organic businesses.
The direct and full benefit of A program that transfers the Minimum Support Price directly to farmers’ accounts in
Minimum Support Price (MSP) Haryana and Punjab, eliminating exploitation by middlemen.
to farmers
Dr YSR Rythu Bharosa Kendralu A program that provides quality inputs, knowledge transfer, and capacity building for
- a one-stop solution for farmers agriculture and allied sectors in Andhra Pradesh.
Climate resilient rice-fish farm- A program that encourages pisciculture in paddy fields, taking advantage of the sym-
ing in Assam biotic relationship between rice plants and fish in Assam.
Odisha Millets Mission A program that promotes the production and consumption of millets in Odisha to
preserve indigenous culture.
Black Rice Initiative in Chandau- The initiative involved promoting black rice farming among a small group of 300 farm-
li-Uttar Pradesh ers. The branding of black rice was done, and it was sold at a much higher price than
common rice, leading to a rise in the income of farmers.
Usage: These examples can be used in Mains answer as innovative solutions/way forward
B. BEST PRACTICES IN ‘EDUCATION’

Initiative Nodal Agency Brief Description
Vidya Samiksha Kendra for Government of Gujarat An online, real-time mechanism to monitor the learning
monitoring of learning out- progress of every student across every grade in every school
comes in Gujarat using technology such as AI, ML, and Big Data An-
alytics to improve grade-appropriate learning outcomes of
every student.
Home-based education for Government of NCT of Del- A program to provide home-based education to children
children with disabilities hi with severe and profound disabilities who are unable to at-
tend regular schooling in Delhi, in line with the Right to Ed-
ucation Amendment of 2012 and the Zero Rejection Policy.
Phoenix mobile app – mea- Chandigarh A mobile application that serves as a monthly report card for
suring students’ progress students and teachers in Chandigarh, with prescribed learn-
ing outcomes, pre-fed into the application to track the perfor-
mance of each class and subject in each government school.
Academic Bank of Credits Ministry of Electronics and A system that provides academic credit deposit accounts to
(ABC) Information Technology all students studying in recognized Higher Educational Insti-
tutions (HEIs) in India, allowing them to accrue and redeem
credits for any academic program at any convenient time.
Kalika Chetarike – Activi- Government of Karnataka A program designed to address learning gaps and attain sub-
ty-based learning ject-wise, grade-specific learning outcomes for all students
in Karnataka
Current Affairs 30
‘Kalika Habba’ - A State-wide Karnataka A state-wide festival designed around activities in sciences,
Festival on Learning mathematics, social sciences, and languages in Karnataka in-
volving students from grade 4 to grade 9, to involve the com-
munity with the education programme and academic prac-
tices of schools.
School Adoption Initiative, Government of Assam An initiative under which one college teacher adopted one
Darrang (Assam) school in the district of Darrang, Assam, with the aim of im-
proving teaching and learning practices.
Abhyudaya Dhubri Assam The initiative uses virtual reality (VR) to make learning a
more fun experience for the children, where the focus has
shifted from memorizing to understanding.
C. BEST PRACTICES IN ‘SOCIAL WELFARE’

Initiative Region Description
Prayatna Delhi-NCR (by Ministry of Skill De- A livelihood and enterprise training program for transgen-
velopment and Entrepreneurship ders in Delhi-NCR, aimed at helping beneficiaries attain a
(MSDE)) basic quality of life and impart entrepreneurship skills to
some of them.
Nasha Mukt Bharat All over India (by Ministry of Social The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction
Justice and Empowerment) (NAPDDR) aims to prevent drug addiction by providing
education, counselling, and treatment to individuals with
substance dependence. It finances NGOs for rehabilitation
centres and addiction treatment facilities. The plan also
includes the establishment of District De-Addiction Cen-
ters in each district for comprehensive treatment.
Aangan Punjab (by Department of Social A digital inspection of the childcare institutes (using the
Security and Women & Child De- SafCa App) being run by the department and registered
velopment) under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Chil-
dren) Act, 2015.
Dhimsa Radio Koraput, Odisha (implemented A community radio station that has become a tool for so-
by South Odisha Voluntary Action cial change in disseminating information on government
(SOVA) with UNICEF support) schemes.
D. BEST PRACTICES IN ‘ENVIRONMENT’

Initiative Region Goal
Electric vehicle policy and Government of NCT of Reduce emissions from the transport sector to improve Delhi’s
Induction of Electric Buses Delhi air quality
A life, less ordinary: Gan- Ministry of Jal Shakti, Gov- Establish a trained cadre of local communities to institutionalize
ga Prahari - Guardians of ernment of India conservation efforts for the river Ganga at the grassroots level
the Ganga
Bio Decomposer Solution Government of NCT of Fight pollution caused by stubble burning by providing Bio-de-
and Spray Programme – Delhi compose spray to farmers
Fighting stubble burning
Solving dry waste han- Udupi District, Karnataka Provide good waste management service and use non-recyclable
dling - Materials Recovery waste as a raw material in cement factories
Facility
Palle Prakruthi Vanam / Government of Telangana Create dense mini forests in rural areas using the Yadadri Miy-
Village Nature Park awaki forestation technique to increase green cover and biodi-
versity
Current Affairs 30
E. BEST PRACTICES IN ‘SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY’

Initiative Nodal Agency Objective
National AI Portal (INDIAai) National e-Governance Di- To create a unified AI ecosystem in India and promote knowl-
vision (NeGD), Ministry of edge creation, fostering economic growth and social em-
Electronics and IT (MeitY), powerment through a one-stop digital platform for AI-related
in partnership with NASS- developments in the country.
COM
Santhe Kaushalkar - Self- UNDP Karnataka and De- To create a rural self-help group (SHG) and artisan profiling
Help Group and Artisan partment of Planning, Pro- platform (with digital Identity) that provides profiles of rural
Profiling Platform gramming, Monitoring and SHGs/artisans engaged in the manufacturing of various prod-
Statistics, Government of ucts and artefacts, and facilitates their connection with po-
Karnataka tential buyers and customers.
Innovations for Defence Ex- Defence Innovation Organi- To foster innovation and technology development in the de-
cellence (iDEX) sation (DIO) under the aegis fence and aerospace sector by engaging industries including
of the Department of De- MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D Institutes, and
fence Production, Ministry academia, and promote self-reliance. The MoD also procures
of Defence the newly innovated products as per the Defence Acquisition
Procedure 2020 (DAP-2020) from iDEX winners.
F. BEST PRACTICES IN SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Initiative Name Objective Implementing Agency
Project Excel – progress Empower marginalized communities to access Village council body and a cadre of soochna
of the Marginalized in government schemes and entitlements through a sathis (Information Friends)
Gujarat tech platform.
Strengthening of han- Enable handloom weavers and local artisans for Uttarakhand and UNDP India
dloom culture in Sa- market-oriented skills, quality standardization,
haspur (Uttrakhand) and branding
Rural Self-Employment Provide training to rural youth in entrepreneur-District Administration, Goalpara, Assam,
Training Institute in ship development and Ministry of Rural Development, Govern-
Goalpara ment of India
Navpravartan: A Start- Launched in May 2020 and with support from the The district administration, West Cham-
up Zone in Chanpatia, Bihar government ‘Zila Audyogik Navpravartan paran (Bettiah), Bihar
West Champaran Yojana’, Navpravartan startup zone provides in-
novative solutions to the returnee migrants
G.BEST PRACTICES IN HEALTH & NUTRITION

Initiative Name Objective Outcome
HBNC+ (Odisha) Reduce diarrhoea and pneumonia in in- 68% of infants receiving four complete home visits in three
fants and improve nutrition districts
ReMiND (Uttar Reduce maternal and newborn deaths by After 2 years of ReMiND implementation, there was an
Pradesh) strengthening supportive supervision of increase in knowledge of pregnancy danger signs; more
ASHAs care-seeking and increased quality of care
Nutri Garden Ini- Promote nutrition security and dietary 70% of 300 malnourished children were able to fight mal-
tiative (ICDS, Ra- diversity through community nutrition nutrition in the Banswara district
jasthan) gardens
AMMA program Community-based program for manag- More than 87% of children recovered during the treatment
(ICDS, Rajasthan) ing acute malnutrition phase
Mera Baccha Combat malnutrition through public par- A remarkable reduction of 17% in malnutrition rate, higher
Abhiyan (Datia, ticipation immunization rate, increased breast-feeding
Madhya Pradesh)
Current Affairs 30
H.BEST PRACTICES IN FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND ENERGY CONSERVATION

Initiative Components Impact
PM SVANidhi (Ministry For providing working capital loans to urban Over 26 lakh street vendors across India have
of Housing and Urban street vendors affected by the COVID-19 availed benefits. More than 24 lakh street ven-
Affairs) pandemic, and other benefits to their family dors have been onboarded digitally.
members
Components:
• SVANidhi se Samriddhi programme (for
Socio-economic profiling of beneficiaries
to link them to other schemes)
• Swadisht Vyanjan Ki Adhunik Dukaan
(SVAD) (to increase the delivery foot-
print of street vendors)
• Main Bhi Digital campaign (vendors are
trained to become digitally active)
Project Uddyam (Ta- For enhancing the income of the tribal Agro-extension services to over 10,000 farmers;
lasari, Palgarh, Maha- households and creation of local women 20 Warli paintings producer groups formed, com-
rashtra) managers for local collectives munity cadres organized.
Telangana State Energy Effective implementation of the Energy Con-
Around 430 commercial buildings have been cer-
Conservation Building servation Building Code (ECBC) tified as ECBC compliant. Received National En-
Code (ECBC) for com- ergy Conservation Award, 2020 from Bureau of
mercial buildings Energy Efficiency
Ethanol Blending (De- Production of ethanol from sugarcane and Reduction in oil import bills, improvement in air
partment of Food and its benefits to the Indian economy quality, investment opportunities, and addressing
Public Distribution) the problem of excess sugarcane/sugar.
I. BEST PRACTICES IN ‘E-GOVERNANCE AND DIGITIZATION’

Initiative Region Description
Farmer Registration and Unified Karnataka A database of farmers across Karnataka that facilitates faster and
Beneficiary Information System targeted delivery of agriculture-related services to farmers. It
(FRUITS) sends SMS on crop advisories, animal disease forewarning, and
vaccination advisories.
Kutumba: Social Protection cum Karnataka An IT-based platform for improving ease of access to government
Entitlement Management System benefits to the poor in Karnataka, bringing about inclusive growth.
UMANG (Unified Mobile Applica- Ministry of A mobile application that aggregates citizen-centric government
tion for New-age Governance) Electronics and services on a single platform.
Information
Technology
Akanksha: An Integrated Online Karnataka An IT platform that brings together the stakeholders of the CSR
Platform for SDG and CSR ecosystem in Karnataka.
Blockchain-based caste certificates Gadchiroli, Ma- Issuance of caste certificates whose authenticity is guaranteed
harashtra by a blockchain, thereby preventing forgery and disallowing fake
caste certificates to be used for availing government services.
Infrastructure Snapshot App Goalpara, As- An application that enables a user to monitor the maintenance
sam of public services in the district and hold the concerned officials
accountable for tardy work.
Loksewak App: E-Attendance Khandwa, Mad- An attendance and field monitoring tool based on M-governance
hya Pradesh and E-governance technology.
Current Affairs 30
J. BEST PRACTICES IN WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
K.BEST PRACTICES IN SPORTS AND DISASTER MITIGATION

Initiative Objectives Impact
Khelo India Scheme (Bish- Promote excellence in sports Over 2000 national players, 60 sports infrastructures, and
nupur, Manipur) and wellness, focus on indige- 90% of schools registered under Fit India
nous games, and make Bishnu-
pur a powerhouse of sports
Khelo India Scheme (Chu- Develop sports facilities, create Multiple medals at national level competitions, the de-
ru, Rajasthan) centres of excellence, encour- cline in drug involvement, the cradle for armed forces re-
age youth participation cruitment
Current Affairs 30
Disaster Risk Reduction Integrate Disaster Risk Reduc- Enhanced resilience of local communities to climate-in-
(Chitrakoot, UP) tion in development, build local duced stress
capacities, leverage technology
for disaster management
Flood and Landslide Di- Establish SOPs, coordination Proper disaster management, preventive evacuations, re-
saster Management ( between departments and lief camp amenities, crop loss compensations
Wayanad, Kerala) agencies, and minimize casual-
ties and distress
2.COLONEL JOHN PENNYCUICK

About He was a British engineer who is known for constructing the Mullaperiyar dam in India during the British
era. His dam transformed the Cumbum Valley into a fertile belt, filled with paddy fields, vegetable gar-
dens, coconut plantations, flower gardens, and vineyards.
Usage: The example can be used in Essay/Ethics to demonstrate the leadership of Colonel Pennycuick in his ef-
forts to ensure the safety and well-being of the local population, ensuring water and food security of the
region
3.COMMANDER ABHILASH TOMY

Context: Commander Abhilash Tomy (Retd) made history as the first Indian to complete the Golden Globe Race,
a solo non-stop circumnavigation of the globe without modern technological aids. Despite suffering a
life-threatening injury during a previous attempt, Tomy returned to India triumphant after finishing the
GGR 2022 in second place. He sailed for 236 gruelling days alone at sea, overcoming challenges such as a
damaged boat and a broken auto-pilot.
Usage: The example can be used to highlight the values of Resilience, determination, resourcefulness, and per-
severance
4.JOHN SULLIVAN
About John Sullivan, a British administrator, played a crucial role in introducing tea cultivation in the Nilgiris
hills. In 1834, the Tea Committee was formed in India with a focus on Assam and its surrounding regions.
He also played a significant role in the development of the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu, India. Sullivan’s
efforts led to the establishment of Udhagamandalam (Ooty) as a popular hill station and his contribu-
tions are widely recognized in the region.
Usage The example can be used to cite some of the positive contributions of the British Legacy in India.
5.MARIA MIES
Context Maria Mies, a Marxist Feminist scholar, recently passed away. She was known for her extensive work on
how patriarchy, capitalism, and colonialism exploit women and nature.
Her works:
• Ecofeminism: She co-wrote the book “Ecofeminism” with Vandana Shiva, a scientist and activist. Ecofeminism recog-
nizes the interconnectedness of humans with nature and women.
• Mies’s work emphasized women’s contributions to the economy.
• “Indian Women and Patriarchy”: In this book, she highlighted how capitalism and Patriarchy undermine women’s
control over various sectors such as farming.
• Impact of climate change on women: Climate change disproportionately impacts women, denying their knowledge
and vulnerability to climate disasters.
Usage Her works and views can be directly quoted in the Essay/Indian Society/ Sociology paper.
Current Affairs 30
6.NEERAJ CHOPRA
Context Indian javelin thrower and Olympic Gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has achieved the top spot in the World
Athletics men’s javelin throw rankings. This marks the first time Chopra has reached the number-one posi-
tion in his career. Previously, he had secured the second spot in the rankings.
About Jave- The javelin throw is an athletic event in which athletes throw a spear-like object called a javelin as far as pos-
lin throw sible. It is one of the track and field events. The javelin is made of metal or fibreglass and has a pointed tip.
Usage: You can use the example to highlight the values of Dedication, Perseverance, Focus, Resilience, Sportsman-
ship, etc.
7.GEORGI GOSPODINOV
Context Bulgarian writer Georgi Gospodinov and translator Angela Rodel have won the International Booker Prize
for their novel “Time Shelter.”
About the The book explores the impact of nostalgia and memory through a story set in a clinic that recreates differ-
book ent decades of the past. It examines the allure of escaping the present and the consequences of vanishing
memories.
Lessons The book cautions against excessive nostalgia and the temptation to escape from the present. It highlights
that can be the importance of living in the present and embracing the opportunities it brings.”Time Shelter” under-
drawn from scores the importance of striking a balance between preserving the past and embracing the future.
the book
Usage: The example can be used in Essay/Ethics paper.
8.L. ELAYAPERUMAL
About L. Elayaperumal, a late Dalit leader, played a crucial role in the abolition of hereditary priesthood in Tamil
Nadu. The recommendations of the committee headed by Elayaperumal formed the basis for the historic
amendment to the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, passed by the Tamil
Nadu Assembly in 1970. This amendment aimed to abolish the system of hereditary priesthood and allow
individuals of all castes to become priests.
Usage: Values that we can use from his life: Equality; Social justice; Human dignity; Integrity; etc
9.TINA TURNER
Context Tina Turner, the legendary musician, passed away at the age of 83. She was a trailblazer, especially as an
African-American woman in rock and roll. Her singing talent and on-stage persona highlighted the pivotal
role of African-American women in the genre.
About Tina’s journey, marked by her escape from an abusive marriage, served as an inspiration to many. Her
reinvention as a pop icon in the 1980s solidified her place in music history. Tina Turner’s contributions
were widely celebrated, and she received numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and induction
into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her impact extended beyond music, with a bestselling autobiogra-
phy and a stage show based on her life. Tina Turner’s legacy as a pioneer across genres will continue to
resonate.
Usage: Her life can be used as a story in an Essay paper. Also, values from her life e.g., Resilience and Persever-
ance; Overcoming Obstacles; Self-Belief and Empowerment; Embracing Change and Reinvention; etc. can
be used in the Ethics paper
10.RICHARD FEYNMAN: THINK ON YOUR OWN

Context Physicists once doubted the existence of gravitational waves until Richard Feynman (an American theoretical
physicist) settled the debate with a thought experiment.
Current Affairs 30
About Albert Einstein discovered the theory of general relativity in 1915, including the existence of gravitational
waves, but he was skeptical. The debate continued for decades until Feynman (in 1957) proposed a simple
thought experiment that demonstrated how gravitational waves could transfer energy, resolving the con-
fusion. Feynman’s argument convinced many physicists, inspiring further research on gravitational waves. In
2016, scientists finally announced the first direct detection of gravitational waves, a significant achievement
made possible in part by Feynman’s influential contribution.
Usage: The story can be used in an Essay to illustrate the importance of Independent thinking, Simplicity, Persistence
and inspiration etc.
11.MY LIFE AS A COMRADE

Context • KK Shailaja, the former health minister of Kerala, who gained worldwide recognition for her success in
managing the Covid-19 pandemic, has released a memoir entitled “My Life As A Comrade”.
• Ms. Shailaja credits scientific thinking as an integral part of her decision-making process and reveals that
her Ammamma (Grandmother), inspired her with her actions in tackling a smallpox outbreak in Kerala.
Usage: Ethical values demonstrated by KK Shailaja and the Kerala state government’s response to the pandemic: Sci-
entific thinking, Compassion, Responsibility, Preparedness, and Equality.
12.RETURN TO ROOTS
The Australian High Commission in India announced its Government Grant for a project in Kargil called “Return to Roots.”
This project aims to integrate traditional knowledge with the current school science curriculum in alignment with the
goals of the National Education Policy, which includes increasing scientific engagement among school children of the tribal
background.
13.25 YEARS OF KUDUMBASHREE

Kudumbashree Kudumbashree is a women’s self-help group network and poverty eradication program in the
state of Kerala
Inception Launched in 1998, it aims to empower women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
by providing them with opportunities for entrepreneurship, skill development, and social sup-
port.
Working Kudumbashree operates at the grassroots level, organizing women into neighbourhood groups
(NHGs), which then form larger community-level and ward-level organizations.
Achievements of Kudumbashree
Economic Empower- Kudumbashree has helped marginalized women become successful entrepreneurs and income
ment generators.
Food security E.g., It has established “Janakeeya Hotels” across the state, offering affordable meals. Currently,
it operates 125 restaurants providing meals for just Rs 20.
Disaster Relief and Re- Donated Rs 7 crore to the Chief Minister’s distress relief fund during the devastating floods in
habilitation Kerala. Provided counselling to over 8,000 families affected by the floods.
COVID-19 Response Manufactured and supplied masks and sanitisers during the pandemic.
Women’s Empower- Mobilized women for community activities and grassroots planning. Enabled women’s partici-
ment pation in local bodies after enforcing the 33% women’s reservation policy
Consultancy Work and Kudumbashree’s success in poverty reduction was highlighted by studies and surveys, including
Poverty Reduction the Multidimensional Poverty Index by NITI Aayog. The extended consultancy works on wom-
en’s empowerment in 13 other states, sharing knowledge and expertise.
Challenges Challenges include addressing gender-based atrocities and becoming a strong counter-culture
force in Kerala.
Usage: Such innovative schemes for grass root development, can be used to cite your arguments in
Governance, women-related questions, and essays.
Current Affairs 30
14.SACHHI SAHELI MAHILA AGRO PRODUCER COMPANY LIMITED

About A farmer-producer organization (FPO) in Lambi Ahir village, Rajasthan, has achieved significant success
within a few months of its inception. Led by woman sarpanch Neeru Yadav, the FPO has generated revenue
worth ₹50 lakh through the cultivation and sale of 80,000 kg of mustard. The FPO, named Sachhi Saheli
Mahila Agro Producer Company Limited, is the 15th FPO established in collaboration with NABARD.
G e n d e r In a move towards gender equality, 150 women farmers have been included as equity holders alongside
Equality their male counterparts.
Usage: Such an example can be used in governance/ Women related/Leadership/ Agriculture questions to show
the success of FPO in creating diverse market access avenues, increasing income, promoting empowerment,
and building capacity among farmers.
15.WELFARE FUND FOR MGNREGS WORKERS

About The Kerala government has introduced India’s 1st welfare fund specifically for workers under the Mahat-
ma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). This initiative provides benefits such as
pensions for workers aged 60 and above, as well as financial assistance for medical treatment, educa-
tion, marriage, and other needs.
Usage: Such an initiative can be used to highlight the social security programme for unorganized workers in the
state.
16.SHRAMAVAHINI
About In Odisha, a group of young bonded labourers have formed a network called Shramavahini, which uses
smartphones and social media to alert authorities and rescue fellow workers in distress. The network
has over 4,000 members who report cases of distressed labourers requiring assistance from the district
administration and concerned officials.
Aim Shramavahini aims to combat the issue of migrant labourers’ voices going unheard by local administra-
tion by facilitating the rescue of distressed labourers as quickly as possible.
Usage The example highlights the ethical values of empathy towards fellow labourers in distress; Social responsi-
bility; collaboration with civic authorities etc. It can be used in ethics/Governance paper
17.RAJASTHAN PLATFORM-BASED GIG WORKERS BILL

Context The Rajasthan government’s proposed Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare)
Bill, 2023, which will introduce a welfare board, is a step towards ensuring the welfare of gig workers.
Issue For Gig Workers, working conditions have become increasingly harsh, with gig workers not recognized as
“workers” and lacking any social security or related benefits.
Usage The example can be used as a legislative measure for new digital workers (Platform workers) as well as Gig
workers in the Economy/Governance Paper
18.SINGLE-TEACHER SCHOOLS (JHARKHAND)

About A single-teacher school refers to a school where there is only one teacher responsible for teaching all the
students across different grade levels. A significant number of government schools in Jharkhand have only
one teacher, despite the Right to Education Act mandating a minimum of two teachers for schools with
up to 60 students.
Reasons: The lack of recruitment over the years and the government’s apathy towards education in marginalized
communities are cited as reasons for the prevalence of single-teacher schools.
Impact: Teachers in single-teacher schools are faced with several challenges, such as heavy workloads, limited
resources, and administrative tasks. Students struggle with learning and lack age-appropriate education.
Marginalized communities are particularly affected. The schools also suffer from poor infrastructure and
inadequate support systems.
Current Affairs 30
Usage: Such an example can be used to highlight issues with the education sector in India.
19.CHANGATHI LITERACY EXAMINATION

Context The Literacy Mission in Thrissur organized the Changathi literacy examination, aiming to teach migrant
workers to read and write Malayalam and Hindi. A total of 92 labourers attended the examination.
About The Changathi project addresses the exclusion faced by migrant workers in Kerala by enabling them to
understand the socio-cultural aspects of the state. The examination was based on the specially prepared
textbook “Hamari Malayalam,” covering topics such as hygiene, health, values, and workers’ rights.
Usage: Such examples can be used in an Indian Society/ Governance paper to highlight the ways to integrate mi-
grants into the local society.
20.KEEP UNDERPRIVILEGED YOUTH AWAY FROM DRUGS

About • The Venda Cup is a football tournament organized by the Bengaluru-based NGO Fourthwave Foun-
dation, aimed at keeping vulnerable youth away from drugs.
• The boys and girls aged under 18, have been selected from four districts in Kerala identified as
prone to drug use. The competition will be held on the four-a-side international slum soccer model,
with fair play being an important component.
Project Venda The Foundation’s Project Venda, which was launched six years ago, aims to actively engage vulnerable
& youngsters in sports and activities of interest to them. It has been recognized by the United Nations
It’s Aim Office on Drugs and Crime as one of the best practices in working with children and young adults.
Usage: The example shows values of Empathy, Fairness, Community building, and Social responsibility
21.RACISM IN FOOTBALL
Context The La Liga game between Valencia and Real Madrid had to be temporarily stopped after the Brazilian foot-
baller Vincius Jr’s said he was racially abused by a fan.
Some of the ways of Racism in football are:
• Monkey chants directed at black players during matches
• Racial slurs and insults hurled at players
• Lack of diversity in club ownership and leadership positions
• Underrepresentation of black referees at the top level
Other ex- The racist incident involving England players Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Bukayo Saka after they
amples: missed penalties in the Euro 2020 finals. They received online racist comments and abuse, highlighting the
persistent issue of racism in football.
Usage: These examples can be used to highlight the ethical issues of Discrimination and inequality; lack of respect
and dignity; biased media and representation
22.SHIFT TO CASH TRANSFER

Context The Odisha government has decided to shift from direct bank transfers to cash payments at the Pancha-
yat level for its Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) due to challenges faced by pensioners in accessing
their funds and technical issues with the MBPY portal.
Issue The move has been criticized by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who believes it is a step backwards
in the fight against corruption. Odisha has poor banking infrastructure in rural areas, making it difficult
for pensioners to withdraw their funds.
Usage: The example can be used to highlight the difficulties in the use of direct cash transfers for social security
payments in India.
Current Affairs 30
23.FREEING “DOTTED LANDS”

About The government of Andhra Pradesh has initiated the process of freeing “dotted lands,” which are dis-
puted lands with unclear ownership documents. These lands, identified as British-era dotted lands, are
being permanently denotified, allowing farmers who own them full rights over the lands. Over 2 lakh
acres of such lands have been identified for denotification. The move aims to provide clear land own-
ership documents to farmers who have been cultivating these lands for more than 12 years, enabling
them to access financial assistance, sell or gift the lands, and enjoy all usual rights as landowners.
Usage: The example can be used to showcase land reforms by state governments.
24.BIHAN MELA (SEED FESTIVAL)

About The Bihan Mela, or seed festival, has been initiated by the non-profit Nirman in the Nayagarh district of
Odisha to help tribal Kondh farmers return to their traditional ways of farming, including mixed-cropping.
Working: The festival involves the exchange of indigenous seeds and serves as a platform for farmers to collect,
store and share their native varieties of crops. The non-profit also set up a seed bank in Raisar village to
facilitate access to indigenous seeds.
Aim: The Bihan Mela and seed bank aim to address the issue of crop failures caused by erratic rainfall and pest
attacks, and to restore food and nutritional security to the region’s farmers.
Usage: The example can be used in Agriculture questions, questions related to Farmers’ Rights in the PPV&FR
Act, 2001
25.TOTAL E-GOVERNANCE KERALA’S DECLARATION

Context The Chief Minister of Kerala has announced that the state has achieved full e-governance coverage. It
has digitized a range of government services, ensuring prompt and transparent delivery to its citizens.
Initiatives Some of the initiatives of Kerala are Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) project, which has made internet
access a citizen’s right. e-Sevanam, a single portal for 900 public services to taluk-level offices.
Usage: The example can be quoted in Governance/ Ethics/ Essay question
26.PUNJAB: RIGHT TO WALK

About • Punjab has become the first state in India to enforce the “right to walk” by making it mandatory
for road-owning agencies, including the NHAI, to provide footpaths and cycle tracks in all future
expansion of roads and construction of new ones.
• The state government has issued these directions and instructed all agencies to prepare an action
plan to construct footpaths and cycle tracks with a time frame and budget provision.
Usage: The example can used as solution to reduce deaths related to road accidents. It also shows the values
of Commitment to safety, Empathy and concern, Responsiveness to citizen’s demands and Commitment
to equity
27.AGRA SMART CITY

About • The Agra Smart City had adopted an AI-enabled system capable of detecting various issues such
as stray cattle, clogged manholes, traffic rule violations, and even instances of sexual harassment.
The Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) monitors the city 24x7 and provides live up-
dates on various aspects, including waste collection, parking violations, adaptive street lighting,
environment pollution and overflowing manholes.
• Agra is one of the 22 cities that have successfully completed all projects under the Smart City
Mission
Usage: The example can be used in governance/Science and Technology questions to show the use of technol-
ogy for city administration.
Current Affairs 30
28.DIGITAL TRIPURA PROJECT

About The Digital Tripura project aims to provide training to the Nodal Officers of all government depart-
ments to make all administrative work transparent, fast, and paperless.
Examples of pa- e-Office (Andhra Pradesh), e-Tendering (Maharashtra), M-Governance (Kerala) Online Land Records
perless gover- System (Haryana), e-Stamping (Karnataka) etc.
nance
Usage: Such examples can be quoted in Governance/Essay Papers to show how technology can be used to
bring positive changes in the lives of citizens by providing smart and people-friendly governance.
29.INDIA DATA CAPACITY ACCELERATOR

About The Rockefeller Foundation and Mastercard-backed data.org, with an over $2 million grant from U.K.-
based charity Wellcome, have launched a data skilling program called the India Data Capacity Accelera-
tor.
Aim: The program aims to train one million Indians in using data to address climate and health-related chal-
lenges.
C o l l a b o r a - The accelerator will collaborate with three universities—Ashoka University, the Indraprastha Institute
tions: for Information Technology, and BITS Pilani—and work with the South Asia arm of the Abdul Latif Jameel
Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL).
Usage: The example can be used in questions related to skill development/ use of data to predict and measure air
pollution and inform mitigating strategies.
30.SAM ALTMAN: CHALLENGES AND FUTURE OF AI TECHNOLOGY

Context Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, testified before the United States Congress about the challenges and fu-
ture of AI technology.
Some key points from his testimony include:
• Learning from social media’s mistakes: World missed the opportunity to regulate social media at its inception, result-
ing in issues like misinformation and data privacy.
• An atom bomb or printing press moment?: Altman acknowledged that if AI technology goes wrong, it can have sig-
nificant negative consequences.
• Impact on jobs: Altman recognized that while AI may automate some jobs, it can also create new and better ones.
• Regulatory intervention: Altman supported the idea of regulating AI e.g., the US government might consider a com-
bination of licensing and testing requirements for the development and release of AI models above a threshold of
capabilities.
Usage: His quotes and views can be used directly in the Essay/Governance questions related to the risk of AI

31.REGULATION OF AI
The regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) is a challenging issue because it is rooted in two problems: the pacing problem
and the Collingridge dilemma.
Pacing Problem Collingridge Dilemma
Definition The difficulty of predicting the long-term im- The difficulty of controlling the development and use of a
pacts of a technology when it is introduced technology once it has been widely adopted.
quickly and widely.
Example The widespread adoption of social media The development and use of fossil fuels, which have had a
without considering the long-term effects on significant impact on the environment and climate change.
mental health and society.
32.THIRSTY AI
Current Affairs 30
About According to a recent study by the University of California, Riverside, ChatGPT requires half a litre of wa-
ter to answer every 20-50 questions, making the total water footprint of AI extremely large.
Water use in Water used in maintaining AI tools is primarily used for cooling data centres to prevent equipment failure.
AI: Also, the water used in this process must be pure freshwater to prevent corrosion and the formation of
microorganisms.
Usage: The example can be used to show the water footprint of emerging technologies.
33.GIANT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The limitations and potential drawbacks of using “giant artificial intelligence” (gAIs) like ChatGPT, Bard, Chinchilla,
PaLM, LaMDA, et al.:
• Lack of democratic input: gAIs are designed from the top down, limiting the involvement and input of the people who
are meant to use them.
• Reduction in diversity: gAIs tend to abstract away local knowledge and diverse perspectives, favouring a more stan-
dardized and globalized view of information.
• Language and cultural biases: Models trained primarily on internet data, which is largely in English, can perpetuate
biases and overlook the nuances of other languages and cultures.
• Incomplete understanding: gAIs may provide intelligible responses but can fail to fully grasp the context and intrica-
cies of certain questions, leading to incomplete or inaccurate answers.
• Stochastic behaviour: gAIs can exhibit randomness in their responses, making their behaviour unpredictable and
potentially unreliable.
• Potential risks of artificial general intelligence (AGI): Researchers warn that advancements in AGI, a field of study
related to gAIs, could pose significant risks, including catastrophic consequences.
• Reduction in human involvement: The reliance on gAIs for knowledge work may lead to a decreased role for human
expertise and decision-making, potentially eroding important skills and experiences.
• Ethical concerns: The deployment and use of gAIs raise ethical considerations, including privacy, transparency, and
accountability in decision-making processes.
Usage: The points can be used to show the limitations of AI in Science and Technology/ Society paper
34.’ODISHA FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE’ AND ‘ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR

YOUTH’ INITIATIVES
About Odisha has launched the ‘Odisha for Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘Artificial Intelligence for Youth’ initiatives, to
enhance digital literacy and familiarize the masses with cutting-edge AI technology. The initiative also seeks
to create an ecosystem that encourages research, innovation, and application across various sectors.
The ‘Odisha for AI’ initiative offers a free 4-hour course on AI by Intel through their app/site.
Usage: Such initiatives can be quoted as examples of government schemes for the promotion of AI in India.
35. WHO: POTENTIAL HARM OF USING AI

Context The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned about the potential harm of using artificial intelligence
(AI) in healthcare without proper monitoring and regulation.
Some of the concerns raised by WHO are:
• The use of biased data to train AI can result in misleading information, posing risks to health, equity, and
inclusiveness .
• Generate responses that seem reliable but may be completely incorrect, especially in health-related contexts.
• AI can be trained on data without prior consent, potentially compromising sensitive user-provided information.
• AI can be manipulated to spread convincing disinformation that is hard to distinguish from reliable health
content .
Usage: WHO’s concerns can be quoted in the Essay/medical ethics/Governance questions related to the risk of
AI in medicine field
Current Affairs 30
36.TECHNOPHOBIA
Technophobia is the tendency of individuals or societies to exhibit resistance, fear, or negative attitudes toward emerging
technologies.
Examples of Technophobia:
Technology Description
Railroads In the early days of railroads, some people perceived them as the work of the devil, expressing
fear and concerns about the speed, vibrations, and potential health impacts associated with
train travel.
Nuclear Energy The development of nuclear energy sparked widespread fear and worry, particularly after inci-
dents like the Three Mile Island accident and the Chornobyl meltdown.
Artificial Intelligence The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has generated fears of job displacement, loss of
human control, and potential misuse of AI technology.
Genetically Modified Genetically modified organisms have faced resistance and criticism due to concerns about po-
Organisms (GMOs) tential health risks, environmental impacts, and ethical implications of manipulating the genetic
makeup of plants and animals.
Reason for “technophobia”:
It can be attributed to various factors such as complexity, lack of knowledge, fear of losing control, and emotional re-
sponses.
Usage: Such terms and related examples can be used in the Essay to highlight psychological fear related
to ‘new technologies’.
37.NYC SKYSCRAPERS TURNING TO CARBON CAPTURE

Context New York City is implementing a new law that requires building owners to make significant emissions cuts or
face fines.
About To comply, property managers are installing carbon capture systems that capture carbon dioxide from building
emissions, cool it into a liquid, and mix it into concrete where it becomes a mineral.
The captured carbon dioxide is then sold to concrete manufacturers or carbonated beverages or soap manu-
facturers.
Usage: The example can be used in Governance/Environment question to highlight how cities can help minimize car-
bon emissions.
38.EXAMPLES OF INITIATIVES UNDER MISSION LIFE

Initiative By Description
Clean Sea Initiatives National Cen-“Fishing for litter” encourages fishermen to bring discarded fishing gear to
tre for Sustain-
shore-based reception facilities.
Beach Cleaning able Coastal Beach cleaning activities are organized to collect plastic waste, including dis-
Management carded fishing nets and single-use plastics.
Sensitization Programs Educating the fishing community about responsible fishing, hygienic fish han-
dling, energy and water conservation.
Plantation Drives National Insti- Planting medicinal and horticultural species to promote healthy lifestyles and
tute of Hima- sustain resources.
layan Environ-
ment
Awareness Programs Zoological Sur- Conducting programs in schools, colleges, offices, and marketplaces to spread
vey of India awareness of sustainable practices.
Waste Segregation Pro- National Mu- Promoting waste segregation and lifestyle changes to reduce environmental
grams seum of Natu- impact.
ral History
Current Affairs 30
39.BHOPAL AND LOCAL SDGS

About Bhopal has become the first city in India to adopt the localization of the United Nations-mandated sus-
tainable development goals (SDG). The city will now have voluntary local reviews (VLR) to demonstrate
the local government’s capacity and commitment towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development.
Usage: This example can be used in an essay on the importance of local government’s role in achieving the SDGs.
40.GANGA PRAHARI
About Ganga It refers to the volunteers (about 4000 in number) who are part of the task force called “Guardians of
Prahari the Ganga.” They are individuals who have joined the National Mission for Clean Ganga and Namami
Gange initiative to protect and preserve the Ganga River in India.
Training: The Wildlife Institute of India provides training in conserving biodiversity as well as livelihood training
opportunities to the volunteers.
Responsibilities: Monitoring the river, preventing littering, and reporting instances of poaching.
Usage: This example can be quoted in the Essay/Ethics and Environment paper. Also, Ganga Prahari shows the
values of Environmental Stewardship, Respect for Life, Civic Duty, Courage and Resilience, Collabora-
tion and Community Engagement, etc.
The United Nations in December 2022 recognised the Namami Gange initiative as one of the top 10 World Restoration
Flagships involved in reviving the natural world.
41.DISPOSABLE DIAPERS
About • Disposable diapers are single-use, absorbent diapers made of materials like plastic, absorbent
polymers, and soft fibres. They are commonly used for infants and young children as a convenient alter-
native to cloth diapers.
• Scientists have found a unique solution to make building materials cost-effective and environ-
mentally friendly by incorporating disposable diapers into them.
Benefits: By using disposable diapers in construction, it can help reduce the environmental impact of traditional
building materials like concrete. Recycling diapers in this way can make a positive difference by shrink-
ing their carbon footprint and creating durable materials.
Usage: Such an example can be used in the Environment question to highlight the use of alternative materials
in construction and minimization of wealth.
42.APPOINTMENT OF SULTAN AL JABER AS THE PRESIDENT-DELEGATE OF COP28

About Dozens of US Congress and European Parliament members are urging for the removal of oil executive
Sultan Al Jaber as the president-delegate of COP28, the United Nations climate summit. Al Jaber, who
heads the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), is overseeing significant oil and gas expansion
plans that conflict with net-zero goals.
Ethical Issues: Conflict of Interest; Lack of Credibility; Greenwashing Concerns (misleadingly presenting an environmen-
tally harmful activity as environmentally friendly); Inadequate Representation; Lack of Accountability;
and Erosion of public trust in the COP process and international efforts to combat climate change.
Usage The example can be used in Ethics/Essay/ Environment questions.
43.SAVING OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLES

Context The documentary “Give Me A Little Land - A Loving Shore for The Sea Turtle,” produced by Kerala State
Biodiversity Board, sheds light on the efforts of villagers along Kerala’s beaches in protecting Olive Ridley
turtles from extinction.
Current Affairs 30
About The documentary emphasizes the transformation of local villagers who were once involved in poaching
turtle eggs but have now become protectors of the turtles. Collaborative efforts by the Forest Depart-
ment, naturalists, and environmental enthusiasts have raised awareness among residents about the im-
portance of conservation. Villagers now await the turtles’ arrival, ensuring their safety and transferring
the eggs to protected hatcheries.
Usage: Such an example can be used to show attitudinal changes in local people and the use of media/films for
ecological conservation.
44.NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE

Context A group of environmentalists and nature conservationists have come together to establish a nature educa-
tion centre on a two-acre land at Kottemcherry Hills in Kasaragod district. It aims to create awareness and
educate students about the importance of nature and the environment.
About The trust, an extension of the Society for Environmental Education in Kerala (SEEK), seeks to establish an
alternative non-conventional ecological school that cultivates interest and skills in biological and environ-
mental studies among students, teachers, and the public.
Usage Such an example can be quoted to highlight the work of NGOs/CSOs for creating awareness about nature
conservation.
45.NAPIER GRASS
About Also known as elephant grass, is a productive and versatile forage grass native to Africa and Southeast
Asia. It is widely used as feed for livestock and in bioenergy applications.
Favourable properties for its use in bio-energy:
• Energy output-to-input ratio of approximately 25:1
• High yield
• Ability to withstand drought conditions
• An excellent feedstock for anaerobic digestion processes
• it can be harvested 5-6 times annually
• Short cycle: Its first harvest occurs four months after planting.
Location It is found in various parts of India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra
Pradesh, and Kerala.
Usage The example can be used in Geography/Economy/Environment questions for alternative energy sourc-
es.
46.UTILIZING PINE NEEDLES

About A group of women (under Jyoti Self-Help Group (SHG)) in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district have found
self-sufficiency by utilizing pine needles and leaves abundantly available in their surroundings. The women
have been collecting and weaving these materials into various items for the past 5 years, including cutlery,
containers, serving trays, home decor pieces, and jewellery.
Usage: The example can be used in Environment/Disaster Management paper as a way to mitigate the hazards re-
lated to forest fires in the Himalayas and at the same time generate income for the local community.
47.BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Context Bushfire is a wildfire that occurs in bushland or forested areas. It is characterized by uncontrollable
flames that rapidly spread and can cause significant damage to vegetation, wildlife, and property.
Current Affairs 30
About • Australia faces frequent bushfires due to its hot and dry climate, flammable vegetation like euca-
lypt forests, weather patterns including droughts and strong winds, and human activities like land
clearing and arson.
• To deal with it, a highly effective bushfire management program has been developed over the past
20 years. From April to June each year, fire managers use small controlled fires to reduce fuel loads
and make the landscape safer. This practice, known as “painting with fire,” combines satellite data
with Indigenous knowledge and expertise from pastoralists and park rangers.
Significance: The program has led to significant declines in fire across the region and has gained international at-
tention as a model for fire management. It highlights the importance of integrating technology, local
knowledge, and diverse skills to achieve sustainable and resilient environmental management.
Usage: Such techniques can be used for Indian forest fire management as well. Such solutions can be used in
Disaster Management/ Environment/ Geography Questions.
48.HELI-TOURISM
About Kerala Tourism is planning to introduce heli-tourism to attract premium tourists. They have drafted
guidelines for heli-taxi services connecting Kochi with popular tourist destinations like Thekkady,
Munnar, and Kumarakom. The department aims to set up the necessary infrastructure through pub-
lic-private partnership (PPP) to facilitate this initiative.
Usage Such an example can be used in questions related to tourism/the importance of PPP etc.
49.RIVERINE-BASED RELIGIOUS TOURISM CIRCUIT
Current Affairs 30
About Brahmaputra River:

The Brahmaputra River (source: Chemayungdung glacier) originates in southwestern Tibet and shares its source area with
the Indus and Satluj Rivers. It flows through a depression formed by the Indus-Tsangpo Structure Zone, cutting through
the Himalayas and entering Arunachal Pradesh as the Dihang River. After merging with the Lohit and Dibang streams, it
is known as the Brahmaputra. The river’s left bank is fed by the Dhansiri, Lohit, and Dibang Rivers, while the right bank
receives the Subansiri, Kameng, Manas, and Sankosh Rivers.
50.USE OF ANIMALS FOR ESPIONAGE

Context Hvaldimir, the beluga whale spotted off the Swedish coast, gained attention due to the harness attached to
its head, leading to speculations of it being a Russian spy.
Examples During World War I, pigeons were equipped with cameras and used to capture images over enemy territory;
of animals Dolphins and sea lions, have been trained for military purposes, such as detecting submarines and retrieving
being used materials; the CIA even attempted to use cats as listening devices in the Acoustic Kitty project, although
for espio- with limited success.
nage:
Ethical is- Animal cruelty, lack of respect for animal rights, and the potential for unintended consequences and harm
sues to innocent animals.
Usage Such examples can be quoted in International Ethics / War ethics-related questions / Essays.
About Beluga whale: The beluga whale is an Arctic and sub-Arctic cetacean. It is 6 m long, related to dolphins, and known
for its chirps, clicks, whistles, and squeals. Distribution: Arctic and subarctic coastal waters; It sheds its skin every year,
turning from grey to white as it ages. IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
51.‘SHUTTLE DIPLOMACY’
About Shuttle diplomacy refers to a type of diplomacy where a mediator travels back and forth between two
or more parties in order to facilitate negotiations and resolve disputes. It is often used when direct talks
between the parties are not possible due to political, geographical, or security reasons.
Example Efforts made by then-U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in the 1970s to negotiate peace between
Israel and Egypt. Kissinger flew back and forth between Jerusalem and Cairo, meeting with leaders from
both sides, in order to broker a ceasefire and ultimately the Camp David Accords.
Present con- More recently, the term “shuttle diplomacy” has been used to describe the efforts made by Japanese
text: Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to mend ties between their two
countries.
Usage: Such terms can be directly asked in prelims or can be used in Mains in International Relations/Essay paper.
Current Affairs 30
FACTS FOR PRELIMS(FFP)

GS PAPER 1
INDIAN HERITAGE AND CULTURE
1. THRISSUR POORAM
2. VAISAKH PURNIMA 3. MRIDANGAM

Context:
The Ministry of Culture along with the International Bud-
dhist Confederation (IBC) celebrated the auspicious day of
Vaisakh Purnima.
Vaishakh Buddha Purnima (also known as Vesak or Buddha

Jayanti):
• It is the most sacred day of the year for Buddhists all
over the world as it marks the three main events of
Lord Buddha’s life -
 Birth (564 BC, Lumbini Province, Nepal),
 Enlightenment [Siddhartha became a Bud-
dha (“enlightened one”)], and
 Mahaparinirvana [Kushinagar (India) is said
to be the place of death of Gautama Bud-
dha].
• Since 1999 it has also been recognised by the United
Nations as the ‘UN Day of Vesak’.
• This year the Vaishakh Buddha Purnima is being cel-
ebrated on 5th May.
• The festival falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in
the Hindu month of Vaishakh (April or May)
Current Affairs 30
4. SENGOL Aspect Details

L o c a - Rudraprayag dis-
tion trict of Uttara-
khand
Signifi- It is the third of
cance the five Panch-
kedars of Ut-
tarakhand and a
significant pilgrim-
age site for Hindus
Special It is the only an-
Feature cient ‘Shivalaya’
of its kind locat-
ed at the highest
point above sea
level in Asia
A b o u t Panchkedars (“five+ Kedar (Shiva)”) are a group
Pa n c h - of five sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord
kedars Shiva, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyama-
heshwar, and Kalpeshwar. It is believed that the
Panchkedars were built by the Pandavas during
5. SARASWATI YANTRA the Mahabharata era.
7.RANG GHAR
Context:
The Rang Ghar amphitheatre (large open area surrounded
by rows of seats sloping upwards) in Assam’s Sivasagar dis-
trict has drawn criticism after a laser show projecting “reli-
gious symbols” as part of PM’s 100th Man Ki Baat episode
celebration.

About Rang Ghar:
Rang Ghar is a historical two-story amphitheatre, built
during the reign of Swargadeo Pramatta Singha in the mid-
18th century and served as a royal pavilion and amphithe-
atre during the Ahom dynasty. It is considered Asia’s first
amphitheatre and is known for its unique octagonal shape
and architectural features, including an inverted boat-
shaped roof topped with stone crocodiles.
6. TUNGNATH TEMPLE
Context:
As per the Archaeological Department of Uttarakhand, Ke-
dar Tungnath Temple will be declared a national monument
About the Temple
Current Affairs 30
8. SANTINIKETAN About Gongadi is a tra-

ditional woollen
blanket woven by
the indigenous Ku-
ruma and Kuruba
pastoralist commu-
nities.
Material It is made using the coarse wool of the Dec-
cani sheep, known locally as Nalla gorrae. It is
produced organically without using any dyes.
Durability Gongadi shawls are famous for their durabil-
ity and versatility. They are known for their
ability to withstand all weather conditions
and remain intact for a long time. The shawls
do not fade but grow darker in colour over
time.
11. MUZIRIS
Context:
The archaeological site of Pattanam, on the southwestern
coast in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, is believed to be part of
9. MOHENJODARO’S DANCING GIRL
the ancient port city of the Muziris.
Muchiri/Muziris
About Ancient harbour and an urban centre
Location
Malabar Coast. The exact location of Mu-

ziris is disputed. Excavations suggest some-
where near Pattanam, Kerala.
Evidence Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, Sangam lit-
erature, Pliny the Elder [in his Natural His-
tory, hailed Muziris as “the first emporium
of India]
10. GONGADI SHAWLS
Importance Key to the interactions (trade and com-
Context:
merce) between South India and Persia,
A group of alumni from the National Institute of Design
the Middle East, North Africa, and the
has repurposed Telangana’s woollen gongadi shawls into
(Greek and Roman) Mediterranean region
all-weather shoes for farmers.
C o m m o d i - Spices, semi-precious stones, pearls, dia-
ties export- monds, sapphires, ivory, Chinese silk, etc
About Gongadi Shawls: ed
Details
Current Affairs 30
Commodi- Gold coins, multicoloured textiles, sulphide ated with Chalukyan Emperor, Pulakeshin II of Badami
ties import- of antimony, copper, tin, lead, coral, raw
ed glass, wine, etc. Works of Shilabhattarika:
Decline Roman trade declined from the 5th centu- It adheres to the Panchali style that calls for a balance of
ry AD, the port attracted the Persian, Chi- words with its meaning. She inspired the Sanskrit poet-crit-
nese and Arab traders until the devastating ic Rajashekhara (who lived in the 9th-10th century CE)
floods of Periyar in 1341. and was the court poet of the Gurjara-Pratiharas and not-
ed Marathi poetess, Shanta Shelke drawn inspiration from
Recent find- DNA analysis suggests that the site was first
Shilabhattarika’s verse to compose one of her most icon-
ings occupied by the indigenous and ‘Megalith-
ic songs— toch chandrama nabhat (translated as ‘it is the
ic’ (Iron Age) people. A continuous inflow
same moon in the sky’).
of traders exemplified multicultural mixing
in ancient South India.
What are Copper-plate charters?
They are ancient inscriptions on copper plates that were
12. PANDYA: TRADE ROUTES BETWEEN RO- used as legal documents in India during the medieval pe-
MANS AND MADURAI riod. These plates were used to record land grants, dona-
tions, and other royal decrees. This charter had five plates,
Context: held together by a copper ring bearing a beautiful Varaha
The article discusses the historical trade routes between (boar) seal (trademark of the Badami Chalukyas)
Roman merchants and the city of Madurai in India (Pandya
Dynasty). About Chalukya dynasty (6th to 12th Century; founder:
Pulakeshin I):
It was a Classical Indian dynasty that ruled large parts of
southern and central India as three related yet individual
dynasties— “Badami Chalukyas”, ruled from Vatapi (mod-
ern Badami), Eastern Chalukyas (from Vengi) and Western
Chalukyas (from Kalyani)
About Pulakeshin II
He ruled from 610-642 CE. He defeated Harshavardhan of
Kanauj in a battle near the banks of the Narmada River in
618 CE.
14. MATRILINEAL MEGHALAYA
Context:
Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) ordered
not to issue an ST certificate to any Khasi person who adopts
their father’s surname as it is against the traditional custom
of inheriting the mother’s surname.
13. SHILABHATTARIKA What is the matrilineal system among Khasis?

It refers to a social and kinship system where descent and in-
Context: heritance are traced through the female line. In this system,
Researchers at the Pune-based Bhandarkar Oriental Re- family lineage, property, and clan membership are passed
search Institute in India have decoded copper plates reveal- down from mother to daughter. Among Khasis, the youngest
ing that the celebrated Sanskrit poetess Shilabhattarika was daughter (khatduh) of the family is entrusted the full share
a daughter of the “Satyashraya” Chalukyan ruler Pulakeshin of the ancestral - or the clan’s - property
II.
• Previously, it was thought that she was the wife of the The three tribes of Meghalaya — Khasis, Jaintias, and Ga-
8th-century Rashtrakuta ruler Dhruva ros — practise a matrilineal system of inheritance.
• The title of “Satyashraya” (patron of truth) was associ-
Current Affairs 30
About Khasis Tribe: S i g n i f i - To address the paucity of study material cre-

The Khasis are an indigenous community in Meghalaya. cance ated in regional languages primarily because
While the majority of Khasis are Christians now, their tra- of a lack of words to describe scientific phe-
ditional beliefs revolved around a Supreme Being called U nomena and technical terms.
Blei Nongthaw. The Khasi community celebrates festivals Also, the move is in line with the National Ed-
such as the Nongkrem Dance and Shad Suk Mynsiem. ucation Policy 2020 which promotes the use
of regional languages as a medium of educa-
tion in both school and college
About KHADC:
A b o u t CSTT (est. 1961; HQ: New Delhi) was estab-
• KHADC is a body under the Sixth Schedule of the Con-
CSTT lished under clause (4) of Article 344 of the
stitution.
Constitution of India, with the objective to
• The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides for
evolve technical terminology in all Indian Lan-
the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Megha-
guages.
laya, Tripura and Mizoram to safeguard the rights of
the tribal population in these states.
• It provides for autonomy in the administration of 16. INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM EXPO 2023
these areas through Autonomous District Councils
(ADCs), which are empowered to make laws in respect
Context:
of areas under their jurisdiction.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the International Museum
Expo 2023 in New Delhi to celebrate the 47th International
15.COMMISSION FOR SCIENTIFIC AND Museum Day (IMD).
TECHNICAL TERMINOLOGY (CSTT) • Also, India will have the world’s largest muse-
um, Yuge Yugeen Bharat, that will capture 5,000
years of India’s history.
Context:
The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology
(CSTT) under the Union Ministry of Education is working on More about Museums:
creating technical and scientific terminology in 10 underrep- Topic Description
resented Indian languages. Museum A museum is a place that preserves, col-
lects, exhibits and interprets various ob-
More about the Initiative: jects and artefacts of cultural, historical,
artistic, or scientific significance.
Objective To create scientific and technical terminology
in 10 Indian languages so that textbooks can About Inter- Observed on 18th May every year to raise
be developed in these tongues national Mu- awareness about museums.
seum Day
Languages Bodo, Santhali, Dogri, Kashmiri, Konkani, Ne-
Covered pali, Manipuri, Sindhi, Maithili, and Sanskrit About In- Membership association and NGO that
t e r n a t i o n a l establishes professional and ethical stan-
Focus area To create fundamental (basic) dictionaries
Council of dards for museums worldwide. The ICOM
with 5,000 words per language in digital,
Museum (est. Red Lists of Cultural Objects at Risk are
searchable format, free of cost. 1,000-2,000
1946; HQ: practical tools to curb the illegal traffic of
copies will be printed in each language
Paris) cultural objects.
D i s c i - Cover 15 disciplines including journalism,
I m p o r t a n c e It serves as a repository of knowledge,
plines cov- public administration, chemistry, botany,
of museums providing visitors with opportunities to
ered zoology, psychology, physics, economics,
learn, explore, and appreciate different
Ayurveda, mathematics, computer science,
aspects of human history, culture, and
political science, agriculture, civil and electri-
creativity. Provides inspiration from the
cal engineering
past and a sense of duty towards the fu-
Distribu- State education boards, universities, engi- ture.
tion neering institutes, and the National Testing
Efforts by the Annapurna statue stolen from Banaras
Agency
Indian Gov- (recently returned from Canada), Mahi-
ernment shasur Mardini statue stolen from Gujarat
(returned by New York’s Met Museum in
2018), and Chola Nataraja idols.
Current Affairs 30
Administra- Not all museums are administered by the Battle Battle of Haldighati fought in 1576 with Raja
tion of Muse- Ministry of Culture. Some are run inde- Man Singh of Amber, general of Mughal em-
ums in India pendently under a Board of Trustees. peror Akbar. Maharana Pratap was defeat-
Notable Mu- National Museum, New Delhi; National ed.
seums in In- Gallery of Modern Art, Bengaluru; Victo- Maharana Pratap’s loyal horse named Che-
dia ria Memorial Hall, Kolkata; Asiatic Society, Horse tak
Kolkata; National Museum of Natural His- Legacy Known for his bravery and patriotism to-
tory, New Delhi. wards his kingdom
17. FRANCE’S BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATIONS 19. SAMARTH RAMDAS AND CHHATRAPATI
SHIVAJI MAHARAJ
Context:
The NCP has demanded an “unconditional apology” from
a religious leader (Jaggi Vasudev) for making the claim that
Saint Samarth Ramdas was Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shiva-
ji’s guru.
Who was Samarth Ramdas/Sant Ramdas?

• Samarth Ramdas (1608 - 1681) was a Hindu saint, phi-
losopher, poet, writer and spiritual master.
• A devotee of Lord Ram and Hanuman, he has influenced
Hindu nationalist thinkers across the years like Lokman-
ya Tilak, KB Hedgewar and VD Savarkar.
• His Maruti Stotra is still commonly recited by school chil-
dren as well as wrestlers akharas across Maharashtra.
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

MODERN INDIA / PERSONALITIES • Shivaji Bhonsale I (1630-1680), popularly known as Ch-
hatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was a Maratha ruler from the
Bhonsle clan.
18. MAHARANA PRATAP • From the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur, Shiva-
ji carved out his own independent kingdom, laying the
Context: foundation of the Maratha Empire.
Prime Minister has called Maharana Pratap a symbol of cour- • At Raigad Fort in 1674, he was formally crowned Chha-
age, valour and pride while paying tributes on the Jayanti of trapati (Emperor) of his empire.
Maharana Pratap.
About
Description Details
Rana Pratap Singh (Maharana Pratap) was a Hindu Rajput
king of Mewar from the Sisodia dynasty. He fought sev-
eral major battles against Akbar including the Battle of
Haldighati in 1576 to resist the expansionist policy of the
Mughal empire
Capital Chittor (ruled by
Maharana Udai
Singh II)
City found- Udaipur (by Ma-
ed harana Udai
Singh II)
Current Affairs 30
What do historians say? Purpose To improve efficiency, coordination, and
• Shivaji Maharaj and Samarath Ramdas were contempo- governance of cities. E.g., digital twins can
raries. be used to optimize traffic flow and reduce
• Shivaji Maharaj gave donations to temples of Samarth congestion, improve the efficiency of pub-
Ramdas as well as other people and religions. lic transportation systems, manage energy
• There is no historical evidence to verify the fact that consumption, monitor air and water quali-
Samarth Ramdas was the guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji. ty, and identify areas that are vulnerable to
• This may be done for the maintenance of Brahmanical natural disasters.
supremacy.
Benefits Enables better planning of infrastructure
at lower costs. Can support climate-smart
20. GOPAL KRISHNA GOKHALE cities or green infrastructure. Can improve
healthcare, education, agriculture, and
other areas
Challenges Requires large amounts of data collection
and processing. Can be costly and time-con-
suming to develop. Requires expertise in
data analysis and 3D modelling
Future po- Could revolutionize the way we plan and
tential manage cities. Could improve the quality
of life for urban residents. This could lead
to more sustainable and efficient use of re-
sources
IMPORTANT GEOPHYSICAL PHE-

NOMENA/GEOGRAPHY
22. BLUE HOLE

Information
URBANIZATION, THEIR PROBLEMS

AND THEIR REMEDIES
21.DIGITAL TWINS
Context:
India may soon join the ranks of cities and countries such as
Singapore, Yingtan in China, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, etc. that
have built digital twins to enhance their efficiency, coordi- The blue hole is the second deepest marine sinkhole or
nation and governance. cavern discovered in Chetumal Bay, off the coast of the Yu-
catan Peninsula in Mexico
About digital twins:
Colour Dark blue, caused by the high trans-
It is a three-dimensional (3D) virtual representation of a parency of water and bright white
city or system that provides real-time insights into the per- carbonate sand
formance, operation, or profitability of a city. For example,
let’s say a city government wants to develop a new trans- Water Circulation Poor, commonly anoxic below a cer-
port system. By creating a digital twin of the city, they can tain depth
simulate the transport system and see how it will function Sea Life An unfavourable environment for
in real-world conditions. most sea life can support large num-
bers of bacteria that live off sulfur
compounds
Current Affairs 30
What are Blue They are large, undersea vertical 25.NORTHERN LIGHTS IN INDIA
Holes caves or sinkholes found in coastal
regions.
Karst formation Blue Holes are found on coastal karst
platforms around the world. They
are formed by the dissolution of sol-
uble rocks such as limestone, dolo-
mite, or gypsum
Deepest Blue Hole Dragon Hole (Longdong) in the South
China Sea
Overall Largest Great Blue Hole, located 100 kilome-
Blue Hole tres from the coast of Belize, is 300
meters wide and 125 meters deep
23.SEAMOUNTS
26.INDIA IS HEATING UP SLOWER THAN

THE WORLD AVERAGE
24. PALGHAT GAP
A.HEAT INDEX
Context:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced
plans to launch a composite index next year to measure the
impact of heat on India’s population.
About Heat Index:

Topic Information
Current Affairs 30
What is The heat index is the combination of air About the case:
the heat temperature and relative humidity, it is the The case involved Glock Asia-Pacific Limited, a pistol man-
index? measure of how hot it really feels when rela- ufacturing company, and the Centre (government). Glock
tive humidity is factored in with the actual air had a contract with the Ministry of Home Affairs to supply
temperature. pistols, but a dispute arose when the government invoked
Aim of the To quantify the impact of heat on its popu- a performance bank guarantee. Glock invoked arbitra-
new index lation and generate impact-based heatwave tion, but the government challenged the appointment of
alerts for specific locations. the arbitrator based on a tender condition.
P a r a m e - Temperature, humidity, wind, and duration
ters to be of exposure The Supreme Court decided in favour of Glock, stating that
used the arbitration clause allowing a government officer as an
S i g n i f i - The analysis will help generate heat hazard arbitrator conflicted with the law. The court appointed a
cance scores, which will be used as thresholds to retired Supreme Court judge as the arbitrator to resolve
issue impact-based heatwave alerts for spe- the dispute.
cific locations.
H e a t According to IMD data, there was a 24% in- Article 299 of the Constitution:
Waves in crease in the number of heat waves during It specifies the manner in which government contracts
India 2010-2019 compared to 2000-2009. Be- should be concluded and executed. The objective of this ar-
tween 2000 and 2019, the mortality rate for ticle is to ensure that contracts made by agents acting on
tropical cyclones decreased by 94% where- the government’s behalf adhere to a defined procedure to
as it increased by 62% for heat waves. Heat prevent unauthorized or illegitimate contracts that may de-
waves is not notified as a natural disaster at plete public funds.
the national level in the country.
Impact of Heat waves cause cramps, exhaustion, Provision Explanation
heat waves stress, heat stroke and very severe heat
waves even lead to death. The elderly, chil- Contracts must be All contracts made in the exercise
dren, and people with heart and respiratory expressed to be of executive power must be clearly
problems, kidney diseases and psychiatric made by President/ stated to be made by the President
disorders are particularly affected. Extreme Governor of India or the Governor of a State.
periods of high temperatures can lead to a Execution of con- Contracts and assurances of proper-
significant reduction in crop yields and cause tracts ty made in the exercise of executive
reproductive failure in many crops. power shall be executed on behalf
of the President or Governor by
persons authorized by them.
About IMD: The India Meteorological Department (found-
Personal liability Neither the President nor the Gov-
ed: 1875; HQ: New Delhi; Ministry of Earth Science) is the
exemption ernor shall be personally liable for
principal agency responsible for meteorological observa-
any contract or assurance made or
tions, weather forecasting and seismology in India
executed in accordance with Article
299.
Exemption for per- Individuals executing contracts on
GS PAPER 2 sons executing con-
tracts
behalf of the President or Governor
shall also not be personally liable
for those contracts.
INDIAN CONSTITUTION Compliance with Article 299 does not grant the gov-
statutory law ernment immunity from the appli-
cation of statutory laws when enter-
1.ARTICLE 299 OF THE CONSTITUTION ing into contracts. The government
is still bound by applicable laws.
Context:
The recent ruling by the Supreme Court states that when
the government enters into a contract under the President’s LOCAL GOVERNMENT
name, it cannot claim immunity from the legal provisions of
that contract under Article 299 of the Constitution.
2. QUOTA IN URBAN LOCAL BODIES
Current Affairs 30
Context: Reser- Provided in the 73rd & 74th Constitutional
The Haryana Cabinet has accepted the State Backward vation Amendment Act of 1992. Article 243T makes
Classes Commission’s report on the proportion of reserva- provisions provisions for the reservation of seats in
tions for the Backward Classes Block-A category in urban lo- for SC/ST ULBs.
cal bodies.
• Seats are reserved for the Scheduled
Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in every
Recommendation of the commission: Municipally.
• The commission has recommended that every munici- • Not less than one-third of the total
pal body should have at least one councillor belonging number of seats are reserved for women.
to BC (A) if its population is not less than two per cent of • The office of Chairpersons in the Mu-
the total population of the urban local body. nicipalities shall be reserved for the
• There are 78 backward classes in Haryana and 72 of Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes
them have been notified in the Block-A sub-category and and women.
six in the Block-B category.
Other Kalelkar Commission identified backward
Commis- classes other than SCs and STs in 1953. Man-
OBC reservation in local body polls: sions dal Commission (1980) estimated the OBC
Informa- Details population at 52% and recommended in-
tion creasing existing quotas to 49.5%.
Supreme As per the directions of the Supreme Court,
Court the reservation shall not exceed the aggre-
gate of 50% of the total seats reserved
Triple test
JUDICIARY
formula
3. HATE SPEECH
Context:
The Supreme Court of India has directed all states to regis-
ter FIRs (First Information Reports) against hate speech inci-
dents and proceed against the offenders without waiting for
someone to lodge a complaint.
About Hate Speech:

Topic Information
Definition An incitement to hatred primarily
In December 2021 the Supreme Court di- against a group of persons defined in
rected that reservation for OBCs in local bod- terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual
ies will not be permitted unless they fulfil the orientation, religious belief, etc.
triple test ( laid down in the SC’s own 2010 Forms Any form of expression including words,
decision) images, cartoons, objects, gestures,
Other Madhya Pradesh; 27% OBC reservations in lo- and symbols, can be disseminated of-
states cal body elections in Maharashtra; 33% quo- fline or online.
with OBC ta for OBCs in ULB polls in Karnataka Current Status Hate speech has not been defined in
reserva- in India any law in India. However, IPC, 1860 sec-
tion tions like 153A, 153B, 298, etc. deal with
speech or words that could create mis-
chief or cause imputations to national
integration.
Proposed Legis- The Law Commission of India has pro-
lation posed two new sections, Section 153C,
and Section 505A in IPC to criminalize
hate speech specifically.
Current Affairs 30
Rise in Cases According to the National Crime Records O f f i c i a l It empowers the Governor of a state to, with
Bureau (NCRB), there has been a huge Languages the previous consent of the President, au-
increase in cases registered to promote Act 1963 thorise the use of Hindi/the official language
hate speech and foster animosity in of the state, in addition to English, for the
society. As there were only 323 cases purpose of any judgement, decree or order
registered in 2014, it had increased to passed by the High Court of that state. How-
1,804 cases in 2020. ever, the judgement should follow an English
Punishment The punishment for hate speech is not translation.
defined in Indian law. However, the
Supreme Court has stated that hate S u b o r - Regional language determined by the state
speech statutes aim to prevent preju- d i n a t e government
dice and ensure equality. Courts
Hate Speech Vs Hate speech laws aim to prevent prej- (District
Blasphemy udice and ensure equality, while blas- Courts,
phemy laws prohibit criticism of reli- etc.)
gion, which is incompatible with the
principles of democratic societies. Sec-
tion 295(A) of the IPC punishes any 5. POWER TO DIRECT CHANGES IN STS LIST
speech, writings, or signs that insult cit-
izens’ religion or religious beliefs with a Context:
fine and imprisonment for up to three The CJI questioned why an old Constitution Bench judgment
years. which states that no court or State has the power to add/
subtract/modify the Scheduled Tribes List - was not shown
to the Manipur HC.
4. USE OF REGIONAL LANGUAGE IN
COURTS Background:
Violent clashes followed after a Single Judge Bench of the
Context: Manipur HC directed that the State government shall consid-
Union Law Minister has stated that regional languages er the case for the inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei communi-
should be used in courts in every state. ty (in Manipur) in the ST list, expeditiously.
About the Languages to be Used in Courts in India: Article 342 of the Indian Constitution:
Courts • Clause (1): The President may, with respect to any State
(after consultation with the Governor) or UT, by public
A r t i c l e Unless Parliament by law provides other-
notification, specify the tribes deemed to be ST in rela-
348(1)(a) wise, all proceedings before the Supreme
tion to that state or UT.
Court and in every High Court shall be con-
• Clause (2): The Parliament may by law include or exclude
ducted in English.
from the list of ST specified in the above notification.
A r t i c l e The Governor of a state may, with the previ- • The above Article also provides for listing of STs State/UT
348(2) ous consent of the President, authorise the wise and not on an all-India basis.
use of Hindi or any other language used for
any official purpose, in proceedings in the
The Maharashtra versus Milind (2000) case:
High Court except for any final judgement,
• A notification issued under Article 342 (1), specifying
decree or order (which has to be in English)
STs, can be amended only by law to be made by
Parliament.
E.g., the States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajas- • In other words, inclusion/exclusion from the list of
than and Madhya Pradesh have already au- STs issued under Article 342 (1) can be made only by
thorised the use of Hindi Parliament by law and by no other authority.
Current Affairs 30
Background:
The main petition was filed by Anuradha Bhasin, which chal-
lenged the curbs on the internet, media, and other prohibi-
tions imposed in the Kashmir region following the abroga-
tion of the special status of J&K.
Constitutional Articles Related to internet shutdown:

• Freedom of speech and expression and also freedom of
trade and commerce through the medium of the inter-
net are constitutionally protected rights under Articles
19(1)(a) and Articles 19(1)(g).
• Restriction on fundamental rights should be in accor-
dance with the mandate under Articles 19(2) and (6)
and in consonance with the test of proportionality.
• The test of proportionality is a legal principle used
to determine whether a governmental action is a
justified infringement on an individual’s fundamen-
tal rights or not.
Court had passed the following directions in the case:

An order suspending internet services indefinitely is imper-
missible under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Ser-
A. ARTICLE 355 vices (Public Emergency or Public Service) Rules, 2017.
1. Suspension can be utilized for a temporary duration
only.
2. Any order suspending internet issued under the Sus-
pension Rules must adhere to the principle of proportion-
ality and must not extend beyond the necessary duration
3. Any order suspending the internet under the Sus-
pension Rules is subject to judicial review.
7.FREEDOM TO PROTEST
Context:
The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently struck down a gov-
ernment order that aimed to regulate public meetings, pro-
cessions, and assemblies on roads, highways, and streets.
What was the issue?
The Andhra Pradesh government contended that its action
was necessary to regulate these activities in light of recent
accidents caused by processions on roads. However, the
Andhra High Court struck down the government order, stat-
ing that the tradition of public meetings and assemblies
holds historical, cultural, and political significance in the
country.
6. ANURADHA BHASIN’S CASE – INTERNET What did Andhra HC say:
SHUTDOWN Topic Summary
About Police The court analyzed relevant sections of
Context: Act 1861 the Police Act, 1861, and concluded that
The Supreme Court issued notice-seeking compliance with they give authorities the power to regu-
the judgment of the Apex Court in Anuradha Bhasin v. late (e.g., in case of “road blockage”), but
Union of India and Ors, wherein it had laid down guidelines not completely restrict, assemblies and
with respect to the internet shutdown. processions on public roads.
Current Affairs 30
Fundamental The right to assemble, to protest peace- to an imbalance in the workload of courts.
Rights fully, and to express one’s opinion freely • The Supreme Court has condemned this practice. It has
is an important freedom which cannot be no sanction in law and must be discouraged.
taken away. • Ethical issues: Unfair advantage; Manipulation of the le-
gal system
Constitutional Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution
Provision guarantees the right to freedom of speech
and expression. Article 19(1)(b) protects Recourse available with courts in case of ‘forum Shopping’:
the right to assemble peaceably and with- • Courts may exercise discretionary powers and refuse
out arms. jurisdiction over a matter if another court or forum is
more suitable. This ensures that cases are allocated to
I m p o r t a n c e Freedom of speech is considered the
the appropriate bench and promotes fairness and jus-
of freedom of “bulwark” of democracy and is regarded
tice.
speech and as the first in the hierarchy of liberties. It
• Courts can impose fines on litigants
democracy plays a crucial role in safeguarding dem-
ocratic principles and ensuring open dia-
logue and expression of ideas. SC judgements on ‘Forum Shopping’:
SC guidelines The Supreme Court, in the case of Maz- • SC in 1998 (Chetak Construction Ltd. vs. Om Prakash):
door Kisan Shakti Sangathan vs Union of “A litigant cannot be permitted choice of the forum,”
India, laid down guidelines for regulating and that every attempt at forum shopping “must be
protests and demonstrations. crushed with a heavy hand.”
• SC (2017) (‘Union of India & Ors. vs. Cipla Ltd.’): SC
These guidelines include regulating the laid down a “functional test” to be adopted for forum
intended number of participants, pre- shopping.
scribing minimum distances, imposing • SC (2022) (Vijay Kumar Ghai vs. State of W.B.): Su-
restrictions on certain routes, and disal- preme Court termed forum shopping as a “disreputa-
lowing the carrying of weapons. ble practise by the courts” that “has no sanction and
paramountcy in law”.
Protest vs Protests are broader expressions of dis-
Strike sent or objection by individuals or groups
on various issues. Strikes, on the other Related term:
hand, specifically refer to organized work The practice of “bench hunting” refers to petitioners at-
stoppages by employees seeking im- tempting to have their cases heard by a specific judge or
proved labour conditions. court in order to obtain a favourable order.
Right to pro- In India, the right to protest is a funda-
test vs right to mental right under Article 19 of the Con-
strike stitution. However, the right to strike is 9. INDEPENDENCE OF DISTRICT JUDICIARY
not a fundamental right but a legal right,
protected by specific labour laws and reg- Context:
ulations. SC has held that the independence of the district judiciary is
part of the basic structure of the Constitution and judicial in-
dependence from the executive and the legislature requires
8. ‘FORUM SHOPPING’ the judiciary to have a say in matters of finances.
Context:
Recently, CJI Chandrachud has condemned ‘forum shop-
ping’.
Forum shopping refers to the practice of litigants or lawyers

deliberately selecting a particular judge or court where they
believe the judgment will be more favourable to their case.
This practice involves choosing a court that is likely to pro-
vide the most favourable outcome, rather than following
the standard legal process.
Issues with Forum Shopping:

• It circumvents the normal course of justice and can lead
Current Affairs 30
SC observations:
• The independence of the district judiciary is a vital 10. CANTONMENTS
part of the independent judicial system, which is, in Context:
turn, part of the basic structure of the Constitution. The Indian Army is planning to merge civilian areas at can-
District judiciary was the backbone of the judicial sys- tonments with municipal corporations and municipalities
tem and designate them as military stations.
• ‘Doctrine of Inherent Powers of the Judiciary’: Judi- What is the plan?
ciary must possess the inherent power to compel pay- Plan is to carve out the military areas in cantonments and
ment of those sums of money which are reasonable convert them into “exclusive military stations” with the
and necessary to carry out its mandated responsibili- Army exercising “absolute control” over them. The civilian
ties, and its powers and duties to administer justice. areas, in turn, will be merged with the local municipalities
This doctrine is only the logical conclusion of separa- so as to provide them with the benefits of various govern-
tion of powers and ensures that the independence of ment schemes.
the judiciary is secured • The first cantonment to be renamed a military station is
• Significance of District Judiciary: The district judiciary Yol in Himachal Pradesh
is, in most cases, also the court which is most acces- • Not all cantonments will become military stations as
sible to the litigant. On a single day, the district ju- some army and civilian pockets are intertwined.
diciary handled nearly 11.3 lakh cases. Even during
the period of the pandemic, the district judiciary was
efficient and undertook its functions to ensure that What are the issues with Cantonments?
justice was delivered in a timely manner. Cantonments have strict restrictions on construction, road
use, and common area occupation, causing tension be-
tween civilians and the military. Civilians face challenges in
About the Basic Structure Doctrine: obtaining home loans and accessing government schemes.
The Kesavananda Bharati judgment introduced the Basic Even basic renovations require multiple permissions.
Structure doctrine which limited Parliament’s power to
make drastic amendments that may affect the core values About Cantonment:
enshrined in the Constitution like secularism and federal-
Information
ism. The verdict upheld the power of the Supreme Court
to judicially review the laws of Parliament. Defini- A proclaimed area under the Cantonments
tion Act, 2006, governed and controlled by the cen-
tral government of India to provide municipal
services for civilians living in the area.
Catego- Cantonment Boards are categorized into four
ries categories based on population: Category I
(>50,000), Category II (10,000-50,000), Catego-
ry III (2,500-10,000), and Category IV (<2,500).
Authority Cantonment Board is an authority under the
Ministry of Defence.
Composi- Consists of eight members: three ex-officio
tion members, three nominated military members
(garrison engineer, station commander, and
senior executive medical officer), and one rep-
resentative of the district magistrate.
Services Sanitation, primary education, street lighting,
Provided water supply, maintenance of roads, bridges,
and public hospitals.
Canton- Cantonments are civilian areas that are under
ments vs the control of the military, and they usually
M i l i ta r y have a civilian population living in them as
station well. Military stations, on the other hand, are
purely military areas where only military per-
STATUTORY, REGULATORY AND VAR- sonnel and their families reside.
IOUS QUASI-JUDICIAL BODIES.
Current Affairs 30
IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF GOVER- 12. NATIONAL CENTRE FOR GOOD GOVER-

NANCE, TRANSPARENCY AND AC- NANCE (NCGG)
Context:
COUNTABILITY, E-GOVERNANCE; The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) in India is
POLICY, LEGISLATIONS expanding its capacity to train more civil servants from dif-
ferent countries due to increased demand for its programs in
public policy and governance.
11. PREVENTION OF MONEY LAUNDERING
ACT (PMLA) About NCGG:
Information
Context:
NCGG is an autonomous institution under the Ministry
To further tighten its control of practising accountants, the
of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, previous-
Centre has brought within the ambit of the PMLA their “fi-
ly known as the National Institute of Administrative Re-
nancial transactions”.
search (NIAR).
Establishment Set up in 2014
What are the new rules?
• Chartered accountants, company secretaries, etc., will Mandate Work in areas of public policy, gover-
now be required to go through the Know Your Company nance, reforms and capacity building of
(KYC) process before commencing work. civil servants of India and other develop-
• This implies accountants are now reporting entities if ing nations
they are managing their clients’ money. G o v e r n i n g It is governed by a Governing Body, un-
Body der the Chairmanship of the Cabinet
Significance: The move aims at curbing fraudulent practices Secretary.
by which accountants allegedly help their clients to launder National Good Observed annually on December 25
money. Governance
Day
Need: The efforts are being taken ahead of the assessment
of India under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) - a
global regulator that assesses country compliance in tackling
13.E-MALKHANA
Context:
global money laundering and terror financing.
Visakhapatnam City police is set to introduce e-Malkhana in
all police stations by June this year.
What does the PMLA say about reporting entities?
What is e-Malkhana?
They are required to maintain a record of all transactions
and furnish them to financial intelligence units (FIUs). e-Malkhana is a scientific storage system implemented by
the Visakhapatnam Police Commissionerate to preserve
and organize items and evidence recovered from crime
scenes.
Features:
The system uses standardized cardboard boxes labelled
with unique numbers and QR codes for easy retrieval and
access to case-related information.
• Benefits: It enhances efficiency, transparency, and
the chain of custody for law enforcement officials.
Other such measures are: Crime and Criminal Tracking
Network and Systems (CCTNS), e-Courts, e-Prisons, Na-
tional Database on Sexual Offenders (NDSO), Integrated
Criminal Justice System (ICJS), etc.
14. NATIONAL E-VIDHAN APPLICATION

(NEVA)
Current Affairs 30
Context: his name from the voter list.
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs is organizing a two-day Unique features in the Bill:
National Workshop on the National e-Vidhan Application ‘Geofencing of blocks’ to be covered under the Sample Reg-
(NeVA) in New Delhi. istration System (SRS) is being done so that the enumerator
cannot fudge the data and responsibility is fixed.
What is NeVA? • Geofencing refers to the creation of virtual bound-
It is a workflow system deployed on the NIC Cloud, MeghRaj, aries or perimeters around specific geographical ar-
designed to facilitate smooth proceedings of the Parliament eas.
or State Assembly House and efficient handling of legisla-
About Birth rate:
tive business in a paperless manner.
It refers to the number of births per 1,000 individuals in a
population over a specific period, typically measured per
Aim: NeVA aims to eliminate the need for physical notices year. It is an indicator of the fertility level within a popu-
or data collection requests and brings all legislatures onto a lation.
single platform, creating a centralized data repository.
About the Death rate:
Also known as mortality rate, it refers to the number of
Features: deaths per 1,000 individuals in a population over a specific
It is a device-neutral and member-centric application that period, usually measured per year. It represents the mor-
provides members with comprehensive information, such as tality or death occurrence within a population.
contact details, rules of procedure, a list of business, no-
tices, bills, questions and answers, committee reports, and
more, directly on their handheld devices or tablets. Naga- A. CENSUS IN INDIA
land and Himachal Pradesh have become paperless assem-
blies using the NeVA application. Context:
The next Census form in India will only include six religion
options: Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain,
About e-Vidhan: It is a Mission Mode Project (MMP) under despite demands from several communities to be counted
the Digital India Programme being implemented by the as separate religions.
Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) with technical
support from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Definition of The total process of collecting, compil-
Technology (MietY). It is a Central Sponsored Scheme. It Population Cen- ing, analyzing and disseminating de-
aims to digitize and bring all the legislatures of the country sus mographic, economic and social data
together, in one platform thereby creating a massive data pertaining, at a specific time, to all per-
depository. sons in a country or a well-defined part
of a country.
Constitutional The population census is a Union sub-
Backing ject under Article 246 of the India Con-
15. LINK DEATH AND BIRTH REGISTER
stitution; 69th in the seventh schedule
of the constitution
Context:
A Bill to link birth and death register with electoral rolls will
be introduced in the Parliament. Changes introduced in the upcoming Census:
• On religion: The Census officials dropped the detailed
Need: codes for religion (e.g., Sarnaism, the Lingayat religion,
• If the birth and death certificate data are preserved in a etc.) that were designed based on data collected during
special way, development works can be planned prop- the 2011 Census. Respondents can write the name of
erly. any other religion, but no separate code will be provid-
• Interlinking of various schemes ed.
• New questions introduced: The Census will introduce
new questions, such as whether individuals consume
For Example: packaged or bottled water and factors responsible for
As soon as a person turns 18, the Election Commission will migration, including natural calamities. There will be ad-
intimate him and make his voter card. ditional questions about travel time, modes of transport,
In case of someone’s death, the Census registrar will send types and causes of disabilities, and property ownership.
a notice to the family that they have received information • Digital Census: The next Census will be the first digital
about the person’s death and the family has 15 days to ob- Census, allowing respondents to fill in the questionnaire
ject, following which the Election Commission will remove from their homes.
Current Affairs 30
• Code directory: For the first time, a code directory —
containing possible responses and their matching codes
for questions involving descriptive and non-numeric en-
tries — has been prepared for the use of enumerators
during the second phase of Census 2021. It will facilitate
data processing and reduce bias and errors in the de-
scriptive responses.
About PM CARES Fund:

Census 2021, which was to be conducted in two phases,
Launched It was created on 27 March 2020, following
has been postponed indefinitely, due to the COVID-19
the COVID-19 pandemic, for the purpose of
pandemic. The 31 questions for the first phase — House
redressing the pandemic in India.
listing and Housing Schedule — were notified on January
9, 2020. As many as 28 questions have been finalised for Nature It is a private fund used at the discretion of
the second phase — the Population Enumeration — but the PM and the Fund’s trustees, and does not
are yet to be notified. form a part of the Government of India’s ac-
counts.
Chairman The PM of India is the ex-officio chairman of
GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND IN- the fund
TERVENTIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT Trustees • Ex-officio trustees include the Minister
of Defence; the Minister of Home Affairs
IN VARIOUS SECTORS AND ISSUES and the Minister of Finance.
ARISING OUT OF THEIR DESIGN AND • The PM has nominated three trustees -
Justice K T Thomas (retd), Kariya Munda
IMPLEMENTATION. and Ratan N Tata - to the Board.
Benefits Donations to PM CARES Fund would qualify -
16. PM CARES FUND • For 100% exemption under the Income
Tax Act, 1961.
Context: • To be counted as Corporate Social Re-
The PM’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situ- sponsibility (CSR) expenditure under the
ations Fund (PM CARES Fund) received Rs 535.44 crore as Companies Act, 2013.
foreign donations during the last 3 years. • It has also got exemption under the FCRA
and a separate account for receiving for-
eign donations has been opened.
Current Affairs 30
About SBM-Gramin:
The Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) Phase I was
17. SAKSHAM LEARNING MANAGEMENT
launched in 2014 to eliminate open defecation in rural areas
INFORMATION SYSTEM by 2019. Phase II, implemented from 2020-21 to 2024-25,
focuses on sustainability of ODF status. It also includes:
Context: • Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM)
The Union Health Ministry has launched the SAKSHAM • Plastic Waste Management (PWM)
(Stimulating Advanced Knowledge for Sustainable Health • Faecal Sludge Management (FSM)
Management) Learning Management Information System • GOBARdhan
(LMIS) developed by the National Institute of Health & Fam- • Information Education and Communication
ily Welfare (NIHFW) • Behaviour Change Communication
Topic Details • Capacity Building
Ministry Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
System Name SAKSHAM LMIS is a dedicated and uni-
fied platform for providing online train-
ing and medical education to all health
professionals in the country
Capacity Build- Ensures inclusive capacity building of
ing health professionals from primary health
centres located in rural and remote areas
up to tertiary care and corporate hospi-
tals in metropolitan cities
Other pro- Saksham Anganwadi (Ministry of Wom-
grams with the en and Child Development); Project
name ‘SAKSH- Saksham (Indian Railways- for increas-
AM’ ing the productivity and efficiency of its
employees); SAKSHAM awareness cam-
paign (Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas) to spread awareness about green
energy
18. ODF PLUS STATUS
Context:
India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti has announced that over half of
the nation’s villages have achieved ODF Plus status under
the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) Phase II.
Meaning of ODF+ status: 19. BLOOD DONATION BY LGBTQ

These villages not only maintain their Open Defecation
Free (ODF) status but also implement solid or liquid waste
management systems. Context:
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ended the
longstanding restrictions on gay and bisexual men from do-
Leading states: Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Ut- nating blood.
tar Pradesh are among the top-performing states, while Goa
and Sikkim lead among smaller states. Over 1 lakh gram
panchayats have also passed resolutions banning Single Use Background:
Plastic. The prohibition was first implemented during the HIV/AIDS
crisis in the 1980s and has been long decried as discrimina-
tory by the LGBTQI+ community and its supporters.
Current Affairs 30
New guidelines: The portal introduces three reforms:
• Donors have to answer a questionnaire and they will be • CEIR for blocking stolen/lost mobiles
screened based on their recent sexual activity rather • Know Your Mobile Connections for checking registered
than their sexual orientation or sex. connections
• Have done away with the three-month deferral period • ASTR (Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition pow-
for monogamous MSM, but it stays in place for those ered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification)
who have had new or multiple partners in the past three for identifying fraudulent subscribers.
months.
Aim: The initiative is designed to prevent frauds such as
Benefit: The new changes have been introduced to boost identity theft and banking fraud by misusing mobile phones.
blood donations across the US and address the discriminato-
ry nature of the existing policy. Achievement of the Portal: Over 40 lakh fraudulent con-
nections have been identified and 36 lakhs disconnected
India: Transgenders, gay people, and female sex workers ar- through the portal. Disconnected numbers have been shared
en’t allowed to donate blood. This is according to clauses with financial institutions and social media platforms for
12 and 51 of the ‘Guidelines for Blood Donor Selection & further action.
Blood Donor Referral, 2017’ issued by the National Blood Sanchar Saathi initiative: It includes modules for IMEI reg-
Transfusion Council (NBTC) and the National Aids Control istration, fraud detection, and facial recognition-based ver-
Organisation on October 11, 2017. ification.
Portal developed by: Department of Telecom
Reason for ban: Government argues that there is substantial
evidence to show that LGBTQ is at risk for HIV, Hepatitis B or
A. CEIR SYSTEM
C infections.
Context:
20. PENSION ADALAT The Indian government has launched the Central Equipment
Context: Identity Register (CEIR) tracking system to combat mobile
Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare is set to phone theft.
inaugurate an all-India pension adalat aimed at resolving
chronic pension cases. About the CEIR system:
• Status: The initiative was started in 2017 and has orga- Central Equipment Identity Register is a tracking system
nized seven all-India pension adalats so far (the current to combat mobile phone theft and facilitate the blocking
one is the 8th Adalat). and tracking of lost or stolen mobile phones across the
• Benefits: The adalat brings together all stakeholders in- country. CEIR serves as a central depository or database of
volved in a grievance on a common platform to ensure International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers,
speedy resolution and timely pension processing. models, versions, and other details of mobile devices.
I m p l e m e nt i n g Centre for Department of Telematics
Other initiatives: Body (CDoT)
• Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare has
Pan-India De- Ready for pan-India launch on May 17,
decided to integrate various portals, including pension
ployment 2023
disbursing bank portals, ANUBHAV, CPENGRAMS, and
CGHS, with the newly created “iIntegrated pensioners’ Key Features In-built mechanism to detect cloned
portal” (ipension.nic.in) mobile phones; Access to Internation-
• Bhavishya portal (to access pension slip, check the sta- al Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)
tus of life certificate submission, and obtain Form-16) number and associated mobile num-
• SANKALP (It is a project to channelize the skill, experi- ber; Prevent revenue loss to the gov-
ence and time available with Central Government Pen- ernment; Mandate disclosure of IMEI
sioners into meaningful social intervention) number prior to mobile device sale;
Block unauthorized mobile phones on
telecom networks
21.SANCHAR SAATHI PORTAL Success Story Karnataka Police used the CEIR system
to recover and return over 2,500 lost
Context: mobile phones
Ministry of Communications has launched the Sanchar Existing Systems Apple has a tracking system through
Saathi portal, which aims to enhance the safety and security Apple ID for its devices, but Android
of mobile phone users in India. phones face challenges in this regard
Current Affairs 30
Impact Use of stolen mobile phones will be- Concerns: Civil society representatives have raised concerns
come futile about the potential for increased prices by generic manu-
facturers.
Challenges Database maintenance authority; Clon-
ing or reprogramming of stolen mobile
phones; Potential blocking of authentic WELFARE SCHEMES FOR VULNERA-
IMEI numbers when blocking cloned
ones BLE SECTIONS OF THE POPULATION
About IMEI numbers: 23. TWENTY POINT PROGRAMME

International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique 15-dig-
it code that precisely identifies the device. Mobile Context:
phone manufacturers assign IMEI numbers to each de- The Indian government has achieved more than 90% target
vice based on ranges allotted to them by the Global Sys- completion in six out of 14 parameters under the Twenty
tem for Mobile Communications Association. Dual SIM Point Programme, according to data from the Ministry of
phones will have two IMEI numbers. Statistics and Programme Implementation.
22. PRICES OF DRUGS GOING OFF-PATENT What is the Twenty Point Programme?
Iinitially launched in 1975, and restructured in 1982, 1986,
and 2006, it’s a package of government programs, with the
Context:
aim of improving the quality of life in rural areas. The pro-
The government has introduced a formula to determine the
gram includes a range of schemes related to poverty allevi-
pricing of medicines that are losing their patent exclusivity.
ation, employment generation, education, health, housing,
and environmental protection.
Patents in India:
A patent for drugs in India gives the patent holder exclusive Monitoring: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Im-
rights to manufacture, use, sell, or import the patented drug plementation (MOSPI) monitors the performance of the TPP
in India for a specified period, typically 20 years from the based on reports received from state governments and cen-
date of filing the patent application. tral nodal ministries.
Prices of Medicine in India: ISSUES RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) (under AND MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL SEC-
the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizer) has been estab-
lished to fix/revise prices of medicines under the Drugs (Pric- TOR/SERVICES RELATING TO HEALTH,
es Control) Order (DPCO), 2013. EDUCATION, HUMAN RESOURCES.
The new formula:
• For the off-patent price of a medicine (patented under
24. ‘POSHAN BHI, PADHAI BHI’ CAMPAIGN
the Patent Act, 1970): It will be capped at 50% of its
original cost. After one-year ceiling price will be revised Context:
again based on market data. The government plans to focus on early childhood care and
• For Generic version: When generic versions become education in 14 lakh Anganwadi centres, reimagining them
available, the price will be determined based on the av- as pre-schools providing early learning opportunities, ac-
erage price of similar versions. cording to the ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ campaign launched
• For Fixed Dose Combinations (FDC), where one compo- by the Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani
nent is going off patent, the ceiling price will be revised in September 2022.
to 50% of the current ceiling price.
• For innovative drugs not available in India: An expert About the “Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi” campaign for Early
committee will decide the price cap. Childhood Care and Education (ECCE):
Aspect Details
Significance of the move: The move aims to streamline pric-
ing and encourage competition in the market. Also, it will Target Age Group Children under 6 years, especially un-
reduce the prices of the patented drugs which are a part of der 3 years
the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM)
Current Affairs 30
National Educa- Prioritizes foundational literacy and 2022, compared to 2.2 per cent in 2012.
tion Policy numeracy with emphasis on Child’s • India is the largest country in southern Asia, where half
Mother tongue of all children with wasting in the world live
• More than three-quarters of all children with severe
R e c o m m e n d a - “Rebranding of anganwadis” with up-
wasting live in Asia
tions of High-Lev- graded infrastructure; Re-designation
• There is insufficient progress to reach the 2025 World
el Task Force on of Anganwadis workers as Anganwa-
Health Assembly (WHA) global nutrition targets and
ECCE (2022) di teachers, and helpers as childcare
UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goal target 2.2.
workers; Creche facilities for children
under 3 years; Develop common
curriculum across different models 26.PROGRAMMES FOR SOCIAL SECURITY
and emphasis on education in child’s COVER
mother tongue.
What is Early It refers to the formative stage of the
Childhood? first six years of life, with well-marked
sub-stages and age-specific needs.
What is Anganwa- Anganwadi is a type of rural child care
di? centre that serves as a crucial link be-
tween the government and the ru-
ral population, particularly pregnant
women, new mothers, and children
under the age of six. Anganwadi cen-
tres provide basic health care, nutri-
tion, and early childhood education
services to women and children in
their respective villages.
25.INDIA’S CHILD WASTING
27. STARS PROGRAMME
Context:
The Ministry of Education and the World Bank organized a
workshop on School-to-Work Transition under the STARS
Program.
Aim: The workshop aimed to strengthen vocational educa-

tion and discuss skill gap analysis in the six STARS states.
About STARS Programme:

Dimension Description
The Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for
States (STARS) Programme is a World Bank aided initiative,
to improve the quality and governance of school educa-
Other findings: tion in six Indian states of Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Mad-
• India had a stunting rate of 31.7 per cent in 2022, down hya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Rajasthan through
from 41.6 per cent in 2012 the Samagra Shiksha.
• India had an overweight percentage of 2.8 per cent in
Current Affairs 30
Type of It would be implemented as a new Cen- evaluation methodologies to enhance credibility, recog-
Scheme trally Sponsored Scheme under the nition of certificates, and grades obtained across boards.
Department of School Education and • Unification also aims to address the prevailing rote ex-
Literacy, Ministry of Education. amination culture and promote holistic assessments
that encompass various dimensions of a student’s abili-
Objectives Improve learning assessment systems,
ties and potential.
strengthen classroom instruction and re-
• It emphasizes the importance of well-designed ques-
mediation, facilitate school-to-work tran-
tion papers, balanced assessments, and reducing the
sition, and strengthen governance and
burden of high-stakes examinations while effectively
decentralized management.
measuring student progress.
Expected Ben- Around 250 million students (between
eficiaries the age of 6 and 17) in 1.5 million schools
and over 10 million teachers will benefit About PARAKH:
from this USD 500 million programme. It has been launched as part of the implementation of the
National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 which envisaged a
Vision The program strengthens public school
standard-setting body to advise school boards regarding
education and supports India’s goal of
new assessment patterns and the latest research and pro-
providing ‘Education for All’.
mote collaborations between them.
Components of the Project
• It will be tasked with holding periodic learning out-
C o n t i n g e n - This component enables the program to comes tests like the National Achievement Survey
cy Emergen- be responsive to any natural, man-made, (NAS) and State Achievement Surveys.
cy Response and health disasters. It helps the govern- • It will work on three major assessment areas: large-
C o m p o n e n t ment respond to situations leading to loss scale assessments, school-based assessments, and
(CERC) of learning such as school closures/infra- examination reforms.
structure damage and inadequate facili-
ties.
PARAKH PARAKH serves as a National Assess-
ment Centre. It sets norms for student
assessment and evaluation for all school
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, NEWS
boards across the country. It also guides & ORGANIZATIONS
standardized testing to monitor learning
outcomes at the state and national levels.
Success Sto- India has successfully achieved gender 28.KALADAN MULTIMODAL TRANSIT
ries parity in enrolment in primary educa- TRANSPORT PROJECT (KMTTP)
tion but that is not the case in second-
ary education. India has significantly im- Context:
proved access to education across the India has officially begun the operation of the Sittwe Port
country. in Myanmar by flagging off a vessel containing 1,000 metric
tonnes of cement from the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in
Kolkata.
A. PARAKH
About Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project
Context: (KMTTP):
The Ministry of Education organised a workshop with the aim
of unifying the 60 school examination boards operating in Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) connec
different States and union territories under one umbrella. we seaport in Rakhine State, Myanmar by sea. In Myanmar, it will
the Kaladan river boat route, and then from Paletwa by road to M
• The main component of this plan is PARAKH or the
National Assessment Centre which has been set up
as an organisation under the National Council of Ed-
ucational Research and Training.
Need for unifying various school boards:

• To establish a common platform and framework that
ensures fairness, equity, and seamless transitions for
students across different boards and regions.
• To align curriculum standards, grading systems, and
Current Affairs 30
Route Kolkata (India) - Sittwe

(Myanmar) - Paletwa (Myan-
mar) - India-Myanmar bor-
der
Significance Reduce distance from Kol-
kata to Sittwe by approx-
imately 1328 km; reduce
the need to transport goods
through the narrow Siliguri
corridor; create an alterna-
tive route to connect north-
east and mainland India
Status Under construction; Sittwe
port expected to be opera-
tional by early next year
29. INDIA-BANGLADESH RAIL LINK

30. NORTH-SOUTH ASIA CORRIDOR
Context:
The Indian Ministry of Railways has handed over 20 Broad Context:
Gauge locomotives to Bangladesh to support the increasing In a recent meeting between India’s National Security Advi-
volume of passenger and freight train operations. sor and his US, Saudi Arabia, and UAE counterparts, a pro-
posal for linking countries in West Asia through rail net-
works and roads, as well as building corridors between the
Currently, three pairs of passenger trains operate between
region and South Asia through sea lanes came up.
India-Bangladesh. These are:
• Kolkata-Dhaka: Maitree Express
• Kolkata-Khulna: Bandhan Express About the plan for the North-South Asia corridor:
• New Jalpaiguri- Dhaka: Mitali Express Topic Information
Proposal Link countries in West Asia through rail net-
Further planned sections are: works and roads, as well as build corridors
• Akhaura-Agartala rail link between the region and South Asia through
• Mahihasan-Shahbazpur rail link sea lanes.
Other train links between India and its neighbouring R e s p o n s e China’s Belt and Road Initiative
countries: to
• India-Nepal: Janakpur-Jaynagar Railway (Jay- Viability a) Asian countries now understand the is-
nagar-Kurtha) sues with China’s “debt trap” diplomacy,
• India-Pakistan: Thar Express (Jodhpur-Karachi) (sus- b) There is a visible reduction in the rivalry
pended indefinitely) between the West Asian countries, c) Indian
• India-Myanmar: The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilat- expertise in railways as demonstrated re-
eral Highway (Under construction) cently in Sri Lanka
De-hyphen- The Abraham Accords of 2020 functionally
Additionally, the Indian government has offered Bangla- ation normalised ties between Israel and the UAE
desh the use of the IT system deployed by the PM-GATI and Bahrain. Similarly, Saudi Arabia and Iran
SHAKTI scheme, which provides detailed geospatial infor- also restored their ties earlier this year.
mation for better planning and streamlining.
Current Affairs 30
Challenges a) Land connectivity with West Asia remains markets.

for India a challenge for India, due to the India-Paki-
stan issue, b) the new project will test India’s
balancing act with Russia and China and
Russia and the West.
Advantages Provide energy security, Increase India’s
for India credibility in project execution, Increase em-
ployability
O t h e r International North-South Transport Cor-
t r a n s p o r t ridor (INSTC); Ashgabat Agreement; In-
corridors in dia-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway;
India India-Iran-Afghanistan Road Transport Cor-
ridor
32. WASHINGTON DECLARATION
Context:
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the U.S. on
April 25 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of U.S.-South
Korea bilateral relations. During the visit, the two countries
signed the “Washington Declaration,” which focuses on nu-
clear deterrence strategy.
About Washington Declaration:

31. ‘ROUTE TO DEVELOPMENT’
Dimension Description
Context: Purpose The Washington Declaration is an agree-
Iraq has launched a $17 billion project to connect a major ment signed between the United States
commodities port on its southern coast to the border with and South Korea, outlining a joint nuclear
Turkey, aiming to transform the country’s economy and es- deterrence strategy.
tablish it as a transit hub between Asia and Europe. Measures The declaration specifies several measures
that the two countries will take in coopera-
Aim: Revitalize Iraq’s aged transport network and open up tion towards deterrence, including:
development opportunities in vast areas of the country. • Deployment of an American nuclear
ballistic submarine in the Korean pen-
Completion time: The project is expected to be completed insula
by 2029. • Formation of a nuclear consultative
group to formulate principles of joint
response tactics
Connection: The Development Road project will link the • Strengthening of South Korea’s nucle-
Grand Faw Port in Iraq’s oil-rich south to Turkey, with plans ar deterrence capabilities
for high-speed trains, local industry connections, and po-
Non-prolifer- The declaration reaffirms that South Korea
tentially oil and gas pipelines.
ation would not make its own nuclear capabili-
ties and would instead focus on deterrence
Benefit for India: The project would provide India with a measures through an alliance-based ap-
shorter and more efficient trade corridor, reducing trans- proach.
portation time and costs for Indian goods to reach European
Current Affairs 30
Nuclear Con- The declaration makes it possible for the Work IOM works in four broad areas of migra-
s u l t a t i v e US and South Korea to establish a Nucle- tion management—Migration and devel-
Group ar Consultative Group (NCG) similar to the opment, facilitating migration, regulating
one that exists between the US and NATO. migration, and Forced migration.
Through this group, South Korea can have Members It has 175 member states. India is a mem-
more control over nuclear response plan- ber of IOM.
ning and coordination, although the nu-
Significance The IOM, with predominantly American
clear weapons will be under the exclusive
leadership, plays a significant role in ad-
control of the US.
dressing global migration challenges, pro-
Authority The declaration mandates the U.S. Presi- viding assistance to migrants, and advising
dent as the only ‘sole authority’ to use the governments on migration-related policies.
nuclear arsenal of the U.S. in the event of a
nuclear confrontation.
Criticisms of The Washington Declaration (WD) has 34. MIGRATION, MOBILITY PACT WITH
the Declara- been criticized for not achieving anything
tion substantial and only reiterating what was AUSTRALIA (MMPA)
already inherent in the US-South Korea
alliance. China and North Korea have crit- Context:
icized the agreement. India and Australia signed a migration partnership agree-
Significance While India is not a direct participant in ment during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Austra-
for India this agreement, the Washington Decla- lia.
ration reinforces the US commitment to
its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, Features of the Agreement:
including India, and could strengthen the • Aim: It is aimed at promoting two-way exchange of stu-
Quad alliance. dents, graduates, researchers, and business people,
and expanding people-to-people ties.
• New Pathway: Their mobility will be facilitated through
33.INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR a new skilled pathway named MATES (Mobility Arrange-
ment for Talented Early Professionals Scheme) specifi-
MIGRATION (IOM) cally created for India.
Context:
Other developments:
Amy Pope from the United States has been elected as the
• India announced the opening of a consulate in Brisbane,
new Director General of the International Organization for
adding to its existing consulates in Perth, Melbourne,
Migration (IOM), making her the first woman to hold this
and Sydney.
position.
• The India-Australia hydrogen task force was established,
Information Description to explore opportunities in green hydrogen and address
About IOM is an intergovernmental organization energy targets.
that provides services and advice con-
cerning migration to governments and To know details of India-Australia relations: Click here
migrants, including refugees, internally dis-
placed persons, and migrant workers.
Origin IOM was established in 1951 as Intergov-
35. NEW DEVELOPMENT BANK (NDB)
ernmental Committee for European Mi-
gration (ICEM) to help resettle people dis- Context:
placed by World War II. The New Development Bank (NDB) has launched its Indian
Status in UN It was granted Permanent Observer status Regional Office (IRO) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-
to UN General Assembly in 1992. It is part City (GIFT City).
of the UN now.
Major report World Migration Report is published every Objective:
year. The establishment of the IRO aims to address infrastructure
and sustainable development needs in India and Bangla-
desh, contributing to economic growth and sustainable de-
velopment in South Asia.
Current Affairs 30
Other offices of NDB: The NDB already has regional offices in Regulation: Regulatory framework of the respective home
Africa, the Americas, and Eurasia. country shall apply in all academic matters in such FIs. Also,
the regulatory authority for IFSCs, the IFSC Authority (IFS-
CA), will have limited jurisdiction over these courses.
About the New Development Bank (NDB):
Dimen- Description
Aim: This move aims to provide flexibility and encourage
sions
the participation of foreign institutions in offering special-
About NDB (est. 2014; HQ: Shanghai) is a multilat- ized courses in the financial and technology sectors within
eral development bank founded to mobilise IFSCs.
resources for infrastructure and sustainable
development projects in emerging markets
and developing countries. It received observ- About IFSCs:
er status in the United Nations General As- International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) are desig-
sembly in 2018. nated areas within a country that facilitate the conduct
Member BRICS nations, Bangladesh, UAE, Egypt of global financial services. They are designed to attract
M a j o r Committed funding to major infrastructure international financial institutions, banks, and other finan-
Projects projects in India, including Mumbai Metro cial service providers by offering a business-friendly envi-
rail, Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid ronment and a range of tax benefits. It caters to customers
Transit System, and Renewable Energy proj- outside the jurisdiction of the domestic economy.
ects; Approved 14 Indian projects with a to-
tal funding of nearly USD 4.2 billion; Signed a Examples: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC);
1 billion USD loan pact with India in 2020 for GIFT City; Singapore International Commercial Court
rural employment and infrastructure. India is (SICC); Shanghai International Financial Centre (SIFC)
the second-largest recipient of NDB’s finan-
cial support after China.
A c h i e v e - Innovated in areas such as lending in local
ments currencies; Holds an AA+ credit rating; Suc- 37. 75 YEARS OF UN PEACEKEEPING FORC-
cessfully launched bonds, including ‘green ES
bonds’.
Issues Low disbursal of loans despite approving
over USD 12 billion; Challenges due to po-
litical turmoil and economic crises in mem-
ber countries; Difficulty in lending to Russian
companies due to sanctions and strained Chi-
na-India relations
About GIFT Gujarat International Finance Tec-City is a
City central business district under construction
in Gandhinagar district in Gujarat, India. It is
India’s first operational greenfield smart city
and international financial services centre.
36. INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES

CENTRES (IFSCS)
Context:
The Indian finance ministry has announced that courses in
financial management, fintech, science, technology, engi-
neering, and mathematics (STEM) offered by foreign insti-
tutions in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs)
(such as GIFT City) will be exempt from certain provisions 3 Indian U.N. peacekeepers were honoured posthumously
of the University Grants Commission Act and the All-India with the Dag Hammarskjold Medal
Council for Technical Education Act.
Current Affairs 30
38. NATO PLUS The IPEF has four pillars:

● Trade, supply chains, clean economy, and fair econ-
Context: omy.
China Select Committee of the US House recommends mak- ● India has yet to take a call on whether to join the
ing India part of NATO Plus. trade pillar, though it has joined the other three.
Benefits for India:

• Bringing India on board would facilitate seamless
intelligence sharing between these countries and
India would access the latest military technology
without much of a time lag.
Benefits for the USA:

• Including India in NATO Plus, security arrangements
would build upon the US and India’s close partner-
ship to strengthen global security and deter the ag-
gression of the CCP across the Indo-Pacific region
A. IPEF MINISTERIAL MEETING
NATO Plus, currently NATO Plus 5, is a security arrange-
ment that brings together NATO and five aligned nations
- Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea
- to boost global defence cooperation.
39.INDO-PACIFIC ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK

(IPEF)
Context:
India fears that a proposal by the US under the “supply
chains” pillar of the IPEF could violate WTO rules and reduce
policy space.
US proposal: All IPEF partner nations would be required to

give advance notification of any changes to export regula-
tions and tariffs.
India’s concern: Notifications are usually done only after

measures are taken and not before. India has therefore
sought industry inputs to protect its interests. GS PAPER 3
The IPEF:
● It is an economic initiative launched by the US Pres- ECONOMY, BANKING, ENERGY, IN-
ident Joe Biden on May 23, 2022.
● The framework launched with a total of 14 partici-
FRASTRUCTURE
pating founding member nations in the Indo-Pacific
region with an open invitation for other countries to
join. 1. ROBERT LUCAS’ RATIONAL EXPECTATION
● The IPEF members represent 40% of the global GDP THEORY
and 28% of the world’s trade.
● Analysts have compared it to the Trans-Pacific Part- Context:
nership (TPP), which the US withdrew from in 2017. Nobel Laureate Robert E Lucas (1937 – May 15, 2023) was
an economist known for developing the “rational expecta-
Current Affairs 30
tions” approach to macroeconomics. • The model removes the need for OTPs, bank ac-
count details, and other financial details.
• It allows fund transfers using only the bank name,
What is Macroeconomics?
Aadhaar number, and fingerprint captured during
It studies the behaviour and performance of an economy
Aadhaar enrolment, according to the National Pay-
as a whole. It focuses on analyzing aggregate economic vari-
ments Corporation of India (NCPI).
ables such as GDP (gross domestic product), inflation, unem-
ployment, and overall economic growth.
What is the “rational expectations” approach to macroeco-

nomics?
The “rational expectations” approach in macroeconomics
suggests that people form expectations about the future
based on available information and their understanding of
the economy. For example, if people anticipate higher infla-
tion due to a new government policy, they may adjust their
behaviour accordingly.
Significance of his work: 3.ECL-BASED LOAN LOSS PROVISIONING

Robert Lucas’s work on rational expectations in macroeco- NORMS
nomics challenged traditional Keynesian economics and
emphasized the importance of individuals forming expecta-
tions based on available information. His research highlight- Context:
ed that predictable government policies may not have the Lenders have sought a one-year extension from the Reserve
desired impact on the economy. Bank of India (RBI) for implementation of the Expected
Credit Loss (ECL)-based loan loss provisioning framework.
What is loan loss provisioning?

Loan loss provisioning refers to the practice of setting aside
funds by banks to cover potential losses arising from loans
that may default or become unrecoverable.
Current Sys- Banks are required to make loan loss pro-

tem visions based on an “incurred loss” ap-
proach. Also, the Loan loss provisioning
happens much later, leading to an increase
in credit risk for banks.
“ I n c u r r e d This model assumes that all loans will be
Loss” model repaid until evidence to the contrary is
identified. Only at that point is the default-
2. AADHAAR-ENABLED PAYMENT SYSTEM ed loan written down to a lower value.
This leads to a delay in the recognition of
(AEPS) defaults.
The New Pro- RBI has proposed an expected loss (EL)-
Context: posal based approach for provisioning by banks
Scammers are reportedly using leaked biometric details (sil- in case of loan defaults. Banks are required
icone thumbs), bypassing the need for OTPs, to siphon mon- to estimate expected credit losses based
ey from users’ bank accounts. on forward-looking estimations. Banks
have to categorize ECL norms for assessing
About Aadhaar-enabled Payment System: the quality of assets and the expected loss.
• Aadhaar-enabled Payment Services (AePS) is a
bank-led model, which allows online financial
transactions at Point-of-Sale (PoS) and Micro ATMs
through the business correspondent of any bank
using Aadhaar authentication.
Current Affairs 30
ECL Norms Banks classify financial assets (primarily

loans, including irrevocable loan com-
mitments, and investments classified as
held-to-maturity or available-for-sale)
into three categories: Stage 1, Stage 2, and
Stage 3.
Stage 1: Financial assets that have not had

a significant increase in credit risk or with
low credit risk at the reporting date.
Stage 2: Financial instruments that have About IRDAI:

had a significant increase in credit risk but The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of
don’t have objective evidence of impair- India (est. 1999; HQ: Hyderabad) is a statutory body under
ment. the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance. It is tasked with
regulating and licensing the insurance and re-insurance in-
Stage 3: Financial assets that have objec- dustries in India.
tive evidence of impairment at the report-
ing date
5.RBI PAYOUT TO GOVERNMENT
4. SURETY BONDS
Context:
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of In-
dia (Irdai) has relaxed norms for ‘surety bonds’.
The changes introduced:

The solvency requirement for surety bonds has been re-
duced to 1.5 times from the previous 1.875 times, and the
exposure limit of 30% applicable to each contract underwrit-
ten by an insurer has been removed.
Aim of the changes: The changes are aimed at expanding

the surety insurance market and increasing the availability
of such products.
What is Surety Bond?

A surety bond is a type of insurance policy that ensures par-
ties involved in a contract are protected from financial losses
if one party fails to fulfil its obligations.
6. SAMARTH CAMPAIGN
Example:
Context:
If a construction company fails to complete a project as
SAMARTH campaign was launched to promote digital trans-
agreed, the surety bond compensates the client for the loss-
actions at Gram Panchayat Level
es. It ensures financial protection and guarantees that the
contract will be fulfilled.
About the Campaign:
The SAMARTH campaign is an initiative launched by the
Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, to
promote digital transactions at the Gram Panchayat level
in rural areas.
Current Affairs 30
Aim: Permissible Education, travel, medical treatment, gift-
• To increase the adoption of digital payment methods, Transactions ing, investment in shares or property, etc.
particularly among women, in 50,000 Gram Panchayats
Non-Permis- Trading in foreign exchange or buying lot-
across the country.
sible Trans- tery tickets
• It seeks to empower rural communities by enabling
actions
them to participate in the digital economy and access
the benefits of digital transactions. Ineligible En-
Corporations, partnership firms, Hindu Un-
tities divided Family (HUF), Trusts, etc.
It is part of the larger AmritMahotsav celebrations and is be- Benefits Diversify investments and assets, finance
ing implemented under the AzadiKaAmritMahotsav, which foreign education or travel
commemorates 75 years of India’s independence. Issues Outward remittances may pressure Forex
reserves
Don’t get confused with a similar named initiative: Samarth Repatriation In August 2022, RBI had directed that
Scheme (search in FFP section) (under Ministry of Textiles) Directive any money remitted overseas by Indian
residents that remains unutilised for more
than 180 days needs to be repatriated
back into India.
7. LIBERALIZED REMITTANCE SCHEME (LRS)
Context:
Finance Ministry has announced that it will waive the 20%
tax on overseas credit card spending for individuals up to
₹7 lakh per financial year, following criticism and concerns
raised by taxpayers and businesses.
What is the issue?

The Reserve Bank of India had introduced a provision to
capture overseas credit card spending under the LRS, which
allows individuals to remit forex up to $2.5 lakhs annually.
However, the government’s plan to impose a 20% tax on

such spending faced backlash, leading to its current decision 8. CENTRE FOR PROCESSING ACCELERATED
to exempt spending up to ₹7 lakh and the continuation of CORPORATE EXIT (C-PACE)
beneficial treatment for education and health payments,
under the LRS. Context:
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has established the
About the LRS Scheme: Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE)
to centralize the process of striking off companies from the
Description
MCA Register.
Definition of In the context of the Liberalized Remit-
Remittance tance Scheme (LRS), remittance refers to
the transfer of foreign exchange (forex) What is striking off?
by resident individuals in India for various Striking off companies from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
purposes. (MCA) Register means removing defunct, non-operational,
or dissolved companies from the official database.
About the The LRS sets the limit on the amount of
scheme money that can be remitted by individuals
without requiring specific approvals from C-PACE (founded: March 2023; HQ: at the office of Indi-
regulatory authorities. an Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) in Gurgaon) aims
Under LRS (introduced in 2004), Indian in- to ensure a clean registry, provides hassle-free filing and
dividuals can send money outside up to a timely, process-bound striking off of company names from
maximum of $250,000 in a year. the Register.
Aim Simplify the process of remitting money • C-PACE operates through the Registrar of Compa-
outside India and encourage foreign in- nies (RoC) and is part of MCA’s efforts to improve the Ease
vestments by Indian individuals of Doing Business and facilitate company exits.
Current Affairs 30
9. CLEARING CORPORATIONS
Context:
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the
European Union’s financial markets regulator and supervisor,
has derecognised six Indian central counterparties (CCPs)
from April 30, 2023.
What are Clearing corporations (CC)?

CC is an organization associated with an exchange to handle
the confirmation, settlement, and delivery of transactions in
a prompt and efficient manner.
Examples of CCs:
The CCPs are The Clearing Corporation of India (CCIL), Indi- 11. LIBOR
an Clearing Corporation Ltd (ICCL), NSE Clearing Ltd (NSCCL),
Multi Commodity Exchange Clearing (MCXCCL), India Inter-
national Clearing Corporation (IFSC) Ltd (IICC), and NSE IFSC
Clearing Corporation Ltd (NICCL).
Why has ESMA derecognized Indian CCs?

The decision to derecognise Indian CCPs came due to ‘no
cooperation arrangements’ between ESMA and Indian reg-
ulators – the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the International Finan-
cial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
Impact:
As per the European Market Infrastructure Regulations
(EMIR), a CCP in a third country can provide clearing services
to European banks only if it is recognised by ESMA. With the
withdrawal of recognition, these CCPs will no longer be able
to provide services to clearing members and trading venues
established in the EU.
12. SNOWBALL EFFECT
Government’s stand – ESMA’s threat is unreasonable since
all clearing corporations are well-regulated in India.
Context:
According to the World Economic Forum president India
witnessing a ‘snowball effect’; set to see exponential growth
in coming years.
10.FRONT-RUNNING
About the Snowball effect:
When the snowball starts to roll, it gets bigger and bigger,
and that is what is happening with the Indian economy - the
growth will lead to more investments, and more jobs lead-
Current Affairs 30
ing to exponential growth in the coming years. Difference between UPI and lightweight system:
• The key difference lies in the resilience and availability
of the two systems.
• UPI and other conventional systems prioritize handling
large transaction volumes and require a stable and ro-
bust infrastructure.
• On the other hand, the lightweight system is designed to
operate even in volatile and extreme conditions when
regular payment systems may not be accessible.
Benefits:
• Such a system could ensure near-zero downtime of the
payment and settlement system in the country and
keep the liquidity pipeline of the economy alive and
intact by facilitating the uninterrupted functioning of es-
13. EVERGREENING OF LOANS
sential payments.
• By implementing a lightweight system as a backup, the
Context: RBI aims to ensure that individuals and institutions can
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor raised continue to make payments during emergencies or dis-
red flags over banks adopting innovative methods for ev- ruptions to the conventional payment infrastructure.
ergreening of loans – covering up the real status of stressed • It serves as a precautionary measure to be prepared
loans of corporates. for extreme situations and maintain the continuity of
financial transactions.
About Evergreening of loans:
• Evergreening of loans refers to a practice where banks
or lenders provide additional funds or take other mea-
sures to artificially sustain a loan that is not being re- 15. STARTUP INDIA SEED FUND SCHEME
paid as scheduled.
• It is a temporary solution used by banks to avoid classi- Context:
fying the loan as a non-performing asset (NPA) because The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
such classification would require them to set aside Trade (DPIIT) is conducting a third-party impact assessment
more money for potential losses, which could affect of the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme to evaluate its perfor-
their profitability. mance in benefiting the startup community.
Methods used by banks for Evergreening of loans:

About Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS):
• Bringing two lenders together to evergreen each oth-
er’s loans. Aspect Details
• Good borrowers are being persuaded to enter into SISFS was created by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and In-
structured deals with stressed borrowers. dustry in 2021. It aims to provide financial assistance to
start-ups for proof of concept, prototype development,
product trials, market-entry, and commercialization.
14. ‘LIGHTWEIGHT’ PAYMENTS SYSTEM Eligibility Startups recognized by DPIIT incorpo-
rated not more than 2 years ago at the
Context: time of application, have not received
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has conceptualised a light- more than Rs. 10 lakhs of monetary
weight payment and settlements system, which can be op- support under any other Central or
erated from anywhere by a bare minimum staff in exigen- State Government scheme.
cies such as natural calamities or war.
Preference Startups create innovative solutions
• The infrastructure for this system will be indepen- in sectors such as social impact, waste
dent of the technologies that underlie the existing management, water management,
systems of payments such as UPI, NEFT, and RTGS. etc.
Current Affairs 30
Grants and Sup- Grants of up to Rs. 5 crores are provid- Impact on In- Increased volatility in financial markets
port ed to eligible incubators, which in turn dia affects currency exchange rates, capital
provide grants of up to Rs. 20 lakhs to flows, and investor confidence.
startups for validation of proof of con- Impact on India’s exports, foreign direct
cept, prototype development, or prod- investment, and overall economic stabili-
uct trials. ty.
Estimated Bene- 3,600 entrepreneurs through 300 incu- Previous in- In 2011, the US faced a near default on
ficiaries bators in the next 4 years stance public debt due to a delay in raising the
What is Seed Seed Funding is an early stage of debt ceiling. This led to the first down-
funding? investment in a start-up or a new grade in the US credit rating, a sharp drop
business idea to help the company in the stock market, and higher borrowing
reach a point where it can secure ad- costs.
ditional rounds of funding or generate Suggestions Automatic increase of the debt limit when-
revenue to become self-sustaining. for reforms ever legislation is passed or abolishing the
debt limit altogether
16. US DEBT CEILING DEAL India’s Debt India does not have a formal debt ceil-
Ceiling Mech- ing mechanism like the one in the United
anism States.
Context:
The Indian government manages borrow-
The US government is facing a crucial issue regarding the
ing and debt obligations through fiscal dis-
debt ceiling.
cipline, budgetary controls, and oversight
by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The
About Debt Ceiling: Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Manage-
Topic Debt Ceiling ment (FRBM) Act governs India’s borrow-
Definition The maximum amount of money that the ing activities, setting targets for fiscal defi-
US government is legally allowed to bor- cits and debt-to-GDP ratios.
row to fund its operations and meet its fi-
nancial obligations. It sets a cap or limit on
the total amount of government debt.
17. BUSINESS READY PROJECT
Origin Established by the US Congress in 1917
during World War I to promote fiscal re-
sponsibility in the federal government.
Issue Disagreement between President Joe
Biden (executive) and the Republi-
can-controlled US Congress (Legislature)
on raising the debt ceiling. The decision to
increase the borrowing cap lies with the
US Congress, which needs to vote on it.
Impact Possible government default if the debt
ceiling is not raised, leading to econom-
ic consequences such as a weaker dollar,
stock market problems, and job losses.
The downgrade of the US credit rating
made future borrowing more expensive
for the government.
Hinders discussions on long-term fiscal
challenges and has become a political tool
instead of a responsible fiscal mechanism.
Current Affairs 30
18. AGMARK REGISTRATION Incentives Calculated based on incremental sales.

Range from 1% to 20% depending on the
industry.
In some sectors such as advanced chem-
istry cell batteries, textile products and
the drone industry, the incentive is on the
basis of sales, performance and local val-
ue addition done over the period of five
years.
20. PROJECT-SMART
Context:
The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the
Ministry of Railways in India have signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) with the Japan International Coop-
eration Agency (JICA) for ‘Station Area Development along
Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail’ (Project-SMART)
Aim: To develop the areas surrounding the Mumbai-Ahmed-

abad High-Speed Railway (MAHSR) stations to improve the
accessibility and convenience of commuters and promote
economic activities in the vicinity of station areas.
19. IT HARDWARE PLI SCHEME 2.0
About Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR):
Context:
The Cabinet approved the Production Linked Incentive Aspect Description
Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware with a budgetary outlay of Rs
17,000 crore.
• Electronics manufacturing in India has witnessed con-
sistent growth with a 17 per cent compound annual
growth rate (CAGR) in the last 8 years.
• PLI Scheme 2.0 for IT hardware covers laptops, tablets,
all-in-one PCs, servers and ultra-small form factor de-
vices.
About PLI Scheme:

Aspect Details
Objective Scale up domestic manufacturing capa-
bility. Increase import substitution and
Generate employment
Initial Target- Mobile and allied Component Manu-
ed Industries facturing, Electrical Component Man-
ufacturing, and Medical Devices. Now
expanded to—Automobile and auto
components, Electronics and IT hard-
ware, Telecom, Pharmaceuticals, Solar
modules, Metals and mining, Textiles
and apparel, White goods, Drones, Ad-
vanced chemistry cell batteries other
sectors as well.
Current Affairs 30
Inaugura- The project was inau-

tion gurated in 2017
Location From Sabarmati (Guja-
rat) to Bandra (Mum-
bai). It will pass through
three districts in Maha-
rashtra, eight in Gujarat
and will cut through
Dadra and Nagar Have-
li.
I m p l e - National High-Speed
m e n t i n g Rail Corporation (NHS-
agency RCL)
Distance 508 KM
S i g n i f i - It is the first and only
cance approved bullet train
in India. HSR has an
economic multiplier ef-
fect and is expected to
further catalyze India’s
economic growth and
act as a stimulus for the Changes proposed in BOT:
development of satel- • NHAI will offer only viable projects with land already
lite towns. tied up for bidding, which can be completed on their
Technology Automatic train con- own or with viability gap funding.
trol, Undersea tunnel • NHAI will commit 90% of the construction zone (land for
technology, E5 Series execution) for such projects
Shinkansen Technolo- • Flexibility has been given to concession holders, allow-
gy, Light detection and ing them to change ownership after a year instead of
ranging (LiDAR) tech- two years as was the rule earlier.
nology • Innovations like dispute resolution boards and sharing
of traffic risk have been provided to make BOT (toll)
Challenges Challenges in land ac- more attractive.
faced by quisition, significant
the MAHSR engineering challeng-
es, and daily passenger 22. LAND PORT AUTHORITY OF INDIA (LPAI)
requirements for the
project to make invest- Context:
ments even Recently, Union Home Minister laid the foundation stone of
various development projects of LPAI.
NHSRCL (National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited)
is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created in 2016 with About the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI):
the objective of financing, constructing, maintaining and Information
managing the High-Speed Rail Corridor in India. The SPV
has equity participation from the Central Government The Land Ports Authority of India is a statutory
through the Ministry of Railways, as well as the govern- body established under the Land Ports Authority of India
ments of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Act, 2010 to provide safe, secure and systematic facilities
for the movement of cargo as well passengers at its Inte-
grated Check Posts (ICPs) along the international borders
of India.
21. BUILD-OPERATE-TRANSFER (TOLL) Responsible for Developing and managing facilities for
MODEL the cross-border movement of passen-
gers and goods at designated points
along international borders
Under Ministry of Home Affairs
Current Affairs 30
O p e r a t i o n a l Currently 9: Attari, Agartala, Petrapole, 24.INDUSTRIAL CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT

land ports Raxaul, Jogbani, Moreh, Sutarkandi, Sri- IN ANDHRA PRADESH
mantapur, and PTB at Dera Baba Nanak
Purpose To establish, operate and manage In-
tegrated Check Posts (ICPs) along land
borders of India
What are ICPs? These are facilities established at des-
ignated points along international
borders to provide a single-window
service for customs clearance, immi-
gration, and other regulatory clearanc-
es for the cross-border movement of
goods and people.
23.MUMBAI TRANS HARBOUR LINK (MTHL)
Context:
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis re-
cently reviewed the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)
About MTHL:
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, also known as the Sewri–
Nhava Sheva Trans Harbour Link, is an under-construction
21.8 km 6-lane access-controlled expressway grade road The Clusters are:
bridge, which will connect Mumbai with Navi Mumbai, its • Visakhapatnam node: Rambilli and Nakkapalli industrial
satellite city. clusters; Nakkapalli cluster
• Srikalahasthi-Chittoor node: Chittoor–South industrial
Features of the Bridge: cluster; Naidupeta industrial cluster
• When completed, it would be the longest sea bridge in
India (World’s 10th longest sea bridge) The funds will be used to improve roads, water supply sys-
• It is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, promote tems, and electricity distribution networks in the clusters.
economic development, and reduce travel time be-
tween Sewri and Chirle to just 15 to 20 minutes. Aim: To promote industrialization, boost manufacturing,
• Fuel, transportation costs & 1 hour travel time will be enhance competitiveness, and create job opportunities in
saved these areas. The project also includes measures to strength-
• 1st project in India with an open road tolling system. en resilience to extreme weather, improve disaster risk
• For the first time in India, Orthotropic steel deck tech- management, and promote gender-responsive and socially
nology used inclusive development.
About the Open road tolling system: It refers to a method 25.GOVT CUTS SUBSIDY ON ELECTRIC
of collecting tolls on highways without requiring vehicles
to stop or slow down. Instead of traditional toll booths, 2-WHEELERS
open-road tolling uses electronic sensors and cameras to
detect vehicles as they pass through designated tolling Context:
points. The government has decided to reduce the subsidy pro-
About Orthotropic steel deck technology: It is a construc- vided under the FAME-II scheme for electric two-wheelers
tion method used in building bridges and other structures. starting in June.
It involves using steel plates that are specifically designed
to be strong and stiff in one direction while being flexible Ministry of Heavy Industries notified changes:
in other directions. This allows the steel deck to support • The subsidy for electric two-wheelers would be reduced
heavy loads, such as vehicles while remaining lightweight. to ₹10,000 per kilowatt hour (kWh) effective 1 June
2023 from ₹15,000 currently.
• The cap on incentives for such vehicles has been low-
Current Affairs 30
ered to 15% of the ex-factory price of vehicles from the Aim: The scheme aims to democratize air travel and pro-
earlier 40%. mote tourism, hospitality, and local economies.
• But the total amount allocated toward providing Previous rounds of the scheme have already operationalized
incentives for these vehicles will be raised from the 46 helicopter routes, benefiting hilly and North East states
current ₹2,000 crores. and the current round aims to cover a larger number of
routes.
The rationale for changes:
The intention behind lowering the subsidy and increasing
Read about UDAN 5.0:
the funds for electric two-wheelers is to support more con-
sumers through the FAME scheme with the available funds.
About the FAME Scheme:

Aspect Details
Background FAME India is part of the National Electric
Mobility Mission Plan and aims to encour-
age electric vehicles through subsidies. It
covers all vehicle segments.
Phases of Phase I: Started in 2015 and completed on
the scheme March 31, 2019. Phase II: Started in April
2019 and completed on March 31, 2022.
Te c h n o l o - Hybrid & Electric technologies, including
gies cov- Mild Hybrid, Strong Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
ered & Battery Electric Vehicles.
Monitoring Department of Heavy Industries, Ministry of
Authority Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
Four focus Technology development, Demand Cre-
areas ation, Pilot Projects, Charging Infrastruc-
ture.
Objectives Encourage faster adoption of electric and
hybrid vehicles through upfront incentives.
Establish necessary charging infrastructure. 27.GREENWASHING TECHSPRINT
Salient fea- Emphasis on electrification of public trans-
tures of portation, including shared transport. In- Context:
Phase II centives are mainly applicable to vehicles The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has opened the application
used for public transport or registered for window for firms and innovators to participate in the Glob-
commercial purposes. Benefits extended to al Financial Innovation Network’s (GFIN) Greenwashing
vehicles with advanced batteries like Lithi- TechSprint.
um-Ion. About the Initiative:
Initiative Description
26. UDAN 5.1 GFIN’s 1 ever Greenwashing TechSprint brings together
st
13 international regulators, (including RBI), along with

Context: firms and innovators to address the priority of Environ-
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched UDAN 5.1, a new mental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues and mitigate
version of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) specifical- the risks of greenwashing in financial services.
ly designed for helicopter routes. Objectives The objective of TechSprint is to devel-
op a tool that can help regulators and
the market effectively tackle the de-
Key features of UDAN 5.1: ceptive practice of greenwashing.
• Allowing routes where one of the origin or destination
locations is in a priority area About Green- Misleading marketing that falsely por-
• Reducing airfare caps by up to 25% to make helicopter washing trays positive environmental or social
travel more affordable outcomes
• Increasing Viability Gap Funding (VGF) caps for opera-
tors to improve financial viability
Current Affairs 30
About ESG It helps stakeholders, such as investors Safety in Ensure the best safety standards in coal
Framework and customers, understand how an or- Mines mines. Conduct safety management & re-
ganization manages its environmental sponse drills. Scientifically close mines to re-
responsibilities, social impact, and cor- store ecological balance
porate governance practices. Technolo- Implement technology roadmap in the coal
Status of India India is making progress in implement- gy Push to sector. Promote clean coal technology such
on ESG ing ESG regulations through the intro- Coal as Coal to Hydrogen, Coal & Lignite gasifica-
duction of the Business Responsibility tion, and CBM/CMM.
and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) S u s t a i n - Develop eco-parks/mine tourism. Utilize
framework by the Securities and Ex- ability in mine water/overburden and implement en-
change Board of India (SEBI). Coal Sector ergy-efficient measures
About BRSR The BRSR framework aims to connect a
framework company’s financial performance with
its ESG practices. It has been mandat- About Coal Sector in India:
ed for the top 1,000 listed entities in India has the fifth largest coal reserves, is second in coal
terms of market capitalization starting production (after China) and is among the largest importer
from the financial year 2022-23. of coal (mainly from Indonesia, South Africa and Australia).
Coal accounts for almost 50% share in the total installed
About GFIN GFIN was launched in 2019 by interna-
electricity generation capacity in India.
(Global Financial tional financial regulators and orga-
Innovation Net- nizations with the aim of supporting
work) financial innovation and identifying
regulatory gaps in emerging technolo-
gies across different sectors. It acts as a
surveillance tool to detect issues before
they become problematic.
28. COAL PRODUCTION IN INDIA
Context:
The Ministry of Coal in India has formulated an ambitious
Action Plan for FY 2023-24, aimed at enhancing the produc-
tion, efficiency, sustainability, and new technologies in the
coal sector.
Major points of the Coal Ministry Action Plan 2023-24:

Area of Key Objectives
Focus
Coal Ana- Achieve the coal production target of 1012
lytics MT for FY 2023-24. Increase coal production
and efficiency. Formulate a coking coal strat- 29. MANUFACTURED SAND (M-SAND)
egy to enhance coking coal availability in the
country. Improve the quality of coal
Context:
Private In- Achieve CAPEX target of Rs 21030 Crores for The Rajasthan government has announced its support for
vestment FY 2023-24. Monetize assets. Allocate 25 the use of manufactured sand (M-Sand) as a cost-effective
new coal mines for commercial mining in FY and convenient alternative to river sand
2023-24
• As per the M-Sand Rajasthan policy introduced in
Infrastruc- Monitor new railway line projects critical for 2021, it is mandatory to use at least 25% M-Sand in
ture Proj- coal evacuation. Adopt a Coal Logistics Pol- government construction projects.
ects icy/Plan for effective and environmentally • M-Sand units have been granted industrial status,
friendly transport of coal allowing them to benefit from the Rajasthan Indus-
trial Promotion Scheme (RIPS) 2019, which includes
subsidies and concessions on taxes and fees.
Current Affairs 30
What is M sand?
M-Sand, or Manufactured Sand, is an alternative to natural
river sand used in construction. It is produced by crushing
rocks or quarry stones to obtain sand particles of consistent
size and shape.
Advantages:
It has similar properties to natural sand, making it suitable
for various construction purposes. It is cost-effective, readily
available, and reduces the need for mining natural sand.
It also requires less water for construction projects as it
does not need to be washed before use.
Differences between M-Sand and natural sand:

Aspect M-Sand Natural Sand
P a r t i c l e Cubic form, en- Flaky, sharp, and an-
Shape hancing bonding gular grains
Silt Content Zero silt content Silt content ranging
from 3-20%
Quality Con- Manufactured in a No strict control, and
trol controlled environ- variations in silt con- 31. OIL PIPELINES
ment tent
C o n c r e t e High concrete Lower concrete
Strength strength strength
Availability Requires produc- Naturally occurring,
tion and availabili- availability depends
ty may vary on the riverbed
Environmen- Reduces the need This can lead to en-
tal Impact for natural sand vironmental degra-
mining, repurpos- dation, habitat de-
es waste materials struction, and water
scarcity
C o st- ef fe c - Can be more Cost may vary based
tiveness cost-effective as it on availability and lo-
can be produced in cation
large quantities at
a lower cost
Sand is classified as a ‘minor mineral’ under Mines and

Minerals (Development and Regulations) Act, 1957, and
administrative control vests with State Governments. Sus-
tainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines 2016, is-
sued by MoEFCC, encourages scientific sand mining and
environmentally friendly management method. Global Energy Monitor (founded in 2008) is a San Francis-
co-based non-governmental organization which catalogues
fossil fuel and renewable energy projects worldwide. GEM
shares information in support of clean energy and its data
30. ETHANOL BLENDING and reports on energy trends are widely cited by govern-
ments, media, and academic researchers.
Current Affairs 30
32.SOUTH ASIA GAS ENTERPRISE (SAGE) Context:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has
put in place a maximum residue limit (MRL) for five pesti-
Context:
cides used in tea plantations.
An undersea gas pipeline project connecting the Middle East
and India has been proposed by South Asia Gas Enterprise • These pesticides are emamectin, benzoate, fenpy-
(SAGE), an international consortium. roximate, hexaconazole, propiconazole and quinal-
phos.
About the project:
The project, estimated to cost $5 billion, aims to establish
a 2,000-km-long energy corridor through the Arabian Sea,
bypassing geopolitically sensitive regions.
• Saving: If realized, the pipeline could result in annual

savings of around `7,000 crores compared to importing
an equivalent quantity of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
• Import: Import of gas from countries such as Oman,
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Qatar, which
collectively possess significant gas reserves.
• Price: The proposed pipeline is projected to deliver 31
million metric standard cubic meters per day (mmsc-
md) of gas to India under a 20-year long-term supply
contract, with a pipeline tariff range of $2 to $2.25 per
mmBtu.
34. KRISHI MAPPER
Context:
At the National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Cam-
paign 2023-24, the Union Agriculture Minister of India
launched Krishi MApper.
What is Krishi Mapper?

It is an integrated mobile application developed by the
Indian government for the agriculture sector. It provides
About SAGE: South Asia Gas Enterprise Pvt. Ltd. (SAGE) is geospatial data and other relevant information to farmers,
promoted by the New Delhi-based Siddho Mal Group, in policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders in the ag-
Joint Venture with a UK-based Deepwater Technology riculture sector.
Company. It is undertaking a path-breaking project, to
build the Deepest Underwater Transnational Gas Pipeline Features: The app allows users to access information on soil
(“Middle East to India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP)) to con- health, weather, crop health, crop suitability, land use, and
nect the Gas Rich Gulf & Middle East regions to India. other relevant data for informed decision-making.
AGRICULTURE Aim: It is aimed at enhancing the productivity and profit-

ability of Indian agriculture, promoting sustainable agricul-
tural practices, and ensuring food security for the nation.
33. PESTICIDES IN TEA
Current Affairs 30
Other Related Information: tion and predatory pricing.

• The ministry has set national targets for the production
of food grains, pulses, and oilseeds at 3320, 292.5, and What is MIP?
440 lakh tonnes, respectively, for the year 2023-24. MIP is a temporary measure implemented by a government
• India had a record production of food grains, puls- to protect domestic industries from unfair competition and
es, oilseeds, and sugarcane in 2022-23, estimated at predatory pricing of imported goods. The MIP sets a mini-
3235, 278, 400, and 4688 lakh tonnes, respectively. mum price below which the import of a particular commod-
• Mustard Mission for the last three years, has enhanced ity is not allowed.
rapeseed and mustard production by 40% from 91.2 to
128.2 lakh tonnes. Who frames the rules:
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the arm
of the commerce ministry responsible for framing rules re-
35. NUTRIENTS IN MILLETS AFFECTED BY lated to exports and imports, including the implementation
PROCESSING AND POLISHING of MIPs.
Context: Significance:
Recent studies have shown that grain processing reduces By setting a minimum import price, the government aims to
nutritional qualities in millets. prevent apple imports from flooding the market at exces-
sively low prices, and provide a level playing field to farmers
About Millets: in J&K.
• Millets are grasses and include varieties such as pearl
millet, barnyard millet, finger millet, and foxtail millet.
About Apple cultivation:
• India is the world’s largest producer of millets, account-
ing for over 40% of pearl millet production and over 8% Apple cultivation in India primarily takes place in regions
of sorghum production in 2021-2022. such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, the hills of
• Millets are drought-tolerant and thrive on marginal Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal. It is also grown to a lesser
land. Their nutrient content includes carbohydrates, extent in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Punjab, and Sik-
proteins, fibre, amino acids, and various minerals, and kim. China produces the world’s largest number of apples.
different millet varieties have different nutrient pro- India is ranked 5th.
files.
Climatic condition for Apples:
Nutrient Changes during Millet Processing: The ideal climatic conditions for apple cultivation include
an average summer temperature of 21-24 degrees Celsius
Processing Step Effect on Nutrients
during the active growth period. Apple trees can be grown
Removal of Husk Reduction of phytic acid and poly- at altitudes ranging from 1500 to 2700 meters above sea
phenol contents level. Well-distributed rainfall of 1000-1250 mm through-
Decortication Removal of crude and dietary fibre out the growing season is most favourable for the optimal
Milling and Sieving Reduction of nutrient content due to growth and fruitfulness of apple trees. Additionally, apples
loss of bran, but improved digestibil- thrive best in well-drained, loamy soils.
ity and accessibility
Germination and Positive improvement in overall nu- 37. SUNFLOWER OIL
Fermentation tritional characteristics
Polishing Removal of protein, fat, and fibre
Context:
contents, as well as iron, magne-
The Ukraine-Russia war had a significant impact on sunflow-
sium, phosphorus, potassium, and
er oil consumption in India.
manganese
Status of Sunflower Oil:

36.MINIMUM IMPORT PRICE FOR APPLES Globally:
• Ukraine (the highest producer) and Russia account for
Context: 60% of the world’s sunflower oil production
The Central Government of India has introduced the Mini- • Other top producers of sunflower oil globally include
mum Import Price (MIP) for apples in Jammu and Kashmir Ukraine, Russia, Argentina, Romania, and Bulgaria
(J&K) to protect the domestic industry from unfair competi-
Current Affairs 30
In India: The first edition of World Food India was held in 2017.
• Sunflower oil is the fourth most consumed edible oil in India leads the world in the production of milk, bananas,
India, following mustard, soybean, and palm oil. mangoes, papayas, guavas, ginger, okra and buffalo meat,
• Domestic production of sunflower oil has significantly and ranks second in the production of rice, wheat, pota-
declined over the past decade, unlike soybean oil, which toes, garlic, cashew nuts.
has expanded its cultivated area.
• India imports a substantial amount of sunflower oil due The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International
to limited domestic production. Year of Millets (IYM 2023) with the aim of increasing the
• Major producers: Karnataka (highest producer in India); production and consumption of millets worldwide.
Telangana and Maharashtra
• Major Consumer: Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharash-
tra Prelims Links:
Q. Among the following, which one is the largest exporter
About Sunflower: of rice in the world in the last five years? (UPSC 2019)
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), popularly known as (a) China
“Surajmukhi” (it follows the sun by day) is an annual flow- (b) India
ering plant, native to North and Central America but is (c) Myanmar
now cultivated worldwide for its versatile uses. It is known (d) Vietnam
for its large, bright yellow flowers. Ans: B
Sunflowers are relatively easy to grow and are adaptable 39. CERTIFICATION OF INDIAN ORGANIC
to different climates and soil types. They require full sun
exposure and well-drained soil. They are known for their
PRODUCTS
ability to extract heavy metals from the soil, making them
useful in phytoremediation efforts to clean up polluted ar- Context:
eas. A European Union (EU) audit has found “many weaknesses”
in the certification of Indian organic products for exports to
the EU.
38. WORLD FOOD INDIA 2023
Issues highlighted:
Context: • Farmers of various organic producer groups (PGs) lacked
India’s Ministry of Food Processing Industries is organizing knowledge of organic farming.
the second edition of ‘World Food India 2023’ in New Delhi • Infringement of NPOP norms, inadequate supervision
from 3rd-5th November. and implementation of controls.
Aim: The event aims to showcase India’s food culture and Regulator of Organic Products:
attract global investments in the food processing sector. It Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) (un-
will bring together manufacturers, producers, investors, der the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) regulates the
policymakers, and organizations from across the global food manufacture, distribution, sale or import of Organic prod-
ecosystem. ucts through the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods)
Regulations, 2017 (under FSSA 2006).
Focus areas: Leveraging millets as a superfood; positioning
India as a global hub for food processing; unlocking growth
Certification of Organic products:
potentials in strategic segments; establishing an efficient
ecosystem, and promoting sustainable development. Certification Description
Participato- Implemented by the Ministry of Agricul-
The event is part of India’s vision to become a global leader ry Guaran- ture and Farmers Welfare. Ensures organic
in the food processing industry and highlights the country’s tee System product production adheres to quality stan-
production, consumption, and export potential in various (PGS) dards. Does not require third-party certifi-
food sectors. India is taking steps to create an inclusive and cation agencies. Certification is carried out
sustainable ecosystem, attract foreign investment, and en- by local groups consisting of producers and
hance the ease of doing business, in the food processing consumers and is based on trust. Involves a
system. documented logo or statement as proof of
certification.
Current Affairs 30
National Implemented by APEDA, under the Minis- es, storage container improvements, fish marketing
Programme try of Commerce & Industries. Regulates infrastructure, technology evaluation, monitoring
on Organic organic farming certification. Involves ac- mechanisms, and minimizing post-harvest losses.
Production creditation of Certification Bodies. Sets
(NPOP) standards for organic production. Pro- About PMMSY:
motes organic farming and marketing. It’s Dimension Information
Standards have been recognized by the EU,
About PMMSY (Under the Ministry of Commerce
Switzerland, and the US.
and Industry) was launched in 2020 for the
Other Pro- NMSA (National Mission for Sustainable sustainable development of the fisheries sec-
grams for Agriculture): Promotes sustainable agricul- tor and to bring about the ‘Blue Revolution’.
Organic Pro- ture, including organic production. Param-
Implemen- It is being implemented in all States and
duction paragat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY): Pro-
tation Union Territories for a period of 5 years from
motes organic farming. Mission Organic
FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25. It provides insur-
Value Chain Development for North East
ance coverage, and financial assistance to
Region (MOVCD-NER): Supports the de-
fishermen.
velopment of organic value chains in the
North East region of India. Aim and Rural development and boosting the rural
Objectives economy; “Reform, Perform and Transform”
motto; Core and trunk infrastructure devel-
opment and Modernization of Indian fisher-
ies
Type of Umbrella scheme with Central Sector
scheme Scheme and Centrally Sponsored Scheme
components—meaning that the Central gov-
ernment bears project cost and States/UTs
share the cost of sub-components/activities
Targets Enhanced fish production of 22 million met-
ric tons; Increased contribution of Gross Val-
ue Added (GVA) of the fisheries sector to
agriculture GVA to 9%; Double export earn-
ings to about Rs. 1 lakh crore; Reduction of
post-harvest losses to about 10% and dou-
bling of incomes of fishers and fish farmer
A c h i e v e - The fisheries sector has achieved impressive
m e n t s growth of over 14% and an all-time high in
of the fish production and exports. The scheme has
scheme provided insurance coverage to over 31 lakh
farmers
Other ini- Fisheries & Aquaculture Infrastructure Devel-
tiatives opment Fund (FIDF); Kisan Credit Cards for
40. PRADHAN MANTRI MATSYASAMPADA Fishermen
YOJANA (PMMSY) F i s h e r y India is the 3rd largest fish producing and
sector in 2nd largest aquaculture nation in the world
India
Context: A b o u t NPC (est. 1958; HQ: Delhi) is an autonomous
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in In- N a t i o n a l organization under the Department for Pro-
dia is being supported by seven major field studies conduct- Productiv- motion of Industry & Internal Trade, Ministry
ed by the National Productivity Council (NPC). ity Council of Commerce and Industry. It conducts pro-
(NPC) ductivity research, consulting and training
services to the government, public and pri-
About the studies: vate sector organizations.
• Aim: These studies aim to enhance the fisheries
sector and its contribution to the country’s GDP.
• Fields covered: The studies cover various areas such
as fish marketing systems, innovative fishing practic-
Current Affairs 30
HEALTH What are non-communicable diseases?

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a group of chronic
medical conditions that are not caused by infectious agents
41.RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV) and cannot be transmitted from one person to another but
VACCINE are caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and
lifestyle factors.
Context: • E.g., cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes,
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved chronic respiratory diseases, and mental disorders.
the first-ever respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, de-
veloped by UK-based pharmaceutical company GSK, for use About NPCDCS/NP-NCD:
in people aged 60 years and older. Aspect Details
Aim NPCDCS was launched in 2010 with a fo-
About respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): cus on strengthening infrastructure, human
Topic Description resource development, health promotion,
early diagnosis, management and referral
What is RSV? Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a com-
of common non-communicable diseases
mon virus that can cause mild to severe
(NCDs) under the National Health Mission
respiratory illness, especially in young chil-
dren and older adults. M a n a g e - NCD Cells are being established at the Na-
ment tional, State and District levels for pro-
T r a n s m i s - RSV spreads through respiratory secre-
gramme management.
sion tions, such as from coughing or sneezing,
or by touching contaminated surfaces or
objects. NCD Clinics are also being set up at District
Symptoms RSV can cause symptoms such as coughing, and Community Health Centres (CHC) levels
wheezing, fever, runny nose, and difficulty to provide services for early diagnosis, treat-
breathing. ment, and follow-up for common NCDs.
Venerable Infants, older adults, and people with weak- O t h e r WHO’s Global action plan for the Prevention
ened immune systems are most at risk for m e a s u re s and Control of NCDs 2020 to 2030; Afford-
severe RSV infection. to control able Medicines and Reliable Implants for
NCD Treatment (AMRIT) Deendayal outlet, Jan
How is RSV RSV can be diagnosed through a respirato- Aushadhi stores
diagnosed? ry sample, such as from a nasal or throat
swab, that is tested in a laboratory.
How is RSV Treatment for RSV is mainly supportive, 43. POLICY ON RARE DISEASES
treated? such as with fluids, oxygen therapy, and
fever reducers. Severe cases may require Context:
hospitalization. The Delhi HC constituted a five-member ‘National Rare Dis-
eases Committee’ to implement the National Rare Disease
Policy-2021 efficiently and to “ensure that the benefits of
the policy reach the ultimate patients of rare disease”.
42. NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR PREVEN-
TION & CONTROL OF NON-COMMUNICA-
Rare Diseases
BLE DISEASES (NP-NCD)
• A rare disease, also referred to as an orphan disease,
is any disease that affects a small percentage of the
Context: population.
The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Can- • There are 6,000-8,000 classified rare diseases, but less
cer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) than 5% have therapies available to treat them.
in India has been renamed the National Programme for Pre- • Examples: Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSD), Pompe
vention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, spina bi-
due to the addition of new diseases and health initiatives. fida, haemophilia etc.
• It has been renamed to subsume all types of NCDs. • About 95% of rare diseases have no approved treat-
• Also, Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Non-Com- ment and less than 1 in 10 patients receive dis-
municable Disease (CPHC NCD IT) system has been ease-specific treatment.
renamed as the National NCD Portal
Current Affairs 30
44. WORLD THALASSEMIA DAY 46.ARSENIC CONTAMINATION
Context: Context:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) A recent peer-reviewed study suggests that even low levels
launched the III phase of the Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana of arsenic consumption, commonly found in contaminated
(TBSY) to commemorate World Thalassemia Day (May 8). groundwater in India, can impact cognitive function in chil-
dren, adolescents, and young adults.
Thalassemia:
• Thalassemia is an inherited (passed from parents What does the study say:
to children through genes) blood disorder caused • Arsenic exposure leads to reduced grey matter in the
when the body doesn’t make enough of a protein brain, affecting concentration, information storage, and
called haemoglobin, an important part of RBCs. switching between tasks.
• It’s a treatable disorder that can be well-managed • At the population level, contamination leads to in-
with blood transfusions and chelation therapy. creased school failures, diminished economic productiv-
ity, and a higher risk of criminal and antisocial behaviour.
Steps taken in India: • The major factor for contamination: Arsenic intake from
• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016: food, primarily through rice consumption; using contam-
Thalassemia was recognised as a benchmark disabil- inated groundwater.
ity.
• TBSY: Coal India Limited, under the auspices of the Remedy:
MoH&FW, is implementing TBSY (since 2017) as part Modifying food preparation techniques, such as cooking rice
of its CSR initiative to support the treatment of chil- in a specific way, can significantly reduce arsenic levels; pro-
dren affected by Thalassemia and Aplastic Anaemia. moting piped water access and installing arsenic removal
• National mission to tackle thalassemia: The Union plants; encourage extraction from aquifers (water channels
government will soon launch the mission with a below the ground) that are deeper than 100 m.
country-wide screening exercise.
About Arsenic: Arsenic is an odourless and tasteless met-
45. MPOX alloid found naturally in the earth’s crust and groundwater.
It is highly toxic in its inorganic form and can cause arse-
nic poisoning. Arsenicosis, the accumulation of high levels
of arsenic in the body, leads to adverse health effects and
can result in multi-system organ failure and death. Efforts
have been made under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development to provide safely managed drinking water
free of arsenic contamination. The Jal Jeevan Mission aims
to provide safe drinking water to all households in rural
and urban India by 2024.
47. WHO’S ADVICE ON NON-SUGAR

SWEETENERS
Context:
The WHO’s new guidelines advise against the use of non-sug-
ar sweeteners (NSS) as a “healthy” alternative to sugar.
Non-sugar sweeteners (NSS)
Meaning They are marketed as low or no-calorie al-

ternatives to free sugars which aid in weight
loss, and in controlling blood glucose in indi-
viduals with diabetes.
Current Affairs 30
Categories Aspartame (to sweeten diet colas), advan- spread through contaminated food, particularly ready-to-eat
tame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin (to foods such as cooked meats, dairy products, and fresh pro-
sweeten tea or coffee), sucralose, stevia, duce.
etc.
Rise in Pop- In 2015, when WHO said that a high intake Symptoms: Symptoms of a Listeria infection can include high
ularity of free sugars is linked to weight gain and temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being
obesity. sick, and diarrhoea.
WHO’s new NSS should not be used as a means of Impact: Listeriosis, the illness caused by Listeria infection,
guidelines? achieving weight control or reducing the can lead to serious complications, such as meningitis, sepsis,
risk of diet-related non-communicable dis- and miscarriage.
eases. Long-term use of NSS could lead to
increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovas-
cular diseases, chronic kidney disease and
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
cancer.
C o n c e r n s One in 9 women and one in 25 men are 49. BIOSYNTHETIC CLOCK
for India obese (NFHS5), and an estimated 25 mil-
lion people living with pre-diabetes in India Context:
(WHO). Scientists have discovered that the ageing process of cells is
WHO’s nu- Having alternative foods which are mini- controlled by a genetic regulatory circuit that can be manip-
tritional ad- mally processed, unsweetened foods and ulated to extend their lifespan.
vice beverages.
This circuit functions like a clock, guiding the cell through
two distinct pathways of ageing. By manipulating this cir-
cuit, scientists have been able to generate a negative feed-
back loop that slows down the cell’s degeneration, leading
to a significant extension of cellular lifespan.
Significance:
This research may have important implications for improv-
ing human health and treating age-related diseases in the
future.
48. LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES BACTERIA
Context:
The United Kingdom Food Standards Agency (FSA) has is-
sued a recall for several Cadbury-branded dessert products
due to potential contamination by Listeria monocytogenes
bacteria.
What are Listeria monocytogenes bacteria?

Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause
infection in humans and animals. It is commonly found in
soil, water, and some animals’ intestines. Listeria is typically
Current Affairs 30
50. FOUCAULT PENDULUM
Context:
A Foucault pendulum has been installed inside the new
Parliament which is designed by the National Council of Sci-
51. SLUDGE TO FERTILIZER
ence Museums, Kolkata.
Context:
• Invented by French physicist Léon Foucault in the
A recent study conducted by the Indian Institute of Tech-
mid-19th Century, the pendulum provided the first
nology (IIT)-Roorkee has found that the sludge from sewage
laboratory demonstration in history to show that
treatment plants (STP) in India, which is rich in organic chem-
the Earth spins on its axis. The pendulum in the new
icals, has “high potential” for use as fertilizer.
Parliament is meant to symbolise the ‘integration of
the idea of India with that of the universe’.
About sludge:
About Foucault Pendulum: Topic Information
• The pendulum consists of a heavy bob suspended at Definition Sludge is the thick
the end of a long, strong wire from a fixed point in residue that remains
the ceiling. As the pendulum swings, the imaginary after the treatment of
surface across which the wire and the bob swipe is sewage or wastewater
called the plane of the swing. in a sewage treatment
plant.
Composi- Sludge is rich in organ-
Why is it important: tion ic chemicals, heavy
• It helped us understand that the Earth is rotating metals, industrial ef-
or spinning. As it swings back and forth, it seems to fluents and bacterial
change its direction over time. contaminants.
• This happens because while the pendulum swings, Treatment The sludge needs to be stored for at least
the Earth is spinning beneath making it look like three months to kill pathogens and blended
the pendulum is changing its direction. This effect is with cattle manure and husk or local soil to
called the Coriolis effect. Depending on where you reduce the heavy metal content.
are on Earth, the pendulum will appear to rotate in
Govern- National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCC)
different ways.
ment Ini- has launched “Arth Ganga” to monetise and
• For example, if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere
tiative reuse treated wastewater and sludge by con-
(like in Europe or North America), the pendulum will
verting it into usable products such as ma-
rotate clockwise. But if you’re in the Southern Hemi-
nure and bricks.
sphere (like in Australia or South America), it will ro-
tate counterclockwise. Classifica- As per the United States Environment Pro-
• By observing this rotation, scientists like Foucault tion tection Agency standards, treated sludge
were able to prove that the Earth is spinning on its can be classified as Class A and Class B. India
axis. does not yet have such standards.
Current Affairs 30
Class A Class A sludge can be disposed of in the open isotope carbon-14, which is a variant of the element carbon.
Vs Class B and used as organic fertilizer without any Carbon-14 is unstable and undergoes radioactive decay over
sludge safety concerns. time.
On the other hand, Class B sludge can only be
used in restricted agricultural applications Limitations of Carbon-14 dating:
where edible parts of the crop are not ex- • Limited Time Range: Carbon-14 dating is effective for
posed to the sludge-mixed soil, and people or objects up to approximately 50,000 years old due to the
animals do not come into extensive contact. short half-life of carbon-14 (5,700 years).
• Contamination Issues: Contamination from modern car-
bon sources can affect the accuracy of carbon-14 dating,
52. MITOCHONDRIAL DONATION TREAT- leading to inaccurate age estimates.
MENT (MDT) • Incomplete Preservation: Organic materials must be
well-preserved to contain sufficient carbon-14 for dat-
Context: ing. Poor preservation or exposure to environmental fac-
A baby has been born in the UK using a technique called tors can compromise the reliability of carbon-14 dating.
mitochondrial donation treatment (MDT) (popularly called
‘Three Parents Baby’), which involves using the DNA of Advantages of Calcium-41:
three people in an effort to prevent children from inheriting • Longer Half-Life: Calcium-41 has a much longer half-life
incurable diseases. of 99,400 years, allowing for the dating of much older
materials compared to carbon-14.
• Abundance in Earth’s Crust: Calcium-41 is found in the
Working:
Earth’s crust, making it available for dating various geo-
The procedure combines the sperm and eggs from the bi-
logical materials, including fossilized bones and rocks.
ological parents with mitochondria from a donor’s eggs.
• Atom Trap Trace Analysis (ATTA): The technique of ATTA
Harmful mutations in mitochondria, which are inherited
enables the detection of calcium-41 atoms with high
only from the mother, can affect all the children a woman
sensitivity and selectivity, improving the accuracy of
has. As of now, the technique is still in its experimental stage.
dating methods.
• Potential for Extension: The successful application of
ATTA to calcium-41 opens the possibility of using simi-
lar techniques for other metal isotopes, expanding the
range of dating methods available.
• Earth-Science Applications: Calcium-41 and ATTA can be
used to study geological processes, such as determining
how long rocks have been covered by ice, providing valu-
able insights into Earth’s history and climate changes.
54. PANGENOME MAP
Approximately 1 in 5,000-10,000 children are born each year Context:

with mitochondrial disease. Concerns: Development of de- A pangenome reference map has been built using genomes
signer babies, dilutes parenthood, costly in nature etc. from 47 anonymous individuals from Africa, the Caribbean,
the Americas, East Asia, and Europe.
53. CALCIUM-41 About Pangenome Map

Topic Description
Context:
A recent study has proposed using calcium-41 as a new What is Pange- A pangenome map is a way of looking at
method for radiometric dating, similar to carbon-14 dating nome Map? the collective genetic information of a
but with several advantages. group of related organisms or species. It
goes beyond just one individual’s genetic
makeup and considers the genetic diver-
What is radiocarbon dating? sity within that group.
Radiocarbon dating, also known as carbon-14 dating, is a
method used to determine the age of organic materials that
originated from living organisms. It relies on the radioactive
Current Affairs 30
What is ge- The human genome refers to the entire

nome and set of DNA in the nucleus of every cell
genome se- in the human body. It is like an identity
quencing? card (e.g., Aadhar) unique to each indi-
vidual. Genome sequencing is a method
used to determine the precise order and
arrangement of the four letters (A, T,
G, and C) in the genome. It helps us un-
derstand human diversity at the genet-
ic level and our susceptibility to certain
diseases.
What is a ref- A reference genome is a complete set of
erence ge- genetic information for a specific indi-
nome? vidual. When newly sequenced genomes
are compared, they are matched against
a reference map called a reference ge-
nome.
How pange- While a reference genome represents a
nome map is single individual, a pangenome map cap-
different from tures the genetic diversity and variation
the Reference across multiple individuals or popula-
genome? tions. Significance:
Principle The concept of a pangenome acknowl- This recognition places India among the top AI supercomput-
edges that a species’ genome is not a ing nations globally.
fixed entity and is different for different
individuals. This genetic variation con-
About AIRAWAT:
tributes to differences in traits, disease
It is part of the National Program on AI initiated by the Gov-
susceptibility, and other biological char-
ernment of India, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Mo-
acteristics.
di’s vision of “AI for All.”
Why is a A pangenome map provides a compre-
• Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology
p a n g e n o m e hensive understanding of a species’ ge-
envisions scaling AIRAWAT to a computing capacity
map import- netic content. This helps explain genetic
of 1,000 AI Petaflops to meet the current AI compu-
ant? differences, and human diversity, study
tational requirements.
gene evolution, identify disease-associ-
ated genes, and understand the overall
genomic architecture of a species. Benefits: The deployment of AIRAWAT will empower aca-
demia, research labs, the scientific community, industry,
and startups to develop indigenous AI-enabled products and
This can shed light on disease preva- solutions, particularly for addressing India-specific challeng-
lence, aid in discovering new genes for es.
rare diseases, design better diagnostic
methods, and facilitate the discovery of
novel drugs for those diseases. 56. ASTR
P a n g e n o m e The current pangenome map does not
map and India include genome sequences from Indi- Context:
ans. However, it can still help map Indian The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched
genomes against existing error-free and the Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition powered
complete reference genomes. Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification (ASTR)
tool to detect and block fraudulent mobile connections.
About ASTR:
55. AI SUPERCOMPUTER ‘AIRAWAT’ Dimensions Description
Purpose To detect and block fraudulent mobile
connections
Current Affairs 30
Origin In 2012, the DoT ordered telecom oper- 57.ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYS-
ators to share their subscriber database, TEMS (ADAS)
including user pictures. These images
form the basis for the facial recognition Context:
algorithm used in ASTR. The ASTR proj- Car manufacturers have started providing ADAS which could
ect was developed by the DoT’s unit in create a safe traffic environment resulting in reduced acci-
Haryana between April 2021 and July dental death.
2021.
T e c h n o l o g y Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Facial Rec- Information
Used ognition What is Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Functionality Analyzing subscriber databases to iden- ADAS? is an electronic system of automated vehicle
tify multiple connections associated safety features.
with the same person Compo- The System uses innovative sensor technolo-
Example of its Suppose there is a suspected face as- nents gy to provide information, warnings, and as-
working sociated with multiple mobile con- sistance to the driver while they are driving.
nections. ASTR will compare this face Role The role of ADAS is to prevent deaths and
against a database of images to iden- injuries by reducing the number of car ac-
tify other connections linked to the cidents and the serious impact of those that
same face. If there are more than nine cannot be avoided on the road.
connections against a single individual’s ADAS Ap- Adaptive Cruise Control, Glare-Free High
photograph or if the same person has plications Beam Light, Adaptive Light Control, Automat-
taken SIMs under different names, ASTR ic Parking, Autonomous Valet Parking, Navi-
will flag it as potentially fraudulent. gation System, Night Vision,
C o n n e c t i o n Currently, a maximum of nine mobile What is Autonomous
Limit connections can be taken using a single Auton- driving is the
identity proof o m o u s ability of a ve-
Action Taken The list of fraudulent connections will be Driving? hicle to drive
shared with telecom operators, banks, itself.
payment wallets, and social media plat- C h a l - Limited success; No consensus on technology
forms lenges to to be used; Available technology at present
Description of technology used: Self-Driv- do not have the capacity of humans to pre-
Image Process- Faces in subscriber images are encod- ing Cars dict and take decision in complex traffic sce-
ing ed using convolutional neural network nario; and lack of government support.
(CNN) models
Face Compari- A face comparison is carried out for
son each face against all faces in the data-
base to group similar faces under one
directory
Matching Accu- Faces are considered identical if they
racy match to the extent of at least 97.5%
Name Matching “Fuzzy logic” is used to find similarity
or approximate matches for subscriber
names, accounting for typographical er-
rors
What is fuzzy Fuzzy logic is a mathematical approach
logic? that deals with uncertainty and impre- 58. TELANGANA: STATE ROBOTICS FRAME-
cise information. It allows for the rep- WORK
resentation of vagueness and partial
truth, unlike traditional binary logic. Context:
Telangana has become the first state in the country to
launch a state robotics framework with a vision to create a
sustainable robotics ecosystem.
Current Affairs 30
Aim: Benefits of DPI:
It intends to leverage robotics technology in key domains, • Aadhaar enables the direct transfer of social safety net
including agriculture, healthcare, industrial automation, and payments, reducing leakages and corruption
consumer robotics. The ultimate goal of the framework is to • Digital payments expanded smaller merchants’ custom-
become a leader in robotics and promote a sustainable ro- er base and improved access to financial services.
botics industry in Telangana • Digitalization formalized the economy, with nearly 9
million new GST taxpayers registered. CoWIN platform
scaled India’s vaccine delivery services.
Implementation:
• Telangana Robotics Innovation Centre (TRIC) will be
established as an independent entity to implement the
framework 60. EU CODE OF PRACTICE AGAINST DISIN-
• Robo park and robotics accelerator for start-ups will
also be established
FORMATION
Context:
Twitter has decided to leave the EU’s disinformation code,
59. DIGITAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE (DPI) a voluntary pact that groups together the major social plat-
forms.
Context:
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) voted unani- A new law the Digital Services Act (DSA) is set to take effect
mously to adopt India’s proposal for developing digital pub- - which establishes requirements for monitoring and flag-
lic infrastructure (DPI) as the right way for deploying digital ging disinformation, which would make the now voluntary
technology, agreement mandatory for large social media sites.
More about the News: Reason:

• Developing DPI will include platforms such as Aadhaar, Twitter wants to avoid certain legal liabilities that come with
United Payments Interface (UPI), DigiLocker, and DPI in being part of the code. By leaving the code, Twitter may be
agriculture, education and finance. able to operate more independently and on its own terms.
• Also, at the G7 meeting of health ministers, India pro-
posed convergence of all digital initiatives through a
“global initiative on digital health” to be housed at the
WHO About DSA:
• The DSA, an expansion of the current voluntary agree-
ment, will require large digital platforms like Twitter
to monitor and demonetize disinformation and bot
farms on their sites, offer transparent warnings about
political advertising, and empower fact-checking.
• It does not require the site to remove content but
does require offering users ways to report illicit con-
tent
SPACE TECHNOLOGY
61.STARBERRYSENSE
Context:
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) recently
launched a new low-cost star sensor called StarBerrySense
on board PSLV C-55.
About StarBerrySense:
Current Affairs 30
Purpose Low-cost star sensor for astronomy and Application Through the Jigyasa portal
small CubeSat class satellite missions Purpose To provide introductory-level training in
Developed by Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) Space Science and Technology to build
Technology An electro-optical system that takes an human capacity for future Space Science
image from a set of stars and determines and research
the angle deviation of the satellite by com- Other Training Remote Sensing Data Acquisition and
paring it with the star catalogue Programmes Remote Sensing Data Processing courses
Components Baffle, optical system, detector, electronic conducted by the ISRO’s National Remote
and image processing system Sensing Centre (NRSC) through the Cen-
tre for Space Science and Technology Ed-
ucation in Asia and the Pacific (CSSTEAP)
About ISRO The Indian Space Research Organisation
(est. 1969; HQ: Bengaluru; founder:
Vikram Sarabhai; Parent organization:
Space Commission) is the national space
Platform Raspberry Pi Zero
agency of India, operating under the De-
Cost Less expensive than other star sensors partment of Space.
on the market by less than 10% based on
readily available commercial/off-the-shelf
components 63. SATURN’S MOON
Benefits Cost-effective, simple to build, can be de-
ployed on a wide variety of satellites
About POEM The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module
(POEM) is a platform developed by the In-
dian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
to carry small payloads for in-orbit testing
and validation of technologies.
About the In- The IIA (under Dept. of S&T; est.1971)
dian Institute is a premier research institute in India
of Astrophys- dedicated to the study of astronomy, as-
ics trophysics, and related fields. It has sev-
eral observational facilities including
the Hanle Observatory in Ladakh, Jammu,
and Kashmir.
62. SPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

AWARENESS TRAINING (START)
Context: Prelims Links:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched Q Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?
an online training programme named Space Science and (2014)
Technology Awareness Training (START) for postgraduate
and final-year undergraduate students of Physical Sciences Spacecraft Purpose
and Technology.
Cassini-Huy- Orbiting Venus and trans-
1.
gens mitting data to the Earth
Information Details
Domains Cov- Astronomy and Astrophysics, Heliophys- Mapping and investigating
2. Messenger
ered ics and Sun-Earth interaction, Instrumen- the Mercury
tation, and Aeronomy Voyager 1 and Exploring the outer solar
D e l i v e r y Online 3.
2 system
Mode
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Current Affairs 30
(a) 1 only About Cosmic dust particles are tiny solid par-
(b) 2 and 3 only ticles that exist in outer space. They are
(c) 1 and 3 only composed of various materials, including
(d) 1, 2 and 3 minerals, metals, ice, and organic com-
Ans: B pounds.
Shape From spherical to irregular or fractal-like
structures.
64. XPOSAT Size Ranging from nanometers to micrometres
Composition Amorphous silicate (Forsterite) and amor-
Context: phous carbon
XPoSat is India’s first polarimetry mission, developed in col-
Found in Cosmic dust particles can be found in dif-
laboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation
ferent environments, such as interstellar
(ISRO) and the Raman Research Institute (RRI) (an autono-
space, planetary systems, and the atmo-
mous research institute), to be launched later this year.
spheres of planets and moons.
Role played They contribute to the formation of stars
and planetary systems by providing mate-
rial for accretion. They also scatter and ab-
sorb light, affecting the radiation proper-
ties of celestial objects. Additionally, these
particles serve as building blocks for the
formation of larger objects, such as aster-
oids, comets, and planets.
66. CHINA SENDS ITS 1ST CIVILIAN TO

SPACE
Context:
China’s Shenzhou-16 spacecraft has been launched with
three astronauts, including the first Chinese civilian, to the
Tiangong space station.
Aim of the mission: To replace the crew of Shenzhou-15 and

conduct tests and experiments over the next five months.
About Tiangong Space Station:

65. COSMIC DUST PARTICLES
Tiangong Space Station
Description It is a Chinese
Context:
space station be-
Indian scientists (from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics)
ing built in low
have created a computer model of cosmic dust particles
Earth orbit as a
that can imitate the unique way interstellar comet 2I/Bor-
part of the China
isov scatters light.
Manned Space
Program.
Use: By studying the way light scatters off these cosmic par- Altitude Between 340 and
ticles, they can better understand how comets behave. The 450 kilometres
model accurately reproduced the scattering of light seen in above the Earth
experiments and observations. It revealed the presence of a
large number of porous cosmic dust particles. L o n g - te r m Operational for at
operation least ten years
M o d u l e “Tianhe” (Harmo-
Cosmic dust particles:
Launch ny of the Heavens)
Description module in 2021
Current Affairs 30
C h i n a Human space program with a “three-step” BREACH 1.5°C THRESHOLD BY 2027

Manned approach
Space Pro- 1. Launch manned spaceships for ba- Context:
gramme sic human space technologies According to the World Meteorological Organization
2. Launch Space Labs for R&D and (WMO), global temperatures are now more likely than not
long-term utilization to exceed the 1.5°C (2.7°F) warming threshold within the
3. Construct China’s Space Station for next five years.
large-scale utilization
Importance China is the third country to send astro- About the Finding: WMO’s Global Annual to Decadal Cli-
for China nauts and build a space station, after US mate Update highlights a 66% chance of temporarily ex-
and Russia. ceeding 1.5°C by 2027 (than the average global temperature
from 1850-1900), a significant increase from last year’s esti-
I n d i a ’s India plans to launch its own space station
mate of approximately 50-50 odds.
Space Sta- by 2030, of about 20 tonnes (smaller than
tion Pro- ISS) to conduct microgravity experiments. • Threshold of 1.5°C: This threshold is critical to avoid
gram It will accommodate astronauts for up to the disastrous consequences of global warming, as
20 days in space (an extension of the Ga- warned by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
ganyaan mission) Change.
• Hottest year: The WMO’s predictions also indicate
a 98% chance that one of the next five years will
67. SEMI-CRYOGENIC ENGINE be the hottest on record, surpassing the previous re-
cord set in 2016.
Context:
An intermediate configuration of a 2000 kN semi-cryogen- Reason for increased likelihood: El Niño, combined with hu-
ic engine was recently tested at a newly commissioned man-induced climate change will contribute to higher global
Semi-cryogenic Integrated Engine & Stage Test facility at temperatures.
ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil
Nadu by ISRO. Significance: This represents the first time in history that
• It was the first in a series of tests planned to vali- surpassing 1.5°C is considered more probable than not, thus
date the design of a propellant feed system, includ- indicating an alarming trend.
ing low-pressure and high-pressure turbo-pumps,
gas generator, and control components. Impact on India: The increased temperature will likely lead
to lower monsoon rainfall. Hotter oceans also contribute to
About semi-cryogenic engines: stronger cyclones (e.g., Cyclone Mocha). India, with its reli-
• Semi-cryogenic engines are a type of rocket engine ance on rain-fed agriculture and a long coastline, will face
that use a combination of liquid and gaseous pro- significant challenges due to global climate changes.
pellants. They are called “semi-cryogenic” because
they operate at temperatures higher than cryogenic Measures needed: Improving forecasting capabilities for cy-
engines but still colder than traditional liquid rocket clones and weather anomalies is crucial, but building resil-
engines. ience through investments in disaster-related infrastructure
• A semi-cryogenic engine uses refined kerosene in- is equally important. India must prioritize infrastructure
stead of liquid hydrogen. Liquid oxygen is used as development to defend against the increasing threat of cli-
an oxidizer. mate-related disasters.
• The Semi Cryogenic Propulsion System Project en-
visages the design and development of a 2000 kN
semi-cryogenic engine and ‘SC120 stage’ that will About WMO: The World Meteorological Organization
enable the development of a heavy-lift capability (founded: 1950; HQ: Geneva; Parent organization: UN Eco-
for future Indian space transportation systems. nomic and Social Council) is a specialized agency of the UN
responsible for promoting international cooperation on at-
mospheric science, climatology, hydrology and geophysics.
ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE & CON-
SERVATION
68.GLOBAL TEMPERATURE LIKELY TO
Current Affairs 30
69. GLOBAL GREENHOUSE GAS WATCH About the Coalition:

The Carbon Capture Coalition is a collaborative group con-
Context: sisting of more than 100 companies, unions, NGOs, con-
The World Meteorological Congress - the supreme deci- servation and environmental policy organizations. Their
sion-making body of WMO, approved (in its 19th session) goal is to promote policy support for the widespread de-
a new greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring initiative - Global ployment of carbon management technologies, including
Greenhouse Gas Watch. carbon capture, removal, transport, reuse, and storage.
The Great Plains Institute convenes the Coalition, which
Background: In 2022, the WMO Executive Council decid- includes members from various industries, labour unions,
ed to develop an architecture for a global Greenhouse Gas and policy organizations.
Monitoring Infrastructure to build on and expand WMO’s
long-standing activities in GHG monitoring.
71. IMPACT OF WARMING ON THE AQUAT-
The Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (G3W): It aims to estab-
lish internationally coordinated monitoring of GHG fluxes IC ANIMALS
(top-down) to support the provision of actionable informa-
tion to the UNFCCC Parties and other stakeholders Context:
According to a new study published in the eLife journal,
warm waters will cause aquatic animals, particularly fish,
Need:
to grow larger rather than shrink in size due to global warm-
• Currently, most GHG monitoring undertaken glob-
ing.
ally relies heavily on research capabilities and re-
search funding.
• The intermittent nature of research funding and the New findings:
competitive processes used for its allocation makes The study found that warm waters will increase both the
sustained global monitoring difficult to achieve. growth rates and death rates of fish, resulting in a young-
er but larger fish population. This contradicts the previous
theory that fish will grow faster at a young age but reach
smaller body sizes as adults as aquatic ecosystems become
warmer.
Other impacts:
Impact of Warming on Descriptions
Aquatic Animals
Decreased oxygen levels Limit growth and develop-
ment of some species
Changes in food availabil- This can lead to decreased
ity populations
Increased prevalence of Can impact populations
70. CARBON CAPTURE COALITION diseases and parasites
Bleaching of coral reefs Loss of habitat for a diverse
Context: array of species
Carbon Capture Coalition have challenged a United Nations
The decline of coral reef This can lead to declines in
(UN) document that questions the effectiveness of carbon
ecosystems populations of fish and in-
removal technologies in combatting global warming.
vertebrates
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recog-

nizes the need to remove billions of tonnes of carbon annu- 72.TIPPING POINTS
ally to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. But some
environmental campaigners criticize carbon removal for al- Context:
lowing continued fossil fuel production. A study suggests that climate change could push up to 30%
of species over tipping points as their geographic ranges ex-
perience unforeseen temperatures.
Current Affairs 30
About Tipping Points: The companies with the highest reparations: ExxonMobil,
Description Saudi Aramco, and Shell.
Definition ‘Tipping points’ are thresholds where
the earth’s systems can no longer sta- About Climate reparations:
bilize. Crossing these points becomes Description
more dangerous with increased warm-
Definition Climate reparations aim to rectify climate
ing.
injustice by requiring those most respon-
Explanation For example, the melting of Greenland’s sible for climate change to provide sup-
ice can reach a tipping point where the port to those who have been wronged.
ice loss accelerates, leading to a signifi-
Principles of Polluter pays principle (Polluters should
cant rise in sea levels.
Climate Repa- be held liable for the costs of remedi-
Examples of tip- Melting of Greenland ice; Collapse of rations al action); More responsibility of rich
ping point Antarctic glaciers (resulting in sea lev- countries (for past historical emissions);
el rise); Destruction of Amazon forests; Reparations-based approach to climate
Melting of all permafrost, etc. refugees; Rich countries should provide
Recent Findings Five dangerous tipping points may financial and technological support to de-
have already been passed due to 1.1°C veloping nations
of global heating caused by human ac- Steps Taken Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM)
tivity. (Established in 2013 to compensate de-
Impacts on Ani- When their geographic ranges experi- veloping countries affected by climate di-
mals ence unfamiliarly hot temperatures, sasters); Green Climate Fund (promise of
up to 30% of species could be at risk. $100 billion per year by 2020); Least De-
This can lead to habitat loss and po- veloped Countries Fund
tential extinction. Animals may need to Additional Establish an international compensa-
adapt or migrate to cooler regions, but Measures tion commission to handle claims from
the short timeframe makes it challeng- Needed for countries that have incurred adaptation
ing. Reparations expenses, similar to the United Nations
Actions Needed Urgent action to reduce carbon emis- Claims Commission; Prioritize adaptation
sions is crucial to mitigate harm and measures; Establish a separate channel
prevent an extinction crisis. Conserva- for loss and damages; Long-term climate
tion efforts should be guided by early finance; enforce legal measures for petro-
warning systems to protect vulnerable leum companies to share a part of their
species. profit for GHG mitigation efforts
74. MERI LIFE, MERA SWACHH SHEHAR
73. CLIMATE REPARATIONS
Context:
A new study has found that the world’s top 21 fossil fuel
companies owed over US $ 5 trillion in climate reparations,
to be disbursed over a 26-year period from 2025 to 2050.
Current Affairs 30
A. MERI LIFE’S APP 76.’HARIT SAGAR’ GREEN PORT GUIDE-

LINES
Context:
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Context:
(MoEF&CC) launched the “Meri LiFE” (My Life) mobile ap- The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has launched
plication to empower youth and encourage their participa- the ‘Harit Sagar’ Green Port Guidelines to achieve the larger
tion in addressing climate change. vision of achieving the Zero Carbon Emission Goal.
About the Meri LiFE app: Key points of the ‘Harit Sagar Guidelines 2023’:
Dimension Description Description
App Pur- Empower young people and encourage Objective To achieve Zero Carbon Emission Goal and
pose their participation in tackling climate change promote environmental-friendly practices
through simple actions in daily life across all ports
LiFE Themes Save Energy, Save Water, Reduce Single-Use Envisages Ecosystem dynamics in port development,
Plastic, Adopt Sustainable Food Systems, operation, and maintenance
and Adopt Healthy Lifestyles
Emphasiz- Use of Clean/Green energy in port operation,
5 for 5 Chal- Users are guided through a gamified ex- es development of port capabilities for storage,
lenge perience to take five LiFE actions towards handling and bunkering of greener fuels
World Environment Day on June 5th, 2023
Provides a Major ports to draw a comprehensive action
MoEF&CC has developed two portals framework plan for achieving a quantified reduction in
Mission LiFE Provides open access to over 100 creative for carbon emission over defined timelines
Portal videos and knowledge materials related to Aims to Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDG) and
LiFE achieve minimizing waste through reducing, reusing,
Meri LiFE Enables ministries and institutions to up- repurposing, and Recycling to attain zero
Portal load event reports and track the progress waste discharge from port operations
of the ongoing mass mobilization drive Promotes Monitoring based on Environmental Perfor-
mance Indicators
75. ATAL BHUJAL YOJANA (ABY) Covers as- National Green Hydrogen Mission pertaining
pects of to ports, development of green hydrogen fa-
cility, LNG bunkering, Offshore Wind Energy
Provides Adopting the global Green Reporting Initia-
p ro v i s i o n tive (GRI) standard
for
The ‘Sagar Shreshtha Samman’ awards were also conferred

to major ports for their exceptional achievements in various
operational parameters during the event.
Awards conferred to major ports during FY-2022-23:

Award Category Port Achievement
Best Absolute Deendayal Port, Handling the highest
Performance Kandla cargo of 137 MMT
Overall Annual Paradip Port Based on cargo han-
Performance dling, average turn-
around time, ship
birthday output, idle
time at berth, oper-
ating ratio
A major mile- Jawaharlal Neh- Achieving a major
stone in Turn ru Port Trust milestone in Turn
Around Time (JNPT) Around Time
Current Affairs 30
77.LAKES 78. PEOPLE’S BIODIVERSITY REGISTER
Context:
The National Campaign for Updation and Verification of
People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) was launched in Goa,
by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Aim: It is aimed to document and preserve India’s rich bio-

logical diversity.
About PBR:
The People’s Biodiversity Register serves as a comprehen-
sive record of locally available Bio-resources including the
landscape and demography of a particular area or village.
It is prepared by Biodiversity Management Committees
(under Biodiversity Act 2002) in consultation with local
communities.
About Biodiversity Management Committees

BMCs are local bodies created under the Biological Diver-
Major Findings of the Study: sity Act 2002, with the mandate to ensure the conserva-
tion, sustainable utilization and equitable sharing of ben-
Findings Details
efits from biodiversity.
Indian lakes More than 30 large lakes in India ex-
perienced a drying trend from 1992
to 2020. E.g., Mettur, Krishnara- The act has made it mandatory for every local self-gov-
jasagar, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Idama- erning institution in rural and urban areas to consti-
layar, showed a decline in lake levels tute Biodiversity Management Committees within their
and storage area of jurisdiction. BMC must prepare a PBR in consulta-
tion with local people.
Global lakes Global lakes contribute to 95% of the
total lake water storage on Earth.
53% of the world’s largest lakes have Kolkata was the first major metropolitan city in India to
been losing water, while 24% have make a detailed People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR). Previ-
seen an increase in water levels. ously, the Forest Survey of India’s report had flagged the
West Bengal Capital for the least greenery among all met-
Global population Nearly 33% of the global population
ro cities.
affected resides in a basin with a large, drying
lake.
Role of climate Climate change, including tempera- 79. WORLD BIODIVERSITY DAY 2023
change ture, precipitation, and runoff, was
identified as one of the main drivers
of water losses
Other factors con- Human water consumption, potential
tributing to lake evapotranspiration, and sedimen-
decline tation were identified as additional
factors contributing to the decline of
lakes.
Measures needed Integrated approaches to lake man-
agement are crucial to address the
declining trends
Current Affairs 30
About AM- It is a five-year program launched in Octo-

RUT 2.0 ber 2021 and will continue until 2025-26.
It is an extension of the AMRUT mission
(launched in 2015) with the goal of provid-
ing every household with access to a tap
with a guaranteed supply of water and a
sewer connection.
81. INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE ACTION IN

CIVIL AVIATION
80. STAR RATING SYSTEM FOR WATER TAPS,

AND SANITARY FIXTURES: BHARAT TAP
Context:
The Indian government is planning to introduce a star rat-
ing system for water fixtures called Bharat Tap, which will
include ratings of 3, 4, and 5 stars based on water efficiency.
About the Bharat Tap initiative:

Details
Bharat Tap is a collaborative effort for water fixtures (sim- 82. GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND (GNI) PROJECT
ilar to the ratings of electrical appliances) to drive water
efficiency
Objective To provide low-flow, sanitary ware at scale Context:
and reduce water consumption at the Citing alleged violations under the FRA 2006, the NCST has
source flagged alleged discrepancies with respect to the forest
E s t i m a t e d Approximately 40% clearance granted for the GNI Project.
water sav-
ing Background:
Benefits Water and energy saving due to less water • The Stage-1 clearance for the project was granted
and energy required for pumping, trans- in October 2022, two years after the application was
porting, and purification received.
Formulated AMRUT 2.0 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation • The Ministry of Tribal Affairs shows that the island
under and Urban Transformation) administration neither recognised nor granted
ownership of any forest land to local tribes as per
Collabora- Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) and man-
FRA before Stage-I clearance was granted.
tors ufacturers
• According to the Forest Conservation Rules 2017,
any diversion of forest land would first require the
District Collector to recognise and vest rights to lo-
cals under the FRA.
Current Affairs 30
The justification of the A&N administration: PVTG) and the Nicobarese reside.
• The power of notification and de-notification of the • The northern end of the project falls in the bio-
land as a Tribal Reserve is solely administered under sphere reserve.
the A&N Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes)
Act, 1956.
• So there is no claim as such for settlement under the
FRA 2006.
The GNI Project:
83. ADB’S IF-CAP
Context:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced the In-
novative Finance Facility for Climate in Asia and the Pacific
(IF-CAP) program to accelerate climate change financing in
the region.
Parameter Details
IF-CAP is the first-of-its-kind multi-donor financing part-
nership facility with the goal of scaling-up finance for ac-
• It is a ₹72,000-crore mega project piloted by NITI celerated action against climate change in Asia and the
Aayog for the “holistic development” of the Great Pacific.
Nicobar Island (GNI), situated at the southern end Launch Announced on 2 May 2023
of the A&N group of Islands in the Bay of Bengal. Owner Asian Development Bank (ADB)
• It is being implemented by the Andaman and Nico- Initial Partners Denmark, Japan, the Republic of Korea,
bar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the
(ANIIDCO). United States
• The plan has four components -
 A ₹35,000 crore transhipment port at Gala- Benefits 1. The multiplier effect of up to $5
thea Bay, in much-needed climate finance for ev-
 A dual-use military-civil international air- ery $1 of guarantees (model of ‘$1 in,
port, $5 out’)
 A power plant, and 2. Financing will help vulnerable
 A township countries in Asia and the Pacific region
meet their mitigation and adaptation
goals.
Concerns:
3. Support ADB’s raised ambition
• The project intends to use about 7.114 sq. km of
for $100 billion in climate finance from
tribal reserve forest land, where the Shompen (a
2019-2030.
Current Affairs 30
Financing Mech- Global Environment Facility (GEF),

anisms Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation
Fund, and Loss and Damage Fund
Funding Sources Bilateral and multilateral sources, the
private sector, and philanthropies in-
cluding the Global Energy Alliance for
People and Planet
Amount The initial ambition of $3 billion in
guarantees could create up to $15 bil-
lion (model of ‘$1 in, $5 out’) in new
loans for much-needed climate projects
across Asia and the Pacific.
About ADB The Asian Development Bank (est.
1966; HQ: Manila, Phillippines) is a re-
gional development bank committed
to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, re-
silient, and sustainable Asia and the Pa-
cific while sustaining its efforts to eradi-
cate extreme poverty.
84. FIT FOR 55

86. CREDIT SUISSE-ECUADOR DEAL FOR
Context:
GALAPAGOS CONSERVATION
The Fit for 55 packages is a set of proposals aimed at revising
and updating EU legislation and implementing new initia- Context:
tives to align EU policies with the climate goals agreed by Credit Suisse has announced buying Ecuadorian bonds
the Council and the European Parliament. worth $1.6 billion (€1.45 billion) in a debt-for-nature swap
that cost the Swiss bank just $644 million.
• The package is named after the EU’s target of reduc-
ing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55%
by 2030. Purpose: Ecuador has committed to spending (for 20 years)
• Some of the initiatives include-- Extension to emis- on the protection of one of the world’s most precious eco-
sions from maritime transport. Reduction of emis- systems - The Galapagos Islands.
sions allowances. Implementation of the global
carbon offsetting and reduction scheme for interna- The Galapagos Islands:
tional aviation. Increase funding for an innovation
fund. Revision of the market stability reserve.
85. CENTRAL ASIAN FLYWAY (CAF)
• The remote islands - home to some of the most un-

spoiled nature in the world - are a UNESCO world
nature heritage site.
Current Affairs 30
• Their animal life was crucial to Charles Darwin’s re- Source of SAF: It can be derived from various feedstocks,
search before publishing his theory of evolution. such as plant oils, agricultural waste, forestry residues, and
municipal solid waste.
Significance of the deal:
• The buyer (Credit Suisse) has recently been taken Advantages: SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by
over by Swiss banking giant UBS in a bid to calm the up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. Also, it is de-
financial markets amid a banking crisis. signed to be a drop-in replacement for conventional jet
• The seller (Ecuador) has been mired in a political fuel, meaning it can be used in existing aircraft engines with-
crisis as the country’s National Assembly seeks to out requiring modifications.
impeach President (Guillermo Lasso) for alleged em-
bezzlement. Significance for India: It is a significant milestone in India’s
efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. India
has set a target of becoming energy self-reliant by 2047
87. UNFF18
89. REGULATING CAPTIVE BREEDING OF
Context: EXOTIC ANIMALS
The 18th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests
(UNFF18) was held in New York.
Context:
India begins regulating the captive breeding of exotic ani-
United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF): mals through a licensing system.
• The UN Economic and Social Council established it
• Those who breed exotic species protected under
in 2000.
(CITES) and listed in Appendix 1 of Schedule IV of the
Wildlife Protection Act 2022 can now obtain Breed-
Objective: ers of Species Licence under the Breeders of Spe-
To promote the management, conservation and sustainable cies Licence Rules,2023.
development of all types of forests and to strengthen long- • Appendix 1 of Schedule IV is endangered exotic an-
term political commitment to this end. imals (Red Panda, various species of dogs, wolves,
cats, apes, chimpanzees, gibbons) and plants, and
Key highlights: import rules are stricter for them.
• Practice Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) in
Tropical Regions What is Captive Breeding?
• India: It presented a case of a UNFF country-led ini- Captive breeding refers to the practice of breeding and rais-
tiative on long-term SFM and expressed concerns ing wild animals in controlled environments, such as zoos,
regarding wildfires and the limitations of current wildlife centres, or specialized facilities, with the purpose of
forest certification schemes. conserving and protecting endangered or threatened spe-
cies.
88. SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL (SAF) • The goal of captive breeding programs is to increase
the population size of rare species and, if possible,
BLEND reintroduce individuals back into their natural hab-
itats.
Context:
India successfully flew its first commercial passenger flight Captive breeding of exotic species protected under CITES was
using an indigenously produced Sustainable Aviation Fuel not regulated in the Indian laws until the recent amend-
(SAF) blend. ment to the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022.
What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a type of aviation fuel that
90. COLD-BLOODED ANIMALS
is produced from renewable sources, unlike traditional fos-
sil-based jet fuels. It is considered sustainable because it has Context:
a significantly lower carbon footprint and reduces green- Scientists have disputed the idea that as the planet warms,
house gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. the bodies of cold-blooded marine species, including fish,
will contract.
Current Affairs 30
Conventional understanding: Warming temperatures lead
to smaller body sizes in cold-blooded marine animals, sug-
gesting that they may actually grow larger in response to
warmer waters.
The recent study challenges the expectation due to several

reasons:
• Warm water pollution: The study suggests that
warm water pollution, caused by the discharge
of warm pollutants, can actually contribute to the
growth of aquatic animals.
• Accelerated growth at younger age: Contrary to pre-
vious assumptions, the study found that cold-blood-
ed animals, or ectotherms, experience faster growth
at a younger age in warm waters.
• Sustained growth throughout life: The study discov-
ered the positive effect of warmer waters on growth
and they continue to experience growth throughout
their lives, leading to a larger maximum body size.
• Survival trade-off: While the warmer waters provide
favourable conditions for growth, they also come
with higher death rates.
• Influence of warm water on young populations: The
research revealed that even if the water becomes in-
hospitable to the fish due to excessive warmth, the
growth boost is significant enough to create a larger
population of young-and-large fish.
Highlights of the study: Aquatic animals/ectotherms/

cold-blooded animals such as fish would actually grow larg-
er due to warm water pollution, i.e., water heated by warm
pollutants.
91.BURA CHAPORI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Context:
Assam government is currently taking measures to open the
traditional path for wild animals from Kaziranga to Orang
National Park via the Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary.
Current Affairs 30
About the Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary: of the 10-km rule can vary, and areas beyond 10 km can also
be notified as ESZs if they contain significant ecological cor-
ridors.
Dimension Details
Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in
Assam, on the south bank of the Brahmaputra Riv- Categorization of Activities:
er in Sonitpur district. • Prohibited: Commercial mining, sawmills, polluting
industries, major hydroelectric projects, and com-
Ecological Significance It forms an integral part of the
mercial use of wood
Laokhowa-Burachapori ecosys-
• Regulated activities include tree felling, the estab-
tem and is a notified buffer of
lishment of hotels and resorts, commercial use of
the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve.
natural water, the erection of electrical cables, and
Wildlife Considered an ideal habitat for drastic changes in agricultural practices.
the Bengal Florican • Permitted activities in ESZs include ongoing agricul-
Official Recognition Declared a wildlife sanctuary in tural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvest-
1995 ing, organic farming, the use of renewable energy
Threats The sanctuary is facing illegal sources, and the adoption of green technology for
land encroachment. Approxi- all activities.
mately 16,000 bighas of land re-
covered from illegal encroachers
92.POBITORA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Context:
About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary:
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Ministry of
Environment and Forests and the Assam government in re- It is located in the flood plains of the Brahmaputra River
sponse to a plea seeking the declaration of the area around in Assam, and is known for having the highest density of
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam as an eco-sensitive one-horned rhinos (EN) in the world. It is often referred to
zone. as ‘Mini Kaziranga’ due to its similar landscape and vege-
tation. Approximately 72% of the sanctuary is covered by
wet savannah dominated by Arundo donax and Saccha-
What is an eco-sensitive zone? rum, while the rest consists of water bodies.
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are designated areas surround-
ing national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that are deemed
ecologically fragile and important for the conservation of 93. PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE (PTR)
wildlife and their habitats.
Context:
Areas mandated under ESZ: A wild tusker named Arikompan was successfully translocat-
MoEFCC has mandated the declaration of land within 10 km ed to an area near Seeniyaroda under the Mullakkudy forest
of the park or sanctuary boundaries as ESZs under the Envi- section under the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady.
ronmental (Protection) Act, 1986. However, the application
Current Affairs 30
About Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR):
Catego- Information
ry
L o c a - Falls in the dis-
tion tricts of Idukki and
Pathanamthitta in
Kerala (Western
Ghats)
Forma- Declared a Sanc-
tion tuary in 1950 and
declared a Tiger Re-
serve in 1978.
Name It gets its name
from the River Peri-
yar which has its
origin inside the re-
serve
D r a i n - The major rivers
age through the reserve
are Mullayar and
Periyar
Flora The sanctuary com- About NTCA: National Tiger Conservation Authority
prises tropical ev- (NTCA) (formed 2005, following the recommendations of
ergreen, semi-ev- the Tiger Task Force) is a statutory body under the Ministry
ergreen, moist of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. It was
deciduous forests constituted under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, for
and grasslands. strengthening tiger conservation. It is responsible for
management of Project Tiger and India’s many Tiger Re-
Fauna Mammals: Tiger, Elephant, Lion-tailed ma-
serves in India.
caque, Nilgiri Tahr etc. Birds: Darters, Cormo-
rants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill
and racket-tailed Drongos. Reptiles: Monitor Liz-
ards, Python, King Cobra etc.
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Tribals There are six tribal communities nestled inside
the reserve such as Mannans, Paliyans, Mala- 95. NEUROTOXINS
yarayans, Mala Pandarams, Uralis and Ulladans
Context:
11 people died due to a gas leak in the Giaspura area of Lud-
94.RANTHAMBORE TIGER RESERVE (RTR)
hiana, Punjab.
The reason behind the deaths: According to the air quality

sensors used by NDRF, high levels of Hydrogen Sulphide gas,
a kind of neurotoxin, have been detected.
What are neurotoxins?

Neurotoxins are poisonous substances which can directly af-
fect the nervous system. They directly attack the respiratory
tract of the body, thereby overpowering the oxygen concen-
tration of the body and then the nervous system as well.
What are neurotoxic gases?

• Methane, hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide
and carbon dioxide are common neurotoxic gases.
• While methane and carbon monoxide are odourless
Current Affairs 30
gases, hydrogen sulphide has a pungent odour and 98.LESSER FLAMINGOS
in higher concentrations, it can be fatal for humans.
How to remove these gases? To remove gases such as hy-

drogen sulphide from wastewater, chemical oxidation is
done, where oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide are added
to the wastewater.
SPECIES IN NEWS
96.BABOOL
99. GHARIALS
Context:
World Wildlife Fund has confirmed the presence of gharials
(Gavialis gangeticus) in Punjab.
About the News:

Gharials is a critically endangered crocodilian unique to the
Indian subcontinent, that was once extirpated from the re-
gion. Experts have suggested that the gharial may have come
97.BAOBAB TREES into Pakistan from India’s Punjab, where several gharials
were released into the Beas River between 2017 and 2021,
primarily from the Chambal basin in Madhya Pradesh.
Current Affairs 30
About WWF: The World-Wide Fund for Nature (est. 1961; 101.LEATHERBACK TURTLES
HQ: Gland, Switzerland) is a Swiss-based international
non-governmental organization that works in the field of Context:
wilderness preservation and the reduction of human im- The government has granted approvals for an international
pact on the environment. container port on the Great Nicobar Island.
100. SHELLED PTEROPODS & FLIGHTLESS The approvals granted for the project have been criticized
for their violation of internationally accepted principles of
MIDGE biodiversity offsetting. There is no provision to compensate
for the damage to turtle nesting.
Context:
Certain invasive species in Antarctica are changing its eco-
system. This invasion highlights the vulnerability of the Ant-
arctic ecosystem, which is typically protected by harsh con-
ditions.
Species
Shelled pteropods (suborder of sea snails)

Habitat Southern Ocean, live at or close to the
ocean surface
Description Tiny creatures with muscular feet for swim-
ming, Highly vulnerable to climate change
Why in Impact of Climate Change - Dissolution

News of their thin outer casings due to increas-
ing CO2 absorption, making it difficult for
them to survive.
102. MALABAR PIED HORNBILL
Species
Context:
A two-decade-long community-based conservation initia-
tive in the Vazhachal Forest division of the Western Ghats
(Kerala) has successfully restored the dwindling hornbill
population, specifically the Malabar Pied Hornbill, to a vi-
able level.
About the programme:

• Communities involved: Kadar tribal community
Flightless Midge (Eretmoptera murphyi) • Agencies involved: Western Ghats Hornbill Foundation
Habitat It is a native of South Georgia, a sub-Antarctic and the Kerala Forest Department
island, and was accidentally introduced to Si- • The method used: Monitoring hornbill nesting trees, ad-
gny in Antarctica in the 1960s during a botany dressing poaching issues, raising awareness about horn-
experiment bills and protecting their habitat.
• Impact: The efforts resulted in the re-establishment of
Impact of Harsh living conditions are no longer impen-
abandoned nests and the formation of new nesting hol-
Invasion etrable, global warming can worsen the crisis
lows. The Malabar Pied hornbill population in the area
Potential Midge activity combined with climate change grew to around 100 individuals with 12 nesting sites.
C o n s e - can facilitate the establishment of other spe-
quence cies in Antarctica
Current Affairs 30
About Hornbills: Hornbills are birds found in tropical and 104.INTERNATIONAL LEOPARD DAY 2023
subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. In India, there are
nine species of hornbills, with the northeastern region be-
ing home to the highest diversity of these birds. The horn-
bill holds cultural significance for certain ethnic communi-
ties in the northeast, particularly the Nyishi of Arunachal
Pradesh. The Nagas celebrate the Hornbill festival, named
after this revered and admired bird. Hornbills are also
called “gardeners or farmers of the forest”.
105. CHEETAH PROJECT STEERING COM-

MITTEE
Context:
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) formed a
Cheetah Project Steering Committee.
103. GANGETIC DOLPHINS About NTCA:

• It is a statutory body established in 2005 under the
MoEF&CC under the enabling provisions of the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972.
• It was constituted following a recommendation of the
Tiger Task Force, constituted by the PM of India for re-
organised management of Project Tiger and the Tiger
Reserves in India, enabling tiger conservation.
• The authority consists of the Minister in charge of the
MoEF&CC (as Chairperson), the Minister of State in the
MoEF&CC (as Vice-Chairperson) and other members.
About the Cheetah Project Steering Committee:

• It will be chaired by Dr Rajesh Gopal, Secretary Gen-
eral of Global Tiger Forum.
• The terms of reference of the Steering Committee
include -
 Reviewing progress, monitoring and advice
on the Cheetah introduction to the MP For-
est Department and NTCA.
 Opening the Cheetah habitat for eco-tourism
and suggesting regulations in this regard.
 Suggestions on community interface and for
their involvement in the project activities.
Current Affairs 30
CYBERSECURITY
106. BLUEBUGGING
Context:
The Andhra Pradesh police have warned smartphone users
about the dangers of ‘bluebugging,’.
What is Bluebugging?
Bluebugging is a type of hacking technique in which an
attacker gains unauthorized access to a device, such as a
smartphone, by exploiting its Bluetooth connection. Once
the device is “blue bugged,” the attacker can potentially lis-
ten to calls, read and send messages, steal and modify con-
tacts, and even install malware on the compromised device.
Comparing Bluesnarfing, Bluejacking, and Bluebugging:

Attack Type Method Access Risk
Bluesnarfing The attacker gains unauthorized access to a Full access to the High risk of data theft and privacy
Bluetooth-enabled device and downloads its device’s data violation
contacts, emails, and other data without the
owner’s knowledge or consent.
Bluejacking The attacker sends unsolicited messages or Limited access to Low risk of data theft or privacy vi-
advertisements to Bluetooth-enabled devices send messages or olation, but annoyance and disrup-
within range, often with the aim of social engi- ads tion to the device owner
neering or marketing.
Bluebugging The attacker gains unauthorized access to a Full access and con- High risk of data theft, privacy viola-
Bluetooth-enabled device and takes control trol of the device tion, and financial harm
of its functions, including making phone calls,
sending messages, and stealing data.
Status of Cybercrime attacks in India: The government’s cybercrime portal receives over 3,500 complaints a day. In India,
phishing and dubious online platforms offering financial products are the most potent threats.
107. FLUHORSE
Context:
A new Android malware named ‘FluHorse’ has been discovered that targets users in Eastern Asia with fake carrier apps that
mimic legitimate versions, such as the Taiwanese toll collection app ‘ETC’ and the Vietnamese banking app ‘VPBank Neo’.
The malicious apps are designed to extract sensitive information, including user credentials and Two-Factor Authentication
(2FA) codes.
What is Android malware?

Android malware is malicious software designed to target Android smartphones and tablets. Malware can come in various
forms, such as trojan horses, viruses, and spyware, and can be distributed through various channels, such as malicious apps,
phishing emails, and websites.
Current Affairs 30
What are Two-Factor Authentication codes?
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) codes are a security mea-
sure used to protect user accounts. In addition to requiring
a password to access an account, 2FA adds an extra layer
of security by requiring a unique code ( such as OTP) to be
entered as well.
108. VOLT TYPHOON
Context:
Recently, Microsoft Corp has warned that “Volt Typhoon”
was “pursuing the development of capabilities that could
disrupt critical communications infrastructure between the
United States and Asia region during future crises.”
What is Volt Typhoon? DNLA is an Assam-based insurgent group formed in 2019,

It is an alleged hacking group believed to be backed by Chi- that seeks sovereign territory for Dimasa tribals in the area
na, having capabilities of intelligence gathering and digital around Dima Hasao district.
sabotage. Peace Agreement • Completely end the insurgen-
cy in the region
Volt Typhoon is primarily focused on stealing information • The government of Assam will
from organizations related to the military or government establish the Dimasa Welfare
in the United States, suggesting their involvement in espio- Council to protect the social,
nage rather than direct disruption. cultural, and linguistic identity
of the Dimasa people.
• A commission will be appoint-
Other such hacking groups used by security agencies: ed under the Sixth Schedule
• Equation Group (USA) of the Indian Constitution to
• Fancy Bear (Russia) examine the demand for the
• Lazarus Group (North Korea) inclusion of additional villag-
• Turla (APT34) (Iran) es contiguous to the North
• APT29 (Cozy Bear) (Russia) Cachar Hills Autonomous
• SandWorm (Russia) Council with the council.
• Comment Crew (APT1) (China) • A Special Development pack-
age of ₹500 crore each will be
provided by the Government
SECURITY CHALLENGES of India and the Government
of Assam over five years, to
rehabilitate the surrendered
109. DIMASA NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY armed cadres of DNLA
(DNLA) The recent success of 70% reduction in insurgency inci-
Insurgency in N-E dents and an 80% drop in civilian
Context: deaths between 2013-19
An Assam-based insurgent group - Dimasa National Libera- Major Agreements Bodo Accord (2020), Bru-Reang
tion Army (DNLA) - signed a peace agreement with the State Signed Agreement (2020), National Lib-
Government and the Centre. eration Front of Tripura (NLFT)
Agreement (2019), Karbi Anglong
About Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) Agreement (2021)
Details Challenges Differences in demands of vari-
ous insurgent groups, resentment
against non-locals, ethnic and
tribal rivalries, economic stagna-
tion, and broken peace accords
Current Affairs 30
110. THERMOBARIC BOMB Vessel: INS Delhi, India’s first indigenously-built guided mis-
sile destroyer and INS Satpura, an indigenously-built guided
missile stealth frigate will take part in the exercise.
Context:
The Myanmar military used a thermobaric or vacuum bomb,
also known as a fuel-air explosive, in an attack on a village in Navy Chief will also participate in the International Mar-
Sagaing last month, killing more than 160 people, including itime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX-23) and International
children, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). Maritime Security Conference (IMSC) being hosted by Sin-
gapore.
About Thermobaric Bomb
112.DEFENCE PRODUCTION
Context:
The value of defence production in India has exceeded ₹1
lakh crore (₹1 trillion) for the first time.
• Over the past five years, the value of defence pro-
duction by both state-run companies and the pri-
vate sector has nearly doubled.
About Defence Indigenization:

About
Tw o - s t a g e First explosion splits open the bomb’s fuel Defence In- The process of developing and manufac-
Explosion container, releasing a cloud of fuel and met- digenization turing defence equipment within a coun-
al particles. Second explosion ignites the try to reduce import dependency and
aerosol cloud, creating a giant ball of fire achieve self-reliance.
and sending out intense blast waves
India’s Rank- India is ranked as the 2nd largest importer
Prohibition Not prohibited by any international law or ing of arms for its armed forces in 2016-20, as
agreement per SIPRI report.
Possible Ac- Use against civilian populations in built-up M e a s u r e s Import bans; Separate budgets for do-
tion areas, schools or hospitals, could attract ac- taken by India mestic procurement; Increased foreign
tion under the Hague Conventions of 1899 for increasing direct investment (FDI); Integration of
and 1907 domestic de- MSMEs and start-ups into the defence
Myanmar has been facing violence since the military over- fence produc- supply chain; Defence Industrial corri-
threw the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in Febru- tion dors; Increase in defence licenses issued;
ary 2021 and brutally suppressed nonviolent protests. Corporatization of the Ordnance Factory
Board (OFB); Emphasis on defence exports
(reaching ₹15,920 crores in FY 2022-23).
DEFENSE Target India aims to achieve a turnover of
₹1,75,000 crore in defence manufacturing
111. ASEAN-INDIA MARITIME EXERCISE by 2024-25.
Export tar- India is currently exporting military hard-
(AIME) 2023
gets ware to around 85 countries, including
missiles, artillery guns, rockets, vehicles,
Context: patrol vessels, protective gear, radars, sur-
India is set to participate in the inaugural ASEAN-India Mari- veillance systems, and ammunition. The
time Exercise (AIME), which will take place in the South Chi- goal is to achieve a defence export target
na Sea from May 2-8. of ₹35,000 crore by 2024-25.
Examples of INS Vikrant (Indigenous Aircraft Carrier
Aim: The exercise aims to strengthen India’s military cooper- I n d i g e n o u s 1); Tejas aircraft; Long-range artillery gun
ation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASE- technologies “Dhanush”; Arihant; AGNI V; Pinaka Multi
AN). Barrel Rocket Launcher; Supersonic Cruise
Missile BRAHMOS; Arjun Tank, etc.
Location: Singapore and the South China Sea
Current Affairs 30
113. NIA’S OPERATION DHVAST 115. NAFIS
Context: Context:
NIA’s Operation Dhvast was a nationwide operation target- The Ministry of Home Affairs in India has directed central
ing terrorists, gangsters, and drug smugglers. It involved law enforcement agencies, including the CBI, NIA and the
raids at 129 locations across multiple states, resulting in Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), to access and share their
three arrests. records with the national fingerprints database, NAFIS (Na-
tional Automated Fingerprint Identification System).
Aim:
The operation aimed to dismantle the terror nexus involved About NAFIS
in targeted killings, terror funding, extortion, and smug- This database, known as NAFIS, is a web-based application
gling of drugs and weapons. that serves as a central repository of criminal fingerprint
data collected from various states and Union territories.
About NIA:
The National Investigation Agency (founded 31st Dec 2008; Description
HQ: New Delhi; Under Home Ministry) is the primary an- About National Automated Fingerprint Identifica-
ti-terror investigation task force of India. The agency is em- tion System (NAFIS) is a web-based appli-
powered to deal with the investigation of terror-related cation that serves as a central repository
crimes across states without special permission from the of criminal fingerprint data collected from
states under a written proclamation from the Ministry of various states and Union territory’s police
Home Affairs. It has the authority to take over cases from records
state police forces and other agencies. It seeks the sanc-
Aim The aim is to enhance the ability of these
tion of the Central government for prosecuting accused
agencies to identify criminals and expedite
individuals under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
investigations by leveraging the compre-
(UAPA) and other scheduled offences.
hensive fingerprint data available in the da-
tabase.
Conceptual- National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in
114. TARINI ized 2022
M a n a g e d Central Fingerprint Bureau (CFPB) at NCRB
Context: by
Indian naval ship Vessel Tarini returns after a historic 188-
U n i q u e Assigns a unique 10-digit National Finger-
day voyage.
Identifier print Number (NFN) to each person arrest-
ed for a crime
About INS Tarini: Lifetime Us- The NFN is used for the person’s lifetime,
• INSV Tarini is a cruising sloop built at the Aquarius age and different crimes registered under differ-
Shipyard Goa. ent FIRs are linked to the same NFN in the
• The vessel was christened INSV Tarini, after the Tara Ta- Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Sys-
rini temple. tems (CCTNS) database
Fingerprint- First began automating fingerprint data-
ing History base in 1992 with FACTS 1.0, recommended
by the National Police Commission. FACTS
5.0 was upgraded in 2007 and later replaced
by NAFIS in 2022
H i s t o r i c a l Fingerprinting identification system
Significance emerged in colonial India and spread to
Europe. William Herschel introduced fin-
gerprinting to reduce fraud and forgeries.
Bengal Police established the world’s first
Fingerprint Bureau in Calcutta.
Advantages Provides a secure and non-transferable
identification method, simplifies record
keeping, and enhances security.
Current Affairs 30
D i s a d v a n - System failures, implementation and main-

tages tenance costs, and limitations for certain REPORTS & INDICES
populations, such as those with worn prints
or missing fingers
117. WEF: “FUTURE OF JOBS” REPORT
About NCRB: The National Crime Records Bureau (founded
1986; HQ: Delhi) is an Indian government agency respon- Context:
sible for collecting and analyzing, crime data as defined The report, titled “Future of Jobs,” reveals that the Indian
by the Indian Penal Code and Special and Local Laws. It labour market will see a 22% job churn (movement of jobs in
comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs. an economy), compared to 23% globally.
116. INDUS-X UNDER THE ICET About the re- The World Economic Forum (WEF) has
port released its fourth edition (bi-annual)
report on jobs and skills, which explores
Context: how jobs and skills will evolve between
India and the U.S. are exploring the possibility of co-produc- 2023-2027.
ing jet engines, long-range artillery, and infantry vehicles
Focus of Re- The report tracks the labour-market im-
with the upcoming launch of INDUS-X.
port pact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,
green energy transitions, supply-chain
What is INDUS-X? shifts, and more.
It is a major upcoming initiative under the Initiative on Crit- Key Findings New Job-creation will be driven by green
ical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), with the aim to pro- transition, and localization of supply
mote partnerships and collaboration between the defence chains, whereas job destruction in the
innovation ecosystems of both countries. coming years will be due to slower eco-
• INDUS-X is focused on advancing high-tech cooper- nomic growth, supply shortages and the
ation and exploring opportunities for joint research, rising cost of inputs, and the rising cost
development, and production in the defence sector. of living for consumers; 44% of workers’
skills will be disrupted in the next five
About iCET dialogue: years; 23% of jobs in the next five years
are expected to change.
Aspect Description
Threats to la- Clerical or secretarial roles including
iCET was announced in 2021 and is spearheaded by the
bour-market: bank tellers, cashiers and data entry
National Security Councils of both countries, to expand
clerks expected to decline the fastest
the India-US partnership for critical and emerging tech-
nologies W o r k f o r c e The report recommends investment in
Areas of Co- R&D, Quantum computing, Defence inno- S t r a t e g i e s learning and training on the job, acceler-
operation vations, Space, 6G, Semiconductors, etc. 2023-27) ating automation of processes, expand-
ing the use of contract work, hiring sig-
Significance Accelerates America’s technology partner- nificantly more permanent staff, etc.
of iCET ship and strategic convergence with India;
Important for India’s role as a trusted sup- Way forward Governments and businesses must in-
ply chain partner; Allows gradual lifting of vest in supporting the shift to the jobs of
the US’s export control restrictions on India the future through education, reskilling
and social support structures. Training
Other In- NISAR (NASA-ISRO), Joint Indo-US Quan- workers to utilise AI and big data need to
dia-US Tech- tum Coordination Mechanism, Innovation be prioritised.
nology Part- Bridge; Lockheed Martin-Tata partner-
nerships ship for plane production; India-USA stra- About World The World Economic Forum (est. 1971;
tegic clean energy partnership; Launch of Economic Fo- HQ: Cologny, Switzerland) is an interna-
“Innovative Bridge” connecting defence rum (WEF) tional non-governmental and lobbying
startups between India and the USA; Read- organisation for multinational compa-
iness Assessment Development for build- nies. It was founded on 24 January 1971
ing resilient semiconductor supply chains; by German engineer Klaus Schwab
ISRO-NASA partnership on human space
flight; CLPS Project Partnership in 56/6G;
Open RAN using trusted sources, etc.
Current Affairs 30
119. WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX 2023

118. GLOBAL REPORT ON FOOD CRISES
2023
Context:
The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) for 2023 reveals
that the number of people suffering from acute food inse-
curity has increased, with over 258 million people across 58
countries and territories facing acute hunger.
About the Report:

Global Report on Food Crisis is an annual report to achieve
a consensus-based assessment of acute food insecurity in
the world
Released by Food Security Information Network
(FSIN) and Global Network against Food
Crises (GNAFC)
Key Highlights The number of people experiencing
acute food insecurity increased for the
fourth consecutive year in 2022
Key drivers: Economic shocks (includ-
ing due to COVID-19 and Ukraine War),
Conflict/insecurity, Weather/Climate
extremes, etc.
What is Acute It refers to a situation where a person’s
Food Insecurity? or household’s access to adequate
food and nutrition is severely limited,
resulting in a high risk of starvation or
death.
What is FSIN? A global initiative co-sponsored by Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
World Food Programme (WFP), and
International Food Policy Research In-
stitute (IFPRI) to strengthen food and
nutrition security information systems
for producing reliable and accurate data
to guide analysis and decision-making.
What is GNAFC? An alliance of humanitarian and devel-
opment actors founded by the Europe-
an Union, FAO, and WFP in 2016 to pre-
vent, prepare for and respond to food
crises and support the Sustainable De-
velopment Goal to End Hunger (SDG 2)

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Lesser flamingos

After a 6-year absence, a group of lesser

INSIDE Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

2. ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN ISSUE: 75 YEARS

What is Nakba (catastrophe)?

Why were Palestinians displaced?

SOCIETY Challenges faced by the traditional family system:

Conclusion: Highlights of the UNICEF’s findings:

Insta Links: ILO–UNICEF joint report on social protection for

5. HOW PROSPERITY FUELS DOWRY DE-

NGOs/ CSOs • Shakti Vahini is a non-governmental

S t e r e o t y p i n g Female athletes may be objectified and

Steps needed and those taken to address the issues faced

A. ISSUES WITH THE PROTECTION OF Mains Links:

Challenge ahead for India:

Way ahead - EW4All:

WMO/ESCAP (World Meteorological Organisation/United

What is a cyclone and how are they formed?

How are cyclones named?

Case of India sustainability plans.

La Niña’s Influence The prolonged three-year La Niña Mains Links

Legislative wing Allowing the legislative wing to act Terms Used:

MLAs have the right to participate in Insta Links

The power conferred on When a Constitution Bench

Mains Links: SC verdicts on the issue

Krishna River The river (source: Prelims Links:

Need for a new Parliament building:

Name Location Image

STATUTORY, REGULATORY AND VAR-

The Na- Abuja, Ni-

NHRC-India • Engage in human rights education among various sec-

E.g., In 2020 it was reported that the Pu-

About: potentially harmful to the public.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

14. LAW TO RECALL BAD DRUGS

Context: Significance of the move:

Since independence, India has made remarkable strides:

Healthcare issues faced by Tribal communities in India:

Trends during COVID-19 spread in India:

What is the current status of COVID-19?

Lessons from COVID Pandemic that India must embrace

Prematuri- According to the report, every year, 2.5

Poverty estimation in India:

A. HUNGER HOTSPOTS – FAO-WFP EARLY

Case of treating iron deficiency anemia in India:

IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF GOVER-

The way forward and Conclusion:

Cultural and Families may hesitate over concerns about

Exam Reforms Reviewing the syllabus to ensure it is RELATIONS. BILATERAL, REGION-

INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD-

Conclusion: It is expected to increase the total value of bilateral trade in

Challenges in India-Maldives relations:

India’s new possibilities in the Arabian Peninsula:

Insta Links: India’s Biotech Sector

How does Quad complement these strengths?

• It consists of the 3 major groups of islands: Melane-

India’s major assistance projects in the PICs:

Inade- Many families still reside in colonial-era line

Mains Links mestic manufacturing of ICT products.

Implications for India:

37. 76TH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY quate for a global pandemic.

Context: What is the so-called Pandemic treaty?

Highlights of the 76th WHA: Mains Links: