Pmfias CA Weekly Short 2023 07 W 1

PMF IAS® Current Affairs [Short] Compilation – Week 1, July, 2023
Table of Contents
{GS1 – A&C – Architecture – 2023/07/07} Jagannath Temple .............................................................................. 4

Architecture .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
{GS1 – A&C – Religion – 2023/07/05} Dharma Chakra Parivartan Divas ............................................................. 5
Four Aspects of Dukkha and the Noble Eightfold Path ................................................................................................................ 5
{GS1 – Geo – EG – Mineral Resources – 2023/07/04} 30 Critical Minerals ........................................................... 6
Critical Minerals ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
{GS1 – Geo – PG – Geomorphology – 2023/07/01} Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL) ......................................... 7
{GS1 – MIH – Personalities – 2023/07/05} Alluri Sitarama Raju............................................................................ 7
Rampa Rebellion (1922 to 1924) ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
{GS2 – Governance – Regulations – 2023/07/07} Dark Patterns ........................................................................... 8
{GS2 – Health – Initiatives – 2023/07/06} Tele-MANAS ......................................................................................... 8
{GS2 – Health – Issues – 2023/07/01} Artificial Sweeteners .................................................................................. 8
{GS2 – Health – Issues – 2023/07/05} Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) ............................................................... 9
Pseudomonas aeruginosa.......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)? .......................................................................................................................................... 9
{GS2 – IR – Groupings – 2023/07/04} NATO Plus.................................................................................................... 9
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Nato Plus ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
{GS2 – IR – Groupings – 2023/07/04} Paris Club ................................................................................................... 11
{GS2 – IR – Groupings – 2023/07/04} Shanghai Cooperation Organisation ...................................................... 11
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) .................................................................................................................................... 11
SCO Summit, 2023.................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
{GS2 – IR – Groupings – 2023/07/07} Group of Twenty (G20) ............................................................................ 13
Evolution of G20 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
G20 Members ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
G20 Presidency .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
How G20 Works?....................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
G20 Summit................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
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{GS2 – IR – India-China – 2023/07/03} Pangong Lake .......................................................................................... 14

{GS2 – IR – India-SE Asia – 2023/07/03} India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway ................................... 17
PMFIAS-CA-S-2023-07-W-1
{GS2 – IR – India-Taiwan – 2023/07/06} TECC ....................................................................................................... 18

{GS2 – MoSJE – 2023/07/07} Manual Scavenging ................................................................................................ 18
Present Status ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE)............................................................................................................... 18
Steps taken to curb manual scavenging.......................................................................................................................................... 18
{GS2 – MoWCD – 2023/07/04} Scheme for minor rape victim............................................................................ 19
{GS2 – Polity – Bodies – Constitutional – 2023/07/05} NCST .............................................................................. 19
Composition of NCST.............................................................................................................................................................................. 19
{GS2 – Polity – Bodies – Statutory – 2023/07/07} National Green Tribunal (NGT)........................................... 19
NGT’s Powers .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
{GS2 – Polity – IC – DPSP – 2023/07/01} Uniform Civil Code (UCC) ................................................................... 20
Constitutional provisions ....................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Arguments against UCC ......................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Arguments for UCC .................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
Constituent Assembly’s view ................................................................................................................................................................ 21
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Elections – 2023/07/04} Electoral bonds .............................................................................. 21
Eligibility ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Features of the Electoral Bonds........................................................................................................................................................... 21
Criticism ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Elections – 2023/07/06} Election Symbols Disputes ........................................................... 21
The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 ........................................................................................... 21
The Constitutional Validity of the Symbols Order ....................................................................................................................... 22
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Federal Structure – 2023/07/01} NCT Delhi Act, 2021 ........................................................ 22
SC verdict ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Centre's ordinance to negate Supreme Court order .................................................................................................................. 22
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Federal Structure – 2023/07/03} NCCSA .............................................................................. 23
Authority of NCCSA ................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
{GS2 – Polity – IC – FR – 2023/07/01} Section 69A & Section 66(A) of the IT Act ............................................ 23
Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 ............................................................................................................................................. 23
IT Rules, 2009.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 24
{GS2 – Polity – IC – FR – 2023/07/05} Habeas Corpus .......................................................................................... 24
Habeas Corpus Petition (HCP) ............................................................................................................................................................. 24
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Separation of Powers – 2023/07/01} Powers of Governer ................................................. 24
Power of Governor ................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Judicial clarification on the Powers of a Governor ...................................................................................................................... 25
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Separation of Powers – 2023/07/03} Powers of Governor ................................................. 25
Article 200 of the Indian Constitution .............................................................................................................................................. 25
{GS2 – Polity – RPA – 2023/07/03} Disqualification of an MP ............................................................................ 26
Article 102 of the Indian Constitution: Disqualifications From Membership .................................................................... 26
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Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA).............................................................................................................................. 26

{GS2 – Polity – Water Disputes – 2023/07/04} Cauvery River Water Dispute ................................................... 27
Establishment of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (1990) .............................................................................................. 27
Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)......................................................................................................................... 27
Mekedatu Reservoir Project.................................................................................................................................................................. 28
{GS3 – Agri – Tech – 2023/07/04} Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) ......................................................................... 28
Advantages of DSR................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Disadvantages of DSR ............................................................................................................................................................................. 29
{GS3 – DM – 2023/07/06} NDRF for Modernization of Fire Services in the States ........................................... 29
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) ....................................................................................................................................... 29
{GS3 – Envi – CC Impact – 2023/07/06} Earth’s Hottest Day and El Nino .......................................................... 30
{GS3 – Envi – Conservation – 2023/07/03} Revival of Bald Eagle ....................................................................... 30
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) .............................................................................................................................................. 30
{GS3 – Envi – Conservation – 2023/07/06} Aravali Safari Park ............................................................................ 30
Concerns with Aravali Safari Park ....................................................................................................................................................... 31
{GS3 – Envi – Renewable Energy – 2023/07/07} Green Hydrogen ...................................................................... 31
Hydrogen as Fuel ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Green Hydrogen ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 32
National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) .................................................................................................................................. 33
India’s First Green Hydrogen Microgrid Project ........................................................................................................................... 33
India's First Green Hydrogen Blending Project ............................................................................................................................. 33
{GS3 – Envi – Species – 2023/07/05} Asiatic Lions ................................................................................................ 34
Lion (Panthera leo).................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
{GS3 – Envi – Water Pollution – 2023/07/03} Chloride in Concrete.................................................................... 36
{GS3 – IE – Banking – 2023/07/01} Small Savings Schemes................................................................................. 36
{GS3 – IE – Banking – 2023/07/03} Cryptocurrency .............................................................................................. 36
Cryptocurrency and Legal tender ....................................................................................................................................................... 37
RBI's Stance on Cryptocurrency .......................................................................................................................................................... 37
Budget FY23 and Crypto transactions .............................................................................................................................................. 37
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) .............................................................................................................................................. 37
{GS3 – IE – FDI – 2023/07/06} World Investment Report 2023 ........................................................................... 37
{GS3 – IE – Imports – 2023/07/04} Crude Oil Imports .......................................................................................... 38
Import from Russia ................................................................................................................................................................................... 38
{GS3 – IE – Industry – 2023/07/01} Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) ............................................................ 38
{GS3 – IE – Inflation – 2023/07/04} Greedflation .................................................................................................. 38
Types of Inflation ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
{GS3 – IE – Securities – 2023/07/01} Stock Exchanges ......................................................................................... 39
Some famous Stock exchanges Around World ............................................................................................................................ 40
{GS3 – Infra – Irrigation – 2023/07/03} Polavaram Irrigation Project ................................................................ 40
{GS3 – Infra – Roads – 2023/07/07} Bahu Balli Cattle Fences .............................................................................. 41
{GS3 – PDS – Schemes – 2023/07/05} Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) ........................................................ 41
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Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) ................................................................................................................................................... 42

{GS3 – S&T – Space – 2023/07/04} Universe’s ‘Noisy’ Gravitational Wave Background ................................. 42
Gravitational Waves ................................................................................................................................................................................. 42
{Prelims – Agri – Diseases – 2023/07/06} Mosaic Viruses Hit Tomato Crop ...................................................... 43
{Prelims – Bio – Diseases – 2023/07/05} Leptospirosis......................................................................................... 43
{Prelims – Envi – Species – 2023/07/06} Ambergris in Dead Sperm Whale ....................................................... 44
Why is Ambergris so Expensive? ........................................................................................................................................................ 44
Legalities in India for Ambergris ......................................................................................................................................................... 44
Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus) ....................................................................................................................................... 44
{Prelims – Envi – Species – 2023/07/06} Chinkara (Gazella bennettii) ............................................................... 45
{Prelims – IE – Industry – 2023/07/04} Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) ...................................................... 46
{Prelims – IR – India-Japan – 2023/07/06} JIMEX 23 ............................................................................................ 46
{Prelims – Misc – 2023/07/06} ICWIP ..................................................................................................................... 46
{Prelims – Polity – 2023/07/04} PRISM .................................................................................................................. 46
{Prelims – World PIN – Asia – 2023/07/05} Militant Attack at Israel ................................................................. 46
{Prelims – World PIN – Europe – 2023/07/01} France Riots ................................................................................ 48
{Prelims – World PIN – Europe – 2023/07/05} Orkney willing to Join Norway................................................. 49
{Prelims – World PIN – Straits – 2023/07/07} Asia: Strait of Hormuz ................................................................ 50
{GS1 – A&C – Architecture – 2023/07/07} Jagannath Temple
• Context (TH): Jagannath Temple (Puri) is witnessing an investment of more than ₹4,200 crore.
• Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna.
• Famous for its annual Ratha Yatra (Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balabhadra are pulled on temple cars).
• The image of Jagannath in the temple is made of wood and is replaced every 12 or 19 years.
• The temple holds significance for the followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
• Ramanuja established the Emar Mutt near the temple.
• Adi Shankaracharya established the Govardhan Math (one of the four Shankaracharya seats).
Architecture
• Oriya style of temple architecture.
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• The vast temple complex is surrounded by a high fortified wall known as Meghanada Pacheri.
• Another wall known as kurma bedha surrounds the main temple.
• The temple has four distinct sectional structures, namely:

1. Deula or Garbagriha (Sanctum sanctorum) in Rekha Deula style.
2. Mukhashala (Frontal porch);
3. Nata mandir/Natamandapa/Jagamohan (Audience Hall/Dancing Hall),
4. Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall)
Rekha Deula Style
• Rekha is a tall building shaped like a Shikhara.
• It covers and protects the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha).
• Deula is an architectural element in the Kalinga architecture style of the Odishan temples. Examples:
1. Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar
2. Jagannath temple in Puri etc.
{GS1 – A&C – Religion – 2023/07/05} Dharma Chakra Parivartan Divas
• Context (PIB): Lord Buddha's Three Teachings: Sheel, Sadhachar, and Pragya.
• Ministry of Culture celebrated Asadha Poornima as Dharma Chakra Day.
• Asadha Poornima falls on the first full moon day of the month of Asadha (Indian sun calendar).
• It is the second most sacred day for Buddhists after the Buddha Poornima or Vesak.
• On this day, at Deer Park (Ṛiṣipatana) at Sarnath, near Varanasi, Buddha delivered his first teaching
to his initial five ascetic disciples (pañcavargika) following his attainment of Enlightenment.
• This significant discourse, known as the Dhamma Cakka Pavattana Sutta (in Pali) or Dharma chakra
Pravartana Sutra (in Sanskrit), is referred to as the First Turning of the Wheels of Dharma.
• It encompasses the profound teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
• Coinciding with the Asadha Poornima, the Rainy Season retreat (Varsha Vassa) for Monks and Nuns
commences, lasting for three lunar months. They remain in temples (Viharas/Chaityas) meditating.
Guru Purnima
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• Guru Purnima is celebrated on a full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadh.
• The festival is dedicated to Maharshi Veda Vyasa, who is revered for editing the sacred Hindu text, the
Vedas, and composing scriptures like the 18 Puranas, Mahabharata, and Srimad Bhagavatam.
• Guru Purnima is also associated with the onset of the monsoon season.
Four Aspects of Dukkha and the Noble Eightfold Path

1. Dukkha (Suffering or Not Being at Ease)
2. Samudaya (simultaneous arising of dukkha and taṇhā (craving, desire, or attachment)
3. Nirodha (cessation or containment of dukkha)
4. Marga (Path: Noble Eightfold Path)
• The Noble Eightfold Path is a set of eight principles guiding individuals towards liberation from suf-
fering (containment of taṇhā and dukkha). The eight principles are:
1. Right View
2. Right Intention
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration
{GS1 – Geo – EG – Mineral Resources – 2023/07/04} 30 Critical Minerals
• Context (IE): India identified 30 critical minerals crucial for:

 clean technologies initiatives;
 information and communication technologies (including semiconductors);
 advanced manufacturing inputs and materials (defence applications, permanent magnets, etc.).
Critical Minerals
• These are minerals that are essential for economic development and national security.
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India’s import dependency

Critical Mineral Percentage dependency Major Import Sources (2020)
Lithium 100% Chile, Russia, China, Ireland, Belgium
Cobalt 100% China, Belgium, Netherlands, US, Japan
Graphite (natural) 60% China, Madagascar, Mozambique, Vietnam, Tanzania
Silicon <1% China, Malaysia, Norway, Bhutan, Netherlands
{GS1 – Geo – PG – Geomorphology – 2023/07/01} Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL)
• Context (TG | WION): Earth’s gravitational pull is weakest at the Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL).
 Geoid: represents the Earth's gravitational field by acknowledging the variations in gravity.
• IOGL is a pronounced dip in the geoid because of less mass under that spot.
• Due to low gravitational pull, the sea level over the IOGL is 106 m lower than the global average.
{GS1 – MIH – Personalities – 2023/07/05} Alluri Sitarama Raju
• Context (PIB): The 125th birth anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju is being observed.
• Sitarama Raju was born in a village near Visakhapatnam.
• Sitarama Raju, under the influence of Gandhiji’s Non-cooperation movement, inspired the tribals to
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seek justice in the local panchayat courts and boycott the colonial courts.
Rampa Rebellion (1922 to 1924)

• In 1882, the British government introduced the Madras Forest Act,1882, which prohibited the tradi-
tional shifting cultivation practice known as Podu cultivation.
• Alluri Seetarama Raju led the Rampa Rebellion or Manyam Rebellion (1922 to 1924) in the Visakha-
patnam-Godavari agency against the Madras Forest Act.
• After an intense struggle spanning almost two years, he was apprehended by the British in the Chinta-
palli forests. He was subsequently executed by a firing squad at 27.
{GS2 – Governance – Regulations – 2023/07/07} Dark Patterns
• Context (TH | IE | TH): The Department of Consumer Affairs and the Advertising Standards Council
of India (ASCI) recently consulted with stakeholders on the menace of dark patterns.
• Dark pattern is a deceptive practice employed to influence user behaviour in a way that benefits the
company implementing it.
• Some Examples of dark patterns:
1. Creating a sense of false urgency or scarcity.
2. Hidden costs: Hiding additional costs until consumers are committed to making a purchase.
3. Disguised ads: Designed to look like content, such as news articles or user-generated content.
Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)

• ASCI is a voluntary self-regulatory organisation.
• It was established in 1985 under the Company Act.
{GS2 – Health – Initiatives – 2023/07/06} Tele-MANAS
• Context (TH): J&K launches India’s first Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States
(Tele-MANAS) chatbot for distressed people.
• The Centre in Budget 2022 announced the two-tier Tele-MANAS.
1. Tier 1 comprises State Tele MANAS cells, which include trained mental health specialists.
2. Tier 2 comprises specialists at District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) for physical consulta-
tion and/or eSanjeevani for audio-visual consultation.
eSanjeevani
• eSanjeevani was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2019.
• It is a web-based teleconsultation service.
1. Doctor-to-Doctor (eSanjeevani) teleconsultation
2. Doctor-to-Patient (eSanjeevani OPD) Tele-consultations.
{GS2 – Health – Issues – 2023/07/01} Artificial Sweeteners

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Context (LM | TG): After WHO declared Aspartame as ‘potentially cancer-causing’, now another arti-
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ficial sweetener called Sucralose is under scanner as it can cause DNA damage and leaky gut.
• Artificial sweeteners are intensely sweet chemicals (several times sweeter than sugar).
• WHO has warned against acesulfame K (Ace-K), aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, sac-
charin, sucralose, and stevia.
{GS2 – Health – Issues – 2023/07/05} Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
• Context (TH): Cefepime/zidebactam, an Indian antibiotic showing promising results against Extensive-
ly Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a highly drug-resistant infection.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacterium that is associated with many infections ac-
quired in hospitals. It is widely distributed in the environment.
 Gram-negative bacteria are enclosed in a protective capsule that protects them from white blood
cells (which fight infection) and antibiotics.
 Infections caused by these bacteria include cholera, E. coli, plague, salmonella (a digestive infection
caused by contaminated food), and typhoid fever.
What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

• Antimicrobials include antibiotics, antiviral, antifungal & anti-parasitic medication.
• Antimicrobial resistance is defined as a microorganism’s resistance to an antimicrobial drug that
was once able to treat an infection by that microorganism.
• For example, in Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB), the TB bacteria are resistant to two of the essential
TB drugs, isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RMP).
Causative Factors behind AMR

• Microorganisms can develop resistance and become Superbugs mainly in two ways:
1. Intrinsic resistance: refers to the inherent resistance of certain bacteria to specific antibiotics.
2. Acquired resistance: refers to the resistance developed in bacteria due to genetic mutation.
Causes behind Acquired Antimicrobial Resistance

 Overuse and improper use of antimicrobials.
 Greater access to over-the-counter antibiotic drugs in developing countries.
 Using broad-spectrum antibiotics over narrow-spectrum antibiotics.
 Inadequate dumping of pharmaceutical industry effluents.
 Antibiotic use in livestock feed.
{GS2 – IR – Groupings – 2023/07/04} NATO Plus

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• Context (TH): The U.S. wants India in the NATO-Plus framework. India rejects the idea.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

• NATO is a political and military alliance.
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.
Functioning
• North Atlantic Council is NATO's principal political decision-making body.
• The principle of collective defence is enshrined in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
Member States
• Currently, NATO comprises 31 countries (29 European + 2 North American).
• NATO makes its decisions by consensus. Any of its member countries can veto a new member.
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Nato Plus
• Nato Plus is NATO + five countries — Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea.
Advantages for India if it joins the NATO Plus

 India would get access to the latest military technology without much of a time lag.
 It would further strengthen India’s defence partnership with the United States.
• Switzerland, Moldova and Belarus are neither NATO nor EU members.
• Austria is a member of the EU but not NATO
• The UK is a member of NATO but not the EU.
{GS2 – IR – Groupings – 2023/07/04} Paris Club
• Context (TH): Official creditors’ platform is negotiating a common debt treatment plan with Sri Lanka.
• The Paris Club is an informal group of official creditors, primarily Western nations.
• Its role is to find sustainable solutions to the payment difficulties experienced by debtor countries.
• Currently, Paris Club consists of 20 members.
• India and China are not members of the Paris Club.
{GS2 – IR – Groupings – 2023/07/04} Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
• Context (TH): India chaired the SCO’s Council of Heads of State on July 4 for the first time.
• PM Modi “virtually hosted” the presidents of Russia, China, and Central Asian Presidents and the PM of
Pakistan. The summit was planned initially as an in-person summit for the leaders in Delhi.
• Iran became the new permanent member of the SCO at this India-hosted summit of the grouping.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• SCO is an Eurasian intergovernmental organisation and economic and se-
curity alliance.
• It emerged as the successor to the Shanghai Five, established in 1996 and
consisting of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
• SCO was formally formed in 2001 by including Uzbekistan.
India and Pakistan joined the grouping in 2017 in its first round of expansion.
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•
Members States
1. Members (9): China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Ta-

jikistan, Uzbekistan & Iran.
2. Three Observes interested in full membership: Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia, and
3. Several Dialogue Partners that include Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, etc.
Importance
• SCO is the largest regional organisation globally, covering around 60% of the Eurasian landmass
and 40% of the world's population.
• The SCO member states collectively contribute to ~20% of the global GDP.
Governance
• SCO mainly focuses on regional development and security issues like regional terrorism, ethnic sepa-
ratism, religious extremism, etc.
• It is governed by the Heads of State Council (HSC), its supreme decision-making body, which meets
once a year.
• The SCO's official languages are Russian and Chinese.
Presidency
• The rotational presidency of SCO has been handed over to India in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2022.
• India will hold the presidency of the grouping for the first time for a year until September 2023.
• The next meeting of the SCO-HSC will be held in 2024 in Kazakhstan.
Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure

• The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent organ of the SCO that serves to promote
cooperation of member states against the three evils of terrorism, separatism and extremism.
• It is headquartered in Tashkent.
• The head of RATS is elected for a three-year term.
Tourism and Cultural Capital

• Varanasi has been selected as the SCO region’s first “Tourism and Cultural Capital” for 2022-23.
• SCO will rotate the ‘Cultural and Tourism Capital’ title among the member states.
SCO Summit, 2023

2. India hosted the summit for the first time. It was held virtually.
3. Leaders of SCO called for a more representative and multipolar world order.
4. Iran was included as SCO’s ninth member.
5. SCO members agreed to explore using “national currencies” for payments within the grouping. The
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use of national currencies would circumvent international dollar-based payments.
New Delhi Declaration of the Council of Heads of State

6. New Delhi Declaration was signed at SCO 2023 Summit.

7. It states that the world must come together to "counter the activities of terrorist, separatist and ex-
tremist groups, paying special attention to spread of religious intolerance, aggressive nationalism,
ethnic and racial discrimination, xenophobia, ideas of fascism and chauvinism."
8. The Member States sought to develop common principles and approaches to form a unified list of ter-
rorist, separatist and extremist organisations.
9. They opposed the militarisation of information and communication technologies.
India at SCO 2023

10. India stays out of joint statements on:
1. SCO Economic Development Strategy 2030
2. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
11. India opposes the BRI over its inclusion of projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
12. India criticised China for connectivity projects that do not respect sovereign boundaries.
{GS2 – IR – Groupings – 2023/07/07} Group of Twenty (G20)
• Context (TH): The 2023 G20 summit was held in Srinagar.

• International economic cooperation consisting of 19 countries and the EU.
Evolution of G20
• Founded in 1999 as a forum for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors.
• Upgraded to the level of Heads of State in the wake of the 2007 global financial crisis.
• In 2009, expanded its agenda to include sustainable development, health, energy, environment, etc.
G20 Members
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G20 Presidency
• India holds the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023.
• As the G-20 presidency, India sets the agenda for the year
Troika
• The Troika supports the Presidency. It consists of the previous, current, and upcoming presidency.
• During India’s Presidency, the Troika comprised of Indonesia, India and Brazil.
G20 Sherpa
• Sherpas are special envoys of G20 leaders.
How G20 Works?

• G20 has no fixed headquarters or a permanent Secretariat.
• The secretariat moves by rotation between the countries hosting the Presidency.
• The G20 consists of two parallel tracks:
1. Finance Track led by Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the member countries.
2. Sherpa Track led by the Sherpas of member countries.
G20 Summit
• The G20 Summit is held annually under the leadership of a rotating Presidency.
• The US is the only country that hosted the summit twice in 2008 and 2009.
2023 G20 Summit

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• 2023 G20 summit is India's first G20 summit as a host country. PM Modi is the current G20 Chairman.
• India invited Bangladesh (India did not invite any other neighbour), Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands,
Nigeria, etc. as Guests for the 2023 G20 summit held in Kashmir.
• “One Earth, One Family, One Future” is the G20 theme during India’s Presidency.
{GS2 – IR – India-China – 2023/07/03} Pangong Lake

• Context (TH): India is constructing a road towards Finger 4 on the Pangong Lake’s north bank.
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PMFIAS-CA-S-2023-07-W-1 16
• Pangong Tso is a deep, endorheic (landlocked) saline (brackish) lake situated at a height of 4,270 m
in the Ladakh Himalayas.
• The Karakoram Mountain range ends at the north bank of Pangong Tso.
• 1/3rd of the lake is under Indian control while the rest is under Chinese control.
Tactical significance of the Lake

• It lies in the path of the Chushul approach, one of the main approaches that China can use for an of-
fensive into Indian-held territory.
{GS2 – IR – India-SE Asia – 2023/07/03} India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway
• The IMT Highway (1,360 km) will connect Moreh, India, with Mae Sot, Thailand, via Myanmar.
Moreh, Manipur
• Moreh is an international border town located on the India-Myanmar border in Manipur.
• It plays an important role in India's Look East Policy.
• India has proposed extending the highway to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam (E-W Economic Corridor).
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{GS2 – IR – India-Taiwan – 2023/07/06} TECC
• Context (TH): Taiwan established its third Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) in Mumbai
after New Delhi and Chennai.
• India and Taiwan do not maintain formal diplomatic ties.
• TECC is Taiwan’s de facto diplomatic mission in India.
{GS2 – MoSJE – 2023/07/07} Manual Scavenging
• Context (TH): According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), all unsanitary
latrines had been made sanitary under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.
• Manual scavenging refers to manually cleaning, carrying, disposing, or handling human excreta or
any dry or wet waste from insanitary latrines, open drains, septic tanks or other similar places.
• Dehumanising practice perpetuated by the caste system.
Present Status
• As per the 2011 Census, there were over 7,40,000 households still practising manual scavenging.
• According to the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK), 482 manual scavengers died
between 2016 and 2019.
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE)

• MoSJE is responsible for the welfare and empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalised sections
of society, including scheduled castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), LGBT people, the disa-
bled, the elderly, and the victims of drug abuse.
 In 1999, the ST Division was moved to form a separate Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
 The Minorities Division and Wakf Unit were moved to form a separate Ministry of Minority Affairs.
18
 The Department of Women became the Ministry of Women & Child Development.
Departments under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

1. Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (Samajik Nyaya and Adhikarita Vibhag)
2. Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)
 The subject of "Disability" figures in the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
Steps taken to curb manual scavenging

● NAMASTE scheme or National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem to stop deaths.
National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)

• NCSK is a non-statutory body of the MoSJE.
Prohibition of Employment of Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013

• The Act prohibits the employment of manual scavengers without protective equipment.
• NCSK has been assigned the work to monitor the implementation of the Act.
Supreme Court Directive in 2014

• In 2014, the Supreme Court directed the government to take several measures, including:
 One-time cash assistance to people employed as manual scavengers
 Payment of Rupees 10 lakh in compensation in the case of sewer deaths
{GS2 – MoWCD – 2023/07/04} Scheme for minor rape victim
• Context (TH): MoCWD will launch a new scheme under the aegis of the Nirbhaya scheme.
• The scheme aims to ensure both infrastructural and financial support for minor pregnant victims.
• The minor girl will be supported till age 23, and she can surrender the child for adoption.
{GS2 – Polity – Bodies – Constitutional – 2023/07/05} NCST
• Context (TH): Congress says National Commission for STs (NCST) chief was ‘forced to resign’.
• NCST is a Constitutional body established under Article 338A of the Indian Constitution (IC).
• Originally, Article 338 of the IC provided for the appointment of a Special Officer for Scheduled
Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to investigate all matters relating to the constitutional safe-
guards for the SCs and STs and to report to the President on their working.
• The 65th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1990 established the National Commission for SCs and
STs under Article 338 of the IC.
• A separate National Commission for STs (NCST) was constituted by the 89th Constitutional Amend-
ment Act of 2003, which amended Article 338 and inserted a new Article 338A in the IC.
Composition of NCST
13. It consists of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson and three other members.
19
14. They are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
15. The President also determines their conditions of service and tenure of office.
{GS2 – Polity – Bodies – Statutory – 2023/07/07} National Green Tribunal (NGT)
• Context (TH): NGT is a statutory body established in 2010 by the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
• It has five branches: Delhi (Principal Bench), Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai.
• The Tribunal is headed by the Chairperson, who is a
 current or retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India or
 Chief Justice of a High Court.
• The Principal Bench has Chairperson and has
 at least ten but not more than twenty judicial members and
 at least ten but not more than twenty expert members.
NGT’s Powers
• Must dispose of applications or appeals within 6 months of filing the same.
• Has original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction to hear appeals as a Court (Tribunal).
• It can enforce any legal right relating to the environment and give relief and compensation.
• Not bound by the procedure of Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
• Guided by principles of natural justice.
• Decisions of the Tribunal are binding.
• Orders are enforceable as the powers vested are the same as in a civil court.
• NGT decision can be challenged before the Supreme Court within ninety days.
Ambit
• The NGT deals with civil cases under the seven laws related to the environment.
• Two acts that are kept out of NGT’s jurisdiction are:
1. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
2. Scheduled Tribes & Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
{GS2 – Polity – IC – DPSP – 2023/07/01} Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
• UCC is a common set of personal laws on marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and succession
that would apply to all citizens irrespective of religious affiliations.
Constitutional provisions
• Article 44 in part IV (DPSP) of IC says that the state “shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uni-
form civil code throughout the territory of India”.
Arguments against UCC

20
 The UCC would come in the way of Article 25-28 of IC, which guarantees the right to freedom of reli-
gion subject to public order, morality, and health.
Arguments for UCC

 UCC would not be against the freedom of religion as IC allowed the government to make laws
covering secular activities related to religious practices if they were intended for social reform.
• SC in 2019 hailed Goa as a “shining example” of an Indian State with a functioning UCC.
Constituent Assembly’s view
• The framers of IC did not intend total uniformity or one law for the whole country, which is why per-
sonal laws were placed in entry 5 of the Concurrent List.
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Elections – 2023/07/04} Electoral bonds
• Context (TH): GOI approved the issue of the 27th tranche of electoral bonds for sale in July. Electoral
Bonds are interest-free instruments introduced in 2018 to bring transparency in political funding.
Eligibility
• A citizen of India or a body incorporated in India will be eligible to purchase the bond.
• Political parties registered under section 29A of RPA and secured a minimum of 1% of the votes
polled in the last general election to the House of the People or a Legislative Assembly are eligible
to receive funding via electoral bonds.
Features of the Electoral Bonds

• Doesn't carry the name of the payee.
• SBI is the sole authorised bank for selling Electoral Bonds.
• Such bonds are sold in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, and Rs 1 crore.
• Have a life of only 15 days.
• After 15 days, it can't be encashed instead, the amount will be deposited in the PM Relief Fund.
• All payments will be accepted in Indian Rupees only.
• They can be purchased either Singly or Jointly (not more than three Applicants).
Criticism
• The anonymity of electoral bonds is only for the broader public and opposition parties. It leaves
the door open for the government to know who funds its opponents.
• Earlier, the company could donate up to 7.5% of the profits in the preceding three years. Now, GOI has
amended the Companies Act to remove this limit (unlimited funding by corporate India).
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Elections – 2023/07/06} Election Symbols Disputes
• Context (TH | ET): NCP factions stake claim to the name and symbol of the party.
21
The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968

• The Election Commission (EC) promulgated this order.

• It provides for:
 Allotment of symbols at elections in Parliamentary and State Assembly constituencies.
 Registration, de-registration, recognition and derecognition of political parties.
 Conditions a party must fulfil to become a national or a state party.
 Resolving disputes involving splits in recognised parties or the merger of political parties.
Party Disputes
• ECI is the ONLY authority to decide on a dispute in a political party or a merger of political parties.
• ECI decides the dispute based on a claimant’s support within a political party in its organisational wing
(office-bearers) and its legislative wing (MPs and MLAs).
• ECI may decide the dispute in favour of one faction, give the name and symbol of that recognised party.
• If both legislative win and organisational win are found indecisive, the ECI also freezes the symbol and
asks both factions to choose a new symbol and register themselves with new names.
The Constitutional Validity of the Symbols Order

• SC repudiated the argument that “Article 324 of IC could not have vested legislative powers to the ECI”
on two grounds:
1. Conduct of Election Rules, 1961
2. Article 327
Conduct of Election Rules, 1961

• Rule 5 obliges the EC to specify symbols used by the political parties in Parliamentary/State Elections.
• Rule 10(4) empowers the ECI to issue directions to returning officers regarding symbol allotment.
• Rule 10(5) authorises the Commission to revise the allotment of the symbols by the returning officers
if they are inconsistent with the directions issued by the EC.
• In light of these rules, ECI has the legal authority to promulgate the Sybols Order.
Article 327
• Article 327 provides that Parliament may make provisions concerning all matters relating to elections
to the House of Parliament/State Legislature, subject to provisions of IC, including Article 324.
• Article 324: Superintendence, direction & control of elections to be vested in an Election Commission.
• So, the EC is empowered to issue such orders.
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Federal Structure – 2023/07/01} NCT Delhi Act, 2021
• According to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021, the "gov-
ernment" in Delhi means the "Lieutenant Governor".
22
SC verdict
• SC limited the role of the L-G to three specific areas — public order, police and land.
Centre's ordinance to negate Supreme Court order

• The Centre brought an ordinance designating the L-G as the administrator of Delhi who will have the
final say on the postings and transfer of all bureaucrats.
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Federal Structure – 2023/07/03} NCCSA
• Context (TH): National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) is formed by the Center’s Ordinance.
• It mandates the formation of a “permanent” National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA).
• Composition: Chief Minister is the chairperson, and the Chief Secretary and Principal Home Secre-
tary as Member and Member-Secretary, respectively.
Authority of NCCSA
• It exercises authority over civil service officers in all Delhi government departments except those in
public order, police and land.
• NCCSA takes the decisions by the majority of votes of the members present and voting.
• In case of a difference of opinion, the Lieutenant Governor's decision would be final.
Issues
• The dual governance scheme envisioned in Article 239AA is threatened as
 the two bureaucrats in NCCSA can outvote the head of the elected government, the CM of Delhi.
 L-G (appointed by the centre) has the final say in the case of a difference of opinion.
Article 239AA of the Indian Constitution

• It deals with the special provisions with respect to Delhi.
• The Legislative Assembly of Delhi has the power to make laws with respect to State List or Concurrent
List, except matters with respect to public order, police and land.
{GS2 – Polity – IC – FR – 2023/07/01} Section 69A & Section 66(A) of the IT Act
• Context (TH): HC of Karnataka dismissed a petition filed by Twitter, challenging several blocking orders.
Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000

• It provides for legal recognition of transactions through electronic communication.
• The Act also penalises various forms of cybercrime.
Section 69A of the IT Act

• Section 69 allows the government to issue content-blocking orders to online intermediaries.
However, the content must be deemed a threat to national security, sovereignty, or public order.
23
•
• In such blocking order, the central or state government should mention reasons in writing.
• The SC held Section 69A to be constitutionally valid.
Section 66(A) of the IT Act

• Section 66(A) penalised the sending of offensive messages through a communication device.
• The SC declared Section 66A unconstitutional (violating the freedom of speech).
IT Rules, 2009
Grounds on which Section 69A can be applied

1. Safeguarding the sovereignty, integrity, and defence of India,
2. Maintaining the security of the State,
3. Promoting friendly relations with foreign States,
4. Ensuring public order,
5. Preventing incitement to commit any offence related to the grounds above.
 Misinformation & fake news are not grounds under which free speech can be restricted under 69A.
{GS2 – Polity – IC – FR – 2023/07/05} Habeas Corpus
• Context (TH): Madras HC delivered a split verdict on a habeas corpus petition filed by the Tamil Nadu
Minister V. Senthilbalaji's wife.
• One judge declared that the Minister’s June 14 arrest in a money-laundering case was illegal and or-
dered him to be released.
• The judge stated that the Minister was in the custody of ED when the petition was heard on June 22, and
such custody was illegal.
• Other judges hold that the petition was not maintainable.
Habeas Corpus Petition (HCP)

• SC can issue directions/orders/writs to enforce fundamental rights.
• The writs may include habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari and quo-warranto.
Habeas Corpus
• The Latin term habeas corpus means ‘to have the body of'. It is an order issued by the court to a per-
son who has detained another person to produce the body of the latter before it.
• If the detention is illegal, SC would free the detained person.
• The principal aim of the writ is to ensure swift judicial review of alleged unlawful detention.
• Writ of habeas corpus can be invoked against the state or any individual holding any person in cus-
tody or detention.
• In the Gopalan vs GOI case, SC ruled that the relevant date for deciding whether a person’s deten- 24
tion was legal or not would be the date when the court heard the petition related to his detention.
Does a Habeas Corpus Petition stand after a judicial order of remand?

• SC stated that an HCP could be entertained after passing a judicial remand order only in cases of
absolute illegality, lack of jurisdiction, or wholesale disregard for fundamental rights.
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Separation of Powers – 2023/07/01} Powers of Governer

• Context (TH): The Governor of Tamil Nadu has dismissed a Minister in Tamil Nadu.
Power of Governor
• The Governor is a mere constitutional head and can act only on the aid and advice of the Council
of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.
• Under Article 164 of IC, the Governor appoints the Chief Minister without any advice from anyone.
But he appoints the individual Ministers only on the advice of the Chief Minister.
Judicial clarification on the Powers of a Governor

• SC ruled that Article 163 of the IC does not give the Governor discretionary power.
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Separation of Powers – 2023/07/03} Powers of Governor
• Context (TH): Kerala Governor “sitting” on nine bills passed by the State Legislature.
Article 200 of the Indian Constitution

• Article 200 provides the Governor with three options:
1. giving assent to a Bill or
2. withholding assent to a Bill or
3. return it for reconsideration or
4. reserving it for the President’s consideration.
• It also provides that the Governor may, as soon as possible after the presentation of the Bill to him for
assent, return it requesting that the House reconsider the Bill itself or any of its provisions.
Supreme Court's Order

• SC's judgement in a petition by the Telangana government said that Governors should return Bills “as
soon as possible” and not sit over them, making State Legislative Assemblies wait indefinitely.
Rameshwar Prasad and Ors. vs Union Of India and Anr

• According to Article 361 of the Constitution, Governors are granted complete immunity from court
proceedings for any actions taken in the exercise of their powers.
• However, the SC has ruled that "the immunity granted by Article 361(1) does not prevent the Court
from examining the validity of the action, including on the grounds of malicious intent".
25
Types of Veto Power: Absolute, Suspensive, and Pocket Veto

Absolute Veto: The President possesses the authority to decline his assent to a bill passed by the Par-
•
liament, resulting in the bill not becoming an act.
• Suspensive Veto: The President returns the bill to the Parliament for reconsideration. If the Parlia-
ment resends the bill, with or without amendments, the President must approve it.
 Suspensive veto power cannot be exercised for Money Bills.
• Pocket Veto: the bill is kept pending indefinitely (President neither rejects the bill nor returns it for
reconsideration).
 Exception: The President has no veto power regarding constitutional amendment bills.
Veto over State Bills

• The Governor possesses an absolute veto and suspensive veto (excluding money bills) but not the
pocket veto.
• The President holds absolute veto power over state bills, not suspensive veto power.
• Additionally, the President can also exercise a pocket veto concerning state legislation.
{GS2 – Polity – RPA – 2023/07/03} Disqualification of an MP
• Context (TH): Rahul Gandhi was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment (maximum
sentence for criminal defamation) by a magisterial court over his ‘Modi surname’ remark.
• As a result of the two-year jail term, he has now become ineligible to remain a legislator, and the Lok
Sabha Secretariat has notified his disqualification (he is no longer an MP).
• The Surat session court granted bail and suspended the sentence till the disposal of the appeal. It,
however, dismissed his plea to stay his conviction.
• Only a stay on his conviction could have restored his membership of the House.
• If a higher court suspends Mr Gandhi’s conviction, he regains his MP membership.
Article 102 of the Indian Constitution: Disqualifications From Membership

• A person shall be disqualified for being chosen (elected) or for being anMP:
1) If he holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State.
2) If he is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court.
3) If he is an undischarged insolvent (a person who cannot repay his debts).
4) If he is not a citizen of India, or has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a foreign State, or is
under any acknowledgement of allegiance or adherence to a foreign State.
5) If he is so disqualified by or under any law made by Parliament. E.g. RPA and Tenth Schedule
(anti-defection law).
Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA) 26
 Section 8(3) of the RPA calls for barring a person from contesting elections for 6 years in addition
to the period of conviction if he/she is convicted for 2 years or more under any offence.
 Section 8(4) of the RP Act (declared unconstitutional by SC in 2013) allowed convicted MPs, MLAs
and MLCs to continue in their posts, provided they appealed against their conviction/sentence in
higher courts within three months of the date of judgment by the trial court.
Lily Thomas v Union of India case, 2013

• SC said that a lawmaker stands immediately disqualified on attracting a sentence of two years or
more unless a higher court stays the conviction.
• Mr Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as an MP immediately after the conviction as Section 8(4) of RPA is
no longer valid.
{GS2 – Polity – Water Disputes – 2023/07/04} Cauvery River Water Dispute
• The river Cauvery originates in Karnataka's Talakaveri in Kodagu (Coorg) district.
Establishment of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (1990)

• GOI, under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 had constituted the Cauvery Water Dis-
putes Tribunal to resolve the water dispute among Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.
• The tribunal issued its final award in 2007, stating that Tamil Nadu should receive 419 tmcft of water,
270 TMC to Karnataka, 30 TMC to Kerala and 7 TMC to Puducherry.
Supreme Court Intervention and the Final Verdict 27
• The final allocation for a total of 740 TMC is

 Karnataka: 284.75 (270 + 14.75) TMC
 Tamil Nadu: 404.25 (419 – 14.75) TMC

• The water allocation arrangement will stand unchanged for the next 15 years.
Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)

• GOI constituted the ‘CWMA’ & ‘Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’ for securing compliance and
implementation of the Final Award.
Mekedatu Reservoir Project
• It aims to provide water for drinking purposes to Bengaluru city.
• Tamil Nadu opposes any projects in the upper riparian region unless they receive approval from the
Supreme Court, ensuring water flow protection to Tamil Nadu.
{GS3 – Agri – Tech – 2023/07/04} Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR)
• Context (IE): Direct seeding of rice (DSR) method cuts down the massive water consumption of paddy.
DSR (broadcasting seed technique) Transplantation Method
Seeds are directly sown into the fields Seeds are sown in a nursery bed for 20-25 days, and
seedlings are transplanted to waterlogged fields.
Needs more fertiliser Needs less fertiliser.
Interspacing between plants is not uniform Interspacing between plants is uniform
Require less labour Require high labour
The average yield is high The average yield is lower
28
Plants are usually healthier and have robust, Plants do not have deep root systems.
deeper root systems.
Large amounts of seeds are required Fewer amounts of seeds are required
A higher density of plants A lower density of plants
Weed control is difficult Weed control is easy
Relatively cheaper Relatively costlier
Advantages of DSR
• It enhances fertiliser use efficiency because of fertiliser use in the root zone.
• It reduces methane emissions as there is no need to flood the paddy field.
 Flooding of fields cuts off oxygen supply from the atmosphere leading to anoxic decomposition (a con-
dition in which microorganisms use nitrate for decomposition), emitting methane.
Disadvantages of DSR
• It uses largescale herbicides for weed control, leading to herbicide resistance in some weeds.
• Aerobic soil (presence of oxygen) conditions in DSR methods leads to higher nitrous oxide emis-
sions (Nitrous oxide is the most important greenhouse gas after methane and carbon dioxide).
{GS3 – DM – 2023/07/06} NDRF for Modernization of Fire Services in the States
• Context (PIB): MoHA launched a scheme under NDRF for strengthening fire services in the States.
• An amount of Rs. 500 crore, out of the total outlay of Rs. 5,000 crore, has been kept for incentivising
the States based on their legal and infrastructure-based reforms.
• State Governments must contribute 25% (North-East Hilly States at 10%) of project/proposal costs
from their budgets when seeking funds under the Scheme.
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)

• The enactment of the Disaster Management Act in 2005 led to the renaming of the National Calamity
Contingency Fund (NCCF) as the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
• The NDRF is held in the Public Account under the "reserve funds not bearing interest."
• Public Accounts are established under Article 266 (2) of IC and are used for transactions in which the
29
government acts as a banker, such as provident funds and small savings.

• These funds do not belong to the government and must be repaid at some point.
• Expenditure from the Public Accounts does not require approval from Parliament.
Role and Function of NDRF

• The NDRF acts as a supplementary fund to the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
• The Central Government contributes 75% of the SDRF for general category States/UTs and 90% for
special category States/UTs, including northeast States, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, HP, and J&K.
• The NDRF is financed through the levy of cess on specific items, chargeable to excise & customs duty.
• NDRF is also financed through a levy known as the National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD).
 National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) is levied as a duty of excise on certain manufactured
goods specified under the Seventh Schedule of Finance Act, 2001.
 The NCCD is a tax on pan masala, cigarettes, cellular phones, and other tobacco products.
• The Department of Agriculture, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, monitors
relief activities related to calamities such as drought, hailstorms, pest attacks, and cold wave/frost
• Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) monitors the rest of the natural calamities.
{GS3 – Envi – CC Impact – 2023/07/06} Earth’s Hottest Day and El Nino
• Context (IE | TG | WION): July 4th, 2023, has become the hottest day for the earth ever.
• The cause is the development of the El Nino effect and climate change.
• During an El Nino effect, the warm ocean waters release heat into the atmosphere.
{GS3 – Envi – Conservation – 2023/07/03} Revival of Bald Eagle
• Context (IE): The national bird of the US, the bald eagle, has returned from the brink of extinction.
• DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) had a catastrophic impact on the bald eagle population.
• Due to the consumption of DDT-contaminated fish, female eagles laid extremely thin-shelled eggs.
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

• Bald eagle is not actually bald. It is named so because of its white-feathered head.
• Distribution: It is the only eagle solely native to North America.

30
• Habitat: It is a sea eagle (fish-eating eagle), and so it commonly occurs inland along rivers and lakes.
• Conservation status:
 IUCN Red List: Least Concern
{GS3 – Envi – Conservation – 2023/07/06} Aravali Safari Park
• Context (IE | DTE): The Aravali Safari Park to be developed covering 10,000 acres of land in Gurgaon
and Nuh districts of Haryana.
• It will be the largest jungle safari park outside Africa.
• Sharjah is the largest jungle safari park outside Africa.
Concerns with Aravali Safari Park

• The proposed location falls under the category of ‘forest’ and is protected under the Forest Conser-
vation Act, 1980.
• So, cutting of trees, clearing of land, construction and real estate development is prohibited.
{GS3 – Envi – Renewable Energy – 2023/07/07} Green Hydrogen
• Context (PIB): MoNRE organized International Conference on Green Hydrogen, 2023 in Delhi.
Hydrogen as Fuel
• On earth, it never occurs freely. It has to be produced using other sources of energy. Hence, it is an
energy carrier (like electricity) and not an energy source.
• Hydrogen produces only water and water vapour as by-products when used as fuel. But the process
of extracting it is energy intensive. 31
Types of Hydrogen
• Hydrogen is classified into different types based on the energy source used in its production:
 Brown Hydrogen: Produced using coal without carbon sequestration (high carbon emission).
 Grey Hydrogen: Produced using Natural Gas without carbon sequestration (carbon emission).
 Blue Hydrogen: Produced using Natural Gas with carbon sequestration (Low carbon emission).
 Green Hydrogen: Produced using Renewable Energy (Zero carbon emission; carbon sequestra-
tion is not needed).
Green Hydrogen
PMFIAS-CA-S-2023-07-W-1 32
• Produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrolysis process powered by re-
newable energy (like wind and solar energy).
Challenges in the use of green hydrogen

 High transportation cost of renewable energy.
National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

• Implemented by the MoNRE.
• Aim: incentivise commercial production and make India a net exporter of green hydrogen.
Sub-schemes of NGHM
 Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT): It will fund the domes-
tic manufacturing of electrolysers and the production of Green Hydrogen.
 Green Hydrogen Hubs: Regions capable of supporting large-scale production or utilisation of hydrogen
will be developed as Green Hydrogen Hubs.
 Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP): a public-private partnership framework for R&D.
India’s First Green Hydrogen Microgrid Project 33
• National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) has awarded India’s first Green Hydrogen Mi-
crogrid Project in Simhadri (near Visakhapatnam), Andhra Pradesh.
 Microgrid is a localised energy system that can operate independently or in conjunction with the prima-
ry power grid. It helps in decentralised power generation. It reduces transmission losses and improves
energy efficiency by eliminating the need for long-distance power transmission.
India's First Green Hydrogen Blending Project

• Started in the piped natural gas (PNG) network of NTPC, Surat.
• When blended with natural gas, green hydrogen reduces CO2 emissions.
• At present 5% blending of green hydrogen with PNG is allowed (it will be scaled up to 20%).
{GS3 – Envi – Species – 2023/07/05} Asiatic Lions
• Context (IE): Asiatic lions have expanded their territory to one more district, the Botad district.
• To its east lies the Rann of Kutch and the Gulf of Khambhat.
Lion (Panthera leo)

• Lion is the second largest cat species in the world. It is divided into two subspecies: the African lion
and the Asiatic lion (Persian or Indian Lion).
34
Difference between African lion and Asiatic lion

African lion (Panthera leo melanochaita) Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica)
Bigger than the Asiatic lion. Slightly smaller than the African lion.
Males have relatively short, sparse and darker Males have a fuller mane.
manes.
Males do not live with the females of their pride Males live with the females of their pride.
unless they mate or have a large kill.
Distribution: Sub-Saharan Africa and West Africa. Distribution: Found only in Gir National Park, Guja-
rat, India, and its surrounding areas.
Habitat: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and Habitat: Dry deciduous forest
desert
Conservation Status: Conservation Status:
 IUCN Red List: Vulnerable  IUCN Red List: Endangered
 CITES: Appendix II  CITES: Appendix I
 Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
35
{GS3 – Envi – Water Pollution – 2023/07/03} Chloride in Concrete
• Context (TH | IE): High chloride levels in concrete pose a risk to housing in NCR.
• Chloride ions are highly corrosive. Elevated chloride levels in water can accelerate the corrosion pro-
cess, damaging plumbing fixtures, pipes, and appliances.
{GS3 – IE – Banking – 2023/07/01} Small Savings Schemes
• Context (TH): The government raised interest rates on select small saving schemes.
• Small Savings Schemes are various schemes through which people can deposit money with GOI.
• GOI offers these schemes through various Public and Private sector banks and Post Offices.
• The money goes into the Public Account of India – National Small Savings Fund (NSSF).
• The interest rate is aligned with G-Security rates (except Mahila Samman Saving Patra).
36
{GS3 – IE – Banking – 2023/07/03} Cryptocurrency

• Context (TH): IMF noted that a crypto ban “may not be effective in the long run” in the region.
• Cryptocurrency exists digitally or virtually and uses cryptography to secure transactions.
• Cryptocurrencies don't have a central issuing or regulating authority.
• They run on blockchain technology.
• Units of cryptocurrency are created through a process called mining.
• Bitcoin is the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation.
Cryptocurrency and Legal tender

• El Salvador is the first country in the world to adopt Bitcoin as its legal tender.
• In India, Cryptocurrencies are a kind of assets like gold, silver, etc. and not a currency.
RBI's Stance on Cryptocurrency

• In 2018, RBI issues a circular preventing commercial and cooperative banks, payments banks, small fi-
nance banks, NBFCs, and payment system providers from dealing in virtual currencies or providing
services to all entities which deal with crypto exchanges.
• In 2020, SC declared the 2013 RBI circular unconstitutional.
Budget FY23 and Crypto transactions

• GOI proposed a tax of 30% on the transfer of virtual assets, including NFTS and cryptocurrencies.
• Trades are subjected to a 1% TDS.
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)

• The Bahamas was one of the first countries to introduce its Sand Dollar CBDC officially.
• e-Rupee is a legal tender issued by RBI in digital form. It is the same as a fiat currency and is no dif-
ferent from cash, and is exchangeable one-to-one with the fiat currency (bank notes/cash) at par.
• RBI Act 1934 has been amended to include the e-rupee in ‘bank note’. Now it’s legal tender.
What is the difference between cryptocurrency and CBDCs?

• Cryptocurrencies and CBDCs are both blockchain-based digital currencies.
• Private companies or individuals generally run • CBDC is controlled and tracked by a coun-
cryptocurrencies. try’s central bank and corresponds to that
country’s fiat currency.
• Bitcoin’s price may vary by hundreds or even • A CBDC is worth as much as its physical
thousands of dollars due to speculations. counterpart.
• Investors often buy large quantities of crypto- • CBDCs are not meant to be investment vehi-
currencies as an investment. cles.
37
{GS3 – IE – FDI – 2023/07/06} World Investment Report 2023

• Context (ET): The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) published its
World Investment Report 2023.
• According to the report, India and ASEAN are top receivers of Foreign direct investment (FDI) and
witnessed notable growth of FDI — India (10%) and ASEAN (5%).
• Developing countries experienced higher FDI inflows compared to developed economies.
• China, the second largest host country for FDI, observed a 5% increase.
{GS3 – IE – Imports – 2023/07/04} Crude Oil Imports
• Context (TH): Indian refiners have begun paying for some oil imports from Russia in Chinese Yuan.
 The Renminbi is the official currency of China. The Yuan is the basic unit of the Renminbi.
• India is the World's third biggest oil consumer and importer.

• India imports over 95% of its crude oil consumption.
• Iraq is India's biggest supplier of crude oil, followed by Saudi Arabia.
Import from Russia

• India has become Russia's No. 2 oil buyer after China following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
• Russia emerged as the fourth largest oil supplier to India.
Import of oil from Iran

• Iran accounted for 12% of Indian oil imports before 2018.
• In 2018-19, the US announced sanctions on firms purchasing oil from Iran.
{GS3 – IE – Industry – 2023/07/01} Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI)
• The Office of Economic Advisor (Ministry of Commerce and Industries) releases ICI.
• The core sectors account for about 40.3% of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
38
Index of industrial production (IIP)

• IIP measures sectoral growth in India's economy, including mining, electricity, and manufacturing.
• IIP is compiled monthly by the NSO, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
{GS3 – IE – Inflation – 2023/07/04} Greedflation

• Context (TH): Greedflation refers to a situation where excessive greed and speculative behaviour
contribute to rising inflationary pressures in an economy.
Types of Inflation
Demand-Pull Inflation
• Often associated with strong economic growth, increased consumer spending, and excessive mone-
tary expansion.
Cost-Push Inflation
• Cost-push inflation is driven by increased production costs. It can lead to a decrease in real wages
and consumer purchasing power.
Built-In Inflation
• Built-in inflation, also known as wage-price spiral or internal inflation, refers to a self-perpetuating
cycle of rising prices and wages.
Hyperinflation
• It typically occurs due to a severe loss of confidence in the currency, often triggered by excessive
money supply, political instability, or unsustainable fiscal policies.
Structural Inflation
• Structural inflation arises from long-term imbalances in the economy's structure, such as supply
constraints, inefficiencies, inadequate infrastructure, or barriers to competition.
Imported Inflation
• Imported inflation occurs when:
1. the prices of imported goods and services rise due to changes in exchange rates, commodity
prices, or trade policies.
2. a depreciation in the domestic currency raises the cost of imported goods.
{GS3 – IE – Securities – 2023/07/01} Stock Exchanges
NSE (National Stock Exchange of India) 39
• NSE (National Stock Exchange of India) uses the NIFTY 50 index as its primary benchmark.
• The NIFTY 50 index represents the performance of the top 50 large-cap stocks listed on the NSE.
BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange)

• It is one of the oldest stock exchanges in Asia.
• BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) uses the S&P BSE Sensex index.
• The Sensex is a benchmark index that tracks the performance of 30 large and well-established com-
panies listed on the BSE.
Some famous Stock exchanges Around World
{GS3 – Infra – Irrigation – 2023/07/03} Polavaram Irrigation Project
• Context (DTE | TH): Konda Reddis (a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group) and Koya tribes in the
Godavari region are displaced due to the centrally funded Polavaram Project (National Project).
• Polavaram Project is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh.
• It covers the Papikonda National Park of Andhra Pradesh.
• It will facilitate inter-basin water transfer from the Godavari to the Krishna through a link canal.
National Project
• Benefit: 90% of the funding for the project will be given by the central government.
• Ministry of Tribal Affairs shall ensure that all eligible tribes get the proper compensation.
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)

• Dhebar Commission (Tribal Panchsheel Committee) recommended the creation of Primitive Tribal
Groups (PTGs). Based on this, GOI created PTGs in 1975. In 2006, PTGs were renamed as PVTGs.
• At present, there are 75 PVTGs out of 705 Scheduled Tribes.
• Odisha has the highest number of PVTGs.
40
{GS3 – Infra – Roads – 2023/07/07} Bahu Balli Cattle Fences
• Context (PIB | TOI): GOI is planning Bahu Balli Cattle Fences along highways to prevent accidents.
• Constructed using bamboo.
• The bamboo is treated with creosote oil and coated with High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), mak-
ing it a more robust alternative to steel.
• The fence has a fire rating of Class 1.
41
{GS3 – PDS – Schemes – 2023/07/05} Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS)
• Context (TH): Centre discontinued the sale of grains through OMSS to States to control inflation.
• Several States that run an expanded PDS (over and above NFSA norms) depend on OMSS.
Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS)
• FCI sells surplus stocks of wheat and rice under Open Market Sale Scheme through e-auction.
• OMSS aims to enhance the supply of food grains, especially wheat, during the lean season.
• FCI sells the food grain under OMSS only for consumption and to keep inflation under control.
{GS3 – S&T – Space – 2023/07/04} Universe’s ‘Noisy’ Gravitational Wave Background
• Context (IE): Low-frequency gravitational waves background exists.
Gravitational Waves
• Gravitational waves are created when massive accelerating objects would disrupt spacetime so that
'waves' of distorted space would radiate from the source.
• Some examples of events that could cause a gravitational wave are:
 when a star explodes asymmetrically (called a supernova)
 when two big neutron stars orbit each other
 when two black holes orbit each other and merge
• These ripples travel at the speed of light through the Universe, carrying information about their origins.
Spacetime (NASA) & Gravitational Waves (NASA)
42
When were Gravitational Waves First Detected?

• In 2015, The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), USA, physically sensed
high-frequency gravitational waves, believed to be produced by the merger of two small black
holes about 1.3 billion years ago.
How were Low-Frequency Gravitational Waves Detected?
• The low-frequency gravitational waves were detected by studying pulsars using radio telescopes
worldwide. Indian Pulsar Timing Array (InPTA) was also involved in this.
• Pulsars are distant rapidly-rotating neutron stars that emit pulses of radiation, observed from the
Earth as bright flashes of light.
• These bursts take place at extremely precise intervals, making them useful as cosmic clocks.
Why is the Discovery of Gravitational Waves Important?

• Faraway cosmic objects which cannot be detected visually (like black holes) can be detected and stud-
ied with the help of gravitational waves.
• The gravitational waves can work as sirens to measure the universe's expansion rate and understand
the universe's origin and future.
{Prelims – Agri – Diseases – 2023/07/06} Mosaic Viruses Hit Tomato Crop
• Context (IE | FP): Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) are two ‘mosaic’
viruses that hit tomato crop in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
• The current sharp increase in the price of tomato is due to lower production caused by these viruses.
• Mosaic viruses are a group of plant viruses that can cause a characteristic mottling or mosaic-like
pattern of discoloration on the leaves of infected plants.
• Infected plants remains dwarf and fruits overripens.
{Prelims – Bio – Diseases – 2023/07/05} Leptospirosis
43
• Context (TH | TH): Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal zoonotic bacterial disease.

• It is caused by bacterium Leptospira interrogans.
• Reservoir hosts includes rodents, wild and domestic animals.
• It is named rat fever because of the misconception that rats are the sole cause of the disease.
• Transmission: Direct or indirect contact with urine or reproductive fluids of infected animals.
• Symptoms: fever, diarrhea, jaundice, etc. Severe ones include coughing of blood and blood in urine.
• Severity: Ranges from a mild flu-like illness to being life-threatening.
• Risk Season: Monsoon rains or flooding exposes the people to contaminated water.
• Treatment: Antibiotics.
• Problems in Treatment: Misdiagnosis (its symptoms mimic those of dengue, malaria, and hepatitis).
{Prelims – Envi – Species – 2023/07/06} Ambergris in Dead Sperm Whale
• Context (IE | TG): Crores of worth ambergris is found in the carcass of a sperm whale which washed
up on a shore of the Canary Island of La Palma.
• Ambergris (or ‘floating gold’) is a waxy substance that originates from the digestive system of
protected sperm whales.
• It is wrongly referred to as whale vomit.
Why is Ambergris so Expensive?

• Ambergris has a woody scent like sandalwood, and it also contains ambrein, an odourless alcohol that
can fix and extend the life of scents. Hence it has high demand among perfumers.
Legalities in India for Ambergris

• There is a ban on the possession and trade of ambergris in the USA, Australia, and India.
• Sperm whales are protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Possession or trade of any of its by-products, including Ambergris and its byproducts, is illegal.
Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus)

• Sperm whales are the largest of the toothed whales.
• They are named after spermaceti, a waxy substance found in their heads.
• The spermaceti is an oil sac that helps the whales focus on sound.
• Distribution: They have one of the broadest global distributions.
• Habitat: deep marine waters (>1000 m depth).
• Conservation Status: 44
 IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

 CITES: Appendix I
 Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II

 CMS: Appendix I
{Prelims – Envi – Species – 2023/07/06} Chinkara (Gazella bennettii)
• Context (TH): Chinkara (Indian gazelle) is native to Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
• It is the smallest Asiatic antelope species.
• It is the state animal of Rajasthan.
45
• Distribution: Deccan chinkara ranges from the Ganges Valley to Deccan Plateau. Gujarat chinkara is
found in the Thar Desert, Rann of Kutch, Kathiawar, and Saurashtra region.
• Habitat: Arid forests and deserts. It is a shy species and avoids human habitation.
• Conservation Status:
 IUCN Red List: Least Concern
 CITES: Appendix III (Pakistan)
 Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
{Prelims – IE – Industry – 2023/07/04} Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)
• Context (TH): The PMI is an investor sentiment tracking index.

• PMI indicates the economic health of both the manufacturing and service sectors.
• PMI of India is compiled by London-based IHS Markit and published by Japanese firm Nikkei.
• It is derived from monthly surveys of about 400 private companies.
• PMI >50 implies expanding economic activity, and PMI <50 means contraction.
{Prelims – IR – India-Japan – 2023/07/06} JIMEX 23
• Context (PIB): The 7th edition of the bilateral Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2023 (JIMEX 23) is host-
ed by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam from 05-10 July 2023 with the participation of:
 INS Delhi: First indigenously built Guided Missile Destroyer
 INS Kamorta: Indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette
{Prelims – Misc – 2023/07/06} ICWIP
• Context (TH): The 8th International Conference on Women in Physics (ICWIP) will be held in India.
• ICWIP is an event of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics.
• It is held every three years to address the gender imbalance in physics education and research.
International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP)

• The IUPAP was established in 1922 in Brussels.
• It is the only international physics organisation organised and run by the physics community.
{Prelims – Polity – 2023/07/04} PRISM

46
• Context (TH): Parliamentary Research and Information Support to Members (PRISM) is 24X7
round-the-clock research and information support to Members of Parliament (MPs).

• MPs can call or text their Research and Information requirements anytime.
• The information is provided digitally to the Members.
{Prelims – World PIN – Asia – 2023/07/05} Militant Attack at Israel

PMFIAS-CA-S-2023-07-W-1 47
• Context (TG | TH): After a militant attack in Tel Aviv, Israel launched a military operation in Jenin.
• Tel Aviv, located on the Mediterranean coast, is the second-most populous city in Israel.
• Jenin is a city located in the northern part of the West Bank.
• It is under the administrative control of the Palestinian authority.
{Prelims – World PIN – Europe – 2023/07/01} France Riots
• Context (WION): The violent protests in Nanterre, a Paris suburb.
48
{Prelims – World PIN – Europe – 2023/07/05} Orkney willing to Join Norway
49
• Context (TG): Orkney due to its Nordic links and neglect by Edinburgh (Scotland), is exploring the
alternative of joining Norway.
• Orkney is an archipelago located off the northeastern coast of mainland Scotland.
• It is separated from the mainland by the Pentland Firth (famous for its powerful tidal currents).
{Prelims – World PIN – Straits – 2023/07/07} Asia: Strait of Hormuz
50
• Context (WION): Iran attempts to seize oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, but US Navy prevents it.
• Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
• It separates Iran from the Arabian Peninsula.
• It is strategically and economically important.
51

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PMF IAS® Current Affairs [Short] Compilation – Week 1, July, 2023

{GS1 – A&C – Architecture – 2023/07/07} Jagannath Temple .............................................................................. 4

{GS2 – IR – India-China – 2023/07/03} Pangong Lake .......................................................................................... 14

{GS2 – IR – India-Taiwan – 2023/07/06} TECC ....................................................................................................... 18

Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA).............................................................................................................................. 26

Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) ................................................................................................................................................... 42

{GS1 – A&C – Architecture – 2023/07/07} Jagannath Temple

• The temple has four distinct sectional structures, namely:

{GS1 – A&C – Religion – 2023/07/05} Dharma Chakra Parivartan Divas

Four Aspects of Dukkha and the Noble Eightfold Path

{GS1 – Geo – EG – Mineral Resources – 2023/07/04} 30 Critical Minerals

• Context (IE): India identified 30 critical minerals crucial for:

India’s import dependency

{GS1 – Geo – PG – Geomorphology – 2023/07/01} Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL)

{GS1 – MIH – Personalities – 2023/07/05} Alluri Sitarama Raju

Rampa Rebellion (1922 to 1924)

{GS2 – Governance – Regulations – 2023/07/07} Dark Patterns

Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)

{GS2 – Health – Initiatives – 2023/07/06} Tele-MANAS

{GS2 – Health – Issues – 2023/07/01} Artificial Sweeteners

What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

Causative Factors behind AMR

Causes behind Acquired Antimicrobial Resistance

{GS2 – IR – Groupings – 2023/07/04} NATO Plus

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Advantages for India if it joins the NATO Plus

{GS2 – IR – Groupings – 2023/07/04} Paris Club

{GS2 – IR – Groupings – 2023/07/04} Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

1. Members (9): China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Ta-

Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure

Tourism and Cultural Capital

SCO Summit, 2023

use of national currencies would circumvent international dollar-based payments.

New Delhi Declaration of the Council of Heads of State

6. New Delhi Declaration was signed at SCO 2023 Summit.

India at SCO 2023

{GS2 – IR – Groupings – 2023/07/07} Group of Twenty (G20)

• Context (TH): The 2023 G20 summit was held in Srinagar.

How G20 Works?

2023 G20 Summit

{GS2 – IR – India-China – 2023/07/03} Pangong Lake

Tactical significance of the Lake

{GS2 – IR – India-SE Asia – 2023/07/03} India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway

{GS2 – MoSJE – 2023/07/07} Manual Scavenging

• Dehumanising practice perpetuated by the caste system.

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE)

Departments under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

Steps taken to curb manual scavenging

National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)

Prohibition of Employment of Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013

Supreme Court Directive in 2014

{GS2 – MoWCD – 2023/07/04} Scheme for minor rape victim

{GS2 – Polity – Bodies – Constitutional – 2023/07/05} NCST

{GS2 – Polity – Bodies – Statutory – 2023/07/07} National Green Tribunal (NGT)

{GS2 – Polity – IC – DPSP – 2023/07/01} Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Arguments against UCC

Arguments for UCC

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Elections – 2023/07/04} Electoral bonds

Features of the Electoral Bonds

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Elections – 2023/07/06} Election Symbols Disputes

The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968