Manthan January 2023 Ancient History Note

JANUARY-2023
Basic Structure of Constitution

Supreme Court on Freedom of Speech
BharOS
Padma Awards
VSHORAD Missile System
table of contents
1. POLITY
Contents 01
1.1 Basic Structure of Constitution................................. 1 1.14 Supreme Court Simplifies Passive Euthanasia Process
............................................................................... 17
1.2 Caste Census............................................................. 3
1.3 Chargesheets are not Public Documents: SC ruling.. 5 short news
1.4 Aspirational Blocks Programme................................ 6 1.15 Mandatory Minimum Sentencing........................... 19
1.5 National Geospatial Policy 2022................................ 7 1.16 Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network
Development (BIND) Scheme................................. 20
1.6 High-Powered Committee for Ladakh....................... 8
1.17 PARAKH................................................................... 20
1.7 Citizenship Act’s Section 6A...................................... 9
1.18 First Constitution Literate District: Kollam.............. 21
1.8 Supreme Court on Freedom of Speech................... 10
1.19 Ideal Train Profile.................................................... 21
1.9 Free Speech of Public Functionaries....................... 11
1.20 Henley Passport Index 2023.................................... 21
1.10 Tussle Between Tamil Nadu Govt & Governor........ 12
1.21 New Guidelines to Regulate Promotions on Social
1.11 Supreme Court Upholds Demonetisation............... 13
Media..................................................................... 21
1.12 Delegated Legislation.............................................. 14
1.13 Online Gaming Draft Rules...................................... 15
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATINON 24
2.1 India-Egypt Relations............................................... 24 short news
2.2 Indus Waters Treaty ................................................ 26 2.6 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas(PBD)................................... 32
2.3 India- Maldives ....................................................... 27 2.7 Croatia..................................................................... 32
2.8 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee...................... 33
2.4 India - Sri Lanka....................................................... 28
2.9 Bhopal Declaration.................................................. 33
2.5 Voice of Global South Summit 2023........................ 30 2.10 Asian Pacific Postal Union....................................... 33
3. ECONOMY 35
3.1 Municipal Bonds...................................................... 35 short news
3.2 Circular Economy..................................................... 36 3.11 PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)................ 45
3.3 T+1 Settlement Cycle............................................... 37 3.12 Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT).......................... 45
3.4 Additional Tier-1 Bonds........................................... 37 3.13 NARCL...................................................................... 46
3.5 Sovereign Green Bonds........................................... 38 3.14 Utkarsh 2.0 ............................................................. 46
3.6 Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs).... 40 3.15 Digital Public Infrastructure..................................... 46
3.7 World Economic Forum Summit............................. 41 3.16 Grameen Udyami Scheme....................................... 47
3.8 Promotion of RUPAY & BHIM-UPI............................ 42 3.17 Bharat Pravah.......................................................... 47
3.9 Loan Loss Provision................................................. 43 3.18 Short Selling............................................................ 47
3.10 Digital Crop Survey.................................................. 44
4. ENVIRONMENT & GEOGRAPHY 49

short news
4.1 Coral Reefs.............................................................. 49
4.2 Land Sinking In Joshimath....................................... 49 4.8 Olive Ridley Turtles.................................................. 59
4.3 National Green Hydrogen Mission.......................... 51 4.9 Greater Scaup.......................................................... 60
4.4 Third Meeting of Steering Committee of Ken-Betwa 4.10 Mahabali frog.......................................................... 60
Link Project............................................................. 52 4.11 Skyglow................................................................... 60
4.5 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)................... 54 4.12 Tonga Volcano.........................................................
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4.6 Human-Animal Conflict........................................... 56
4.7 Re-Introduction of Cheetah..................................... 58
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5. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 63

5.1 First Earth-sized exoplanet: LHS 475 b.................... 63 short news
5.2 BharOS.................................................................... 63 5.8 Norovirus................................................................. 68
5.9 Immune Imprinting................................................. 69
5.3 Aditya-L1 Mission.................................................... 64
5.10 Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)...................... 69
5.4 Green Comets......................................................... 65 5.11 World Leprosy Day.................................................. 69
5.5 Venus Mission ‘Shukrayaan I'.................................. 66 5.12 M Sand Facility........................................................ 70
5.6 WHO Report on Global Trans-Fat Elimination 2022.67 5.13 Covovax................................................................... 70
5.14 Black Box................................................................. 71
5.7 India’s plan to Eradicate Measles, Rubella.............. 67
5.15 Indian Skimmer....................................................... 71
6. DEFENCE AND SECURITY 73

6.1 Police Reforms......................................................... 73 6.4 Vibrant Villages Programme.................................... 75
6.2 INS Vagir.................................................................. 74 6.5 Exercise Cyclone - I.................................................. 75
short news 6.6 Exercise ‘Varuna’..................................................... 76
6.3 VSHORAD Missile System........................................ 75 6.7 AK-203..................................................................... 76
7. SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 78

7.1 Annual Status of Education Report 2022................ 78 7.3 China’s Population Falls and India’s Situation......... 80
7.2 All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE)......... 79 7.4 Foreign Universities in India.................................... 80
8. ART & CULTURE 83

8.1 Padma Awards......................................................... 83 8.9 Kashmir's Pashmina Shawls..................................... 87
short news 8.10 Parakram Diwas....................................................... 87
8.2 Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2022 ......... 84 8.11 Sammed Shikhar ..................................................... 88
8.3 Wall of Peace........................................................... 84 8.12 Sagol Kangjei........................................................... 89
8.13 Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP).... 90
8.4 World’s Longest River Cruise................................... 85
8.14 Jagannath Temple.................................................... 90
8.5 Charaideo Moidams................................................ 85
8.6 Maghi Mela............................................................. 85 8.15 Buddhist Monastery Complex In Bengal................. 90
8.7 Miniature Votive Stupas in Nalanda ....................... 86 8.16 Monument Mitra Scheme....................................... 91
8.8 Paigah Tombs Complex............................................ 86 8.17 Mughal Gardens Renamed as Amrit Udyan............ 91
9. ETHICS 93
9.1 Corporate Governance................................................................................................................................................. 93
10. PLACES IN NEWS 95

10.1 Oman....................................................................... 95 10.2 Japan....................................................................... 95
11. MISCELLANEOUS 97
11.1 Akshaya Big Campaign for Documents Digitalisation.. 11.2 Green Railway Station Certification: Visakhapatnam..
............................................................................... 97 ............................................................................... 97
SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE MONTH 98

Newly Added Ramsar Sites in 2022................................. 99
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POLITY & GOVERNANCE
1 POLITY &
GOVERNANCE
1.1 Basic Structure of Constitution If a law is found to “damage or destroy” the “basic
features of the Constitution”, the Court declares it
Context: unconstitutional.
Recently, the Vice President criticised the Supreme In the S R Bommai case of 1994, the apex court,
Court for using the Basic Structure Doctrine to strike upheld the dismissal of BJP governments by the
down constitutional amendments by Parliament, such President of India following the demolition of
as the National Judicial Appointments Commission the Babri Masjid, citing a threat to secularism by
(NJAC) Act. these governments.
PYQ:
Basic Features of the Indian Constitution:
Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’
doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive The term ‘basic structure’ is not defined, however,
role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving over the years, the Supreme Court through its
democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the various judgements has shaped the concept of
role played by judicial activism in achieving the 'Basic structure of Constitution'.
ideals of democracy. (2014) In the Kesavananda ruling, the Supreme Court
cited several aspects of the Constitution that could
Background:
be identified as “basic features” of the document
In 1973, a 13-judge Constitution Bench ruled but added that it was not an exhaustive list.
in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala that
Article 368 does not enable Parliament to amend Components of Basic structure:
the basic framework of the Constitution. ¾ Supremacy of the Constitution;
The historic ruling came to be known as the “basic ¾ Republican and Democratic forms of
structure” doctrine — a judicial principle that Government.
the Constitution has certain basic features that
cannot be altered or destroyed by amendments ¾ Secular character of the Constitution;
by Parliament. ¾ Separation of powers between the Legislature,
Over the years, various facets of the basic structure the executive and the judiciary;
doctrine have evolved, forming the basis for ¾ Federal character of the Constitution.
judicial review of Constitutional amendments.
The verdict also made it clear that judicial Application of the Basic Structure Doctrine:
review was only part of a “system of checks and The “Basic structure” theory was applied for the
balances” to ensure constitutional functionaries first time after its introduction in the 1975 case
do not exceed their limits. Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain.
About Basic Structure Doctrine: The Allahabad High Court had ruled against
Indira Gandhi
RTSEPFP and convicted her of electoral
The Doctrine of Basic Structure is a form of
judicial review that is used to test the legality of malpractices in the Lok Sabha election, after a
any legislation by the courts. challenge by rival Raj Narain.
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POLITY & GOVERNANCE
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POLITY & GOVERNANCE
The five-judge Bench, categorised the Check on Majoritarian impulses: The test is widely
independent conduct of elections as “basic regarded as a check on majoritarian impulses of
structure” and ruled that Parliament could not the Parliament since it places substantive limits
amend the Constitution if alterations affected on the power to amend the Constitution.
basic issues like fundamental rights.
Conclusion:
Arguments Against Basic Structure Doctrine:
Thus, after the decisions of the Supreme Court
Not Mentioned in Constitution: It is not found in in Kesavananda Bharati case, Indira Gandhi
the text of the Constitution itself. Election case and Minerva Mills case, it can be
Anti-democratic:The power of “unelected judges” concluded that the Parliament’s power to amend
to strike down amendments to the Constitution the Constitution is limited and in the exercise
on the basis of this doctrine is “anti-democratic of its constituent power, the Parliament cannot
and counter-majoritarian.” violate the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
Judicial overreach over the legislature:In a News Source: The Hindu
democratic society, ‘the basic’ of any ‘basic
structure’ has to be the supremacy of the mandate
of people. Thus the primacy and sovereignty of
1.2 Caste Census
Parliament and legislature is inviolable,”
Context:
Arguments in Favour of Basic Structure The Supreme Court rejected a batch of petitions
Doctrine: challenging the ongoing caste-based census in Bihar.
Maintaining the Sanctity of Constitution: The Probable Question:
test is applied to constitutional amendments
to ensure the amendment does not dilute the What are the arguments in favour of and against
fundamentals of the Constitutional itself. conducting a caste based census in India?
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POLITY & GOVERNANCE
About Caste Census: divisions.

Caste census means inclusion of caste-wise Demands for more reservations: Demands
tabulation of India’s population in the Census for more reservations that political parties will
exercise, which is a decennial count of the Indian have to concede will sound the death-knell for
population. meritocracy, adversely affect governance and
delivery of services and drive away human capital.
Demand for Caste Census:
Challenges:
In India, every census since 1951 has included
information about the population of Scheduled Ambiguity over castes: Basing affirmative action
Castes and Scheduled Tribes. interventions on caste census will not be a good
policy tool since many disguise their castes;
However, it did not include information about
the population of lower and intermediate castes, Lack of Data: Since a complete and correct data
compilation and collation is impossible, the data
known as Other Backward Classes (OBCs), which
from the census will be unusable for official
make up about 52% of the population.
purposes;
This has led to calls for a separate census to gather
Untrained Human Resources: Enumerators have
data about the OBC population.
little training and are not investigators or verifiers
Arguments in favour of Caste Census: who can detect wrong and misleading information
provided to them and correct such information--
Recording Demographic Changes: The last this will endanger the whole exercise.
caste census was carried out by the British in
1931 and the need for a fresh one is overdue, Centre’s Stand:
especially since India has undergone significant
In an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, the
demographic changes since then.
Union government has stated that a caste census
Restructuring affirmative action programmes: was unfeasible due to administrative difficulties
A scientific counting of caste groups will help and cumbersome process.
the government restructure affirmative action
It argues that the judiciary cannot direct the
programmes.
government to conduct a caste census because
Effective delivery of welfare programmes:The it is a “policy decision” not to do so, and the
caste census will give information on educational judiciary cannot interfere with government policy.
status and economic status of various castes; such
Unlike in the case of the SCs and the STs, there
information is crucial in more effective delivery of
is no constitutional mandate for the Registrar-
targeted welfare programmes.
General and Census Commissioner, India, to
Bringing Objectivity to Reservations: The census provide the census figures of the Other Backward
will bring objectivity to the debate on reservations. Classes and the Backward classes.
Arguments against the Caste census: Way Forward:

Against Vision of Casteless Society: A caste A caste census may not sit well with the goal of a
census militates against the country’s social goal casteless society, but it may serve, in the interim,
of evolving into a casteless society. as a useful, even if not entirely flawless, means
Social and political repercussions: It will trigger of addressing inequities in society.
caste politics and social conflict, and will set the Caste data will enable independent research
clock back on nation-building. not only into the question of who does and does
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Solidify caste identities:The census will solidify not need affirmative action but also into the
caste identities, accentuate casteism and caste effectiveness of this measure.

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
Impartial data and subsequent research might Background:

save the bona fide attempts of the uplift of the
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by a
most backward classes from the shadow of caste
journalist,who sought that all charge sheets or
and class politics and be informative to people
final reports should be uploaded on state websites
on both sides of the spectrum – for and against
as they are a summary of police investigations in
reservation.
criminal cases.
News Source: The Hindu
Supreme Court Ruling:
1.3 Chargesheets are not Public If all the charge sheets and relevant documents
Documents: SC ruling produced along with the charge sheets are put on
the public domain or on the websites of the state
Context: governments, it will be contrary to the scheme of
Recently, the Supreme Court held that chargesheets the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
are not ‘public documents’ and enabling their free It may as such violate the rights of the accused as
public access violates the provisions of the Criminal well as the victim and/or even the investigating
Code of Procedure. agency.
Probable Question: Further, the Court held that a charge sheet cannot
Recently, the Supreme Court held that chargesheets be made publicly available as it’s not a ‘public
are not ‘public documents’, examine the importance document’ under Sections 74 and 76 of the
of public documents in a democratic society. Evidence Act, as argued by the petitioners’.
About Chargesheet:
A chargesheet, as defined under Section 173
CrPC, is the final report prepared by a police
officer after completing their investigation of a
case.
It contains details of names, the nature of the
information, and offences.
A charge sheet must be filed against the accused
within a prescribed period of 60-90 days,
Image Source: The Hindu
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POLITY & GOVERNANCE
otherwise the arrest is illegal and the accused is Implementation: It will cover 500 districts across
entitled to bail. 31 states and Union Territories initially.
A chargesheet is filed by the police or law- Merits of the ABP:
enforcement/ investigative agency only after they
have gathered sufficient evidence against the Customised Approach: It will help the block
accused. administration to adopt customised approaches
towards improving socioeconomic indicators
News Source: The Indian Express
based on the context of the region and the most
emergent needs.
1.4 Aspirational Blocks Programme
Grass root Level Involvement: This method also
Context: brings the decision-making process closer to the
During the Second National Conference of Chief grassroots.
Secretaries, the Prime Minister launched the Improve last mile service delivery: Under the
Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP). leadership of the district administration, the
Probable Question: officers at the block level will improve critical last
mile service delivery.
What is the significance of the Aspirational Blocks
Programme in the context of promoting inclusive Convergence of Administration: Several line
development in rural India? departments of the block administration
will converge and work in unison to bridge
About the Aspirational Blocks Programme: critical administrative gaps and sustain these
The ABP is built on the success of the government’s developments and improvements for a long
flagship Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) period of time.
launched in 2018 across 112 under-developed Additional Information:
districts of India.
About Aspirational Districts Programme:
Focus area: To enhance the quality of life of
Launched in 2018.
citizens in the most difficult and underdeveloped
blocks of India by converging existing schemes Aim: To quickly and effectively transform 112
and monitoring them on a constant basis. most under-developed districts across the
country.
The ranking is based on the incremental
progress made across 49 Key Performance
Indicators (KPIs) under 5 broad socio-economic
themes:
¾ Health & Nutrition
¾ Education
¾ Agriculture & Water Resources
¾ Financial Inclusion & Skill Development and
Infrastructure.
Broad contours of the programme: Convergence
(of Central & State Schemes), Collaboration (of
Central, State level Nodal Officers & District
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Collectors), and Competition among districts

through monthly delta ranking.

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
It focuses on the strength of each district, Mapping Infrastructure: By 2035, the policy sets
identifying low-hanging fruits for immediate the goals of usage of geospatial data including
improvement and measuring progress by mapping of subsurface infrastructure in major
ranking districts on a monthly basis. cities and towns.
NITI Aayog works closely with the respective line

Ministries and various development partners to
fast-track progress at the district level.
1.5 National Geospatial Policy 2022

Context:
Recently, the Centre notified the National Geospatial
Policy 2022.
Probable Question:
What are the key objectives and provisions of
National Geospatial Policy 2022 and how will it Image Source: Times of India
impact the development and use of the geospatial
sector in India? Benefits:
Helpful in achieving SDGs: Geospatial technology
About Geospatial Data: can help in achieving Sustainable Development
Geospatial data are descriptions of events or Goals (SDGs).
occurrences with a location on or near the surface Bridging the Digital Divide: It also aims to support
of the earth. innovation and creation in the field by bridging
¾ For Example: This location can be static – the geospatial data divide”.
relating to earthquakes, vegetation, etc., or Capacity development: It seeks to create
dynamic – a person walking on the road, a long-term, sustainable geospatial information
package being tracked, etc. management through capacity development and
education programmes.
Geospatial data is critical in military operations,
disaster and emergency management, Democratisation of data:The policy is structured
environmental monitoring, land and city to contribute towards the democratisation of
data and other geospatial data produced using
planning.
public funds.
National Geospatial Policy 2022: Promoting Ease of doing business: Liberalisation
Aim: To strengthen the location-centric industry in the geospatial field has the potential to support
to support the information economy. the government’s ease of doing business policy.
Additional Information:
Geospatial Data Promotion and Development
Committee (GDPDC): It will serve as an apex body About Potential of Geospatial economy:
fcr formulating guidelines for promotion of the India's geospatial economy is expected to cross
geospatial sector. Rs 63,000 crore by 2025 at a growth rate of
12.8%.
Digital Elevation Model (DEM): It plans to set
up high resolution topographical survey and Employment
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to 10 lakh people through
mapping, with a high-accuracy Digital Elevation geospatial start-ups.
Model (DEM) by 2030. News Source: The Hindu

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
1.6 High-Powered Committee for About the Committee:

Ladakh Chaired by: Minister of State for Home, Nityanand
Rai.
Context: It is a 17-member committee that includes the
Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Ladakh Lieutenant Governor.
constituted a high-powered committee for the Union
Territory of Ladakh. Mandate of the Committee:
Probable Question: To Protect the region's unique culture and
language taking into consideration its geographical
Evaluate the challenges in including Ladakh in the location and strategic importance.
Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and the
government's stance on it. To ensure the protection of land and employment
for the people of Ladakh.
To strategize inclusive development and discuss
issues related to the empowerment of the Ladakh
Autonomous Hill District Councils of Leh and
Kargil.
About the Sixth Schedule of the Indian
Constitution:
The sixth schedule under Article 244 of
the Constitution protects the autonomy of
tribal populations through the creation of
autonomous development councils which
can frame laws on land, public health, and
agriculture.
Image Source: Economic Times
As of now ten autonomous councils exist in
Background: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
In 2020, the Peoples Movement for Constitutional As per the 2011 Census, the total population of
safeguard under the sixth schedule or the Apex Ladakh was 2,74,289, and nearly 80% of them
Body, Leh was formed. are tribals.
They announced that they would boycott the The primary Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Ladakh
upcoming district autonomous council elections are Balti Beda, Bot (or Boto), Brokpa (or
if their demands were not met. Drokpa, Dard, Shin), Changpa, Garra, Mon and
Purigpa.
Need to Form the Committee:
Civil society groups in Ladakh have been National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
demanding protection for land, resources, and (NCST) Recommendation:
employment for the past three years. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
This follows the revocation of the special status has recommended that Ladakh be included in
of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which
Article 370 of the Constitution in 2019. provides autonomous self-governance to certain
tribal areas.
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The fear of big businesses and conglomerates
taking away land and jobs from the local people NCST is a constitutional body to safeguard socio-
have contributed to this demand. cultural rights of Scheduled Tribes.

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
Challenges: Clause 5 of the Accord establishes January 1, 1966

Including Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the as the base cut-off date for detection and deletion
Constitution would be challenging. of "foreigners" with provisions for regularisation
for those who arrived before March 24, 1971.
This is due to the fact that the Sixth Schedule
is exclusive to the Northeastern region and no The final National Register of citizens in Assam,
other part of the country is included in it. published in 2019, was conducted with the cut-off
date of March 24, 1971.
Additionally, even in Manipur, whose population
is mainly of tribal origin, the autonomous councils Section 6A of Citizenship Act:
are not included in the Sixth Schedule.
Section 6A was inserted as an amendment to
Similarly, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, which the Citizenship Act in order to accommodate
are entirely tribal, are not included either. provisions of the Assam Accord.
Government’s Stand: The section establishes March 24, 1971 as the
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently cut-off date for entry into Assam, meaning those
informed a parliamentary standing committee entering the state after that date would be
that the aim of including tribal populations considered "illegal immigrants".
under the sixth schedule is to ensure their socio- It requires those who entered Assam between
economic development. January 1, 1966 and March 24, 1971 to register
This is already being taken care of by the UT themselves and provides them with rights and
administration and sufficient funds are being obligations similar to Indian citizens for a period
provided to Ladakh for its overall development. of 10 years.
It added that the Ladakh administration had Challenge to Section 6A:
recently increased the reservation for Scheduled
Tribes in direct recruitment from 10% to The Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court
45%, which would help the tribal population is hearing a plea challenging the constitutional
significantly in its development. validity of Section 6A.
News Source: The Hindu The primary petitioner is the Assam Sanmilita
Mahasangha (ASM), an organisation advocating
1.7 Citizenship Act’s Section 6A for the rights of "indigenous" communities in
Assam.
Context:
A Constitution Bench led by the Chief Justice of It argues that Section 6A is discriminatory and
India will first take up for preliminary determination violative of the rights of "indigenous" Assamese
whether Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 people as it establishes a different cut-off date
suffers from any “constitutional infirmity”. for citizenship in Assam compared to the rest of
India.
Background on Assam Accord and National
The petitioners want 1951 to be established as the
Register of Citizens (NRC):
cut-off date for inclusion in the National Register
The Assam Accord is a Memorandum of Settlement of Citizens instead of 1971.
(MoS) signed in 1985, between representatives
of the Government of India and leaders of the
Assam Movement. The Citizenship
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Act of 1955 governs the rules
and procedures for acquiring, renouncing, and
Questions around citizenship in Assam largely
terminating citizenship.
revolve around the Assam Accord.

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
The act was enacted by the Parliament in 1955 an individual against any threat to their personal
and has undergone several amendments since liberty, even if the threat originates from a non-
then. state actor.
The act defines who are considered citizens of Dissenting Judgement:

India and lays down the criteria for acquiring
Limitations of Horizontal Application of
Indian citizenship.
Fundamental Rights:
Recently, the act was amended in 2019 with
¾ Horizontal application of fundamental rights
the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which seeks
under Articles 19 and 21 19 and 21 could be
to make Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and
permitted if:
Christian illegal migrants from Afghanistan,
Bangladesh, and Pakistan eligible for citizenship • Differences between fundamental rights
of India, with the cut-off date being December and common law rights are disregarded.
31, 2014. • The duty to respect each form of rights is
News Source: The Hindu ignored.
• The forum for adjudicating rights
1.8 Supreme Court on Freedom of violations is ignored.
Speech Private bodies and claims of fundamental rights
violations: A private body, acting in a private
Context: capacity and fulfilling a private function cannot
The Supreme Court has ruled that the fundamental be axiomatically amenable to the claims of
rights enshrined in Articles 19 and 21 are enforceable fundamental rights violations.
even against persons other than the state or its
instrumentalities. Impact of Court’s Interpretation:
Probable Question This interpretation opens up a range of
possibilities in Constitutional law, as it could also
Examine the recent Supreme Court ruling on the
bring an obligation on the state to ensure private
enforceability of fundamental rights enshrined in
entities also abide by Constitutional norms
Articles 19 and 21 against persons other than the
state or its instrumentalities. Government’s Stand:
About Supreme Court’s Order: One of the key arguments by the government
The court took this view while ruling that the was that privacy is right enforceable against other
right of free speech and expression guaranteed citizens and, therefore, cannot be elevated to the
under Article 19(1)(a) cannot be curbed by any status of a fundamental right against the state.
additional grounds other than those already laid
down in Article 19(2). International Precedence Utilised by SC for
Decision:
Reference to Previous Court Rulings:
The Court also referred to several foreign
Puttaswamy Verdict: The Court referenced the
jurisdictions, contrasting the American approach
2017 verdict in Puttaswamy, in which a nine-
with the European Courts.
judge bench unanimously upheld that the right
to privacy is a right that protects individuals from The SC noted a shift in US law from a “purely
interference by both the state and non-state vertical approach” to a “horizontal approach.”
actors. RTSEPFP
These approaches which appear to be bipolar
State's Duty to Protect Article 21 Rights: The opposites, raise the age-old question of ‘individual
state has a duty to protect the Article 21 rights of vs. society’.

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
c. Public Order,
d. Decency And Morality,
e. Contempt Of Court,
f. Defamation,
g. Incitement To An Offence, And
h. Sovereignty And Integrity Of India.
1.9 Free Speech of Public

Functionaries
About Article 19 of the Indian Constitution: Context:
Article 19 is a part of the Fundamental Rights Recently, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that a
(Part III) of the Indian Constitution. government cannot be held responsible for remarks
made by its ministers, even if the statement relates to
Article 19 which guarantees freedom of speech
the affairs of the state.
and expression is a right invoked against the
state. The right of free speech and expression, guaranteed
under Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution, cannot
Some fundamental rights such as those
be curtailed by any additional grounds other than
prohibiting untouchability, trafficking and
those already laid down in Article 19 (2).
bonded labour are explicitly against both the
state and other individuals. Probable Question:
It is available only to citizens and not to Discuss the role of the court in protecting
foreigners. fundamental rights and the need for legislation on
hateful public discourse.
Protection of certain rights regarding freedom
of speech etc Background:
(1) All citizens shall have the right
About the Case:
a. To freedom of speech and expression;
Kaushal Kishor v the State of UP: The case relates
b. To assemble peaceably and without arms; to the Bulandshahar rape incident of 2016, in
c. To form associations or unions; which the then Minister of the State termed the
incident a ‘political conspiracy and nothing else’.
d. To move freely throughout the territory of
India; A writ petition was filed by the survivors before
the SC and the court raised an important
e. To reside and settle in any part of the question: “Can restrictions be imposed on a
territory of India; and public functionary's freedom of speech and
f. To practise any profession, or to carry on expression?”.
any occupation, trade or business
SC Observation:
Clause (2) of Article 19 imposes certain
Majority Opinion:
restrictions on free speech under the following: RTSEPFP
¾ The majority of the judges on the Constitution
a. Security Of The State,
Bench ruled that the concept of collective
b. Friendly Relations With Foreign States responsibility is a political concept and is the

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
responsibility of the Council of Ministers, not need for Parliament to make legislation regarding
the individual ministers. hateful public discourse.
¾ The responsibility for collective decision- News Source: The Indian Express
making is from the Council of Ministers to
the individual ministers, not the other way 1.10 Tussle Between Tamil Nadu
around. Government & Governor
Individual Responsibility:
Context:
¾ A minister may make statements in two
capacities, personal and official as a delegate The Tamil Nadu government and the Governor had
of the government. a conflict where the Governor made changes to his
speech in the assembly, leading to a resolution being
¾ If a statement made in personal capacity passed by the Chief Minister demanding only the
is disparaging or derogatory, it cannot be original speech be recorded.
attributed to the government.
¾ However, if the statement embodies the More on News:
views of the government and is consistent In another controversy, the Raj Bhavan’s Pongal
with the views of the government, then celebration invitations, printed in Tamil, referred
it can be attributed to the government, to him as “the Governor of Tamizhagam”, not
especially in light of the principle of collective Tamil Nadu.
responsibility.
The invitations had also replaced the state
Protection of Free Speech: government emblem with that of the Union
¾ All five judges agreed that the right of free government.
speech and expression cannot be curtailed by
Probable Question:
any additional grounds other than those laid
down in Article 19 (2). What are the constitutional provisions related to
the special address of the President/ Governor to
¾ The grounds in Article 19 (2) for restricting the Legislature?
free speech are exhaustive, and additional
restrictions cannot be imposed on the Address of President/Governor to the
exercise of the right conferred by Article 19 Legislature:
(1) (a).
Constitutional Provisions on the Special
Role of the Court:
Address:
The court's role is to protect fundamental rights
Westminster model of parliamentary democracy:
limited by lawful restrictions, not to protect
restrictions themselves. As India adopted this model, the Constituent
Assembly decided to adopt this practice.
The court can only check the entry of restrictions
into the temple of fundamental rights, but the Article 87 of the Indian Constitution: It requires
law imposing any restriction can only be made by the President to make a special address to
the State, not the Court. both Houses of Parliament assembled on the
commencement of the first session of each year.
Conclusion Article 176: It requires the Governor to make a
The Supreme Court has clarified the extent special address at the first session of each year
of the right of free speech available to public RTSEPFP
of every State Legislative Assembly and to both
functionaries in the context of remarks made by Houses wherever the State also has a Legislative
government ministers. The ruling highlights the Council.

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
Judicial Observation: Major Recommendation:

Syed Abdul Mansur Habibullah v. The Speaker, Sarkaria Commission:
West Bengal Legislative Assembly (1966): The
¾ It had pointed out that the role of the
Calcutta High Court interpreted that the special
Governor “is to see that a government is
address is not an idle or ceremonial formality.
formed and not to try to form a government”.
¾ Special address keeps the members informed
¾ Governor should be appointed in consultation
about the executive policies and legislative
with the Chief Minister of the State, Vice-
programme of the State government.
President of India and the Speaker of the Lok
¾ The High Court further observed that the Sabha.
nondelivery of the special address hampers
¾ His tenure of office must be guaranteed and
legislative debates and budgetary criticisms.
should not be disturbed except for extremely
About Constitutional Convention: compelling reasons and if any action is to
be taken against him he must be given a
Both in the U.K. and in India, it is a time honoured reasonable opportunity for showing cause
constitutional convention that the King or the against the grounds on which he is sought to
President or the Governor must read out the be removed.
exact text of the speech or special address.
2nd ARC Report:
There has never been an incident of the monarch
in the U.K. departing from the official text of his ¾ It Stated that the Governor is neither a
speech. decorative emblem nor a glorified cipher.
The Supreme Court has held that constitutional ¾ His powers are limited, but he has an
conventions are as much a part of the Constitution important constitutional role to play in the
as its written text. governance of the state and in strengthening
federalism.
Constitutional morality consists of not only
adherence to the written text of the Constitution Conclusion:
but also to constitutional conventions.
The conflict between the Tamil Nadu government
These conventions fill the interstices of a written and the Governor highlights the delicate
Constitution and enable effective coordination balance between the powers of the Governor as
between the legislature, executive and the representative of the central government and the
judiciary. powers of the state government.
Limits of the Discretionary Powers set by Both governors and chief ministers, as
Supreme Court of India: constitutional functionaries, should respect each
other and at least have a working relationship.
2016 Nabam Rebia Judgement: The SC said that
Article 163 of the Constitution does not give the News Source: The Hindu
Governor a “general discretionary power to act
against or without the advice of his council of 1.11 Supreme Court Upholds
ministers”. Demonetisation
Shamsher Singh versus the State Of Punjab
(1974): The Court stated that the President and
Context:
the Governor shall exercise their formal powers Recently, theRTSEPFP
Supreme Court upheld the government’s
in accordance with the advice of their Ministers decision to demonetise currency notes of Rs 500 and
other than in some exceptional situations. Rs 1,000 by a 4:1 majority.

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
Decision-making process for demonetisation

Probable Question
not flawed: The majority view relied on the
What is Doctrine proportionality? Do you think government’s argument that the decision
demonetisation was helpful in combating black making process is not flawed and the decision of
money in the Indian economy? demonetisation was made after the discussion
between the Centre and the RBI over 6 months.
Dissenting views by Justice B V Nagarathna:

Unlawful on legal grounds: Justice B V Nagarathna
in her dissenting view held that although the
government’s demonetisation exercise was well-
intentioned, it was unlawful on legal grounds.
Did not resort to a legislative exercise: The
judge found fault and underlined that the Union
Observations of the Court: government did not resort to a legislative exercise
Sub-section (2) of Section 26 of the RBI Act: but rather resorted to Section 26(2) of the RBI Act
Power available to Central Government under RBI to demonetise currency notes.
Act can be used for all series of bank notes. Power under Section 26(2) of the RBI Act: The
¾ Section 26(2) of the RBI Act states that “on power under Section 26(2) is applicable only for
recommendation of the Central Board (of a particular series of currency notes & not for the
the RBI) the Central Government may, by whole series of currency notes of a denomination.
notification in the Gazette of India, declare Additional Information:
that, any series of bank notes of any About Demonetisation:
denomination shall cease to be legal tender.”
Demonetisation refers to the withdrawal of
Doctrine of proportionality: The majority decision certain banknotes from circulation.
applies a four-pronged test of proportionality to
the constitutionality of the decision. On 8th November 2016, the Government of
India announced the demonetization of all 500
¾ The four ingredients of the test to be satisfied and 1000 rupee banknotes, as a crackdown on
are black money, counterfeit notes, and corruption.
• (i) legitimate purpose (ii) rational Earlier Demonetisation: In 1946 and 1978.
connection with the purpose (iii)
necessity (iv) whether the action taken is News Source: The Indian Express
proportional or balanced.
¾ It was found that it satisfied all four ingredients
1.12 Delegated Legislation
of the test. Context:
Reasonable window for note exchange: The In upholding the Centre’s 2016 decision on
Bench ruled that the 52-day window given demonetisation, the majority ruling upheld the
by the government to get the demonetised validity of the delegated legislation, the dissenting
notes exchanged for new currency was not verdict noted that excessive delegation of power is
unreasonable. arbitrary.
Achieving objective irrelevant: The Supreme Probable RTSEPFP
Question:
Court said that it was not relevant whether the
Explain the concept of delegated legislation and its
objective of the demonetisation exercise was
significance in the Indian legal system.
achieved or not.

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
About Delegated Legislation: exercise its powers, it is arbitrary and therefore,

unconstitutional.
Delegated legislation is the delegation of powers
to authorities established by law. What did the Court decide?
The delegated legislation would specify The Supreme Court recently ruled that the
operational details, giving power to those delegation of powers to the Centre is acceptable
executing the details. as the Centre is accountable to Parliament.
Regulations and by-laws under legislations are If the Executive abuses this power, it can be held
classic examples of delegated legislation. accountable by the citizens through their elected
representatives in Parliament.
Judicial Views on Delegated Legislation: News Source: The Indian Express
1959: In Hamdard Dawakhana v Union of India,
the Supreme Court had struck down delegation of 1.13 Online Gaming Draft Rules
powers on the grounds that it was vague.
Context:
1973: The Supreme Court ruling explains the
concept as “The practice of empowering the The Ministry of Electronics and Information
Executive to make subordinate legislation within Technology (Meity) has proposed draft amendments
a prescribed sphere has evolved out of practical to the IT intermediary rules 2021 with regards to
necessity and pragmatic needs of a modern Online Gaming.
welfare State”. Probable Question:
Delegation of Power in the Demonetisation Analyze the need for Online Gaming Draft rules in
Case: India and examine the key proposals put forth in
the draft in light of the burgeoning industry and
Section 26(2) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, safety concerns for users, particularly women.
1934 gives the Central government the power
to declare a denomination of currency to cease
to be legal tender, on recommendation of the
Central Board.
Here, Parliament, which enacted the RBI Act,
is essentially delegating the power to alter the
nature of legal tender to the central government.
The Centre exercised that power by issuing a
gazette notification, which is essentially the
legislative basis for the demonetisation exercise.
Why was this challenged? Image Source: The Indian Express
The Constitution gives law-making powers to the Need for Online Gaming Draft rules:
Parliament. While operational aspects can be
Burgeoning Industry: Indian mobile gaming
delegated to statutory bodies, essential powers industry projected to reach Rs 153 billion in
cannot be delegated. revenue by 2024, as per report by Sequoia and
Also, the delegation must be with sufficient BCG report".
guidelines on how the power can be used. Safety Concern:
The petitioners in the demonetisation case RTSEPFP
¾ Around 40 to 45 percent of the gamers in India
argued that since Section 26(2) contains are women, and therefore it was important
no policy guidelines on how the Centre can to keep the gaming ecosystem safe.

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
Boost Startups: body and all of them will have to inform the Centre
about the online games they have registered.
¾ Online gaming is a very important piece of
the start-up ecosystem and a part of the goal The government may also regulate the content of
of the 1-trillion dollar economy. online gaming, and “ensure that the games do not
have violent, addictive or sexual content.
Key Proposals of the Draft Rules: Additional Information:
Self-regulatory body: Online games will have About Information Technology (Intermediary
to register with a self-regulatory body, and only Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules,
games that are cleared by the body will be allowed 2021:
to legally operate in India.
It has been released under section 87 (2) of IT
¾ The self-regulatory body will have a board Act, 2000 for Social-Media, Digital Media and
of directors with five members from diverse OTT platforms and in supersession of earlier IT
fields, including online gaming, public policy, (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules 2011.
IT, psychology and medicine.
Aim: To ensure an Open, Safe & Trusted and
Prohibit betting: Online gaming companies Accountable Internet for all Indian Internet
will not be allowed to engage in betting on the Users and Accountability of intermediaries to
outcome of games. their users especially within Big Tech platform.
Protect users: The proposed rules, aimed at Due diligence by intermediaries: Due diligence
safeguarding users against potential harm from must be followed by social media intermediaries
skill-based games, have been introduced as like retention of user information for a period of
an amendment to the Information Technology 180 days, reporting cyber security incidents etc.
(Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics
Social Media Intermediaries (SSMIs):
Code) Rules, 2021.
Intermediaries with registered users above a
Transparency: Like an intermediary, online notified threshold will be classified as SSMIs.
gaming firms will be required to undertake Additional due diligence to be observed by
additional due diligence, including KYC of users, these SSMIs include :
transparent withdrawal and refund of money, and
a fair distribution of winnings. ¾ Appointment of Chief Compliance Officer
for ensuring compliance with Act and Rules.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Similar to
social media and e-commerce companies, online ¾ Nodal Person for 24x7 coordination with
gaming platforms will also have to appoint- law enforcement agencies, Grievance
Officer.
¾ A compliance officer who will ensure that the
platform is following the norms. ¾ Identification of the first originator of the
information.
¾ A nodal officer who will act as a liaison
official with the government and assist law Grievance Redressal: Any person aggrieved by
enforcement agencies. the content of a publisher may file a complaint
¾ A grievance officer who will resolve user with the publisher, who must address it within
complaints. 15 days.
No bot certificate: They will also have to get a “no Digital Media Publishers: It specifies a
RTSEPFP
bot certificate” from a reputed certifying body. framework for content regulation of online
publishers of news and current affairs and
There could be more than one self-regulatory curated audio-visual content.

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
Online Gaming Sector in India:
1.14 Supreme Court Simplifies

Passive Euthanasia Process
Context: Image Source: Hindustan Times
Recently, the Supreme Court agreed to ease the
procedure for passive euthanasia in the country by About Euthanasia:
altering the existing guidelines for ‘living wills’. Euthanasia refers to the practice of an individual
The court is considering a plea to modify the deliberately ending their life, oftentimes to get
2018 judgement which had upheld passive relief from an incurable condition, or intolerable
euthanasia and living wills, but made the process
pain and suffering.
of implementing it cumbersome.
It can be administered only by a physician, can be
Probable Question:
either ‘active’ or ‘passive’.
What are the ethical considerations surrounding
the practice of euthanasia and how do they shape
the debate on its legality and morality?
What is an advance medical directive or The purpose and object of the advance medical
living will? directive is to express the choice of a person
regarding medical treatment in an event when he
Living will is a document where, an adult in his loses the capacity to take a decision.
conscious mind, is permitted to refuse medical
treatment or voluntarily decide not to take Passive euthanasia
RTSEPFP
was legalised in India by the
medical treatment to embrace death in a natural Supreme Court in 2018, contingent upon the
way. person having a ‘living will’ or a written document

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
that specifies what actions should be taken if SC Rule in 2018:

the person is unable to make their own medical
The Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia
decisions in the future.
and recognised living wills of terminally ill patients
In case a person does not have a living will, in 2018.
members of their family can make a plea before RTSEPFP
The guidelines issued by the court would be in
the High Court to seek permission for passive
force until Parliament passed legislation on this.
euthanasia.

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
The guidelines pertained to questions such as who Consent of the individual is necessary and it
would execute the living will, and the process by shall be in writing “stating as to when medical
which approval could be granted by the medical treatment may be withdrawn.
board. Additional Information:
An adult human being with mental capacity has International Precedence:
the right to refuse medical treatment, including
Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium allow both
withdrawal from life-saving devices.
euthanasia and assisted suicide for anyone who
Who can execute the advance directive and faces “unbearable suffering” that has no chance
of improvement.
how?
The advance medical directive can only be Switzerland bans euthanasia but allows assisted
executed by an adult who is of a sound and dying in the presence of a doctor or physician.
healthy state of mind and in a position to The United States has different laws in different
communicate, relate and comprehend the states. Euthanasia is allowed in some states like
purpose and consequences of executing the Washington, Oregon, and Montana.
document.
It must be voluntarily executed and without any News Source: The Hindu
coercion or inducement or compulsion and after
having full knowledge or information.
SHORT NEWS
1.15 Mandatory Minimum Limits the scope for judicial discretion: It limits
the scope for judicial discretion and arbitrariness,
Sentencing thereby enhancing the cause of justice.
Context: Deterrent for harsh offences: It is also believed
Section 376 DB of the Indian Penal Code prescribes a that it acts as a deterrent for serious or harsh
‘minimum mandatory sentence’ of life imprisonment offences by ensuring that the perpetrator doesn’t
for the remainder of the convict’s life and even death. go unpunished.
About Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: Arguments against of Mandatory Minimum

The concept of mandatory minimum sentencing Sentencing:
refers to “a sentence which must be imposed Overcrowding of Prisons: Critics say that this
without leaving any discretion to the court.” leads to overcrowding of prisons and is unfair
It means a quantum of punishment which cannot as the convict’s mitigating circumstances, such
be reduced below the period fixed,” the Apex as if they are a first-time offender or the sole
court held in its 2016 ruling in ‘Mohd Hashim vs breadwinner in the family, are often overlooked.
State Of UP And Others’. Moreover, such provisions can often have
This concept comes primarily from the Canadian unintended consequences as judges might feel
and American legal systems. the prescribed punishment to be excessively
stringentRTSEPFP
in such cases and acquit the accused
Arguments in favour of Mandatory Minimum altogether.
Sentencing: News Source: The Hindu

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
1.16 Broadcasting Infrastructure and capacity of DTH platform to accommodate more

channels.
Network Development (BIND)
Enhanced Coverage: It will increase coverage
Scheme
of AIR FM transmitters in the country to 66% by
Context: geographical area and 80% by population up
from 59% and 68% respectively.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved
the “Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Free distribution of over 8 lakh DD Free Dish to
Development” (BIND) scheme. people living in remote, tribal, LWE and border
areas.
About the BIND Scheme:
Employment Generation: The initiative is also
Aim: To provide financial support to Prasar Bharati projected to generate indirect employment by
for expansion and upgradation of its broadcasting
way of manufacturing and services related to the
infrastructure, content development.
supply and installation of broadcast equipment
It is a Central Sector Scheme. News Source: The Indian Express
Time Period: 2025-26.
1.17 PARAKH
Context:
The National Council for Education Research and
Training (NCERT) has notified India’s first national
assessment regulator- PARAKH.
About PARAKH:
PARAKH Stands for ‘Performance Assessment,
Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic
Development’.
Aim: To set up assessment guidelines for all
boards to help remove disparities in scores of
students enrolled with different state boards.
PARAKH has been launched as part of the
implementation of the National Education Policy
(NEP)-2020.
Image Source: Press Information Bureau It will work on three major assessment
Benefits: areas: large-scale assessments, school-based
assessment, and examination reforms.
Upgradation of Infrastructure: BIND scheme
will help in upgradation of infrastructure in the Functions:
Left Wing Extremism (LWE), border and strategic
PARAKH will also be responsible for conducting
areas.
large-scale assessments, including the National
Development of high-quality content: Achievement Survey (NAS).
Development of high-quality content for both
It will also guide the State Achievement Survey
domestic and international audiences. RTSEPFP
(SAS), and monitor achievement of learning
Diversification of Content: It focuses on providing outcomes in the country.
diverse content to the viewers by upgradation of News Source: The Indian Express

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
1.18 First Constitution Literate About Henley Passport Index:

District: Kollam Prepared by: London-based Henley and Partners
Context: The index gathers data from the International

Air Transport Association (IATA) which manages
Kollam has been declared as India’s first Constitution inter-airline cooperation globally.
literate district.
It covers 227 destinations and 199 passports.
About India’s first Constitution Literate
Japan has topped the list with a visa free access
District: score of 193.
As part of the campaign, around 16.3 lakh people
in the district above the age of 10 have been ¾ It means Japan provides visa free or on arrival
educated on various aspects of the Constitution. visa access to 193 countries.
It has been achieved through The Citizen, a
Constitution literacy campaign jointly launched
by the Kollam district panchayat, District
Planning Committee and Kerala Institute of Local
Administration (KILA).
1.19 Ideal Train Profile

Context:
Indian Railways introduces ‘Ideal Train Profile’ to
maximise seat occupancy.
About Ideal Train Profile:

Ideal Train Profile is an Artificial Intelligence News Source: The Hindu
module that tracks how passengers booked
tickets, which origin-destination pairs were a hit 1.21 New Guidelines to Regulate
or a flop at a particular time.
Promotions on Social Media
Developed by: Centre for Railway Information
System Context:
Benefits: The Central has released endorsement guidelines for
¾ It will help zonal railways to conduct a periodic celebrities and social media influencers, mandating
review of the train quotas to address the compulsory disclosure of monetary or material
changing demand mix on account of holidays, benefits of a product or a brand they are promoting
seasonality, etc. through social media platforms.
¾ It is expected that the utility will also help
to enhance confirmed seat availabili ty and Need for the Guidelines:
increase the occupancy of a train by up to 5%. Due to the increased use of social media
News Source: The Hindu for promotional activities that go beyond
advertisements or advertorials in print or
1.20 Henley Passport Index 2023 electronic media.
Context: To ensure that individuals do not mislead their

RTSEPFP
audiences when endorsing products or services

India has been ranked 85th out of 199 countries in the and that they are in compliance with the
Henley Passport Index. Consumer Protection Act.

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
About the News Guidelines:
Image Source: Department of Consumer Affairs
Disclosure and Terminology: other compensation, trips or hotel stay, media

barters, coverage and awards, free products
¾ The disclosures must be prominently and
with or without conditions, discounts, gifts
clearly displayed in the endorsement and
and any family or personal or employment
terms such as ‘advertisement’, ‘sponsored’ or
relationship come under material benefits.
‘paid promotion’ should be used for all sorts
of endorsements. Penalties for Violations:
Material Benefits: ¾ Rs 10 lakh fine for offenders and for repeated
offenders the fine can go up to Rs 50 lakh.
¾ Benefits and incentives, and monetary or
MCQ Questions Based on Polity & Governance

1. In which of the following verdict the Supreme 2. Consider the following statements:
Court outlined the ‘Basic Structure Doctrine’ of 1. Chargesheets are ‘public documents’ and
the Indian Constitution? available for free public access.
(a) Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973) 2. The term ‘chargesheet’ has not been defined
(b) AK Gopalan Vs State of Madras (1950) in either the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or the
Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) .
(c) M. P. Sharma And Others Vs Satish Chandra
Which of the above given statements is/are
(1954)
correct?
(d) Kharak Singh Vs The State Of U.P. & Others
(a) 1 only
RTSEPFP (b) 2 only
(1962)
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

POLITY & GOVERNANCE
3. In which of the following cases the doctrine of Twelfth Specifies the powers, authority
proportionality was adopted by the Supreme and responsibilities of
Court of India? Panchayats
(a) Om Kumar Vs Union of India
How many pairs given above are not correctly
(b) Vikas Kishanrao Gawali case Vs State of matched?
Maharashtra
(a) Only one pair
(c) Shankari Prasad Vs Union of India
(b) Only two pairs
(d) Sajjan Singh Vs State of Rajasthan
(c) All three pairs
4. Consider the following Pairs:
(d) None of the above pairs
Schedule Feature
of Indian 5. Which of the following is India’s first Constitution
Constitution literate district?
Fifth Provisions relating to the (a) Kollam (b) Kannur
administration and control of (c) Wayanad (d) Kozhikode
scheduled areas and scheduled
tribes
Sixth Provisions relating to the
administration of tribal areas
in Assam, Manipur, Tripura and
Mizoram
Answer Key
1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (a)
RTSEPFP

INTERNATIONAL RELATION
2 INTERNATIONAL
RELATION
2.1 India-Egypt Relations Diplomatic Relations:
¾ 1950: India and Egypt established diplomatic
Context: relations in 1950s, after Egypt's independence.
Recently, the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-
¾ 1955: Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was a
Sisi arrived in India as a Chief Guest on India’s 74th
close friend of President Gamal Abdel Nasser,
Republic Day.
and India and Egypt signed a friendship treaty.
Probable Question: ¾ 1961: India, Egypt, Yugoslavia, Indonesia
What is the significance of India-Egypt relations and Ghana established the Non-Aligned
and how have they evolved in the past few years? Movement (NAM).
Discuss the major areas of cooperation between
India and Egypt and their impact on the bilateral Areas of Cooperation:
ties. Trade and Investment:
¾ The India-Egypt Bilateral Trade Agreement
has been in operation since 1978.
¾ India-Egypt bilateral trade has seen a 75%
increase to US$7.26 billion in FY2021-22,
with India's exports to Egypt at US$3.74
billion and Egypt's to India at US$3.52 billion.
¾ Over 50 Indian companies have investments
in Egypt totalling US$3.15 billion, looking to
capitalise on various projects in the region.
Science and Technology:
¾ Joint Working Group on Cyber Issues and
Joint Committee Meeting on S&T held in both
countries.
¾ India-Egypt Workshops on Agriculture-
Biotechnology and Nanotechnology held in
India.
History of India-Egypt Relations: ¾ The IT Centre at Al Azhar University, CEIT, has
Ancient Ties: been operational since 2019.
¾ Trade between Egypt and India can be traced Defence:
back to at least the time of Emperor Asoka.
¾ Defence cooperation determined by Joint
¾ Mahatma Gandhi and the Egyptian Defence
RTSEPFP Committee (JDC) activities.
revolutionary Saad Zaghloul shared common

¾ 8th and 9th JDC held in India and Egypt
goals on independence from British colonial
rule. respectively.

¾ High-level exchange of visits by defence Egypt's Influence among Islamic Nations:

delegations including ministers. ¾ India views Egypt as a moderate Islamic voice
¾ The first-ever joint military exercise held among Muslim-majority countries.
between Indian and the Egyptian named ¾ Egypt is seen as a 'friend' within the
“Exercise Cyclone-I” in January 2023. Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Space Cooperation:
Recent Developments:
¾ Space cooperation between India and Egypt
Strategic Partnership: India agreed to elevate the
has been ongoing since 2008, with ISRO and
India-Egypt bilateral relationship to a “strategic
NARSS(National Authority for Remote partnership”.
Sensing and Space Sciences) holding joint
working group meetings and discussions. ¾ The strategic partnership will have broadly
four elements:
¾ In 2019, Egypt established EgSA (Egyptian
Space Agency) and both sides are exploring • Political, defence, and security;
possibilities for collaboration. • Economic engagement;
Significance of Egypt to India: • Scientific and academic collaboration;

cultural and
Strategic Location: Egypt's strategic location is
beneficial to India: • People-to-people contacts.
¾ It serves as a gateway to both Europe and MoU on Cultural Cooperation: India has signed
Africa. a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on
Cultural Cooperation with Egypt.
¾ Provides access to numerous nations
connected by its free trade agreements in the ¾ The MoU is to strengthen the cultural ties and
is for a period of 5 years.
Arab world and Africa.
MoU to facilitate content exchange: India and
¾ The Suez Canal handles 12% of international
Egypt signed MoU for three years to facilitate
trade.
content exchange, capacity building, and co-
India’s energy Needs: India imports significant productions between Prasar Bharati and the
amounts of Egyptian crude oil and natural gas: National Media Authority of Egypt.
¾ Petroleum Oil (46.2%) and Petroleum Gas ¾ Under the pact, both broadcasters will
(11.1%) makes up 46.2% and 11.1% of exchange their programmes of different
imports from Egypt. genres like sports, news, culture,
entertainment on a bilateral basis.
¾ Egypt can be a reliable partner in fulfilling
India's energy needs. They agreed to cooperate on issues such as
counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and economic
Egypt's Influence in the Arab World: development.
¾ The Arab League is headquartered in Cairo, They affirmed their strengthening defence ties,
showcasing Egypt's influential position in the with regular joint military exercises.
Arab world.
Challenges:
¾ Arab League includes countries like Saudi
Arabia, UAE, and others of strategic China's Growing Influence in Egypt:
importance. ¾ China-Egypt trade is double of India-Egypt
¾ India views Egypt's diplomatic capital as bilateral
RTSEPFP
trade.
important and anticipates assistance in ¾ Chinese influence over Egypt is seen as
contentious situations. negative from an Indian perspective.

Egypt's Domestic Economic Instability and its then President of Pakistan, Ayub Khan in 1960 by
Impact on India: mediation of World Bank.
¾ Egypt is battling high inflation of 21%. Water Allocation:
The instability can lead to a decrease in the ¾ All the water of the eastern rivers - Sutlej,
demand for Indian exports to Egypt, causing a Beas, and Ravi was allocated to India for
drop in India's trade with the country. unrestricted use.
Way Forward: ¾ The waters of western rivers — Indus,
Reviving bilateral relationship between India and Jhelum, and Chenab — were assigned largely
Egypt: Given Egypt's centrality in four strategic to Pakistan.
theatres and its potential to partner with India
and France, reviving the bilateral relationship
should be a priority for India.
Forming a third pole in international politics:
India is looking to form a coalition of regional and
middle powers to pursue their national interests in
an era of great power competition and economic
uncertainty.
¾ Egypt, as a rising power with its own
aspirations, could be a valuable partner in
this effort.
Building on the legacy of Non-Alignment Image Source: The Hindu
Movement: The cooperation between India and India has been given the right to generate
Egypt during the Cold War provides a foundation hydroelectricity through run of the river projects
for strengthening the third pole in the new era of on the western riverabject to specific criteria for
great power rivalry. design and operation.
¾ India and Egypt should leverage their past ¾ The Treaty also gives the right to Pakistan
experience in the Non-Alignment Movement to raise objections on the design of Indian
to work towards a more stable and secure hydroelectric projects on western rivers.
global environment.
Pakistan roughly got 80% of the water in the Indus
News Source: The Hindu drainage system.
2.2 Indus Waters Treaty Setting up of Permanent Indus Commission:

It mandated both the countries to establish a
Context: Permanent Indus Commission for resolution of
conflicts.
India has issued notice to Pakistan for modification of
the Indus Water Treaty. IWT does not have a unilateral exit provision, and
is supposed to remain in force unless both the
Probable Question: countries ratify another mutually agreed pact.
The implementation of the Indus water treaty
augurs well between India-Pakistan, despite so India’s Perspective:
many challanges. Evaluate India is unhappy with the treaty because it
prevents building storage systems on the western
About Indus Water Treaty:
RTSEPFP
rivers.
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was signed by The Indus Treaty allows for the building of storage
former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and systems under certain circumstances, but India

complains that Pakistan is blocking such efforts India has given additional grant assistance of
due to political tensions. 100 million Maldivian Rufiyaa for a high-impact
News Source: The Hindu community development scheme.
An MoU was also signed for the development of a
2.3 India- Maldives sports complex in Gaafu Dhaal Gadhdhoo.
Context: Bilateral Challenges:
Recently, India's External Affairs Minister reviewed its India Out campaign: India has made significant
joint projects with the Maldives on a three day visit. inroads in Maldives, India Out campaign has been
gaining ground in Maldives in the past few years.
Probable Question:
Radicalization:Another area of concern is the
Maldives is important in India’s vision of radicalization in Maldives. Maldives’ transition
‘neighbourhood first policy’. Discuss to democracy in 2008 also led to growing
undercurrents of radicalization.
China’s Footprint: China’s strategic footprint
has lately increased in India’s neighbourhood.
Maldives has emerged as an important “pearl” in
China’s “String of Pearls” construct.
India-Maldives Co-operation:
Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP): This
project was funded by India in a grant of $100
million, with a line of credit of $400 million.
The Joint Staff Talks (JST) is a forum established
to boost defence cooperation between India and
Image Source: Operation World
the Maldives through annual talks at the strategic
Key outcome of Visit: and operational levels.
An MoU between Cochin University and Maldives India’s prompt
RTSEPFP assistance during the 1988 coup
National University was signed for capacity attempt, led to development of trust and long‐
building to facilitate exchanges and cooperative term and friendly bilateral relations with the
initiatives. Maldives.

India was the first to assist Maldives during the PYQ:

2004 Tsunami as well as the water crisis in Malé
in 2014. India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss
India's role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the
Maldives is part of the India-driven Colombo
light of the preceding statement. (2022)
Security Conclave.
Key Highlights of Visit:
Importance of Maldives for India:
India’s Support Sri Lanka’s Debt Restructuring
Strategic Location: Strategically located in the
Programme:
Indian Ocean, Maldives lies next to key shipping
lanes which ensure uninterrupted energy supplies ¾ The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has
to countries like China, Japan and India. approved a loan of $2.9 billion to Sri Lanka..
Security: As the pre-eminent South Asian power ¾ The IMF’s provisional $2.9 billion package
and a net security provider in the Indian Ocean will be cleared only after Sri Lanka’s official
region, India needs to cooperate with Maldives in creditors — China, Japan and India — have
security and defence sectors. provided adequate financing assurances.
Ancient Links: India and Maldives share ethnic, ¾ India extended financing assurances to IMF
linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial to facilitate Sri Lanka's economic recovery.
links. India was among the first to recognise
Maldives after its independence in 1965 and later ¾ Now, Sri Lanka depends on similar assurances
established its mission at Male in 1972. from Japan and China.
India’s Neighbourhood Policy: Maldives occupies Push for the 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka
an important place in India’s neighbourhood Constitution:
policy and SAGAR Vision. ¾ It mandates a measure of power devolution
Maldives is also a member of SAARC. It is to the provincial councils established to
important for India to have Maldives on board to govern the island’s nine provinces.
maintain its leadership in the region. ¾ 13th Amendment which was brought in after
Way Forward: the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987,
provides for the devolution of power to the
Maldives is an important country in the Indian Tamil community.
Ocean Region for India.
¾ It led to the creation of Provincial Councils,
India’s deep diplomatic, economic and strategic assured a power sharing arrangement to
engagements with Maldives seek to address
enable all nine provinces in the country,
traditional as well as non-traditional security
including Sinhala majority areas, to self-
threats.
govern.
It is pertinent for India to keep up with the
engagements and at the same time make an effort High Impact Community Development Project
to connect with the Maldivian people for greater (HICDP):
acceptability. Such measures could lead to India ¾ A bilateral agreement on raising the limit of
sustaining a geopolitical advantage in Maldives. HICDP implemented in Sri Lanka with the
News Source: The Hindu support of the Government of India was
signed.
2.4 India - Sri Lanka
Bilateral Relations:
Context: Historical Relations: India and Sri Lanka have a
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Recently, the Minister of External Affairs visited Sri long history of cultural, religious, and trade ties
Lanka to finalise plans on debt restructuring. dating back to ancient times.

¾ There are strong cultural ties between the two economic relationship, due to trade barriers and
countries, with many Sri Lankans tracing their differences in economic policies.
heritage to India. Buddhism, which originated
Political Instability: Political instability in Sri Lanka
in India, is also an important religion in Sri
has also had an impact on the relationship, with
Lanka. changes in government leading to shifts in foreign
Economic Cooperation: India is Sri Lanka’s third policy.
largest export destination, after the US and UK.
More than 60% of Sri Lanka’s exports enjoy Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis:
the benefits of the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since
Agreement. 1948.
¾ India is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner Economists say the crisis stems from domestic
with a share of 16 percent in Sri Lanka’s total factors such as years of mismanagement and
trade with the world. corruption.
Defence Cooperation: India and Sri Lanka conduct Conditions have been deteriorating for the past
joint Military (Mitra Shakti) and Naval exercise several years. In 2019, Easter suicide bombings
(SLINEX). at churches and hotels devastated tourism, a key
source of foreign exchange.
Development Cooperation: India's Financial
Assistance to Sri Lanka Sri Lanka borrowed heavily in the international
¾ Initial Loan of $900 Million (January 2022) market after the end of the civil war in 2009, and
over 70 per cent of revenue is going to pay the
¾ Credit Line to Fund Fuel Purchases of $500 interest on the debt.
Million (Later Expanded to $700 Million)
¾ Total Financial Assistance Nearly $4 Billion Sri Lanka Creditor and Percentage of Bilateral
Regional cooperation: India and Sri Lanka are
Debt:
both members of the South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are actively
involved in regional initiatives aimed at improving
economic and social conditions in South Asia.
Challenges in India-Sri Lanka Relations:

Fisheries Dispute: India and Sri Lanka have been
facing a long-standing dispute over fishing rights
in the Palk Bay, which is a narrow strip of water
between the two countries.
Tamils Issue: The ethnic Tamil minority in Sri
Lanka has long been a source of tension between
the two countries, with India being seen as a
strong supporter of the Tamil cause.
China's Growing Influence: China's increasing
influence in Sri Lanka, through investment and
infrastructure projects, has been a source of
concern for India and has put pressure on the Measures taken by Sri Lankan Government:
relationship. RTSEPFP
Sri Lanka's economy aims to improve by increasing
Economic Cooperation: The two countries have revenue to 15% of GDP by 2025 through reducing
not been able to fully realize the potential of their public debt.

Increasing VAT from 12 to 15%, and implementing Probable Question:

compulsory tax registration for all individuals 18
and older. Assess the impact of India's foreign policy towards
the Global South on its own image as a responsible
The government also plans to privatize 50 state-
owned enterprises. global actor and the role it can play in promoting
regional stability and security.
Reducing the age of retirement in government
and semi-government organizations, and
Offers 20% shareholding in state banks to address
banking sector issues.
Conclusion:
The way forward in India-Sri Lanka relations involves
sustained engagement and collaboration, based on
mutual respect and understanding, to enhance the
well-being of their peoples and the stability of the
region.
Image Source: rgs.org
About the Global South Summit:
About International Monetary Fund:
The summit aims to bring together countries of
The IMF was established in 1944 as part of the Global South to share their perspectives and
the Bretton Woods Agreement to promote priorities on a common platform.
international monetary cooperation and
facilitate the balanced growth of international ¾ E.g. concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic
trade. impact, climate change, terrorism, fragile
supply chains, ongoing conflicts and debt
Purpose: The IMF's primary purpose is to ensure
crises
the stability of the international monetary
system—the system of exchange rates and Theme: "Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose".
international payments that enables countries
to transact with each other. During the session India stands for:
Membership: 190 member countries. ¾ Three fundamental shifts that can create a
conducive environment.
Quotas: Each member country of the IMF is
assigned a quota, based on its relative size in • Model of Globalization: From self-
the world economy. centered globalization to human-centered
globalization.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C (USA)
• Innovation and Technology: From being
Reports by IMF:
on the receiving end of technological
¾ Global Financial Stability Report. patronage, to deploying Global South-led
innovations for societal transformation.
¾ World Economic Outlook.
• Development Cooperation: From debt-
News Source: The Indian Express creating projects to a demand-driven and
sustainable development cooperation.
2.5 Voice of Global South Summit
India’s Prime Minister Remarks at the Global
2023 South Summit:
Context: He also highlighted issues of food, fuel, and
RTSEPFP
fertiliser shortages, which he attributed to war,

The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated a conflict, political tension, and the COVID-19
virtual event, “Voice of the Global South Summit”. pandemic.

There would be eight ministerial sessions under Health Ministers’ Session on “Cooperation to
the summit, with the following themes: Build Resilient Healthcare Systems”
Finance Ministers’ Session on “Financing Education Ministers’ Session on “Human
People-Centric Development” Resource Development and Capacity Building”
Environment Ministers’ Session on “Balancing Commerce and Trade Ministers’ Session on
Growth with Environment-Friendly Lifestyles “Developing Synergies in the Global South –
(LiFE)” Trade, Technology, Tourism and Resources”
Foreign Ministers’ Session on “Priorities of Foreign Ministers’ Session on “G-20:
the Global South – Ensuring a Conducive Suggestions for India’s Presidency”
Environment”
India announced a series of initiatives to
Energy Ministers’ Session on “Energy Security
strengthen India's engagement with the
and Development- Roadmap to Prosperity”
Global South:
RTSEPFP

Aarogya Maitri" Project: India will provide Global South Scholarships: For students from
essential medical supplies to developing country developing economies to pursue studies in Indian
affected by natural disasters or humanitarian educational institutions.
crisis.
Conclusion
Global South Young Diplomats Forum: To connect
youthful officers of India’s foreign ministries. The Voice of the Global South Summit is an important
step in India's G-20 presidency, as it seeks to amplify
Global South Centre of Excellence: This institution the voice of the long-neglected global south. India
will undertake research on scalable development is hoping to bring together these voices and shape
solutions for global south countries the discourse on global governance, and take these
Global South Science and Technology Initiative: concerns forward to the G-20.
To share expertise with other developing nations. News Source: The Hindu
SHORT NEWS
2.6 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas(PBD) The day is also meant to recognize and honour
the achievements and contributions of overseas
Context: Indians.
The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was It strengthens ties between India and the global
organised in Indore. Indian community.
About 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: It has helped create jobs and encouraged the
return of skilled Indian workers and entrepreneurs.
Theme: "Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s
progress in Amrit Kaal”.
A Commemorative Postal Stamp ‘Surakshit 2.7 Croatia
Jaayen, Prashikshit Jaayen’ was released to
underline the importance of safe, legal, orderly Context:
and skilled migration. Croatia joined the Schengen Area and Eurozone on
January 1, 2023.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas:
PBD was first celebrated in 2003.
Organised by: Ministry of External Affairs,
Government of India, in partnership with the
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
It is celebrated on January 9th after every two
years, on the same day that Mahatma Gandhi
returned to India from South Africa in 1915.
An award called ‘The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman
Award’ is given out as part of the programme.
Significance:
It provides an important platform to engage and About Schengen
RTSEPFP Zone:
connect with the overseas Indians and to enable The Schengen zone is the world’s largest passport-
the diaspora to interact with each other. free travel and borderless zone in Europe.

It was created in 1985 in the Schengen town in It implements international sanctions against
Luxembourg. terrorists considered as a global threat.
It covers 23 European Union member states plus The current Chair is Norway’s Trine Heimerback,
the four members of the European Free Trade while the two Vice-Chairs are with Russia and the
Association – Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and
United Arab Emirates.
Liechtenstein
Benefit: It allows people, goods, and services
to travel freely amongst its member countries,
without having to pass identity checks at 2.9 Bhopal Declaration
checkpoints.
Context:
Eurozone The Bhopal Declaration was released after discussion
The eurozone refers to an economic and in a two-day meeting of Think-20 under G20 in Bhopal
geographic region consisting of all the European (Madhya Pradesh).
Union (EU) countries that incorporate the euro as
their national currency. The Focus of the Declaration:
Benefits for Croatia: Emphasises promoting traditional medicine
¾ Easier cross-border trade, especially when systems like Ayush.
most of Croatia’s trading partners are part of
the eurozone. Encouraging value-oriented development in
infrastructure development,
¾ Attract investments
¾ Enhanced protection from external shocks Inclusive development,
News Source: The Hindu Care for the welfare of every section of society in
comparison to GDP,
2.8 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions
Committee Special attention to children,
Encourage the model of development led by
Context: women,
The UN Security Council’s ISIL and al-Qaida Sanctions
Committee, also known as the 1267 committee, Bridge the gap between North and South and
blacklisted Lashkar-e-Taiba leader Abdul Rehman work together to ensure health for all.
Makki. News Source: The Indian Express
2.10 Asian Pacific Postal Union

Context:
India will take over the leadership of the Asian Pacific
Postal Union (APPU) having its Headquarters in
Bangkok, Thailand.
About Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU):

About 1267 Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee It is an intergovernmental organisation of 32
member countries of the Asian-Pacific region.
of UNSC: RTSEPFP
It was established in 1999 under resolution APPU is the only Restricted Union of the Universal
1267 and comprises 15 members of the Security Postal Union (UPU) in the region, which is a
Council. specialised agency of the United Nations.

Goal: ¾ To promote cooperation in the field of postal

services.
¾ To extend, facilitate and improve postal
relations between member countries and News Source: PIB
MCQ Questions Based on International Relations

1. Consider the following statements regarding the 3. Consider the following statements regarding
Indus Waters Treaty: "The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award":
1. The World Bank offered to mediate it. 1. It is the highest honour conferred on overseas
Indians.
2. All the water of the eastern rivers - Sutlej,
Beas, and Ravi was allocated to Pakistan for 2. It is given by the President of India.
unrestricted use. Which of the above given statements is/are
correct?
Which of the above given statements is/are not
correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 4. The headquarters of The Asian Pacific Postal
Union (APPU) is located in which of the following
2. The theme of ‘Voice of Global South Summit’ is: regions?
(a) Recover Together, Recover Stronger (a) Bangkok (b) Beijing
(b) Unity of voice, Unity of purpose (c) Hong Kong (d) Kathmandu
(c) Realising Opportunities of the 21st Century 5. The Palk Strait separates:
For All' (a) India-Maldives (b) India-Indonesia
(d) Shaping an interconnected world (c) India-Sri Lanka (d) India- Bangladesh
Answer Key
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (c)
RTSEPFP

ECONOMY
3 ECONOMY
3.1 Municipal Bonds years, whereby municipal corporations provide

returns on these bonds either from property
Context: and professional tax collected or from revenues
generated from specific projects or both.
As part of efforts to develop the bond markets,
an outreach programme on municipal bonds and Rating agency CARE estimates that large
municipal finance was organised by SEBI. municipalities in India could raise ₹1,000 to
₹1,500 crore every year through municipal bond
Probable Question: issues.
What are Municipal Bonds and what role do they
play in financing infrastructure and development Types of Municipal Bond
projects at the local level in India? General Obligation Bonds: The public sector uses
general obligation bonds to fund projects that do
About Municipal Bonds: not necessarily make a profit, such as building
A municipal bond or muni bond is a debt parks or improving schools.
instrument issued by municipal corporations or Revenue Bonds: Municipalities issue revenue
associated bodies in India. bonds to finance revenue-generating projects,
Such bonds come with a maturity period of three such as toll roads and concert halls.
Municipal Bonds
Importance of Municipal Bonds: Municipal bonds can attract investments from

large institutional investors, like pension funds
‘Muni bond’ issues could help solve urban
and insurance
RTSEPFP
companies, because they are seen
infrastructure problems by directly raising funds
as less risky investment opportunities.
without looking to State grants or agencies such
as the World Bank. News Source: The Indian Express

ECONOMY
3.2 Circular Economy Drives employment growth: It fosters the

development of a new, more inventive, and
Context: competitive industrial model, resulting in higher
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) economic growth and more employment.
and Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) announced the Promotes resource independence: Reusing local
launch of an “Inclusive Circular Economy” project. resources can reduce reliance on imported raw
materials.
Probable Question:
Promotion of Circular Economy is key to promote Challenges to implementing a circular
sustainable development. Comment economy in India:
About Circular Economy: Limited infrastructure: India lacks the necessary
A circular economy is an alternative to the infrastructure to support circular economy
traditional linear economy, in which resources principles, such as recycling and composting
are extracted, used, and then discarded as waste. facilities, and a well-developed waste
The circular economy aims to keep resources in management system.
use for as long as possible, through strategies Lack of government policies: India currently
such as reusing, repairing and recycling. has limited policies and regulations in place to
In such an economy, all forms of waste, such as promote a circular economy, and there is a lack
clothes, scrap metal and obsolete electronics, are of government support for circular economy
returned to the economy or used more efficiently. initiatives.
Cultural barriers: In India, there is a lack of
awareness and understanding of the circular
economy concept among the general population
and within the business community.
Limited access to finance: Small and medium-
sized enterprises in India often face difficulties in
accessing finance for circular economy projects,
and a lack of funding for R&D in circular economy
solutions.
Lack of standardisation: There is a lack of
standardisation in the recycling and waste
management sector in India, which makes it
difficult to implement circular economy principles
on a large scale.
Limited collaboration and coordination: In India,
there is a lack of collaboration and coordination
between different sectors and stakeholders, which
Image Source: UNDP
is essential for the successful implementation of a
Benefits of Circular Economy circular economy.
Protection of the environment: By lowering
Government of India Initiatives for promoting
emissions, consuming fewer natural resources,
and producing less trash. Circular Economy:
The Centre has been actively formulating policies
RTSEPFP
Benefits for the local economy: By encouraging

and promoting projects to drive the country
production models that rely on the reuse of
towards a circular economy.
nearby waste as raw material.

ECONOMY
In sync with a circular economy, it formulated the Risks of T+1 settlement

Battery Waste Management Rules 2022, Plastic
There could be challenges in settling the trades
Waste Management Rules as amended in 2022,
in case there are any downtimes for a bank or a
e-Waste Management Rules 2022.
large bank.
Way Forward: Moreover, higher volatility in capital markets
Legislative mandates for procurement: could pose a contagion risk to the ecosystem.
Governments can mandate the use of recycled
or secondary raw materials in the initial stages Benefits:
of production to encourage circular economy Reducing the number of days for settlement
practices throughout the value chain. will help provide better liquidity to investors and
Unified legislation: A unified legislation thereby enhance trade and participation.
addressing the circular economy from a regulatory It reduces the number of outstanding unsettled
perspective can be developed to provide a clear trades at any point of time, and thus decreases
framework for businesses and organisations to the unsettled exposure to Clearing Corporation
follow. by 50 per cent.
Fiscal incentives: Fiscal incentives can be provided The narrower the settlement cycle, the narrower
to businesses to encourage investment in circular
is the time window for a counterparty insolvency/
economy practices and to close the loop of the
bankruptcy to impact the settlement of a trade.
supply chain.
It will boost operational efficiency as the rolling
Government-industry collaboration: The
of funds and stocks will be faster.
government's initiatives need to be in conjunction
with implementable actions with industry News Source: The Indian Express
collaboration to reap the benefits of the circular
economy. 3.4 Additional Tier-1 Bonds
Context:
3.3 T+1 Settlement Cycle A SEBI probe found that during the process of selling
AT1 bonds, Yes Bank failed to inform individual
Context: investors about the risks involved.
India started the ‘trade-plus-one’ (T+1) settlement Probable Question:
cycle in top listed securities.
What are Additional Tier-1(AT-1) Bonds, how do
Probable Question: they differ from traditional bonds and what are key
In the context of the stock market, what is the T+1 considerations and risks involved in AT-1 bonds in
settlement cycle? Discuss the benefits associated the Indian financial market?
with it. About Additional Tier-1(AT-1) Bonds:
About T+1 settlement cycle: Unsecure in nature: Additional Tier-1 bonds
The T+1 settlement cycle means that trade- are a type of unsecured bonds that banks issue
related settlements must be done within a day, to shore up their core capital base to meet the
or 24 hours, of the completion of a transaction. Basel-III norms.
In the T+1 format, if an investor sells a share, she Regulation: AT-1 bonds are regulated by the
will get the money within a day, and the buyer will Reserve RTSEPFP
Bank of India (RBI).
get the shares in her demat account also within No Maturity Date: These bonds are perpetual in
a day. nature — they do not carry any maturity date.

ECONOMY
Offer High Returns: They offer higher returns to managing all the three types of risks that are
investors but compared with other vanilla debt credit and increased disclosure requirements.
products, these instruments carry a higher risk as
Banks need to mandatorily disclose their risk
well.
exposure, etc to the central bank.
Face Value: AT-1 bonds carry a face value of ₹10
lakh per bond. Basel III
High Risk Instruments: Since these bonds can In 2010, Basel III guidelines were released in
be written down by banks under the directions response to the financial crisis of 2008.
of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the event of Basel III norms aim at making most banking
an institutional failure, they are seen as high-risk activities such as their trading book activities
instruments more capital-intensive.
Redeem: Banks have a call option that permits The guidelines aim to promote a more resilient
them to redeem these bonds after a certain banking system by focusing on four vital banking
period. parameters viz. capital, leverage, funding and
These bonds were introduced by the Basel liquidity.
accord after the global financial crisis to protect Additional Information
depositors.
About Bureau of International Settlement (BIS):
Basel Guidelines: Basel is a city in Switzerland which is also
Basel guidelines refer to broad supervisory the headquarters of Bureau of International
standards formulated by central banks- called the Settlement (BIS).
Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). BIS fosters cooperation among central banks
The set of agreements by the BCBS, which mainly with a common goal of financial stability and
focuses on risks to banks and the financial system common standards of banking regulations.
are called Basel accord.
The purpose of the accord is to ensure that
financial institutions have enough capital
on account to meet obligations and absorb
3.5 Sovereign Green Bonds
unexpected losses. Context:
India has accepted Basel accords for the banking RBI to issue green bonds in two tranches of Rs 8,000
system. cr each.
Basel I Probable Question:

In 1988, BCBS introduced a capital measurement What is the concept of the Sovereign Green Bonds
system called Basel capital accord, also called and how they can be leveraged as a tool to promote
Basel 1. sustainable development in India?
It focused almost entirely on credit risk. About Green Bonds:
It defined capital and structure of risk weights for A green bond is a fixed-income instrument
banks. designed to support specific climate-related or
environmental projects.
Basel II Green bonds may come with tax incentives to
Banks should maintain a minimum capital enhance their attractiveness to some investors.
RTSEPFP
adequacy requirement of 8% of risk assets. Green bonds are part of a larger trend in socially
Banks were needed to develop and use better responsible and environmental, social, and
risk management techniques in monitoring and governance (ESG) investing.

ECONOMY
Image Credit: World Bank
These bonds are typically asset-linked and funds, hedge funds, and endowments that can
backed by the issuing entity’s balance sheet, so afford to invest large sums in debt instruments
they usually carry the same credit rating as their
issuers’ other debt obligations. Working of Green bond:
To qualify for green bond status, they are often Green bonds work just like any other corporate or
verified by a third party such as the Climate Bond government bond.
Standard Board, which certifies that the bond Borrowers issue these securities to secure
will fund projects that include benefits to the financing for projects that will have a positive
environment.
environmental impact, such as ecosystem
Buying Green Bonds: restoration or reducing pollution.
RTSEPFP
Investments in green bonds often come from Investors who purchase these bonds can expect
institutional investors—entities like mutual to make a profit as the bond matures.

ECONOMY
In addition, there are often tax benefits for ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank as Domestic Systemically
investing in green bonds. Important Banks (D-SIBs).
How beneficial is it for investors? Probable Question:

Green Bonds offer investors a platform to engage What is the significance of Domestic Systemically
in good practices, influencing the business Important Banks (D-SIBs) in the Indian banking
strategy of bond issuers. sector?
They provide a means to hedge against climate
change risks while achieving at least similar, if not
better, returns on their investment.
In this way, the growth in Green Bonds and green
finance also indirectly works to disincentive high
carbon-emitting projects, as per the IFC.
Uses of Green Bonds:

Green bonds finance projects are aimed at:
¾ Energy efficiency
Image Source: Economic Times
¾ Pollution prevention
¾ Sustainable agriculture About Domestic Systemically Important
¾ Fishery and forestry
Banks (D-SIBs):
Origin: The system of D-SIBS was adopted in the
¾ Protection of aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis where the
collapse of many systemically important banks
¾ Clean transportation across various regions further fueled the financial
¾ Sustainable water management downturn.
Additional Information: A failure of any of Domestic Systemically
Difference between Green bonds & Blue bonds: Important Banks can lead to systemic and
significant disruption to essential economic
Blue bonds are sustainability bonds to finance
services across the country and can cause an
projects that protect the ocean and related
economic panic.
ecosystems.
This can include projects to support sustainable Essentially, systemically important banks are the
fisheries, protection of coral reefs and other ones perceived as too big to fail.
fragile ecosystems, or reducing pollution and ¾ Too big to fail is a phrase used to describe
acidification. a bank or company that’s so entwined
All blue bonds are green bonds, but not all in the economy that its failure would be
green bonds are blue bonds catastrophic.
News Source: The Indian Express Such a perception creates an expectation of

government support for these banks at times of
3.6 Domestic Systemically Important distress.
Banks (D-SIBs) Determination of D-SIBs:
RTSEPFP
Context: Since 2015, the RBI has classified banks into five
buckets, according to their importance to the
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has categorised SBI,
national economy.

ECONOMY
philanthropic partnerships (PPPPs) to help unlock

Bank Bucket the $3 trillion of financing needed each year to
ICICI Bank 1 reach net zero, reverse nature loss and restore
HDFC Bank 1 biodiversity by 2050.
SBI 3
In order to be listed as a D-SIB, a bank needs to
have assets that exceed 2 percent of the national
GDP.
Due to their economic and national importance,
the banks need to maintain a higher share of risk-
weighted assets as tier-I equity.
Importance of D-SIBs in the Indian Banking

Sector:
Systemic Importance: D-SIBs are recognized Image Source : WEF
by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as having a Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate: It
significant impact on the stability and functioning brings together countries to boost international
of the financial system if they were to face stress cooperation on climate, trade and sustainable
or failure. development.
Identification: D-SIBs are identified based on Global Collaboration Village: Launched by WEF
their size, interconnectedness, complexity, cross- in collaboration with Accenture and Microsoft
jurisdictional activities, and substitutability. to create a new virtual space for strengthening
Regulatory Supervision: As a result of their international cooperation.
systemic importance, D-SIBs are subject to higher Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and
levels of regulatory supervision and additional Innovations (CEPI): Launched in 2017 by the
capital requirements. governments of Norway and India, the Bill
News Source: The Indian Express & Melinda Gates Foundation and the World
Economic Forum to accelerate the development
3.7 World Economic Forum Summit of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures
against pandemic.
Context:
The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting 2023, India at Davos 2023
held in the Swiss town of Davos. According to the central government, the theme of
this year’s WEF Annual Meeting, i.e., “Cooperation
Theme: Cooperation in a fragmented world
in a Fragmented World,” corresponds to India’s
Probable Question: G20 theme, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One
What are the key objectives and outcomes of the Earth, One Family, One Future.”
World Economic Forum (WEF) summit and how
World Economic Forum
does it shape the global economic and political
discourse? About:
¾ Established Year: 1971
New Initiatives at World Economic Forum
summit 2023: is a Swiss nonprofit foundation, founded
¾ WEFRTSEPFP
by Klaus Schwab.
Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA): It aims
to fund new and existing public, private and ¾ Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

ECONOMY
The Forum brings together governments, Background:

businesses, and civil society on a common
The government approved an incentive scheme to
platform to discuss this year’s challenges and
boost digital transactions in the 2021-22 budget
priorities.
which led to a 59% YoY growth in digital payments
Major reports of WEF: transactions.
¾ Energy Transition Index. The Finance Minister announced in the 2022-
23 budget that the government will continue
¾ Global Competitiveness Report.
to support digital payments and promote
¾ Global Gender Gap Report. economical and user-friendly payment platforms.
¾ Global Risk Report.
About the Scheme:
¾ Global Travel and Tourism Report. The Scheme aims to promote RuPay Debit Cards
News Source: The Indian Express and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (person-to-
merchant) in FY 2022-23.
3.8 Promotion of RUPAY & BHIM- Features of Scheme:
UPI ¾ Banks would be provided financial incentives
Context: for promoting Point of Sale (PoS) and
e-commerce transactions using RuPay and
Recently, the Centre cleared Rs. 2600 crore incentive UPI.
scheme to promote RUPAY, BHIM-UPI.
¾ Promote UPI Lite and UPI 123PAY as
Probable Question: economical and user-friendly digital payments
Discuss the measures the government has taken solutions.
to enhance the adoption and usage of RuPay and • UPI Lite is an 'on-device wallet' feature by
BHIM-UPI among the general population, and National Payments Corporation of India
how can these digital payment systems contribute (NPCI) to allow users to make small-value
to financial inclusion and a less-cash economy in payments (upto ₹200) offline.
India? • UPI 123PAY is an instant payment system
for feature phone (non-smartphone)
users.
In addition, NPCI has allowed Non-Resident
Indians (NRIs) with NRE (non-resident external)
or NRO (non-resident ordinary) accounts in
10 countries to use UPI platform from their
international mobile numbers.
¾ 10 countries are Singapore, Australia, Canada,
Hongkong, Oman, Qatar, USA, Saudi Arabia,
UAE, and United Kingdom.
Unified Payments Interface (UPI):
It is a system that powers multiple bank
accounts into a single mobile application (of
any participating
RTSEPFP
bank), merging several banking
features, seamless fund routing & merchant
payments into one hood.
Image Source: PIB

ECONOMY
It caters to the “Peer to Peer” collect request. approach, is not considered good enough by the
RBI and they believe a switch to the "expected
Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM): credit loss" method is necessary to prevent
problems for the financial system as a whole.
It is a payment app that lets you make simple,
easy and quick transactions using Unified Problem with the incurred loss-based
Payments Interface (UPI).
approach:
Direct bank payments can be made to anyone on
The "incurred loss" approach of provisioning by
UPI using their UPI ID or scanning their QR with
banks has been found to be inadequate, as it only
the BHIM app. Money can also be requested
recognizes losses that have already happened.
through the app from a UPI ID.
Additionally, the overstatement of income and
It is pioneered and developed by National
dividend payouts also impacted their capital
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
base, affecting their overall resilience.
National Payments Corporation of India What is Loan Loss Provision?
(NPCI):
The RBI defines a loan loss provision as an expense
NPCI is an umbrella organization for operating that banks set aside for defaulted loans.
retail payments and settlement systems in
India. Banks set aside a portion of the expected loan
repayments from all loans in their portfolio to
It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India cover the losses either completely or partially.
(RBI) and Indian Banks' Association (IBA) under
the provisions of the Payment and Settlement In the event of a loss, instead of taking a loss in its
Systems Act, 2007, for creating a robust cash flows, the bank can use its loan loss reserves
Payment and Settlement Infrastructure in India. to cover the loss.
It has been incorporated as a "Not for Profit Since the bank does not expect all loans to
Company under the provisions of Section become impaired, there is usually enough in the
25 of Companies Act 1956 (now Section 8 of loan loss reserves to cover the full loss for any one
Companies Act 2013). or a small number of loans when needed.
News Source: The Indian Express An increase in the balance of reserves is called
loan loss provision.
3.9 Loan Loss Provision
About the expected loss-based approach:
Context:
Under this practice, a bank is required to estimate
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) published a expected credit losses based on forward-looking
discussion paper on “loan loss provision”, proposing a estimations, rather than wait for credit losses to
framework for adopting an expected loss (EL)-based be actually incurred before making corresponding
approach for provisioning by banks in case of loan loss provisions.
defaults.
The new framework requires banks to categorize
Probable Question: their financial assets (like loans and investments)
What are the key features and benefits of the into three groups: Stage 1, Stage 2, or Stage 3.
expected loss (EL)-based approach for loan loss The categorization will be based on the estimated
provisioning, as proposed by the Reserve Bank of amount of credit loss on the assets.
India (RBI). RTSEPFP
Banks must make necessary provisions for
Need for Loan Loss Provision: each group and must reassess and update the
The current method, called the "incurred loss" categorization on a regular basis.

ECONOMY
Benefits of this Approach: Methodology:

Enhance the resilience of the banking system in ¾ Information will be collected through an
line with globally accepted norms. automated process by using “Geo-Referenced
maps” of the farmland plots and remote
It is likely to result in excess provisions as
sensing images.
compared to shortfall in provisions as seen in the
incurred loss approach. States Covered:
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu,
3.10 Digital Crop Survey Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Gujarat, according to
Context: sources.
The Centre plans to launch a digital crop survey from Later, it will be gradually rolled out across the
the Kharif-2023 season across 10 states. country.
Probable Question:
What is the significance of a digital crop survey in
India, and how does it contribute to the overall
improvement of the agriculture sector?
About Digital Crop Survey:

A Digital Crop Survey is a method of collecting
data on crops using digital tools.
The survey will use, the latest technological
advancements such as visual and advanced
analytics, GIS-GPS Technologies and AI/ML” to
provide “near real-time” information about the
crops..
Once it becomes fully operational, it will add
on to the age-old crop area statistics collection
system, which is known as “patwari agency”, that
is currently in use in most of the states.
¾ In the patwari agency, a complete enumeration
of all fields (survey numbers) called girdawari
is made of a village during each crop season
to compile land use, irrigation and crop area
statistics.
Types of Information:
¾ Different types of crops sown by farmers in
their fields.
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ECONOMY
SHORT NEWS
3.11 PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana It will subsume two subsidy schemes of the
Department of Food & Public Distribution.
(PMGKAY)
¾ Food Subsidy to FCI: It is in form of a consumer
Context: subsidy (Difference between Economic cost
Recently, the Centre has named its new integrated incurred by FCI and realized Central Issue
food security scheme for providing free foodgrains Price) and a buffer subsidy (Cost of holding
to Antodaya Ann Yojna (AAY) and Primary Household and maintaining buffer stock).
(PHH) beneficiaries under National Food Security Act ¾ Food Subsidy for decentralized procurement
(NFSA), 2013 as PMGKAY. states dealing with procurement, allocation
and delivery of free foodgrains to states
About the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana under NFSA.
(PMGKAY):
¾ Earlier, a scheme with similar name (PMGKAY)
It’ll strengthen provisions of NFSA, 2013 in terms was implemented during the Covid-19
of accessibility, affordability, and availability of pandemic.
foodgrains for the poor.
Difference between Two Schemes:
"AAY Household" stands for Antyodaya Anna About Securities Appellate Tribunal:
Yojana Household and "PHH" stands for Priority
The Securities Appellate Tribunal is a government-
HouseHold.
created entity formed through the Securities and
News Source: The Indian Express Exchange Board of India Act of 1992.
3.12 Securities Appellate Tribunal Headquarters: Mumbai
(SAT) Function: It deals with appeals against rulings

made by the Securities and Exchange Board of
Context: India or its officials.
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SEBI to challenge Securities Appellate Tribunal order Appointment: The SAT has a chairperson and
in NSE co-location scam. two additional members. The appointment of the

ECONOMY
chairperson is made by the central government in 3.14 Utkarsh 2.0

coordination with either the Chief Justice of India
or their designated representative. Context:
The SAT holds the same authority as a civil court. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launches Utkarsh 2.0 for
An individual who disagrees with the decision the period 2023-2025.
or ruling of the SAT can file an appeal with the
Supreme Court. About Utkarsh 2.0:
Additional Information: Utkarsh 2.0 will guide the RBI over the period
from 2023 to 2025 to improve:
About Co-location:
¾ the performance of the RBI’s statutory
Co-location is a data centre facility where third
functions
parties can lease space for servers and other
computer hardware. ¾ enhance its relevance and significance at the
national and global levels,
They provide infrastructure like power supply,
bandwidth and cooling for setting up servers ¾ improve its internal governance,
and storage of data. Customers usually rent out infrastructure, and human resources.
space by rack, cabinet, cage or room. News Source: The Hindu
The NSE introduced co-location facilities in
2009 and offered traders/brokers the ability to 3.15 Digital Public Infrastructure
place their servers within NSE’s data centre for
a fee. Context:
Recently, the Ministry of Finance has issued an order
News Source: The Hindu to set up India's G20 Task Force on Digital Public
Infrastructure.
3.13 NARCL
About the G20 Task Force on Digital Public
Context:
Infrastructure:
NARCL acquired its first stressed account from IDBI
Bank-led lenders. The task force, to be co-chaired by G20 Sherpa
Amitabh Kant and entrepreneur Nandan Nilekani.
About NARCL: It will create a detailed map of India’s digital
The NARCL has been incorporated under the infrastructure in finance, health, education, data,
Companies Act. taxation, digital commerce and mobility.
It is basically a bad bank created by the government Digital Public Infrastructure:
in the form of an asset reconstruction company.
Digital public infrastructure refers to the collection
Functions: of digital technologies and systems that support
It will pick up bad loans above a certain threshold the delivery of public services and information to
from banks and aim to sell them to prospective citizens.
buyers of distressed debt. It also includes the underlying networks and
It will also be responsible for valuing bad loans to infrastructure, such as broadband and wireless
determine at what price they would be sold. connections, that make these services possible.
State-owned banks will hold 51% stake, while FIs ¾ ForRTSEPFPExample: government websites,
or debt management companies will hold 49%. databases, and online services
News Source: The Hindu News Source: The Indian Express

ECONOMY
3.16 Grameen Udyami Scheme 3.17 Bharat Pravah

Context: Context:
Recently, the Minister of State for Skill Development Recently, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and
and Entrepreneurship felicitated over 200 tribal Waterways launched an initiative 'Bharat Pravah -
women who have successfully completed training India along its Shores'.
under the Grameen Udyami Scheme.
About Bharat Pravah:
About Grameen Udyami Scheme:
The initiative aims to highlight the importance of
It is a unique multi-skilling project, funded by
rivers-ports-shipping in the everyday life of the
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
that aims to train tribal students in select states. common man through literature, dialogue and
communication.
Grameen Udyami Yojana is implemented under
Sansadiya Parisankul Yojana. Ministry: Minister of Ports, Shipping and
Under the program, 49 ST clusters in 15 states of Waterways
India have been selected by 40 tribal MPs of Lok Events will be organised around various topics
Sabha and Rajya Sabha. such as 'Rivers and Sea-centric Development in
Under their leadership, the scheme in respective India: Through a Historical Lens' and 'Sea, Rivers,
clusters is being implemented. One development Ports and Ship in Folk Culture and Literature',
associate is appointed by the MPs in each cluster. among others.
News Source: PIB
3.18 Short Selling

Context:
Short seller Hindenburg Research disclosed short
positions in Adani Group, alleging stock manipulation
and accounting fraud in its latest investigative report.
About Short Selling:

Short selling is an investment strategy with the
motive of "buying low and selling high" to cash
in some gains.
Scope of the project
The project is being implemented in six states - Investors who short-sell stocks expect share prices
Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya to drop at some future date and aim to capitalise
Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Gujarat. on this prediction to fetch some profits.
Benefits Shorting is most typically carried out by

institutional investors such as hedge funds,
Transportation, boarding & lodging during the although it is open to private investors as well.
learning period is provided to candidates
It is useful as a hedge against a possible downturn
The training under the project will be conducted
in the Job roles which are relevant to the local in the price of existing assets held by investors.
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economy. News Source: The Indian Express

News Source: PIB

ECONOMY
MCQ Questions Based on Economy

1. The term ‘T+1 settlement cycle’ often seen in 4. Consider the following statements regarding
news is in the context of: Domestic Systemically Important Banks:
(a) Genetics 1. These are the banks whose assets cross 2% of
the GDP.
(b) Stock Markets
2. If these banks fail, they can have a disruptive
(c) Information Technology
effect on the economy.
(d) Real Estate Sector
2. Consider the following statements regarding correct?
the 53rd edition of the annual World Economic
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Forum summit:
1. It was held in Davos, Switzerland.
5. With respect to ‘Securities Appellate Tribunal
2. The theme of the summit was "Cooperation
(SAT)’, consider the following statements
in a Fragmented World".
1. It is a statutory body established under the
provisions of Section 15K of the SEBI Act,
correct?
1992.
2. It is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Finance.
3. Which of the following statements is not correct Which of the statement given above is/are
about AT 1 bonds? correct?
(a) These are Unsecured bonds. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(b) They are without a maturity date. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) AT-1 bonds carry a face value of ₹ 5 lakh per
bond.
(d) They are used by banks to comply with Basel
III norms.
Answer Key
1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (c)
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ENVIRONMENT & GEOGRAPHY
ENVIRONMENT
4 & GEOGRAPHY
4.1 Coral Reefs ¾ Soft coral polyps, however, borrow their
appearance from plants, attach themselves
Context: to such skeletons and older skeletons built by
Global warming poses a more significant threat their ancestors.
to coral growth and reef accretion than ocean
acidification (OA), according to a new study published Coral Bleaching
in the Communications Biology journal. Bleaching happens when corals experience
stress in their environment due to changes in
Probable Question:
temperature, pollution or high levels of ocean
What is the ecological and economic importance acidity.
of coral reefs and what are the major threats and
challenges to their survival and conservation in the Under stressed conditions, the zooxanthellae or
world? food-producing algae living inside coral polyps
start producing reactive oxygen species, which
About Coral Reefs: are not beneficial to the corals.
Corals are marine invertebrates or animals not So, the corals expel the colour-giving
possessing a spine. zooxanthellae from their polyps, which exposes
¾ For Example: Australia’s Great Barrier Reef their pale white exoskeleton, giving the corals a
bleached appearance.
Each coral is called a polyp and thousands of
such polyps live together to form a colony, which Importance:
grows when polyps multiply to make copies of Coral reefs support over 25% of marine
themselves. biodiversity, including fish, turtles and lobsters;
Corals share a symbiotic relationship with single- even as they only take up 1% of the seafloor.
celled algae called zooxanthellae. The marine life supported by reefs further fuels
¾ The algae provides the coral with food global fishing industries. Even giant clams and
and nutrients, which they make through whales depend on the reefs to live.
photosynthesis, using the sun’s light. In turn, Besides, coral reef systems generate $2.7 trillion
the corals give the algae a home and key in annual economic value through goods and
nutrients. service trade and tourism.
Types of Corals: News Source: The Indian Express
Corals are of two types — hard coral and soft

4.2 Land Sinking In Joshimath
coral.
¾ Hard corals, also called hermatypic or ‘reef Context:
building’ corals extract calcium carbonate Joshimath, the gateway to Uttarakhand’s holy places
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(also found in limestone) from the seawater sank as much as nearly 5.4 cm according to an ISRO
to build hard, white coral exoskeletons. report.

Probable Question: Causes of Land subsidence:

What is Land Subsidence and what are the Excessive groundwater pumping: Over-extraction
causes and impacts of this phenomenon on the of groundwater can cause the soil to settle,
environment and human activities, especially in the leading to subsidence.
context of urbanisation? Soil compaction: Loading the soil with heavy
Vulnerable Joshimath: weight can cause it to compress and sink.
Joshimath is built on the deposits of an old Underground mining: Excavation of minerals or

landslide, which means that the slopes can be other subsurface resources can cause the ground
destabilised even by slight triggers. to sink.
The town is also in Zone V, which, as per India’s Natural processes: Land subsidence can also be
seismic zonation scheme, denotes the highest caused by natural processes such as the collapse
risk. of underground caves and the settlement of
It lies between two thrusts, the Main Central organic soils.
Thrust (MCT) and the Vaikrita Thrust (VT), and Changes in underground water storage: Changes
thus occupies a seismically active terrain. in water levels in underground aquifers can also
¾ Because of the MCT, the area around cause the ground to rise or sink.
Joshimath is highly active in terms of slope
mobility. Importance of Joshimath:
Climatologically, Joshimath lies in a region that Strategic importance: It leads to villages along
frequently receives high intensity, focussed the India-China border and is also en route to
rainfall which could trigger landslides, since the Barahoti, a disputed territory along the border.
slopes are precariously balanced.
Gateway to pilgrimage sites: The town is also a
Joshimath is overly burdened with structures gateway to noted sites of pilgrimage – Badrinath,
built without any regard for the land’s load Hemkund Sahib; the international skiing site of
bearing capacity. Auli; and the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World
Reasons for Joshimath Sinking: Heritage site.
Unplanned construction, booming tourism, and Way Forward:
government-funded mega infrastructure and
power projects. As per 1976 Mishra Committee report:
Improper drainage systems. Examining the load-bearing capacity: Heavy

construction work should only be allowed after
The 6-km Helang-Marwari bypass (part of the examining the load-bearing capacity of the soil.
825-km Char Dham highway expansion project),
being built by the Border Roads Organisation In the landslide-prone areas, stones and boulders
(BRO), is under scrutiny for weakening slopes and should not be removed from the bottom of the
further destabilising the local topography. hill, as it will cause loss of support.
Locals point to the National Thermal Power Cutting of trees for supplying the township with
Corporation’s Tapovan Vishnugad hydropower timber, firewood, and charcoal may be strictly
project as an exacerbated crisis. regulated.
Land subsidence: Agriculture on slopes must be avoided. Instead,
Land subsidence is the sinking or settling of the a massive
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campaign to plant trees and grass
ground's surface, which can be caused by natural should be undertaken to conserve soil and water
processes or human activities. resources.

Additional Information About the National Green Hydrogen Mission:

About Joshimath Town: Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy.
It is located in the Chamoli district of
Uttarakhand. Aim: To make India a global hub to produce,
utilise and export green hydrogen.
After the 1962 India- China war, Joshimath
emerged as a place of strategic importance as Target: To develop green hydrogen production
it led to villages along the India-China border. capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne)
It is also en route to Barahoti, a disputed per annum with an associated renewable energy
territory along the border. capacity addition of about 125 GW by 2030.
The town is also a gateway to noted sites Sub-missions:

of pilgrimage — Badrinath for Hindus and ¾ Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen
Hemkund Sahib for Sikhs; the international Transition Programme (SIGHT): It will fund
skiing site of Auli; and the Valley of Flowers, a the domestic manufacturing of electrolysers
UNESCO World Heritage site. and produce green hydrogen.
News Source: The Indian Express ¾ Supporting Pilot Projects:
• It involves support to pilot projects in
4.3 National Green Hydrogen emerging end-use sectors and production
Mission pathways.
Context: • States and regions capable of supporting
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the National large scale production and/or utilisation of
Green Hydrogen Mission with an initial outlay of hydrogen will be identified and developed
₹19,744 crore. as Green Hydrogen Hubs.
Probable Question: Significance:

What is the National Green Hydrogen Mission and Decarbonisation of the industrial, mobility and
what are its objectives and strategies in promoting energy sectors
the use and development of green hydrogen
technology in India? Reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and
feedstock
Developing indigenous manufacturing capabilities
Creation of employment opportunities
It is expected to bring in investments of over ₹8
lakh crore
Creation of over six lakh jobs
Help meet India INDCs target international
commitments to fight climate change.
The government expects that the initiative will
help abate nearly 50 million tonnes (MT) of
annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030
Cumulatively,
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it is expected to reduce fossil fuel
imports estimated at over ₹1 lakh crore
Image Source: PIB

Challenges: An effective skill development programme needs

to ensure that lakhs of workers can be suitably
Green hydrogen development is still in the
trained to adapt to a viable green hydrogen
nascent stages globally and while India can take
economy.
the lead in being a major producer, it doesn’t
have the necessary infrastructure yet to execute News Source: The Indian Express
all these intermediary steps.
Absence of dedicated government policy, and
4.4 Third Meeting of Steering
lack of public awareness have been significant Committee of Ken-Betwa Link
barriers in front of India’s hydrogen economy. Project
High technology cost: Green hydrogen currently
accounts for less than 1% of global hydrogen Context:
production due to it being expensive to produce. The Third Meeting of the Steering Committee of Ken-
Betwa Link Project (SC-KBLP) was held in New Delhi
Way Forward: between representatives of Madhya Pradesh and
Green hydrogen as an energy sector can Uttar Pradesh.
become a reality in India if the large availability PYQ:
of renewable and water resources are used
optimally. The interlinking of rivers can provide viable
solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related
India needs to announce incentives to convince problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted
enough users of industrial hydrogen to adopt navigation. Critically examine. (2020)
green hydrogen.
It needs to develop supply chains in the form of
Background:
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pipelines, tankers, intermediate storage and last The idea of linking Ken with Betwa got a major
leg distribution networks. push in 2005, when a tripartite memorandum

of understanding for preparation of a detailed Concerns Involved:

project report (DPR) was signed among the Centre
Dubious concept of ‘surplus’ and ‘deficit’ water
and the UP and MP.
basins: Water experts have noted that the
In 2008, the Centre declared KBLP a National interlink project’s principle hinges on the dubious
Project. concept of ‘surplus’ and ‘deficit’ water basins.
In 2021, a memorandum of agreement was ¾ However, this notion of ‘surplus’ is often based
signed among the Ministry of Jal Shakti and on limited data and “a poor understanding of
the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar the role of natural flows, including floods and
Pradesh to implement the Ken-Betwa Link Project periodic droughts.
(KBLP).
Impact on Panna Tiger Reserve: The interlink is
sure to adversely affect Panna’s tigers, the park’s
ecology and the local environment, along the
lines of the effects of thousands of dams around
India built since the 1960s.
Various types of clearances are required, such
as:
¾ techno-economic clearance (given by the
Central Water Commission);
¾ forest clearance and environmental
clearance (Ministry of Environment &
Forests);
¾ resettlement and rehabilitation plan of tribal
population (Ministry of Tribal Affairs) and;
¾ wildlife clearance (Central Empowered
Image Source: The Indian Express
Committee).
About Ken-Betwa Link Project:
It is the first project under the National
Perspective Plan for interlinking of rivers.
The project involves the transfer of water from
Ken to the Betwa river through the construction
of the Daudhan Dam and the canal linking the
rivers.
Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority (KBLPA): It
is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) set up to
implement the project.
The project has two phases:
¾ Phase-I will involve — Daudhan Dam complex
and its subsidiary units such as Low Level
Tunnel, High Level Tunnel, Ken-Betwa Link
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Canal and power houses.
¾ Phase-II will involve — Lower Orr Dam, Bina
Complex Project and Kotha Barrage.

Significance of the Project: 4.5 National Clean Air Programme

Benefit the water-starved Bundelkhand region: (NCAP)
It will benefit the water-starved Bundelkhand
region, spread to several other districts of Madhya Context:
Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
NCAP tracker has released its analysis to mark four
Boost to socio-economic prosperity: It is expected years of the launch of the NCAP by the Centre.
to boost socio-economic prosperity in the
backward region of Bundelkhand, on account of The NCAP tracker is a joint project of the Carbon
increased agricultural activities and employment. Copy portal and Maharashtra-based Respirer
Living Sciences.
Check Migration: It will also help in arresting
distress migration from this region. Probable Question:
It will pave the way for more interlinking of river What is the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
projects to ensure that scarcity of water does and what are its objectives, strategies, and
not become an inhibitor for development in the implementation plans for reducing air pollution in
country, India? Evaluate the progress and impact of NCAP
Way Forward: so far.
In order to mitigate adverse impacts on Panna
Tiger Reserve, as decided by NTCA, the Landscape
Management Plan should decide mitigation
strategies.
The interlinking of rivers can have many
potential benefits, however it is a complex and
controversial process that can also have negative
impacts on the environment, communities, and
economies.
Therefore, careful planning, monitoring and
impact assessment is important before taking
any steps towards interlinking.
About National Perspective Plan:
The National Perspective Plan (NPP) was
prepared by the then Ministry of Irrigation
(now Ministry of Jal Shakti) in 1980.
It aimed for inter basin transfer of water, for
transferring water from water surplus basins to Image Source: The Indian Express
water-deficit basins.
Components of NPP:
Key Findings:
It has been found that some of the top polluted
¾ Himalayan Rivers Development and
Peninsular Rivers Development. non-attainment cities in 2019 have marginally
improved their PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels but
¾ Based on the NPP, the National Water continue to breach CPCB’s standards.
Development Agency (NWDA) identified
30 river links– 16 under the Peninsular Delhi continued to be the top polluted city in the
component and 14 under Himalayan countryRTSEPFP
in 2022 with an annual average of PM 2.5
Component. concentration 99.7 micrograms per cubic metre
(ug/m3) of air,

The country’s current annual average safe limits Since the establishment of the NCAP, 131 cities
for PM 2.5 and PM 10 are 40 ug/m3 and 60 ug/ have been added to the list of non-attainment
m3. cities, due to their failure to meet the NAAQS
The top ten most polluted for PM 2.5: under the National Air Quality Monitoring
Program (NAMP).
¾ Delhi, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Patna,
Muzzafarpur, Noida, Meerut, Gobindgarh, NCAP Target:
Gaya and Jodhpur.
The top ten most polluted cities based on PM 10:
¾ Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Delhi, Noida, Patna,
Meerut, Muzzafarpur, Durgapur, Jodhpur and
Aurangabad.
Cleanest City: Jointly held by Srinagar in Kashmir
and Kohima in Nagaland.
About National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):
The program was launched in 2019 in 102 Non-
Attainment cities which had failed to meet the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
during the periods of 2011-2015.
The country’s current, annual average prescribed concentration and a concurrent increase in “good
limits for the two main classes of particulate are: air” days to at least 200.
Initial target set up by the NCAP:
In 2022, the Centre moved the goalposts and set
a new target:
Reduction
Target Deadline
(%)
Anything fewer will be considered ‘low’ and
Particulate matter the funding, provided by the Centre via the
40 2026
concentration Environment Ministry, consequently reduced.
Funds for the program are disbursed by the
As of 2022, some of the top polluted cities from
Central Pollution Control Board and are based 2019 have seen a marginal improvement in both
on PM10 particle levels, not PM2.5, which is PM2.5 and PM10 levels.
not monitored as consistently due to lack of
equipment. Has NCAP managed to reduce pollution?
RTSEPFP
Cities are required to quantify improvement In September 2022, the Centre for Science and
starting 2020-21, which requires 15% and Environment reported that based on PM2.5
more reduction in the annual average PM10 levels, only 14 of 43 (NCAP) cities registered

a 10% or more reduction in their PM2.5 level neighbouring areas in Palakkad, Kerala for the last
between 2019 and 2021. two years.
On the other hand, out of 46 non-NCAP cities Kerala forest officials captured a wild elephant
with adequate data, 21 recorded significant code-named Palakkad Tusker-7.
improvement in their annual PM2.5 value with PT 7 built a notorious reputation in Kerala,
5% or more decline between 2019 and 2021. frequently raiding farmland as well as residential
There were 16 NCAP cities and 15 nonNCAP areas across central Kerala, especially Palakkad
cities that registered a significant increase in and Idukki districts.
their annual PM2.5 levels — with near identical According to Forest Department officials, it
numbers. has been responsible for nearly 90 per cent of
This suggested that nonNCAP and NCAP cities elephant conflicts in the region.
were as likely to be polluted, with the NCAP Additional Information:
regime having limited effectiveness.
About Asian Elephant:
Major Threats: Habitat loss, degradation and
4.6 Human-Animal Conflict fragmentation.
Protection Status:
Context:
¾ Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife
The Elephant Lovers Forum in Palakkad has raised (Protection) Act, 1972
concerns about suspected poaching and hunting
attempts by the people living in forest fringes in ¾ IUCN Red List of threatened species status:
Kerala. Endangered
It had also raised concerns over gunshot wounds Kumki:
on captured elephant PT7. Kumki or Koomkie is a term used in India
Probable Question: (especially south India) for captive Asian
elephants that are trained to be used in
What are the causes and consequences of
operations to trap wild elephants.
human-animal conflict in India, and how has the
government and other stakeholders addressed this They are also sometimes used to rescue or to
issue in recent years? provide medical treatment to an injured or
trapped wild elephant.
The Magnitude of Human-Elephant Conflict:

Of the estimated nationwide population of 30,000
wild elephants in 2017, Kerala had about 5,700,
or 19%.
Between 2018-19 and 2021-22, elephants killed
2,036 people in India, data collected by the
central government show.
Kerala accounted for only 81 (4%) of these
Image Source: The Hindu deaths. (Field data add up to 92 deaths.)
About PT-7 or Palakkad Tusker-7: Causes of Human-Animal Conflict:
RTSEPFP
It is the codename of a rogue elephant which Habitat loss: Loss of natural habitats due to
has been terrorising residents of Dhoni and deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization.

Resource competition: Overgrazing by wild they occur, such as building physical barriers,
herbivores leading to crop damage or predation installing electric fencing, and developing early
of livestock by carnivores. warning systems.
Human disturbance: Human activities like Education and Awareness: Educating
tourism, recreation, and commercial development communities about the importance of wildlife
in wildlife habitats can also lead to increased conservation and providing them with practical
conflict with animals. knowledge on how to reduce conflicts with
Lack of awareness: Lack of awareness and wildlife.
understanding of wildlife behavior and habitat Alternative Livelihoods: Providing alternative
needs can also contribute to human-animal livelihood options for communities that are
conflict. dependent on farming and are vulnerable to crop
Climate change: Climate change can also have raiding by wildlife.
an impact on human-animal conflict in India by Effective Law Enforcement: Strengthening law
altering the distribution and abundance of wildlife enforcement efforts to curb illegal activities, such
and altering migration patterns. as poaching and poaching of wildlife, which can
Encroachment of protected areas: Unauthorized escalate conflicts.
encroachment into protected areas can lead Collaborative Management: Encouraging
to increased conflicts between humans and collaboration between local communities, wildlife
wildlife as well as disrupt the delicate balance of managers, and other stakeholders to jointly
ecosystems. address human-animal conflict issues.
Consequences: Additional Information:
Loss of life and property: Conflicts between About Monitoring the Illegal Killing of
humans and wildlife, such as elephants and
tigers, can result in loss of human life and damage Elephants (MIKE):
to crops and homes. It is an international collaboration that measures
Reduced biodiversity: Conflicts can lead to the levels, trends and causes of elephant
habitat loss, overhunting, and wildlife population mortality.
decline. The MIKE Programme was established by
Economic impact: Agricultural losses due to crop the Convention on International Trade in
raiding by wildlife can have a significant impact Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
on local communities, especially those that are (CITES) by Resolution adopted at the tenth
dependent on farming for their livelihoods. Conference of the Parties in 1997.
Negative perception of wildlife: Conflicts can There are currently 28 sites participating in the
lead to increased negative attitudes towards MIKE programme in Asia, distributed across 13
wildlife, potentially leading to increased poaching countries.
of revenge killings.
India has 10 sites, followed by two sites each
Management challenges: Conflicts can present in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia,
challenges for wildlife management and Myanmar and Thailand, and one site each in
conservation efforts. Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Sri Lanka
and Vietnam.
Way Forward: RTSEPFP
Prevention and Mitigation: Implementing News Source: The Hindu, iucn.org

measures to prevent or mitigate conflicts before

4.7 Re-Introduction of Cheetah ¾ CCF is a not-for-profit organisation,

headquartered in Namibia, which works
Context: towards saving and rehabilitating the big cat
Recently, India has signed an agreement with South in the wild.
Africa to translocate 12 cheetahs to the Kuno National In July 2020, India and Namibia signed a
Park in Madhya Pradesh.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to donate
Earlier eight cheetahs were introduced to India the eight Cheetah to launch the programme.
from Namibia during 2022.
Need to Introduce Cheetah:
To develop healthy meta-populations in India
that allow the cheetah to execute its functional
role as a top predator.
The cheetah is a flagship grassland species;
whose conservation also helps in preserving other
grassland species in the predator food chain.
India's last spotted cheetah died in Sal forests
of Chhattisgarh's Koriya district in 1948 and the
Image Source: The Hindu wild animal was declared extinct in the country
in 1952.
About Project Cheetah:
Project Cheetah was approved by the Supreme About Kuno National Park
Court of India in January 2020 as a pilot It was established in 1981 as a wildlife
programme to reintroduce the species to India. sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
The concept of bringing the cheetah back was In 2018, it was given the status of a national
first put forth in 2009 by Indian conservationists, park.
along with Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF).
RTSEPFP

It has a suitable habitat and adequate prey It is the only wildlife site in the country where
base for the reintroduction of Cheetah. there has been a complete relocation of villages
from inside the park and offers the prospect
It is estimated to have a capacity to sustain 21
of housing four big cats of India - tiger, lion,
cheetahs.
leopard and cheetah.
SHORT NEWS
4.8 Olive Ridley Turtles Loss and Degradation of Nesting Habitat: Coastal
development and rising seas from climate change
Context: are leading to the loss of nesting beach habitat for
Hundreds of vulnerable Olive Ridley Turtles ( olive ridley turtles.
Lepidochelys olivacea) have been found dead along Predation of Eggs and Hatchlings: The destruction
the coastline in the Godavari region. and consumption of eggs and hatchlings by non-
native and native predators (particularly birds and
crabs) is a threat to olive ridley sea turtles.
Vessel Strikes: Vessel strikes are a threat to sea
turtles near ports and waterways along developed
coastlines throughout their range.
Ocean Pollution/Marine Debris: Increasing
pollution of nearshore and offshore marine
habitats threaten all sea turtles and degrades
their habitats.
Climate Change: For all sea turtles, a warming
About Olive Ridley Turtle: climate is likely to result in changes in beach
The Olive ridley turtles inhabit warm waters of morphology and higher sand temperatures,
the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. which can be lethal to eggs or alter the ratio of
Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea male and female hatchlings produced.
These are known for their mass nesting event Suggestions of the panel formed by Orissa
called Arribada, where many females gather on
one beach to lay eggs. High Court:
For mass nesting, they arrive at the Gahirmatha Focus enforcement on areas where turtles
coast (Bhitarkanika National Park), Odisha’s congregate for nesting — typically within 5
Rushikulya rookery and Devi river mouth. kilometres (km) of the coast
Protection Status: Conduct brief surveys to identify the main
¾ IUCN Red List: Vulnerable congregations and restrict patrolling to these
¾ CITES: Appendix I (International trade in areas. Additional force is to be provided to assist
these turtles and their products is banned) them as and when required.
¾ Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1 Coast Guard to enforce ban stringently in
association with Forest and Environment
Threats: Department.
Mass killing: One of the major causes of the ‘No-fishing
RTSEPFP zones’ clearly demarcated and
worldwide decline of the olive ridley sea turtle is outreach material created to provide clarity
long-term collection of eggs and mass killing of about the laws and its applicability to different
adult females on nesting beaches. categories of fishers.

Three marine police stations within Gahirmatha

marine sanctuary are provided with patrolling
boats and additional force to prevent trawlers
from entering the sanctuary area.
4.9 Greater Scaup

Context:
Greater Scaup, was recently sighted in Loktak lake in
Manipur.
About Greater Scaup: The conservation of mahabali frog will help in
The Greater Scaup is a medium-sized diving duck conserving the aquatic ecosystems in the western
species that belongs to the family of Anatidae. ghats.
Local name: Sadangman
It is endemic to western Ghat.
It is a migratory bird found in Asia, Europe, the
US, and Canada. IUCN Status: Endangered
It breeds in freshwater areas with grassy News Source: The Hindu
shorelines and is a rare visitor to the Indian
Subcontinent. 4.11 Skyglow
IUCN Red List Status: Least concern Context:
Recently, a study found that non-natural light had
About Loktak Lake: increased the skyglow by 9.2% every year between
2011 and 2022.
Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in
northeast India. The night sky in most parts of the world is becoming
brighter due to ‘skyglow’, which has significant
It is known for its floating phumdis, which are
a complex ecosystem of heterogeneous masses ecological, health and cultural consequences.
of vegetation, soil and organic matter.
It has the world's only floating national park,
Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is home to
the endangered sangai deer, which is the state
animal of Manipur.
4.10 Mahabali frog

Context:
The mahabali frog is waiting to be elevated as the
state frog of Kerala.
Image Source: Darksky.org
About the Mahabali Frog:
The frog ( Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis) was
About Skyglow:
RTSEPFP
named after the mythical King Mahabali, who Skyglow is the brightness of the artificial glow of
visits his people once a year from the underneath the night sky over inhabited areas.
world.

On a clear, dark night it’s possible to view Image Source: BBC

somewhere in the region of 4,000 stars.
About Tonga Volcanic Eruption:
The number of stars we can see at night depends
It is an Undersea Volcanic Eruption consisting of
largely on the amount of light we emit from the
Earth’s surface. two small uninhabited islands, Hunga-Ha’apai and
Hunga-Tonga.
While some light escapes into space, the rest is
scattered by molecules in the atmosphere making The Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcano has
it difficult to see the stars against the night sky. erupted regularly over the past few decades.
What is seen instead is ‘Skyglow'.
Consequences of Skyglow as per different

studies:
Lit beaches deter sea turtles from coming ashore
to nest.
Skyglow keeps trees from sensing seasonal
variations.
Young burrow nesting seabirds don’t take flight
unless the nesting site becomes dark.
Clownfish eggs don’t hatch when exposed to
artificial light at night, killing the offspring.
Skyglow interferes with multiple aspects of insect Impact of Tonga Volcano:
life and allows insect predators to hunt for longer. The underwater volcano eruption in Hunga-
By disrupting the circadian rhythm, artificial light tonga-hunga Ha'apai had a major impact on
at night can hamper the production of melatonin, Tonga's ecosystems.
an influential hormone in the human body which The eruption has caused the fish stocks to be
affects sleep, moods and cognition. depleted and coral reefs to fail to mature.
Circadian disruption increased the risk of breast The tsunami has created coral rubble fields and
cancer among night shift workers by 40%. the reefs are now completely silent.
The eruption injected 146 million tonnes of water
into the atmosphere, which can linger for up to a
4.12 Tonga Volcano decade and trap heat on earth's surface.
Context: The eruption increased the total amount of global
One year after the massive eruption of an underwater water in the stratosphere by 10%.
volcano in the South Pacific, the island nation of Tonga News Source: The Indian Express
is still dealing with damage to its coastal waters.
RTSEPFP

MCQ Questions Based on Environment and Geography

1. Consider the following statements regarding 3. The term 'Arribada' is used in reference for
Green Hydrogen Mission: which of the following species?
1. The Ministry of Science & Technology is the (a) Gangetic Dolphins
nodal ministry for its implementation.
(b) Olive Ridley Turtles
2. It envisages creation of a public-private
(c) Elephants
partnership framework for R&D (Strategic
Hydrogen Innovation Partnership). (d) Neelakurinji Flower
Which of the above given statements is/are 4. Silent Valley National Park is located in which of
correct? the following States/UTs?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) Uttarakhand (b) Ladakh
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Kerala (d) Puducherry
2. Ken-Betwa Inter-Linking Project is between:
(a) Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh
(b) Andhra Pradesh-Telangana
(c) Odisha-Chhattisgarh
(d) Jharkhand-Bihar
Answer Key
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (c)
RTSEPFP

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
SCIENCE AND
5 TECHNOLOGY
5.1 First Earth-sized exoplanet: LHS If an exoplanet is too close to the star, it might
be too hot to sustain liquid water. If it’s too far, it
475 b might only have frozen water.
Context: Discovery of exoplanets:
Recently, the James Webb Space Telescope has
The first exoplanet to burst upon the world stage
discovered its first new exoplanet as LHS 475 b. was 51 Pegasi b.
Probable Question: Discovering exoplanets is quite tough as they are
What is an exoplanet and what scientific small and hard to spot around their bright host
advancements have been made in the discovery stars.
and study of exoplanets and their potential for Scientists rely on indirect methods, such as the
supporting life beyond our solar system? transit method, which is “measuring the dimming
of a star that happens to have a planet pass in
front of it”.
Significance:
Studying exoplanets broadens our understanding
of the solar system.
Their Study also helps us to gather information
about our own planetary system and origin.
Image Source: NASA

5.2 BharOS
About LHS 475 b:
It is located 41 light-years away, and orbits
Context:
very close to a red dwarf star in the Octans An Indian government-funded operating system
constellation. BharOS has been unveiled by the Union Minister for
It is roughly the same size as Earth. Communications, Electronics and Information.
Exoplanets: Probable Question:

The planets beyond our solar system are called BharOS can contribute towards the idea of a self-
exoplanets. reliant India or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. Discuss
Exoplanets can be gas giants bigger than Jupiter About BharOS:
or as small and rocky as Earth.
BharOS is an indigenous mobile operating system
They are also known to have different kinds of (OS), like Android or iOS.
temperatures — boiling hot to freezing cold.
Aim: To RTSEPFP
reduce the dependence on foreign OS
Most of the exoplanets discovered so far are in in smartphones and promote the use of locally
a relatively small region of our galaxy, the Milky
developed technology.
Way.

It is based on the Android Open Source Project Significance:

(AOSP)
BharOS, in particular, is meant to be a contribution
Developed by: IIT Madras-incubated company towards the idea of a self-reliant India or
JandK Operations Private Limited. ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by creating a secure OS
environment for India-based users.
Funded by: Department of Science and
Technology, Government of India. Additional Information:
About Private App Store Services (PASS):

PASS provides access to a curated list of apps
that is said to be thoroughly vetted and meet
certain security and privacy standards
5.3 Aditya-L1 Mission

Context:
Image Source: The Indian Express The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is
planning to launch the Aditya-L1 mission by June or
Key Features: July this year.
No Default Apps: It comes with No Default Apps. PYQ:
This means that there are no default apps.Users India has achieved remarkable successes
can download the apps they want to use. in unmanned space missions including the
Native Over The Air (NOTA) updates: It would Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not
ventured into manned space missions. What are
offer Native Over The Air (NOTA) updates,
the main obstacles to launching a manned space
meaning that security updates and bug fixes
mission, both in terms of technology and logistics?
will be automatically installed rather than users
Examine critically. (2017)
having to check for updates and implementing
them on their own. About Aditya-L1 Mission:
Private App Store Services: It will use a system Aditya-L1 is the first Indian space mission to
observe the Sun and the solar corona.
known as Private App Store Services (PASS), which
will examine and curate the apps that are safe for It will be placed in a halo orbit around the first
the users. Lagrange point, L1, of the Sun-Earth system which
allows it to look at the Sun continuously.
More Secure: BharOS does not come with any
It contains seven payloads on board to observe
such preinstalled services or apps, and hence, is the photosphere, chromosphere and the
deemed to be more secure. outermost layers of the Sun (the corona).
It will provide greater advantage of observing the
solar activities and its effect on space weather.
Objectives:
The study
RTSEPFP of the dynamic nature of the
sun’s outermost layers, the corona, and the
chromosphere and gather information about
coronal mass ejection (CME).

Study on origin of solar flares and their direction 5.4 Green Comets
via the interplanetary space from the sun to the
earth. Context:
The examinations will also include the collection Appearing near Earth after nearly 50,000 years, the
of data for space weather prediction. rare green comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is estimated to
come closest to Earth around February 2, 2023.
Probable Question:
What are green comets?How do they help in the
study of the evolution of the Solar system?
About Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF):

Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) was first discovered in
2022 by the wide-field survey camera at the
Zwicky Transient Facility in the USA.
It gets its beautiful green glow from diatomic
Image Source: NASA
carbon that is present in the comet's head.
Sun's Corona: ¾ When the ultraviolet rays of solar radiation
The corona is the outermost layer of the Sun. fall on the comet, these molecules emit green
light.
The corona's high temperature causes its particles
to move at very high speeds. It will be visible in Ladakh, and eastern India.
¾ These speeds are so high that the particles Comets

can escape the Sun's gravity. Comets are defined as icy bodies of frozen gases,
The corona is usually hidden by the bright light rocks and dust left over from the formation of the
of the Sun's surface. However, the corona can be solar system about 4.6 billion years ago.
seen during a total solar eclipse. Nomenclature: These are typically named for
The corona is very dim as it is about 10 million their discoverers, though some comets (e.g.
times less dense than the Sun’s surface. This low Halley and Encke).
density makes the corona much less bright than Origin: Most comets originate in the Oort cloud
the surface of the Sun. or in the Kuiper belt.
The corona extends far out into space. From it
comes the solar wind that travels through our
solar system.
About L1 Point:
The L1 point of the Earth-Sun system provides
an uninterrupted view of the sun and is
currently home to the Solar and Heliospheric
Observatory Satellite SOHO from Nasa.
This position provides a greater advantage of RTSEPFP
observing solar activities continuously.

News Source: The Indian Express Image Source: NASA

They orbit the sun in highly elliptical orbits Department of Space received a 23% increase in
that can take hundreds of thousands of years to the 2017-18 Budget.
complete.
ISRO had originally hoped to launch Shukrayaan
Comets leave a trail of debris behind them that I in mid2023 but cited the pandemic when it
can lead to meteor showers on Earth. pushed the date to December 2024.
As a comet approaches the sun, it heats up very Shukrayaan I will be an orbiter mission.
quickly causing solid ice to turn directly into gas.
Payloads: Its scientific payloads currently include
Significance of Comets: a high resolution synthetic aperture radar and a
ground penetrating radar.
Their Study may yield important clues about the
formation of our solar system. Optimal Launch Window: Optimal launch
windows from earth to Venus occur once around
every 19 months.
5.5 Venus Mission ‘Shukrayaan I' ¾ This is why ISRO has “back up” launch dates
in 2026 and 2028, if it misses the 2024
Context: opportunity.
ISRO said that the organisation was yet to receive ¾ But even more optimal windows, which
approval from the Union government for the Venus further reduce the amount of fuel required at
mission and that the mission could as a result be lift-off, come around every eight years.
postponed to 2031.
Other Countries Venus Mission: The U.S. and
Probable Question: the European space agencies had Venus missions
planned for 2031 referring to VERITAS and
In the context of India's space exploration program, EnVision, respectively.
evaluate the objectives and significance of the
recently announced Venus Mission 'Shukrayaan I'. Objectives of the Mission:
Investigation of surface process and shallow
subsurface stratigraphy.
Study of the structure, composition and dynamics
of the atmosphere.
Investigation of Solar wind interaction with
Venusian ionosphere.
Study of Venus’s geological and volcanic activity,
emissions on the ground, wind speed, cloud
cover, and other planetary characteristics from an
elliptical orbit.
About Venus:
Venus has been called Earth’s twin because
of the similarities in their masses, sizes, and
densities and their similar relative locations in
the solar system.
Image Source: Space.com
It is the hottest planet in the solar system
ISRO’s Venus Mission: Shukrayaan I because of the high concentration of carbon
RTSEPFP
dioxide which works to produce an intense

The idea was born in 2012. Five years later, greenhouse effect.
ISRO commenced preliminary studies after the

A day on Venus is longer than a year. It takes WHO Recommendation:

Venus longer to rotate once on its axis than to WHO established two best-practice policy
complete one orbit of the Sun. alternatives to reduce the use of trans fat:
Unlike the other planets in our solar system, ¾ Mandatory national limit of two grams of
Venus and Uranus spin clockwise on their axis.
industrially produced trans fat per 100 grams
News Source: The Hindu of total fat in all foods;
5.6 WHO Report on Global Trans-Fat ¾ Mandatory national ban on the production
or use of partially hydrogenated oils (a major
Elimination 2022 source of trans fat) as an ingredient in all
Context: foods.
Five billion people globally are exposed to harmful WHO recommends that countries focus on four
trans fat, increasing their heart disease and death areas: adopting best-practice policy, monitoring
risk, according to a new report by the World Health and surveillance, healthy oil replacements and
Organization (WHO). advocacy.
About Trans-Fat: WHO encourages food manufacturers to

eliminate industrially produced trans fat from
Trans fat is a type of unsaturated fat that is created
their products, aligning to the commitment made
when hydrogen is added to liquid vegetable oil to
make it more solid. by the International Food and Beverage Alliance
(IFBA).
This process, called hydrogenation, increases the
shelf life and stability of foods that contain it.
However, trans fat has been linked to an 5.7 India’s plan to Eradicate
increased risk of heart disease, and many health
organizations recommend limiting or avoiding it Measles, Rubella
as part of a healthy diet.
Context:
Industrially produced trans fat (also called
industrially produced trans-fatty acids) is India had set a target to eliminate measles and rubella
commonly found in packaged foods, baked goods, (MR) by 2023, having missed the earlier deadline of
cooking oils and spreads. 2020.
Key Findings of the Report: Probable Question:

Evaluate the progress made by India towards
achieving measles and rubella elimination.
More on News:
It was exacerbated by disruptions due to the
pandemic.
An earlier target that was set for 2015 was also
missed.
It was in 2019 that India adopted the goal
RTSEPFP
of measles and rubella elimination by 2023,
anticipating that the 2020 goal could not be
reached.

Why is this target crucial? programme will help achieve the necessary
targets.
Measles and Rubella are highly contagious human
viruses, Measles kills more than 1,00,000 children Government Initiatives to achieve targets:
each year.
Phased Measles Catch-up Immunization in India:
Measles vaccine has saved 30 million lives globally. During 2010–2013, India conducted a phased
Rubella infection in pregnant women can lead to measles catch-up immunisation for children
birth defects. aged 9 months–10 years in 14 States, vaccinating
approximately 119 million children.
Symptoms: Symptoms of measles and rubella
Launch of Mission Indradhanush: Mission
include rash and fever
Indradhanush was launched in 2014 to ramp up
Fatality rate: While measles has a high fatality vaccinating the unvaccinated population.
rate, rubella infection in a pregnant woman will National Strategic Plan for Measles and Rubella
have an impact on the foetus, resulting in birth Elimination in India: During 2017–2021, India
defects. adopted a national strategic plan for measles and
rubella elimination.
Recent Measles Outbreak in India:
¾ And introduced rubella-containing vaccine
From October 2022, an outbreak of measles in
(RCV) into the routine immunisation
Maharashtra, had the authorities worried.
programme, besides launching a nationwide
As per media reports at least 15 children died measles-rubella supplementary immunisation
among several hundreds who contracted the activity (SIA) catch-up campaign.
infection.
Transition to Case-based Surveillance: It also
Coming at the cusp of a year in which India had a transitioned from outbreak-based surveillance to
crucial target to achieve, it perturbed authorities. case-based acute fever and rash surveillance, and
However, experts aver that this outbreak will more than doubled the number of laboratories in
contribute to ramping up herd immunity in the the measles-rubella network.
population which along with a robust vaccination News Source: The Hindu
SHORT NEWS
5.8 Norovirus diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and stomach
pain.
Context:
Transmision:
Recently, Norovirus infection was confirmed in two
school children in Ernakulam district of Kerala. ¾ The virus spreads rapidly and can easily move
from one infected person to another through
About Norovirus: contaminated foods and surfaces.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is also ¾ The virus spreads through the faecal oral
sometimes referred to as the ‘stomach flu’ or the route.
‘ winter vomiting bug’.
Treatment:
Disease outbreaks typically occur aboard cruise
ships, in nursing homes, dormitories, and other ¾ Diagnosis is done by real-time reverse
closed spaces. transcription-polymerase chain reaction.
RTSEPFP
Symptoms: ¾ No vaccines are available for the disease.
¾ Some of the most common symptoms include News Source: The Indian Express

5.9 Immune Imprinting 5.11 World Leprosy Day

Context: Context:
Recent studies have revealed that immune imprinting World Leprosy Day is observed every year on the
is to become a hindrance to the performance of last Sunday of January. In India, it is observed on
Booster doses of COVID. 30th January every year, coinciding with the death
anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
About Immune Imprinting:
Immune imprinting is a tendency of the body to
repeat its immune response based on the first
variant it encountered — through infection or
vaccination.
It acts as a database for the immune system,
helping it put up a better response to repeat
infections.
5.10 Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

(PCOS) About Leprosy:
Hansen’s disease (also known as leprosy)
Context: is an infection caused by bacteria called
Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics(IJBB), Mycobacterium leprae.
journals from CSIR-National Institute of Science
The disease can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and
Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) has
lining of the nose (nasal mucosa).
brought out a special issue on the theme, “Polycystic
Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and its Complications”. This can cause the affected areas to lose the
ability to sense touch and pain, which can lead to
About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): injuries, like cuts and burns.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a India officially eliminated leprosy in 2005 by
multifactorial endocrine disorder characterized by bringing the prevalence rate below 1/10,000 at
chronic anovulation, irregular periods, hirsutism, the national level.
and weight gain.
Symptoms: Red patches on the skin, skin lesion,
It is the most prevalent female endocrine numbness in arms, hands, and legs, ulcers on the
disorder and the leading cause of infertility, with soles of feet, muscle Weakness and excessive
the worldwide range of 6-26%, and in India 3.7- weight loss. Image Source: Hindustan Times
22.5%.
Treatment: Leprosy is curable with a combination
Risk factors that contribute to the development of of antibiotics known as Multi Drug Therapy (MDT).
PCOS include genetics, neuroendocrine system,
sedentary lifestyle, diet, and obesity. ¾ If left untreated, the nerve damage can result
in paralysis of hands and feet.
Treatment:
¾ There are synthetic drugs such as metformin World Leprosy Day:
and oral contraceptive pills available for Aim: ToRTSEPFP
create awareness against the stigma
treatment, but their side effects cause attached to the disease, by making the general
concern. community aware that it is a disease spread by a
News Source: PIB type of bacteria and it can be easily cured.

Government Initiatives: Significance of Manufacture Sand:

National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP): The demand for sand has increased tremendously,
¾ The Government is implementing the NLEP causing deficiency of suitable river sand in most
with the goal of making India leprosy free. parts of the word.
¾ It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Environmental sustainability and reducing over
umbrella of National Health Mission (NHM). mining of sand.
This programme is implemented in all the
States/UTs.
¾ The major focus of the Programme is to detect 5.13 Covovax
the cases of leprosy at an early stage and to
provide complete treatment, free of cost. Context:
News Source: The Hindu The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI ) has
approved market authorisation to COVID19 vaccine
5.12 M Sand Facility Covovax as a heterologous booster dose for adults
who have been administered two doses of Covishield
Context: or Covaxin.
Coal India Limited (CIL) has started a facility in West
Bengal to produce manufactured sand, the first such What is a Booster dose?
initiative in the State. COVID-19 booster is an extra dose administered
after the primary vaccination.
It is given after a specific period when the
protection from the initial dose begins to reduce.
Image Source: The Hindu About Covovax:

About M Sand: Covovax is produced by the Serum Institute of
India under licence from Novavax, a U.S.-based
Manufactured sand (M-Sand) is artificial sand
biotechnology company.
produced from crushing hard stones into small
sand sized angular shaped particles, washed It has been approved by the European Medicines
and finely graded to be used as construction Agency for conditional marketing authorisation.
aggregate. It was granted emergency-use listing by the
World Health Organization (WHO) on December
It is a superior alternative to river sand for
17, 2021.
construction purposes.
The DCGI's approval to covovax came following
The crushed sand is of cubical shape with rounded RTSEPFP
recommendation by the Subject Expert
edges, washed and graded to as a construction Committee of the Central Drugs Standard Control
material. The size of M-Sand is less than 4.75mm. Organisation (CDSCO).

About CDSCO:
The Central Drugs Standard Control
Organisation(CDSCO) under Directorate
General of Health Services, Ministry of Health
& Family Welfare,Government of India is the
National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India.
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is
the head of the Central Drugs Standard Control
Organisation (CDSCO) in India.
Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, CDSCO

is responsible for: Black Box is made of Titanium metal and is
enclosed in a Titanium box which gives it the
Approval of drugs
strength to withstand any shock if it falls in the
Conduct of clinical trials sea or falls from the height.
Laying down standards for drugs The Black Box has two separate boxes:
Control over the quality of imported drugs in ¾ Flight Data Recorder:- This box can contain
the country information about direction, altitude, fuel,
speed, turbulence, cabin temperature etc
Coordination of the activities of State Drug
Control Organizations ¾ Cockpit Voice Recorder:- This box records the
sound of the aeroplane during the last two
Providing expert advice with a view to bring hours.
about uniformity in the enforcement of the
Drugs and Cosmetics Act. • It records the sound of the engine,
emergency alarm, cabin and cockpit in
order to predict the conditions of the
plane before any accident occurred.
5.14 Black Box News Source: The Hindu
Context: 5.15 Indian Skimmer

Both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder Context:
have been recovered as rescue teams rappelled down
a 300metre gorge to continue their efforts. Indian Skimmers were sighted in the Godavari estuary
in Kakinada district during the Asian Waterbird
About Black Box: Census-2023.
The Black Box, technically known as Flight Data
Recorder, is an instrument that records all the
activities of an aeroplane/ aircraft during its flight.
An aeroplane generally houses two black boxes,
one at the front and another on the back of an
aircraft.
These record the information about a flight and RTSEPFP
help reconstruct the events that lead to an aircraft

crash.

About the Indian Skimmer: through fishing, predation by stray and domestic
dogs etc.
It is a water bird found in coastal estuaries of
western and eastern India. Protection Status:
Scientific Name: Rynchops albicollis ¾ IUCN status: Endangered
Major Threats: Degradation of rivers and lakes News Source: The Indian Express
MCQ Questions Based on Science & Technology

1. With reference to ‘BharOS’, consider the 3. Consider the following pairs:
following statements: Venus Mission Country
1. BharOS is an indigenous mobile operating 1. Akatsuki China
system (OS), like Android or iOS. 2. Venera USA
2. It is based on the Android Open Source 3. Vegas Russia
Project (AOSP). How many pairs given above are not correctly
Which of the statements given above is/are matched?
correct? (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) All three pairs (d) None of the pairs
4. With reference to green comets, consider the
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 following statements:
2. With reference to ‘Aditya-L1 Mission’,consider 1. Green glow arises from the presence of
the following statements: diatomic chlorine.
1. It will be placed in a halo orbit around the 2. The newly discovered green comet has been
Lagrange point L2, of the Sun-Earth system. named as C/2022 E3.
Which of the statements given above is/are not
2. It contains seven payloads on board to correct?
observe the photosphere, chromosphere and
the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona).
Which of the statements given above is/are not
5. "Stomach Bug" is related to which of the
correct?
following?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) Nipah Virus (b) COVID 19
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Norovirus (d) Influenza Virus
Answer Key
1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (c)
RTSEPFP

DEFENCE AND SECURITY
DEFENCE AND
6 SECURITY
6.1 Police Reforms Inadequate Infrastructure:
¾ There are 70 police stations which have no
Context: wireless, 214 police stations that have no
Recently a conference of the Directors General of telephone and 240 police stations that have
Police of all the states and union territories was held no vehicles.
at Delhi. ¾ Housing facilities are unsatisfactory.
Probable Question: Training of Personnel is abysmal:
Discuss the need for police reforms in context of ¾ The training institutions have not kept pace
the evolving nature of crimes. Suggest measures with the changing paradigm on the law or
to strengthen the criminal justice system through crime front and are manned generally by
empowerment of the police. unwanted, demotivated officers.
About the Conference of the Directors Public Perception:

General of Police: ¾ The Second ARC has noted that police-public
relations are unsatisfactory in India because
This conference, which is an annual feature, is
people view the police as corrupt, inefficient,
organised by the Intelligence Bureau.
and unresponsive, and often hesitate to
The subjects covered are comprehensive and contact them.
embrace the wide spectrum of problems Political Interference:
confronting the country.
¾ The Second Administrative Reforms
However, there is a serious lacuna. The agenda, Commission noted in 2007 that politicians
year after year, reflects the security-related unduly influenced police personnel for
problems of the country at the macro level. But personal or political reasons.
the grass roots problems are seldom taken up or ¾ Police priorities are frequently changed by
deliberated upon. political leaders according to the political
Simple matters, which impact on the life and mood of the state.
property of the common citizen, tend to get
neglected. It is high time that the basics of police Measures Needed:
reforms are taken care of. SMART Force as suggested by PM: There is a
need for making Indian police Strict and Sensitive,
Need of Police Reforms: Modern and Mobile, Alert and Accountable,
Reliable and Responsive, Tech Savvy and Trained.
Vacancies and Workload:
Parliamentary Standing Committee's
¾ According to the Status of Policing in India
recommendation: To create a road map for
Report 2019, police in India work at 77 per
ensuring 33% representation of women in police
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cent of their sanctioned strength and these and to create at least one all-women police station
personnel work for 14 hours a day on average. in each district should be implemented.

Suggestions of NITI Aayog: National Security Commission: A National

States should be encouraged, with fiscal Security Commission needs to be set up at the
incentives, to introduce ‘The Model Police Act of union level to prepare a panel for selection
2015’ as it modernises the mandate of the police. and placement of chiefs of the Central Police
NITI Aayog also suggested moving police as well Organizations with a minimum tenure of 2 years.
as public order to the Concurrent List to tackle News Source: The Hindu, Indian Express
increasing inter-state crime and terrorism under
a unified framework. 6.2 INS Vagir
Create a Task Force under the MHA to identify
Context:
non-core functions that can be outsourced to save
on manpower and help in reducing the workload Recently the fifth Scorpene class conventional
of the police. submarine was commissioned into the Indian Navy as
INS Vagir.
The SC Directives in Prakash Singh Versus
Probable Question:
Union of India Case:
What is indigenization of defence and what is its
State Security Commission: Limiting Political
importance in enhancing national security and self-
control by constituting a State Security
reliance in the defence sector?
Commission to
¾ Ensure that the state government does not
exercise unwarranted influence or pressure
on the police.
¾ Evaluate the performance of the state police.
Merit Based Appointment: Merit based
appointment of the Director General of Police
through transparent process, and security of a
minimum tenure of 2 years.
Minimum Tenure for Police Officers: Fix minimum
tenure to ensure that other police officers on
operational duties (including Superintendents of About Scorpene-Class Submarines:
Police in charge of a district and Station House The Scorpene class submarines are one of the
Officers in charge of a police station) are also most advanced conventional submarines in the
provided a minimum tenure of 2 years. world.
Separate the functions of investigation and They were designed by French naval shipbuilding
maintaining law and order. firm DCNS in partnership with Spanish shipbuilding
Set up a Police Establishment Board: To decide firm Navantia.
and make recommendations on transfers, The submarine has superior stealth features,
postings, promotions and other service-related such as - advanced acoustic silencing techniques,
matters of police officers of and below the rank of low radiated noise levels, ability to attack with
Deputy Superintendent of Police. precision-guided weapons on board.
Establish a Police Complaints Authority in each Project-75
state and at district level: To look into public RTSEPFP
complaints against police officers in cases of Under this project, six Scorpene-class (P-75) are
serious misconduct, including custodial death, to be constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited,
grievous hurt or rape in police custody. Mumbai.

The submarines are designed by French Submarine fleet of Indian Navy:

naval shipbuilder Naval Group and are being
The Navy now has 16 conventional and one
manufactured by Mazagon Dock Limited in
nuclear submarine in service.
Mumbai.
It includes seven Russian Kilo class submarines,
Five out of six submarines of the project namely
four German HDW submarines, five Scorpene
INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj and INS
class submarines, and the indigenous nuclear
Vela, INS Vagir have been commissioned.
ballistic missile submarine, INS Arihant.
The sixth and last of the Scorpène-class News Source: The Indian Express
submarines, Vagsheer, was launched into water
in April 2022 and is expected to be delivered to
the Navy by end 2023.
SHORT NEWS
6.3 VSHORAD Missile System 6.4 Vibrant Villages Programme
Context: Context:
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded The Union Home Minister urged the Border Security
Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to VSHORAD missile Forces (BSF) to make efforts towards increasing
system. tourism in villages through the Vibrant Village
Programme.
About Very-Short Range Air Defence System
About Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP):
(VSHORADS) Missile:
The Vibrant Villages Programme was announced
VSHORADS stands for Very-Short Range Air
in the Finance Minister’s Budget Speech 2022.
Defence System.
It envisages coverage of border villages on the
It is a Man Portable Air Defence System Northern border having a sparse population,
(MANPAD) indigenously developed by Defence limited connectivity and infrastructure, which
Research and Development Organisation. often get left out of the development gains.
It can neutralise low-altitude aerial threats at It aims to enhance infrastructure in villages along
short ranges. India's border with China, in states like Himachal
Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Defence Acquisition Council:
The Defence Acquisition Council is the highest
decision-making body in the Defence Ministry for 6.5 Exercise Cyclone - I
deciding on new policies and capital acquisitions
for armed forces. Context:
The Minister of Defence is the Chairman of the Exercise Cyclone-i is the first joint exercise between
Council. the special forces of the Indian Army and the Egyptian
Army.
It was formed, after the Group of Ministers
recommendations on 'Reforming the National About the RTSEPFP
Exercise:
Security System', in 2001, post-Kargil War (1999). The 14 days long exercise is taking place in
News Source: The Indian Express Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

The aim is to strengthen defence cooperation Aim:

between the two countries and share professional ¾ To enhance the interoperability of the two
skills and interoperability of special forces in navies, to promote peace, security, and
desert terrain. stability in the region.
Activities include counter-terrorism,
reconnaissance, raids and other special
6.7 AK-203
operations.
The exercise also provides insight into the culture Context:
and ethos of both armies to strengthen diplomatic Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), has started
relations between India and Egypt. producing AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles at Korwa
in Uttar Pradesh.
About AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles:
6.6 Exercise ‘Varuna’ The AK-203 is a newer and more advanced
The 21st edition of the bilateral naval exercise version of the AK-47 rifle that uses 7.62x39mm
between India and France, called Exercise Varuna, ammunition.
began on the Western Seaboard on January 16th, It is expected to replace the current rifles used
2023. by the Indian military and security forces, which
have been known to have issues at high altitude
The bilateral exercise between the two navies was and with jamming and oil leakage.
first initiated in 1993, and was named 'Varuna' in
It is a variant of the AK-100 rifle family.
2001.
MCQ Questions Based on Defence & Security

1. The "Exercise Varuna" is a naval exercise 3. With reference to ‘VSHORAD Missile
between: System’,consider the following statements:
(a) India - U.S. 1. It is a man-portable air defence system
(MANPADS).
(b) U.S. - Israel
2. It is developed by the Defence Research and
(c) India - Israel
Development Organisation(DRDO).
(d) India - France
2. Consider the following statements regarding INS correct?
Vagir:
1. It is a Kalvari-class diesel-electric submarine.
2. It was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
4. “Exercise Cyclone-I” was held between which of
Limited (MDL) in collaboration with French
the following countries?
company Naval Group.
(a) India - Egypt
Which of the above given statements is/are not
correct? (b) India - Sri Lanka
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Myanmar - Thailand
RTSEPFP
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Sri Lanka - Myanmar

5. The Production of AK-203 Kalashnikov assault

rifles is a joint venture of:
(a) India- France (b) India-Russia
(c) India-USA (d) India-Japan
Answer Key
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (b)
RTSEPFP

SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
SOCIETY AND
7 SOCIAL JUSTICE
7.1 Annual Status of Education Government Schools
65.6% 72.9%
Report 2022 enrollment
A sharp increase of 7.1 percentage points in the
Context:
number of children enrolled in pre-primary age
Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2022 groups in 2022, in comparison to 2018.
report shows that government schools saw a sharp
rise in enrolment for the first time in 16 years. The percentage of girls in the age group of 11-
14 years who were out of school declined to 2%
Probable Question:
from 4.1%.
What is the Annual Status of Education Report
(ASER) and what information does it provide about Reading Ability: The percentage of children in
the state of education in India? Class 3 in government or private schools who
were able to read at the level of Class 2 dropped
from 27.3% in 2018 to 20.5% in 2022.
¾ Nationally, the proportion of children enrolled
in Class 5 in government or private schools
who can at least read a Class 2level text fell
from 50.5% in 2018 to 42.8% in 2022.
Image Source: Hindustan Times
About ASER:
ASER is a household survey conducted across 616
rural districts and covers 6.9 lakh children in the
age group of 3 to 16 years.
It records their schooling status and assesses Arithmetic Skills:
their basic reading and arithmetic skills.
¾ Class 3 students who were able to at least
Released by: NGO Pratham subtract dropped from 28.2% in 2018 to
25.9% in 2022.
Key Takeaways from ASER 2022:
Increased in the overall enrollment figures: ¾ The proportion of children in Class 5 across
India who can carry out division has also
RTSEPFP
Enrollment figures 2018 2022 fallen slightly from 27.9% in 2018 to 25.6%
6 to 14 age group 97.2% 98.4% in 2022.

Arithmetic Skills 2018 2022 79,035 enrolled (decrease from

PwD students
92,831 in previous year)
Class 3 (able to subtract) 28.2% 25.9%
Gross Enrolment Ratio:
Class 5 (able to divide) 27.9% 25.6%
Category Statistics
Private Tuitions:
Gross Enrolment 27.3 (increased by over 2 points
¾ There has been a steady increase in the Ratio based on 2011 Census)
proportion of children in grades one to eight
Undergraduate
who opted for paid private tuition classes. 78.9% of total enrolments
level
Postgraduate
11.4% of total enrolments
7.2 All India Survey on Higher level
Education (AISHE) Female Enrolment in Higher Education:
Category Statistics
Context:
Total Enrolments 49% (increased from
Recently, the Ministry of Education has released (female) 45% in previous year)
data from the All India Survey on Higher Education
(AISHE), 2020-2021, which showed a 7.5% increase STEM Enrolments Women lag behind men
(all levels of Higher (over 56% enrolments
in student enrolments across the country from the
Education) by men)
2019-20 figures, with the total enrolments reaching
4.13 crore. Additional Information:
Findings of the Survey: About the AISHE:

To portray the status of higher education
Enrolment Statistics (2020-21) in the country, Ministry of Education has
Distance Education Enrolment (2020-21) endeavoured to conduct an annual web-based
All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE)
Category Statistics
since 2010-11.
Total Enrolments 7% increase
Coverage: The survey covers all the Institutions
Higher Education Enrolment (2020-21) compared
in the country engaged in imparting of higher
to the previous year:
education.
Category Statistics
Parameters: Data is being collected on
SC students 2 lakh increase several parameters such as teachers, student
ST students 3 lakh increase enrolment, programmes, examination results,
education finance, infrastructure.
OBC students 6 lakh increase
Minority Enrolments: The proportion of Muslim Indicators: Institution Density, Gross Enrolment
students dropped to 4.6% from 5.5% in 2019-20 Ratio, Pupil-teacher ratio, Gender Parity Index,
with the proportion of other minority students Per Student Expenditure will also be calculated
dropping to 2% from 2.3%. from the data collected through AISHE.
OBC and PwD Students Enrolment: Significance: These are useful in making
informed policy decisions and research for
Category Statistics RTSEPFP
development of the education sector.
OBC students 36 lakh increase (32% compared
(2014-15) to 2014-15 enrolment) News Source: The Hindu

7.3 China’s Population Falls and Total fertility rate (TFR:

India’s Situation ¾ The total fertility rate (TFR) in China has fallen
sharply, with the rate at 1.3 births per woman
Context: in 2020, which is well below the replacement
rate of 2.1.
Recently, China’s National Bureau of Statistics
announced that the country’s population had fallen India's opportunity:
by 8,50,000 in the year 2022. This marked the first
decline since 1961. India's TFR: India's TFR has also fallen, but it has
just begun to reach replacement levels in recent
PYQ: years, particularly in rural areas.
Critically examine whether growing population is ¾ India's population is projected to expand
the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause and de-grow only after reaching 1.7 billion in
of population increase in India.(2015) about 40 years from now.
India's working-age population: It has crossed
50% only in 2007, and is projected to peak at 57%
towards the mid-2030s.
Opportunity to reap its "demographic dividend":
India has a window of opportunity to reap its
"demographic dividend" like China did from the
late 1980s until up to 2015, but this is contingent
on the creation of meaningful employment
opportunities for a young population.
7.4 Foreign Universities in India

Important Reasons for China's Population Context:

Decline: University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced
draft norms for facilitating foreign universities and
One-Child Policy and its Legacy:
educational institutions to set up campuses in India.
¾ The Chinese government introduced the
The new National Education Policy (NEP), 2020
One-Child Policy in 1980, which included
has envisioned that top universities in the world
harsh measures such as forced abortions and
high financial penalties. will be facilitated to operate in India.
¾ Critics of the policy suggest the policy had PYQ:

a negative effect on China's population by The quality of higher education in India requires
leaving behind a rapidly ageing society. major improvements to make it internationally
Delayed Marriages and Fewer Children: competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign
educational institutions would help improve the
¾ Young Chinese are increasingly choosing to quality of technical and higher education in the
marry later and have fewer children, with the
country? Discuss.
number of couples who married dropping
from 13.46 million to 8.14 million in the Key Provision of the Draft Norms:
period from 2013 to 2020.
Criteria: A foreign university with a rank among the
RTSEPFP
¾ The average age of first-time parents has also top 500 global rankings or a foreign educational
risen from 24.1 to 27.5 in the three decade- institution of repute in home jurisdiction can
period from 1990-2020. apply to the UGC to set up a campus in India.

Legislative process: For this, a legislative Qualification given to students: The qualifications
framework facilitating such entry will be put in awarded to the students on the Indian campus
place, and such universities will be given special should have equivalence with those awarded by
dispensation regarding regulatory, governance, the institutions in their country of origin.
and content norms on par with other autonomous
institutions of India. National Education Policy (NEP) on allowing
Such a campus can evolve its own admission foreign campuses and higher education in
process and criteria to admit domestic and foreign the country:
students.
The National Education Policy (NEP) says that
Autonomy: It will have autonomy the top 100 universities in the world will be
¾ To decide its fee structure, and will face no facilitated to operate in India through a legislative
caps that are imposed on Indian institutions. framework.
¾ The fee should be “reasonable and The UGC draft permits universities with top 500
transparent”. global rankings or those considered reputed in
¾ To recruit faculty and staff from India and their home country.
abroad. The courses to be offered cannot
be in online and open and distance learning Significance of the Draft:
mode. Global Education Destination: It will promote
Funding: Institutions will have the ability to India as a global education destination.
move funds across borders, maintain foreign After Chinese students, Indians are the largest
currency accounts, and remit, repatriate, and category of foreign students in countries like the
sell proceeds, in accordance with the Foreign U.S., the U.K. and Australia.
Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and its rules.
RTSEPFP
Image Source: PIB

Saving the loss of Foreign Exchange: Nearly 13 Additional Information:

lakh students were studying abroad in 2022
according to the Ministry of External Affairs data; Aout UGC:
and as per the RBI, ₹5 billion was lost in foreign The University Grants Commission (UGC) is a
exchange due to students going overseas in FY statutory body in India that is responsible for the
2021-2022. coordination, determination, and maintenance
Diverse Course: Allowing foreign universities will of standards of higher education in the country.
ensure diverse courses, such as in the fields of It provides recognition to universities and
urban design and fashion design. disburses funds.
It was established under the provision of UGC
Act,1956.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education
Headquarter: New Delhi
RTSEPFP

ART & CULTURE
8 ART & CULTURE
8.1 Padma Awards categories which include Art, Social Work, Public
Affairs, Science & Engineering, Trade & Industry,
Context: Medicine, Literature & Education, Civil Service
Recently, the government announced the Padma and Sports
Awards on the eve of Republic Day. The Padma Awards are conferred on the
recommendations made by the Padma Awards
Probable Question:
Committee, which is constituted by the Prime
What are the Padma Awards and what is the criteria Minister every year.
for selection and recognition in these prestigious
awards in India? ¾ The nomination process is open to the public.
Even self-nomination can be made.
Eligibility: All persons without distinction of race,
occupation, position or sex are eligible for these
awards.
Exceptions:
¾ Government servants including those
working with PSUs, except doctors and
scientists, are not eligible for these Awards.
¾ The award is normally not conferred
About Padma Awards: posthumously. However, in highly deserving
Padma Awards were instituted in 1954, and cases, the Government could consider giving
are announced every year except for brief an award posthumously.
interruption(s) during the years 1978 and 1979 A higher category of Padma award can be
and 1993 to 1997. conferred on a person only where a period of at
These awards are presented by the President least five years has elapsed since conferment of
of India where the awardees are presented a the earlier Padma award.
Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a Total number of awards: The total number
medallion. of awards to be given in a year (excluding
Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian posthumous awards and to NRI/foreigners/OCIs)
honours of India given in three categories: should not be more than 120.
¾ Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and The award does not amount to a title and cannot
distinguished service) be used as a suffix or prefix to the awardees’
name.
¾ Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of
higher order) Can the Padma
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Awards be refused?
¾ Padma Shri (distinguished service). While explicit consent is not sought from the
awardee, before the final list is announced, they
Categories:The awards are given in certain select
receive a call from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

ART & CULTURE
If they do not seek to receive the award, they Additional Information:

can refuse at that time and their names will be
removed without any noise. About Bharat Ratna
Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the
Annulment of Padma Awards:
country.
While extremely rare, the President of India can
annul/cancel someone’s Padma award in case It is awarded in recognition of exceptional
of any egregious misconduct committed by the service/performance of the highest order in
recipient. any field of human endeavour.
¾ For Example: Recently, this issue came up The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are
when medal-winning wrestler and Padma made by the Prime Minister to the President of
Shri awardee Sushil Kumar was implicated in India. No formal recommendations for Bharat
a case of murder. Ratna are necessary.
The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted
to a maximum of three in a particular year.
SHORT NEWS
8.2 Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of 8.3 Wall of Peace

Awards-2022 Context:
Context: Recently, the ‘Wall of Peace’, was inaugurated at
Cherpulassery, in Kerala.
The President of India has approved the conferment
of Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards – 2022
About Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards

– 2022
Jeevan Raksha Padak series of awards are given to
a person for a meritorious act of human nature in
saving the life of a person.
It is given in three categories: Sarvottam Jeevan
Raksha Padak, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak and
Jeevan Raksha Padak.
Image Source: thebetterindia.com
Eligibility: Persons of all walks of life are eligible
for these awards.The award can also be conferred About Wall of Peace:
posthumously. The Wall of Peace is a public mural art project
initiated by Professor Suresh K. Nair.
The decoration of the award (medal, certificate
signed by the Union Home Minister and lump The word ‘peace’ has been embossed on the wall
sum monetary allowance) is presented to the in 250 world languages.
awardees. many an accolade, including the Eurasia
It wonRTSEPFP
News Source: The Indian Express World Record.

ART & CULTURE
About Murals:
Murals are large colourful paintings or other
forms of public art that are created directly on a
wall or other permanent surface.
The earliest evidence of the murals is found in
the form of the beautiful frescoes painted on
the caves of Ajanta and Ellora, the Bagh caves
and Sittanvasal cave.
The Charaideo moidams are royal burial sites
of the Ahom dynasty which ruled over much of
Assam and the North East from 1228 to 1826 AD.
8.4 World’s Longest River Cruise
They are considered sacrosanct by many locals.
Context:
Charaideo is considered to be the first capital city
Recently, the Prime Minister flagged off the world’s
established in 1253 AD by king Sukaphaa.
longest river cruise, MV Ganga Vilas, from Varanasi.
¾ Throughout Ahom rule, it remained a
About MV Ganga Vilas: symbolic and ritual centre of power, due to
MV Ganga Vilas Started its journey from Varanasi, its salience in the dynasty’s founding.
it will cover 3,200 km in 51 days to reach Dibrugarh
in Assam via Bangladesh.
It will give tourists an opportunity to indulge in About
the art, culture, history and spirituality of India
and Bangladesh. Ahom Dynasty
News Source: The Indian Express The Ahoms were one of India’s longest-reigning
ruling dynasties.
8.5 Charaideo Moidams At their peak, their kingdom stretched from
Context: modern-day Bangladesh to deep inside Burma.
The Assam Chief Minister announced that the Centre Known to be able administrators and valiant
will send a proposal to UNESCO for nominating warriors, the Ahom dynasty has enduring
Charaideo moidams of the Ahom kingdom as a World cultural appeal in Assam.
Heritage Site.
Probable Question: News Source: The Indian Express
What are the Charaideo Moidams and what is their 8.6 Maghi Mela
historical and cultural significance in the context of
the Ahom kingdom in Assam, India? Context:
About Charaideo Moidams: Maghi Mela festival is being celebrated on January 14
The word Charaideo has been derived from three in Punjab.
Tai Ahom words, Che-Rai-Doi. “Che” means city
or town, “Rai” means “to shine” and “Doi” means About Maghi Mela:
hill. Maghi Mela
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is held in the holy city of Sri Muktsar
¾ In short, Charaideo means, “a shining town Sahib every year in January, or in the month of
situated on a hilltop.” Magh according to the Nanakshahi calendar.

ART & CULTURE
The day of Maghi is observed in memory of 40 Sikh ¾ A square railing or harmika

warriors who were killed fighting the Mughals in
¾ Central pillar supporting a triple-umbrella
the Battle of Khidrana in 1705.
form (chattra), representing three jewels of
It was after this battle that Khidrana was named Buddhism.
Muktsar, or the pool of liberation.
¾ Enclosure wall with decorated gateways
News Source: The Indian Express (toranas) at cardinal directions.
8.7 Miniature Votive Stupas in ¾ A circular terrace (medhi) for ritual

circumambulation.
Nalanda
Votive Stupas:
Context:
Small miniature terracotta stupas became popular
The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered as votive offerings in the 7th century CE in India.
two 1200-year-old miniature votive stupas near Sarai
Tila mound on the premises of 'Nalanda Mahavihara' Votive is the form of the stupa, with its distinctive
in Nalanda District of Bihar. domelike drum, originating in eight cylindrical
structures in which the Buddha’s relics were
About the Discovery: placed after his death.
These two votive stupas (offered in fulfilment of Additional Information:
a vow) were discovered near Sarai Tila mound
within the premises of ‘Nalanda Mahavihara. About Nalanda Mahavihara:
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with
These, carved from stone depicting Buddha
archaeological remains of a monastic and
figures, is around 1200 year old.
scholastic institution from 3rd century BCE to
The stupas, carved from stone, depict Buddha 13th century CE.
figures.
Gautam Buddha as well as Mahavira stayed at
Nalanda.
Other famous scholars at Nalanda Nagarjuna,
Dharampala, Dinnaga, Jinamitra Santaraksita
etc.
Imminent pilgrim monks like Hiuen Tsang and
I-tsing also visited.
It prospered under Gupta Dynasty, Harsha of
Kannauj and Pala Dynasty.
It includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential
and educational buildings) and important art
About Stupa: works in stucco, stone and metal.
Stupa, Sanskrit for heap, is a mound-like News Source: The Indian Express
(hemispherical) burial structure containing relics
of Buddhist monks. 8.8 Paigah Tombs Complex
¾ E.g. Sanchi Stupa built over Buddha relics. Context:
Architectural Features of Stupa: The UnitedRTSEPFP
States government will extend financial
¾ A hemispherical mound or anda’s shaped support of $250,000 towards the conservation and
dome restoration of six of the Paigah tombs.

ART & CULTURE

About Paigah Tombs complex:

The Paigah tombs or Maqhbara Shams al-Umara Pashmina comes from an animal fibre Cashmere,
is a necropolis belonging to the nobility of the derived from the Changthangi goat of Ladakh.
Paigah family who served the Nizam of Hyderabad It is well known for its warmth, lightweight,
in various capacities in 18th century. and softness in addition to its characteristic dye
The Paigahs were among the most influential absorbing property.
and powerful families of Hyderabad in the 18th Pashmina has been accredited by the Guinness
century. Book of World Records for being the costliest
Implemented by: The Aga Khan Trust for Culture cloth in the world.
will implement the project.
The reason for being world-renowned is the
Features: diameter of each Cashmere thread, which is just
12-16 microns.
It is the resting place of several generations of
Paigah nobles. ¾ The human hair has an average diameter of
50 micrometres, and that makes Cashmere
The complex of tombs is made of lime and mortar
fibre equal to one-fourth of a human hair.
as well as marble.
Pashmina is a Geographical Indication (GI)
The tombs are the finest examples of Indo-Islamic
certified wool.
architecture, which is a blend of both features of
Asaf Jahi and Rajputana style. News Source: The Hindu
It is constructed using the stucco work and has

incredible lattice screens, minarets, and detailing.
8.10 Parakram Diwas
News Source: The Hindu Context:
Prime Minister named 21 islands in the Andaman and
8.9 Kashmir's Pashmina Shawls
Nicobar Islands after Param Vir Chakra awardees to
Context: mark Parakaram Diwas, the birth anniversary of Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose.
Recently, a French artist Maximilien Pellet exhibited
Kashmiri pashmina shawls with intricate paisley About Parakaram Diwas:
patterns in Paris, offering a contemporary twist on a
centuries-old fabric. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti or Netaji
Jayanti is a national event celebrated in India.
About Pashmina Shawls:
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It is celebrated as Parakram Diwas on January 23
The word Pashmina comes from the Persian word to mark the birth of prominent Indian freedom
'Pashm' which means soft gold. fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

ART & CULTURE
This year, 2023, marks the 126th birth anniversary 8.11 Sammed Shikhar
of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
The first time, it was celebrated as Parakram Divas Context:
in 2021 on the occasion of his 124th birthday. The Jain community has been protesting over
demands related to two holy sites — Sammed Shikhar
Government has also proposed to set up a
on Parasnath hill in Jharkhand and Shatrunjaya hill in
memorial on Ross Island, which was renamed as
Palitana of Gujarat.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep in 2018.
What are the issues?

In Jharkhand, the issue is about Parasnath hill
being declared a tourist spot and an eco-sensitive
zone without consulting the people from the Jain
community.
In Gujarat, the row is over the vandalising
of a shrine and related security concerns in
Shatrunjaya Hill.
About Sammed Shikharji:

Sammed Sikharji is located on the Parasnath hill
in the Giridih district of Jharkhand.
It is considered to be the biggest pilgrimage site
by both the Digambaras and the Svetambaras.
Image Source: ANI It is believed that it is the place where 20 of the 24
Additional Information: Jain tirthankaras, who are Jain spiritual leaders,
along with many other monks attained ‘moksha‘
About Param Vir Chakra: or salvation after meditating.
The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India's highest
The word ‘Shikharji’ in itself means a ‘venerable
military decoration, awarded for displaying
peak’. The word ‘Parasnath’ comes from
distinguished acts of valour during wartime.
‘Parshvanatha’, the 23rd Jain tirthankara who
It was instituted on 26 January 1950, to attained moksha here.
recognize the most conspicuous bravery or
According to beliefs of the Jain community,
some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or
Shikharji is ranked with Ashtapad, Girnar, Dilwara
self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.
Temples of Mount Abu and Shatrunjaya as the
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‘Svetambara Pancha Tirth’ or the five principal
pilgrimage shrines.

ART & CULTURE
In 1768 CE, Jagat Seth rebuilt the temples at About Sagol Kangjei:
Shikharji to their present configuration. Modern polo is said to have originated from Sagol
Kangjei, a sport indigenous to Manipur, in which
About Palitana and Shatrunjaya Hill: players ride horses, specifically the Manipur
Location: Shatrunjaya Hill is a sacred site Ponies.
containing hundreds of shrines in Palitana town, These horses are referenced in records dating
Bhavnagar District, Gujarat. back to the 14th century.
The shrines were sanctified when Rishabha, the The sport originated in Manipur and is associated
first Tirthankara of Jainism, gave his first sermon with ancient manuscripts like Kangjeirol.
in the temple on the hilltop.
Even festivals in Manipur such as Lai Haraoba
It is one of the Jainism’s holiest pilgrimage sites, Festival shows a play sequence in which Maibi
the Shatrunjaya hill is an incredible hill studded (priestess) with a polo stick in hand goes out in
with temples, built over 900 years. search of a bride.
About Jainism: There are no goalposts in traditional form as the

players scores a point by hitting the ball out of the
Jainism came to prominence in the 6th century field.
B.C., when Lord Mahavira propagated the
religion. About the Manipur Pony:
There were 24 great teachers, the last of whom The Manipur Pony is one of five recognised equine
was Lord Mahavira. breeds of India, and has a powerful cultural
These twenty-four teachers were called significance for Manipuri society.
Tirthankaras-people who had attained all The Marjing Polo Complex has been developed as
knowledge (Moksha) while living and preached a way to conserve the Manipur Pony.
it to the people.
One source stated Tibetan ponies as its ancestors
The first Tirthankara was Rishabnatha. while another source stated its origin to be a cross
News Source: The Indian Express between Mongolian wild horse and Arabian.
In some manuscripts, it is referred to as Mangal-
8.12 Sagol Kangjei sa or Mongolian animal.
Context: In Manipuri mythology, the Manipuri pony was

regarded to have descended from “Samadon
Recently Union Home Minister Inaugurated, 122-foot- Ayangba” the winged steed of Lord Margjing, one
tall statue of a polo player astride a Manipur Pony in of the guardian deities of Manipur.
Imphal.
No of Manipuri Ponies:
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Image Source: Indian Express

ART & CULTURE
8.13 Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal The main entrance of the temple is known as the
Lion's Gate, and a sign there states: “only Hindus
Puraskar (PMRBP) are allowed”
Context: Main temple is constructed in Kalinga architecture
Recently, the President of India conferred the in such a way that no shadow of temple falls.
PMRBP-2023 award to 11 children. News Source: The Indian Express
About PMRBP: 8.15 Buddhist Monastery Complex In

It is instituted by the Ministry of Women and Bengal
Child Development, and conferred upon children
in the age group 5 – 18 years. Context:
It is given for six categories, viz. Art & Culture, Recent excavations at Bharatpur in West Bengal’s
Bravery, Innovation, Scholastic, Social Service, Paschim Bardhaman district have revealed the
and Sports. presence of a Buddhist monastery.
News Source: PIB
8.14 Jagannath Temple

Context:
Odisha governor Ganeshi Lal has suggested that
foreigners should be allowed to enter the world-
famous Jagannath temple in Puri, causing debate and
controversy.
Servitors and researchers of Jagannath culture
oppose the suggestion, saying temple traditions Image Source: The Hindu
and practices should not be broken.
Findings:
The site was initially excavated almost fifty years
ago, when archeologists from ASI and from
Burdwan University found a Buddhist stupa.
Unique stupa: What makes the site unique
in terms of Buddhist sites in the State is the
presence of a large stupa along with a monastery
complex and black and red ware pottery from the
Chalcolithic or Copper Age.
Significance: Excavation is likely to shed more
About Jagannath Temple: light to understand the earliest occupation of the
The Jagannath Temple is one of the four dhams site and its continuity till the establishment of a
(char dham) where Lord Jagannath, a form of Buddhist monastery.
Lord Vishnu, is worshipped there with His elder
brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra
About Buddhist stupa:
A Buddhist stupa is a commemorative monument
¾ Others three are (Dwarika, Badrinath &
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housing sacred relics associated with the
Rameswar).
Buddha.
Only Hindus are allowed inside the shrine to offer News Source: The Hindu
prayers to the sibling deities

ART & CULTURE
8.16 Monument Mitra Scheme

Context:
The government will hand over around 1,000
monuments under the control of the Archaeological
Survey of India to the private sector for their upkeep
under the Monument Mitra Scheme.
About Monument Mitra Scheme:

The Scheme was started a few years back under
the Ministry of Tourism. Image Source: The Indian Express
It is now transferred to the Ministry of Culture A long history of Mughal Gardens in India:
in respect of the monuments under the The Mughal Gardens (now erstwhile) draw
Archaeological Survey of India. inspiration from the Mughal Gardens of Jammu
It aims at ensuring quality & inclusive provision of & Kashmir, the gardens around the Taj Mahal and
amenities and facilities across heritage, natural, miniature paintings of India and Persia.
& tourist sites through the active participation The Mughals were known to appreciate gardens.
of private and public sector organizations and
individuals. ¾ In Babur Nama, Babur says that his favourite
kind of garden is the Persian charbagh style
These organizations would be known as (literally, four gardens).
“Monument Mitras” for their collaboration
initiative. ¾ The charbagh structure was intended to
create a representation of an earthly utopia
– jannat – in which humans co-exist in perfect
8.17 Mughal Gardens Renamed as harmony with all elements of nature.
Amrit Udyan Edwin Lutyens had finalised the designs of the

Mughal Gardens in 1917.
Context: Lutyens brought together two different
The Mughal Gardens at the Rashtrapati Bhavan horticulture traditions together for the gardens —
(President’s House) in Delhi have been renamed as the Mughal style and the English flower garden.
‘Amrit Udyan’. News Source: The Hindu
MCQ Questions Based on Art & Culture

1. With reference to ‘Padma Awards’, consider the Which of the statements given above is/are
following statements: correct?
1. Government servants including those working (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
not eligible for these Awards. 2. The Charaideo maidams, which are the royal
2. The Prime-Minister of India can annul/ burial sites, are located in which of the following
states?
cancel someone’s Padma award in case of RTSEPFP
any egregious misconduct committed by the (a) Meghalaya (b) Kerala

recipient. (c) Bihar (d) Assam

ART & CULTURE
3. In which of the following States “The Wall of 5. Which of the following temples is known as the
Peace" has been inaugurated? "White Pagoda" of India?
(a) Kerala (b) Tamil Nadu (a) Konark Sun Temple
(c) Andhra Pradesh (d) Madhya Pradesh (b) Padmanabhaswamy Temple
4. ‘Paigah Tombs complex’ is situated in which of (c) Lingaraj Temple
the following cities?
(d) Jagannath Temple
(a) Hyderabad (b) Agra
(c) Delhi (d) Lucknow
Answer Key
1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (d)
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ETHICS
9 ETHICS
9.1 Corporate Governance can arise and negatively impact the company's
performance and reputation.
Context: Short-termism: A focus on short-term financial
Chanda Kochhar, the former CEO of ICICI Bank, is results and profits can lead to neglect of long-term
seen as a warning example of the risks of greed in the considerations and the health of the company.
corporate world.
Pillars of Corporate Governance:
About Corporate Governance: Accountability: This is a form of ownership
Corporate governance refers to the system strategy which means owning the rewards
of rules, practices, and processes by which a and failures/risks in the context of the value
company is directed and controlled. proposition by an organisation.
It involves balancing the interests of a company's Fairness: This means treating all the stakeholders
many stakeholders, such as shareholders, equally without any demarcation of caste, status
management, customers, suppliers, financiers, etc. This involves effective communication as well.
government, and the community. Transparency: Transparency means, disclosing all
Aim: To enhance corporate transparency, the information which are relevant and important
accountability, and fairness, and to promote for all the shareholders and stakeholders so that
long-term business success and sustainable value they are not in the dark about the performance of
creation. an organisation.
Integrity: It comes through a professional culture
Issues of corporate governance in India:
where each employee is given importance which
Lack of independent directors: Many Indian makes him/her to perform at their best.
companies have a high proportion of promoter-
affiliated directors, leading to a lack of independence Social responsibility: This applies at the top
in the board of directors. management level. The decision taken at the top
should be such that they benefit the organisation
Poor shareholder representation: Small
as a whole. Therefore, it is important that the
shareholders often have limited representation
organisation should have a clear understanding
on company boards and limited say in important
of these pillars and practice there accordingly.
decisions.
Limited transparency: Some Indian companies Challenges of Corporate Governance:
lack transparency in their financial reporting and Board appointments: This is the major issue as
corporate decision-making processes. due to issues like pressure from promoters etc.
Weak enforcement of regulations: India's corporate the appointments of the board may be biassed.
governance regulations are not always effectively Performance evaluation of Directors: This is
enforced, allowing for violations to occur with little
another challenge in implementing corporate
consequences. RTSEPFP
governance as there may be cases where the
Conflicts of interest: Conflicts of interest among evaluation of the performance of the directors
directors, executives, and other stakeholders may not be allowed.

ETHICS
Appointment of Independent Directors: As Way Forward:

per the code it is mandatory to appoint an Board composition and independence:
Independent director but this appointment Strengthening the independence of board
may be biased in many cases as the promoters/ members and increasing diversity in board
investors may pressurise the organisation to composition can help to ensure impartial decision-
appoint their own person. making and improve corporate governance.
Removal of Independent Directors: The law says Transparency and disclosure: Improving
that the Independent directors can be removed transparency and disclosure of financial and
anytime. This law at times may become a non-financial information can help to increase
challenge for the organisations. In this case also accountability and ensure that stakeholders have
the promoters/investors may put pressure to the information they need to make informed
remove an independent director who does not decisions.
take decisions in their favour. Stakeholder engagement: Encouraging active
engagement with stakeholders, such as
Role of promoters: If the promoters look after
shareholders, customers, and employees, can
their own interests only then it becomes a major help to ensure that their concerns are taken into
challenge for the organisations. account in decision-making.
Transparency issues: Many organisations get Risk management: Implementing effective risk
stuck into the quagmire of unethical practices management processes can help to identify and
which leads to transparency issues. mitigate potential risks to the company and its
stakeholders.
Conflict in organisation: The conflict inside the
organisation creates a major challenge. If the Ethics and values: Developing and promoting
conflict is not resolved then it is presumed that strong ethical and values-based corporate
the organisation may not succeed and will lead to cultures can help to ensure that decision-making
ill practices like bribery etc. is guided by the best interests of the company
and its stakeholders.
Level of mistrust: If the organisation loses its
Regulation: Adequate regulation and enforcement
credibility then it is very difficult to build it
of corporate governance standards can help to
again. Regaining the trust of stakeholders and
ensure that companies are held accountable and
shareholders becomes a major challenge. that best practices are followed.
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PLACES IN NEWS
10 PLACES IN NEWS
10.1 Oman 10.2 Japan

Context: Context:
Recently, the eighth India-Oman Strategic Dialogue India and Japan has begun their first joint fighter jet
was held in New Delhi. exercise near Tokyo.
Political features & Boundaries

Oman is oldest independent state in Arab
World situated at southeastern edge of Arabian
Peninsula.
About Japan:
Shares its land borders with UAE, Saudi Arabia
and Yemen. Physical Features:
Location: Japan is an island country lying off the
Physical Features: east coast of Asia in the Pacific Ocean.
Location: Southeast coast of the Arabian ¾ It stretches from the Sea of Okhotsk (north)
Peninsula, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of to the East China Sea (south).
Oman, and Persian Gulf
Terrain: Mountainous with many active and
Terrain: Mountainous interior with a narrow dormant volcanoes, interspersed with coastal
coastal plain lowlands and plains.
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Climate: The climate is hot and dry in the interior Climate: Temperate with four distinct seasons,
and hot and humid along the coast. characterized by mild winters and hot, humid
News Source: The Indian Express summers.

PLACES IN NEWS
Natural Resources: Timber, fish, small deposits of Political Boundaries:

coal, oil, minerals, and hot springs.
Four main islands from north to south are
Highest Mountain: Mount Fuji. Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu.
Longest River: Shinano Rive Maritime borders: China, North Korea, South
Korea, Philippines, Russia, Northern Mariana
Islands (US), and Republic of China (Taiwan).
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MISCELLANEOUS
11 MISCELLANEOUS
11.1 Akshaya Big Campaign for About Green Railway Station:

Documents Digitalisation The Environment Directorate of Indian Railways
(IR) with the support of Indian Green Building
Context: Council has developed the Green Railway Stations
Rating System.
Recently, Wayanad District Collector inaugurated
the three-day Akshaya Big Campaign for Document Aim: To reduce the adverse environmental impacts
Digitalisation (ABCD) camp for tribal people. due to station operation, and maintenance and
enhance the overall experience of the passengers.
About Akshaya Big Campaign for Document It is a voluntary and consensus-based program.
Digitalisation:
Green Railway Station Certification:
Under the scheme, all valid documents of the
tribal residents are stored in DigiLocker. Visakhapatnam railway station secured 82 out of
100 points in six environmental categories.
It also envisages providing ration cards, Aadhar
The railway station has performed well in various
cards, voters’ identity cards, birth certificates,
categories such as – sustainable facilities, health,
health insurance documents, and bank accounts
hygiene, energy and water efficiency, smart green
to all tribespeople in the district. initiatives, innovation, and development.
11.2 Green Railway Station About Other ‘Green Railway Station’:
Certification: Visakhapatnam In 2022, Bhagalpur railway station (BGP) of
Malda division, Eastern Railway (ER).
Context: In 2021, Central Railways’ Chhatrapati Shivaji
Visakhapatnam railway station has received the Maharaj Terminus Railway Station (CSMT) was
prestigious ‘Green Railway Station Certification’. awarded IGBC Gold Certification.
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Special Feature Of Month
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Newly Added Ramsar Sites in 2022

State Ramsar sites name Specifications
Koonthankulam Bird Largest reserve for breeding resident and migratory
Sanctuary water-birds in South India
Gulf of Mannar Marine First Marine Biosphere Reserve in South & South -East
Biosphere Reserve Asia.
It forms the southernmost tip of peninsular India further
Vembannur Wetland Complex it forms part of the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area
(IBA) and hence part of BirdLife International Data Zone.
The wetlands have been evaluated and prioritized
Vellode Bird Sanctuary considering factors like the ecology of the wetland, earlier
bird counts, records of breeding, and roosting colonies.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary One of the oldest bird-protected areas in Tamil Nadu.
Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Important site for staging and breeding ground for several
Sanctuary species of waterbirds.
Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary It is an ideal habitat for winter migratory birds.
Tamil Nadu
Suchindram Theroor Wetland It is declared an Important Bird Area (IBA) and lies at the
Complex southern tip of the Central Asian flyway of migratory birds.
It is a large human-made irrigation tank and shelter for
Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary migratory birds as it provides a suitable environment for
food, shelter, and breeding ground.
The wetland exhibits rich biodiversity including many
globally near-threatened species including:
Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary
Spot-billed Pelican, Oriental Darter, Oriental white
Ibis.
It is home to cormorants, egrets, grey heron, open-billed
Karikili Bird Sanctuary
stork, darter, spoonbill.
Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve It is one of the few natural coastal aquatic habitats that
Forest qualify as a wetland in India.
Pichavaram Mangrove One of the last mangrove forests in the country.
Satkosia is the meeting point of two biogeographic

Satkosia Gorge regions of India, the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern
Ghats.
The wetland is an important habitat for vulnerable species
Tampara Lake
Odisha such as Cyprinus carpio, common pochard (Aythya ferina).
It is the largest earthen dam in Odisha started operating
Hirakud Reservoir
in 1957.
It is the largest freshwater
RTSEPFP lake of Odisha situated in Banki
Ansupa Lake sub-division of Cuttack district.

It is considered to be critically significant for its ecosystem

Goa Nanda Lake services and biodiversity values for the local communities
and society at large.
It has been enlisted as one of the Important Bird Areas
Karnataka Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (IBA) in Karnataka and India by Bombay Natural History
Society.
It provides immense ecological services such as being
Sirpur Wetland an important source of water and helping groundwater
recharge in the downstream areas.
Madhya
It is considered to be a stronghold of the vulnerable Sarus
Pradesh Yashwant Sagar
Crane in central India.
Created from the Manier river in 1918, Sakhya Sagar is
Sakhya Sagar
located near Madhav National Park.
Thane creek is fringed by mangroves on both banks &
Maharashtra Thane Creek comprises around 20% of the total Indian mangrove
species.
Hygam Wetland Conservation It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
Reserve
Jammu and
The area has extensive reedbeds of Phragmites communis
Kashmir Shallbugh Wetland
and Typha angustata, and rich growth of Nymphaea
Conservation Reserve
candida and N. stellata on open water.
Its geographical location falls under the Indo-Burma
Mizoram Pala Wetland biodiversity hotspot and is therefore rich in animal and
plant species.
RTSEPFP

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Manthan January 2023 Ancient History Note

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JANUARY-2023

Basic Structure of Constitution

4. ENVIRONMENT & GEOGRAPHY 49

www.pw.live January 2023 CURRENT AFFAIRS i

5. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 63

6. DEFENCE AND SECURITY 73

7. SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 78

8. ART & CULTURE 83

10. PLACES IN NEWS 95

SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE MONTH 98

ii CURRENT AFFAIRS January 2023 www.pw.live

www.pw.live January 2023 CURRENT AFFAIRS 1

2 CURRENT AFFAIRS January 2023 www.pw.live

www.pw.live January 2023 CURRENT AFFAIRS 3

About Caste Census: divisions.

Arguments against the Caste census: Way Forward:

4 CURRENT AFFAIRS January 2023 www.pw.live

 Impartial data and subsequent research might Background:

www.pw.live January 2023 CURRENT AFFAIRS 5

Collectors), and Competition among districts

6 CURRENT AFFAIRS January 2023 www.pw.live

 NITI Aayog works closely with the respective line

1.5 National Geospatial Policy 2022

www.pw.live January 2023 CURRENT AFFAIRS 7

1.6 High-Powered Committee for About the Committee:

8 CURRENT AFFAIRS January 2023 www.pw.live

Challenges:  Clause 5 of the Accord establishes January 1, 1966

www.pw.live January 2023 CURRENT AFFAIRS 9

 The act defines who are considered citizens of Dissenting Judgement:

10 CURRENT AFFAIRS January 2023 www.pw.live

1.9 Free Speech of Public

www.pw.live January 2023 CURRENT AFFAIRS 11

12 CURRENT AFFAIRS January 2023 www.pw.live

Judicial Observation: Major Recommendation:

www.pw.live January 2023 CURRENT AFFAIRS 13

 Decision-making process for demonetisation

Dissenting views by Justice B V Nagarathna:

14 CURRENT AFFAIRS January 2023 www.pw.live

About Delegated Legislation: exercise its powers, it is arbitrary and therefore,

Why was this challenged? Image Source: The Indian Express

www.pw.live January 2023 CURRENT AFFAIRS 15

16 CURRENT AFFAIRS January 2023 www.pw.live

Online Gaming Sector in India:

News Source: The Indian Express

1.14 Supreme Court Simplifies

www.pw.live January 2023 CURRENT AFFAIRS 17

that specifies what actions should be taken if SC Rule in 2018:

18 CURRENT AFFAIRS January 2023 www.pw.live

About Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: Arguments against of Mandatory Minimum

www.pw.live January 2023 CURRENT AFFAIRS 19

1.16 Broadcasting Infrastructure and capacity of DTH platform to accommodate more

20 CURRENT AFFAIRS January 2023 www.pw.live

1.18 First Constitution Literate About Henley Passport Index:

Context:  The index gathers data from the International

1.19 Ideal Train Profile

About Ideal Train Profile:

Context:  To ensure that individuals do not mislead their

audiences when endorsing products or services

www.pw.live January 2023 CURRENT AFFAIRS 21

About the News Guidelines:

Image Source: Department of Consumer Affairs

 Disclosure and Terminology: other compensation, trips or hotel stay, media

Impartial data and subsequent research might Background:

NITI Aayog works closely with the respective line

Challenges: Clause 5 of the Accord establishes January 1, 1966

The act defines who are considered citizens of Dissenting Judgement:

Decision-making process for demonetisation

Context: The index gathers data from the International

Context: To ensure that individuals do not mislead their

Disclosure and Terminology: other compensation, trips or hotel stay, media

¾ High-level exchange of visits by defence Egypt's Influence among Islamic Nations:

2.2 Indus Waters Treaty Setting up of Permanent Indus Commission:

India was the first to assist Maldives during the PYQ:

Increasing VAT from 12 to 15%, and implementing Probable Question:

Goal: ¾ To promote cooperation in the field of postal

Importance of Municipal Bonds: Municipal bonds can attract investments from

3.2 Circular Economy Drives employment growth: It fosters the

Benefits for the local economy: By encouraging

In sync with a circular economy, it formulated the Risks of T+1 settlement

News Source: The Indian Express Such a perception creates an expectation of

The Forum brings together governments, Background:

Benefits of this Approach: Methodology:

3.12 Securities Appellate Tribunal Headquarters: Mumbai

(SAT) Function: It deals with appeals against rulings

Benefits Shorting is most typically carried out by

Corals are of two types — hard coral and soft

Joshimath is built on the deposits of an old Underground mining: Excavation of minerals or

Improper drainage systems. Examining the load-bearing capacity: Heavy